Catherine Marincel, senior vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, is highlighting a growing issue in the insurance world: many young professionals are strong with technical skills but lack important soft skills. She will lead a discussion on this topic next month at the Women in Insurance Summit in New York.
Marincel explained that while many newcomers to the industry know how to collect data and research well, they struggle to analyze it and decide what’s really important. “College teaches people to gather information, but not always how to understand or explain it,” she said. This gap calls for skills like curiosity, judgment, and clear communication—qualities that are harder to develop but crucial for success.
Another challenge is the decline in face-to-face interaction. Technology has changed how people work, but insurance still depends on personal relationships. Being able to pick up the phone and build trust remains key. Marincel noted that remote or hybrid work setups have reduced casual learning moments, like overhearing how colleagues handle calls or meetings. These experiences, she says, are valuable lessons in building strong teamwork and client connections.
Some companies are trying new ideas to keep communication strong, such as encouraging video meetings and coordinating office days so teams can collaborate more in person. Marincel encourages young professionals to get involved in client meetings and networking events to broaden their contacts and grow their skills.
Looking forward, Marincel believes technical demands will keep changing, especially with new technology like artificial intelligence coming into play. But the people who stand out will be those who combine strong technical know-how with the ability to connect well with others.
She summed it up simply: “Anyone can learn to analyze data. What really sets you apart is the ability to build trust with brokers, clients, and teammates.” Soft skills may be the hardest to teach, but they hold the most power to advance a career.
The Women in Insurance Summit New York will focus on how to build both technical skills and those all-important soft skills. The event will bring leaders together to share ideas on helping professionals grow. Those interested can learn more and register online.