Ivan Gutierrez Discusses his Heritage in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, we interviewed Ivan Gutierrez, Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Admiral. Ivan discusses his heritage, his journey into insurance, and the importance of having a diverse work culture.

When did you move to the US and what was that experience like?

I moved to the US on August 29^th, 2022, after my wife was relocated for work. We spent two months in a hotel while waiting for our belongings to arrive and found a suitable rental. Shortly after, I started working at Admiral.

Although it was challenging to move to a new place where we didn't know anyone, we were grateful everyone we have met has been welcoming and encouraging. The highly diverse culture in NJ has made it easier for us to adapt and get constant reminders of Mexico to ease the transition.

How did you get started in insurance?

My first job after finishing school was in the Reinsurance Claims Division at a large international reinsurer. After finishing law school in Baja California (my hometown), I packed my things and left to explore better opportunities in Mexico City. I saw an ad on a webpage that looked interesting. I decided to apply to a reinsurance company, and after many exams and interviews, I got the job.

What advice would you give to someone else considering insurance as a career?

Be prepared to explore a wide range of possibilities (larger than you probably expect). The insurance industry is very broad and you can find many interesting paths within it.

Why do you think having a diverse work culture is important to the success of an organization?

Two minds think better than one, diverse perspectives will always give you a broader visualization of things and reality. Having multiple cultural backgrounds in the team allows you to enrich your ideas and understand others better.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month reminds me of my hometown, but more importantly, it's a time to express gratitude to this country that has welcomed me and my family, along with many other Hispanics. I feel fortunate to call it my home.