My inspiration at Next Insurance:
Next Insurance was started by three founders who were knowledgeable and passionate about a specific problem and driven to solve it. The idea originated when they were previously challenged finding a simple and comprehensive small business insurance for their first startup. Fast forward to 2016, this challenge inspired them to start what is now known as Next Insurance. For Guy Goldstein, Alon Huri and Nissim Tapiro, breeding and raising a baby unicorn is no easy feat but it's not their first time either. These visionaries are extraordinary, and their C-suite team is just as remarkable and diverse. I know because I helped hire them. I admire the team not simply because of their positions or their abilities or even their previous successes, but because of how they handle themselves and treat those around them.
The VP of Product, Jang, is dedicated to bringing the customers into the organization. He holistically considers the complete product experience and that means considering what is important for the customer and the company at every stage of development. From being technical savvy to user empathy, each day for Jang is never the same. His intellectual ability and the ability to interpret and analyze information keep him focused on what a winning product will look like, and how it will thrive in its market. There is no compromise when it comes to perfection for Jang and the product Next Insurance delivers to its clients. His excellent communication, leadership and effectiveness within the company culture are necessary to bring vision, planning and execution to its peak. It is a vision of leadership that has the power to transform everything we do, and the lives of everyone we touch.
The CFO, Michelle has amazing financial judgment, is amazing with data and yet, she's still approachable, interested and involved with all the day-to-day. aspects of the business I coined her the "fun brain" of the group because she enjoys number crunching as much as she enjoys inspiring employees and being available to resolve any challenges which might arise.
Sofya, the COO at Next Insurance, has a presence that is felt wherever she goes. She's a leader who will charge full steam ahead through all obstacles to be sure that the business is running smoothly and still, always finds time to get to know everyone in the office and shows warmth and interest in their well-being. She'll stop what she's doing at any second to see how someone's day is going or hear about what they did over the weekend. She leads with her heart and is passionate about employees growth, development and career growth.
With my 18 plus years in the recruiting industry, which started out in Israel and has thus expanded to the US, my instincts and own personal success have led me to many entrepreneurs who are breeding and raising startups. At Next Insurance, not only have my instincts proven to be correct but continue to surprise me in their growth as a team and as a company. In the two years, I've worked with them, they've raised a total of 130 million dollars and are looking to triple in size in 2019.
Next Insurance does not hire to fill a slot. When you join the Next Insurance team you become an extremely important part of the system, and when I say important, I mean you take on a lot of responsibility. You will come to rely on your work colleagues to support you, to teach you, and to be responsible in their role to ensure the company stays synced and continuously thriving. Management is there to mentor, available as needed and most importantly, very approachable.
If you ask what they look for in new hires?
Innovative thinking, desire to learn, perseverance, accountability, and a can-do anything attitude. Most importantly they are looking for like-minded individuals that are humble and kind.
When you are looking for the next major step in your career- look at the management team and ask yourself, "Am I inspired?"
With Next Insurance's management team- the answer will always be yes.
I invite you to join the team and be as inspired as I am.