LEADERSHIP & MENTORING PROGRAM (LAMP)

LAMP seeks to infuse diversity throughout the highest levels of corporate leadership by developing the skills and connections of program participants, outstanding leaders in their own right, who will fuel organizational success and enhance the effectiveness of the professional liability industry as they advance in their careers.

Discover how Ayesha West Transformed her Life:

“Participating in LAMP provided me with a sense of community- others in my peer class are now running large teams, working in executive leadership roles and changing the industry. LAMP allows diverse professionals to see what is possible in their careers and the professional development provided develops the soft skills, confidence and strategic insight needed to make real advancements in your career.”

Read her full story here.

Today’s competitive environment requires organizations to develop leaders who bring a wide variety of professional and personal experience to the marketplace. The PLUS Foundation’s answer to that challenge is the Diversity Leadership & Mentoring Program (LAMP).

LAMP seeks to advance the careers of program participants, to develop motivated leaders to fuel organizational success, and to enhance the effectiveness and diversity of the wider professional liability community. LAMP is FREE to participants; program, travel, and expenses are paid by the PLUS Foundation.

LAMP Participants Receive:

  • Registration, travel and lodging to the annual PLUS Conference 
  • Personal leadership assessment and a half-day leadership training session
  • Year-long group leadership meetings and coaching (virtual)
  • Registration, travel and lodging for one additional PLUS education program selected by the participant  (D&O Symposium, Healthcare and Medical PL Symposium, Cyber University, Cyber Symposium, PLUS University)
  • Mentor pairing with a senior-level PLUS member for 12 months
  • Opportunities to network with PLUS senior staff and volunteer leadership
  • Opportunities to participate in PLUS leadership
  • VIP access at PLUS events
  • Three complimentary PLUS Curriculum study modules during the program
Program Goals:
  • Provide support, education, and access in the professional liability industry to individuals from diverse and traditionally underrepresented groups and backgrounds
  • Enhance LAMP fellows’ career development and expand their professional network by providing coaching, volunteer leadership experiences, and assistance and support through a mentor relationship
  • Encourage leadership roles in PLUS and the professional liability insurance industry
  • Develop a more diverse leadership pool for the professional liability insurance profession
  • Demonstrate the long-term benefit of the program to participants, PLUS and the larger professional liability insurance profession
Eligibility:
  • A member of a racial/ethnic group that is traditionally underrepresented within PLUS membership or industry leadership; lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender, or a person with a physical disability
  • Employed in the professional liability insurance industry with a minimum of two years’ experience; intention to continue in professional lines throughout program period
  • A professional with a demonstrated career commitment and interest in volunteer leadership opportunities in PLUS and/or civic-community organizations
  • Committed to fully engage in all LAMP benefits

Participant Commitment:

  • Attend LAMP orientation (4 hours) and the PLUS Conference (2+ days), as well as one additional PLUS educational event (2 days) during the program year
  • Actively participate in LAMP group coaching sessions via webinar (5 1-hour sessions)
  • Assist the PLUS Foundation in identifying your mentor preferences and be actively engaged with the selected mentor for 12 months (minimum 4X)
  • Submit program-related materials as requested
  • Serve as an ambassador for LAMP, PLUS and the PLUS Foundation with your employer, colleagues and community during and following participation in the program

To Apply:
The application window for the 2025 LAMP Cohort opens June 11, 2024, with all application materials due by Tuesday July 30, 2024 at 5:00 pm EDT. The application must contain all requested information and supporting documents. Information collected through the application process will be used by the PLUS Foundation to establish eligibility, identify and select finalists, and appropriately pair candidates with a mentor. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials include:

  1. Online Application Form
  2. Current Resume
  3. Personal Essay – 700 words or fewer about your interest in the program, community service/leadership experience, unique life experiences or circumstances you may have overcome, other leadership programs in which you have participated, and what you intend to get out of LAMP.
  4. Letter of Recommendation by applicant’s supervisor or employer. No specific format is required, although recommending party is strongly encouraged to write about how they know the applicant and why they think the applicant is a great candidate for the program.
  5. Supervisor Agreement Form and Recent Photo will be requested only from finalists.

Questions about LAMP?
Please contact Nikki Baker at nbaker@plusweb.org / 952.746.2594

LAMP SPOTLIGHT:

Ayesha West, LAMP participant in the first year of LAMP

Participating in LAMP provided me with a sense of community- others in my peer class are now running large teams, working in executive leadership roles and changing the industry.

I began my insurance career in 2008 after graduating from Fordham University School of Law in 2007, initially starting on the reinsurance side of the industry but shortly thereafter finding my way into Professional Liability in 2013. At the time, I was an underwriter at Chubb and applied to the inaugural LAMP program which was a formative experience in my career. Following LAMP, I served on the board of the Eastern Chapter of PLUS, on the FUTURE PLUS committee (including a year as Chair of FUTURE PLUS), and co-chairing the PLUS Cyber Conference. I also received PLUS’ “Emerging Leader” award for 2022 at the International Conference. In my current role, I am focusing on the client side of the business as a Senior Client Advocate in the Financial Institutions and Professional Services Industry Vertical.

1. What made you want to be a part of the LAMP program?
I recognized the importance of networking, community, and professional development early in my insurance career. I knew that achieving the goals I was given during my annual performance review was not enough to keep up my career momentum. I was excited about PLUS creating a program where underrepresented individuals could gain insight into what it takes to achieve career success at the highest levels of the industry.

2. What were the key areas that you learned about and/or grew from within the LAMP program benefits?
LAMP helped me connect with my peers facing similar challenges at their organizations, and each of our careers has benefited from the honest conversations we can have without the need for code switching or hiding our authentic selves. The personal connections with peers, senior executives, and everyone in between in the industry was a major benefit of the program. Simply by being in the room and having a seat at the table, I felt a sense of belonging in the PLUS organization and contributed to many other areas of PLUS.

3. Why would you recommend other diverse professionals to participate in LAMP?
Generally speaking, diverse professionals tend to be the first in their families or broader networks to have a career in insurance and LAMP helps connect senior level mentors to those who are finding their way. The level of camaraderie between the cohort participants, the excellent coaching from Korn Ferry, and the visibility and access granted to LAMP participants at PLUS events and conferences make LAMP an opportunity not to be missed by any diverse professional in Professional Liability.

4. At the stage you are now in your career, how has LAMP benefited you both personally and professionally?
Participating in LAMP provided me with a sense of community- others in my peer class are now running large teams, working in executive leadership roles and changing the industry. LAMP allows diverse professionals to see what is possible in their careers and the professional development provided develops the soft skills, confidence and strategic insight needed to make real advancements in your career. I am grateful for the personal connections and support I still receive from the peers in my inaugural class. I still speak to my LAMP “accountability buddy peer” on an at-least monthly basis, and will probably do so for the rest of my career!