Lorene Desmarais
Selkirk,MB
Summary
Self-directed and resourceful executive with many years of experience successfully organizing, managing and delivering cross-functional projects. Influences and guides at executive-level while structuring and executing complex analyses to support strategy in fast-paced and evolving environment. Excellent influencer, relationship builder with growth mindset and strong communications skills to summarize and present topics effectively to wide audience. Experienced with optimizing productivity, efficiency and service quality across various environments. Highly dependable, ethical and reliable support specialist and leader that blends advanced organizational and business acumen. Works effectively with cross-functional teams in ensuring operational and service excellence. Strategic-thinking individual offering engaging and pleasant personality with expertise improving customer relationships.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Staff, Branch Leadership
One Insurance
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration and success in day to day branch operations.
- Optimized organizational structures, leading to increased efficiency and better resource allocation.
- Facilitated productive meetings by creating well-organized agendas and ensuring clear communication of objectives.
- Established successful partnerships with external organizations, expanding business opportunities and resources available to the company.
- Championed employee development programs, promoting personal growth and career advancement within the organization.
- Aligned departmental goals with overall company vision, ensuring cohesive progress towards shared objectives.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for direct reports, providing constructive feedback for continuous professional growth.
- Mentored and developed junior staff members; fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within the organization.
- Coordinated office events, seminars and meetings for staff.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries.
- Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
Director of Organizational Development
One Insurance
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
Training Manager
One Insurance
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Enhanced employee performance by designing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
- Reduced onboarding time for new hires through the development of effective orientation modules.
- Improved employee retention rates by creating engaging and interactive learning materials.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop customized training solutions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training programs using various assessment tools, providing valuable feedback for continuous improvement initiatives.
- Established a culture of continuous learning, promoting professional development opportunities for all employees across the organization.
- Facilitated leadership development workshops, fostering an environment of growth and self-improvement among management team members.
- Managed resource allocation effectively, optimizing return on investment for all training initiatives undertaken by the department.
Personal Lines Insurance Broker
One Insurance
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized insurance solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Maintained strong relationships with underwriters, facilitating better policy terms for clients.
- Negotiated competitive pricing and coverage options with carriers on behalf of clients.
- Conducted comprehensive policy reviews, identifying potential gaps in coverage and recommending appropriate solutions.
- Improved policy retention rates through attentive service and regular touchpoints with clients.
- Provided expert guidance on complex coverage issues, increasing client confidence in their insurance decisions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry best practices and emerging trends in personal lines insurance.
- Generated quotes and proposals for clients to match individual needs.
Education
CAIB Designation - Insurance
Insurance Brokers of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB05.2006
Skills
- Budget Control
- Staff Development
- People Management
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Strategic Planning
- Rules and Regulations
- Budget Management
- Human Resources Management
Amateur woodworking/ Vintage furniture artist
In my spare time I take vintage furniture and turn them into pieces of art. I love the history in items of "days gone by" and to be able to breathe new life into them. I have met such interesting people along the way and love to hear the history about their family items.
Timeline
Director of Staff, Branch Leadership
One Insurance
01.2018 - 01.2023
Director of Organizational Development
One Insurance
01.2014 - 01.2018
Training Manager
One Insurance
01.2010 - 01.2014
Personal Lines Insurance Broker
One Insurance
01.2004 - 01.2010
CAIB Designation - Insurance
Insurance Brokers of Manitoba
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