A Message from Susie Keisler-Munro

Dear Members and Friends –

The poet William Wordsworth said, “Life is divided into three terms - that which was, which is, and which will be.”

As 2022 unfolded and I began my first year as President and CEO of Assurity, in what felt like the very beginning of the post-pandemic era, this concept and the fact that the three terms of which Wordsworth spoke are inextricably connected were top of mind.

In my new role, it was not uncommon this past year to be asked only about the future term or "that which will be." Questions like: “What big change initiatives do you have planned?” “What new strategy do you have for the company?” “How will you shake things up?” My reply to those oft-asked questions likely disappointed, having gone something like this: ”I am humbled to help guide Assurity this next little while. My priority is to ensure we sustain what should be unchanging, successfully tackle the challenges and opportunities at hand, and boldly imagine what is next.” ...

Although unintended, the barrage of such questions can leave you pondering whether the sole measure of leadership is the volume of change one can deliver at speed or how cleanly one can wipe the slate. Whereas the better assessment of leadership, it seems, is the discernment one has in recognizing the value of what came before, understanding the realities of what is, and imagining what should and could be. The connections between these three terms in the life of a company are powerful.

That which was, and has been since our humble beginning in 1890, is Assurity’s commitment to our mutual heritage, where the best interests of policyholders always come first by design in an organization grounded by the simple concept of people coming together to support each other in times of need. It is not out of fear or nostalgia that these principles persist. But what better North Star to have guided our path these past 133 years, to have brought us to this moment in time, and to be inspiring our future? Good and noble ideals endure.

The past deserves our reverence.

That which is for Assurity is a vibrant and growing organization of unquestioned financial strength, serving hundreds of thousands of customers who use our products to protect and provide for themselves and those they love. It is that which came before that allowed Assurity to emerge from the tragedy of a once-in-a-century pandemic stronger than ever while having helped a record number of people weather their own personal adversity during particularly challenging times. The realities of today lay bare what is required of us.

The here and now demands our attention.

That which will be for Assurity is a future rooted in our past, informed by our present, and inspired by what is possible. It compels bold thinking, creativity, and experimentation. Our vision includes improved access in new ways and places to the protection we offer, where our customer experience increasingly delights. Writing Assurity’s next great chapter is not about abilities in foresight or prophecy, but as Peter Drucker familiarized, in recognizing and readying the company for new opportunities and challenges brought about by trends and events, many of which have already happened.

The future expects keen awareness and an actionable vision.

As I reflect on my first year as Assurity’s President and CEO, I am grateful for that which was, encouraged by what is, and energized by what will be.

Sincerely,

Susan Keisler-Munro, FSA, MAAA
Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer

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