Zurich People
Our People
Brendan Nies
Programs Operation Lead
While talented newcomers are always welcome additions, a key reason for Zurich’s strength as a company is leveraging talent from its current ranks and giving proven leaders a chance to advance and/or explore new opportunities. Brendan Nies, who began his new role as Programs Operations Lead in August, is a perfect example of the benefits of team-building from within.
After starting his insurance career in underwriting at Farmers, Brendan came to Zurich in 2009 and quickly established himself as ready to tackle new challenges. Beginning with the company as a Technical Price Information Specialist, he moved to Operational Transformation as a Process Consultant in 2012. Next up in his Zurich journey was a role as Solutions Lead in Underwriting Landscape Solutions beginning in 2017, and during that period he also served as the process lead, change manager and trainer for the deployment of data extraction for our Middle Market and Large Construction/Energy units.
Brendan credits his ability to adapt to new responsibilities and skill sets to an eagerness to learn.
“Moving to any new role, I always find it is helpful to do as much research as possible before starting on day one,” he said. “That way, I can try to make the most out of people’s time by asking clarifying questions, rather than foundational ones.”
A North Aurora, Illinois native and Aurora University graduate, Brendan currently lives in his hometown with his wife, a teacher, and their two children. He sat down recently to share a little more about himself for the Program Leader readership.
What do you like about your job and why is it a good fit for you?
The most rewarding part of my job is when I can improve the experience of a customer or fellow employee. I have a very analytical mind, so it’s always an interesting challenge to learn how things work and uncover ways they can be improved.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to?
I would have to say curiosity more than anything else. I’ve always been interested in trying to figure out how things work and why they are done in a certain way. I often learn much more by asking the “whys” than simply the “hows.”
What has been the biggest change you’ve seen during your time with Zurich?
The removal of silos within the organization. Ideas are now shared much more widely and quickly within Zurich than when I joined in 2009.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
I had an underwriting trainer early in my career who always encouraged me to dig a little deeper and think of potential solutions before asking for an answer. This has had a huge influence on me. Often my biggest learnings come from the thinking exercise rather than jumping straight to the answer. It’s true that if you give a man a fish, he eats for a day, but if you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime!
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
It wasn’t given to me by a person, but I’ve always identified with the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” If you spend your time comparing yourself to what others have or do, it’s difficult to be content.
What energizes you outside of work?
Spending time with my family more than anything else. Watching my kids grow up and gaining independence is truly a gift.
What’s something, big or small, that you’re really good at?
As a hobby, I build model ships. Each one takes me three to four years to complete but I enjoy the process of learning new methods to make each one better than the last.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Sitting down for dinner with my family. With all of us going separate ways during the day, it’s always nice to catch up.
What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?
If it’s the fall, watching a Chicago Bears game. I’ve been a fan as long as I can remember, even though success has been hard to find as of late! Other than that, I enjoy going to concerts, especially now that venues have started to reopen.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world for a day, who would you choose?
Warren Buffett. It would be fascinating to look at the world with his knowledge and level of influence.
What’s a top destination on your must-visit list?
I’d love to travel to Egypt to see the ancient sites. I’ve had a fascination with Egypt and other ancient cultures ever since I was a little kid.
What are one or two “bucket list” items you want to do/accomplish before you die?
I’d like to take a summer to take a road trip across the Western United States. There’s so much to see and it would be fun to tour all the national parks along with all the small towns along the way.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Definitely Oreos. I always make a point of not reading the nutrition information on the back of the package. Out of sight, out of mind!
If you could trade places with anyone in the world for a day, who would you choose?
Warren Buffett. It would be fascinating to look at the world with his knowledge and level of influence.
What’s a top destination on your must-visit list?
I’d love to travel to Egypt to see the ancient sites. I’ve had a fascination with Egypt and other ancient cultures ever since I was a little kid.
What are one or two “bucket list” items you want to do/accomplish before you die?
I’d like to take a summer to take a road trip across the Western United States. There’s so much to see and it would be fun to tour all the national parks along with all the small towns along the way.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Definitely Oreos. I always make a point of not reading the nutrition information on the back of the package. Out of sight, out of mind!
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10 PROGRAM LEADER