Rising Star: Asha Hassell

Asha Hassell began her insurance career in 2020 as a member services representative at Argus Insurance Company. In 2021, she transitioned to Aon as a claims administrator, where she expanded her expertise in claims processing, risk assessment and claims management strategies. In 2022, she joined AXA XL as a claims analyst, where she currently analyses claims data, evaluates risks and supports the claims resolution process.

Can you start by telling us what inspired your career?

My career is inspired by risk and a bit of luck. Reinsurance is an industry I stumbled into by chance. With a background in tourism management and years spent navigating the unpredictable world of hospitality, I became quite skilled at managing people, risks and uncertainty. I enjoy handling difficult situations, unpredictability and building relationships.

When the stars aligned, I happened to be in the right place at the right time. I realised that all those years dealing with unpredictable guests and surprises had prepared me perfectly for the ever-changing, dynamic world of reinsurance. So, I’d say my career was less planned and more serendipitous, proof that sometimes, luck and a solid foundation can lead to the most exciting opportunities!

What elements of your career do you enjoy most and why?

I thrive on the unpredictability of the role. Each claim brings a new challenge, a different set of circumstances. This constant variation keeps me on my toes and prevents the work from becoming monotonous. I also genuinely enjoy the opportunity for continuous learning, so it helps that the reinsurance industry is always evolving.

Building relationships is another key aspect I find fulfilling. Whether it’s collaborating with colleagues and/or clients, I find that strong relationships lead to better understanding, smoother processes and, ultimately, more successful outcomes. I appreciate working in a fast-paced environment. The energy and urgency keep me motivated and engaged.

Can you share an example of a challenge you overcame that significantly shaped your career trajectory?

Losing my mother has profoundly impacted my life and, ultimately, my career trajectory. My love for people was something I inherited from her, and her passing left me feeling lost and uncertain about my path forward. It challenged my perspective on work and life balance and made me reflect on what truly matters.

During this difficult time, I realised I wanted to find a career where I could continue to interact with people, be in an environment that values its people and one where my ideas and contributions are genuinely appreciated. After some temporary work and searching, I found my way into claims.

This role allows me to leverage my passion for helping others, navigating complex situations and building relationships. Grief can be a very odd and destructive emotion, but it also pushed me to seek a meaningful career where I feel valued. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there can be opportunities for growth and a chance to find a purpose that aligns with what truly matters to us.

What are your career ambitions? And how will you work to achieve them?

Building strong relationships is important to me, both personally and professionally, as I believe they create a foundation for collaboration, growth and mutual success. While I am still exploring my long-term goals, I know I want to excel in claims and reinsurance operations. I am committed to continuously learning and improving my skills in this field.

Additionally, I am passionate about helping young people advance their careers. I’d love to mentor and inspire newcomers, encouraging more young professionals to explore the world of claims.

To achieve these ambitions, I plan to focus on building genuine relationships, staying dedicated to my professional development and actively supporting others in their career journeys. I believe that by fostering connection, expertise and ongoing learning, I can contribute positively to the industry and help shape its future.

How do you stay motivated and continue to learn in such a dynamic sector?

I stay motivated and committed to learning in this ever-changing industry by focusing on my purpose – knowing  I can make a difference by staying true to myself. I actively seek out knowledge and keep myself informed about industry trends, which helps me stay engaged and ready to face new challenges. I also value connecting with others – working with colleagues and sharing ideas not only helps me grow professionally but also enriches me personally.

Moreover, I prioritise my happiness and wellbeing, understanding that maintaining a healthy balance keeps me focused, motivated and open to ongoing learning. By embracing these principles, I’m able to thrive in this dynamic and evolving sector.

How do you think younger professionals can influence the future direction of Bermuda’s market?

Younger professionals bring diverse energy and value collaboration and inclusion, which can expand Bermuda’s client base and create a more adaptable business environment. Their familiarity with digital platforms and emerging technologies can also drive innovation, helping modernise the industry and keep Bermuda competitive.

How have you contributed to innovation or new ways of working in your organisation?

I believe  innovation and new ways of working are not solely measured by quantitative metrics but also by the quality of our workplace culture and the relationships we foster. In my role, I actively contribute to creating an environment that encourages collaboration, trust and mutual support.

To this end, I sit on two committees within my company that are dedicated to improving workplace culture and employee engagement. Through my involvement in these committees, I have helped facilitate open dialogue among colleagues, promote initiatives that enhance team cohesion and implement practices that support a positive and inclusive work atmosphere. I believe that these efforts have contributed to strengthening the sense of community and morale within our organisation, which in turn boosts overall productivity.

I continuously seek ways to promote a mindset of adaptability and openness to change, encouraging my colleagues to explore new ideas and approaches. I view these contributions as vital to fostering a culture where people can thrive.

Additionally, I would love to utilise AI and predictive analytics to identify patterns, forecast claims trends and improve claims processing efficiency. I think this, plus keeping up with emerging risks and technological advancements to proactively adapt claims strategies, would be beneficial to my role.

When thinking about leadership, what attributes do you most admire and hope to hone as your career continues?

When I think about leadership, I most admire attributes such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, the ability to see the bigger picture and being teachable and observant. Adaptability is crucial in an ever-changing environment, allowing a leader to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities with flexibility and resilience.

Emotional intelligence is essential for building strong relationships, understanding colleagues' perspectives and fostering a positive and collaborative work atmosphere. Being teachable reflects humility and a willingness to learn from others, which is vital for continuous growth and improvement. Observance enables a leader to recognise subtle dynamics within a team or organisation, helping to address issues proactively and capitalise on strengths.

Lastly, the ability to see the bigger picture ensures that decisions and initiatives align with the organisation's long-term goals, promoting strategic thinking and sustainable success.

As my career progresses, I hope to further hone these attributes to become a more effective and inspiring leader who can adapt to changing circumstances, connect with others empathetically, learn continuously, observe keenly and think strategically for the benefit of my team and organisation.

In what ways do you think Bermuda can maintain or strengthen its global relevance in re/insurance?

The Bermuda reinsurance market excels in several key areas such as flexibility, specialisation and global connectivity. I would like to see the island invest more in local talent through education, training and partnerships with global institutions to ensure a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.

I would love it if  local schools and colleges can include designations such as the Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) , Association of Insurance (AINS) and Association of Claims (AIC) in the local curriculum, or partner with the Reinsurance Association of America (RAA) as insurance is such a huge part of Bermuda and I believe students entering the industry should have this foundational knowledge. Encouraging collaboration between industry, academia and government can foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.

We are only as good as our data; the effectiveness of data analytics depends on data quality and implementation strategies. Improving data quality is essential for maximising the benefits of data analytics in reinsurance. The industry’s future is dependent on digital transformation; further investment in digital tools such as AI and insurtech can improve operational efficiency, risk assessment and customer experience.

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