I am a graduate from The University of Georgia Terry College of Business, with a BBA in Risk Management & Insurance. I am born and raised here in Atlanta, GA with my 2 sisters and brother.
I played multiple sports growing up, and in my free-time I still enjoy getting active, working out, and being outdoors – whether it be camping, hiking, or simply enjoying the weather on a nice walk around the neighborhood.
Random fact about me: I am very passionate about anything car/automotive related, and I can probably tell you a borderline weird amount of information about any and every car on the road.
About Nnamdi Anene
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents are both from Nigeria and came here in their 20s. I am the 3rd of 4 children in my family – I have one older brother, one older sister, and one younger sister! We are all almost exactly 2 years apart and are very close.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As a young adult, I played tons of sports in highschool, including football, track, wrestling, rugby, and lacrosse. So I never had time to work! My current career is in Risk & Insurance, and I have plans to become a successful producer in the industry. I enjoy seeing the younger folks come in because it reminds me of when I first started. I love to mentor them as much as I can because I remember the way people used to take the time to help me understand and navigate the professional work place and it made the biggest difference for me. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to believe in your abilities to change your life, and I know this firsthand. So this, along with building new relationships, is one of my favorite things about what I do.
How long have you worked in the insurance industry
I started interning back when I was in college and was eventually hired by the same firm when I graduated. I have been fulltime for almost 3 years now, and almost 5 including my internship.
Q: How has your engagement with the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia (IIAG) impacted your career?
My engagement with IIAG has been one of the best things for me and my career. So many industry veterans with so much knowledge that are willing to talk to me about all things insurance. But not only that, I have made real genuine friendships with so many people that go beyond insurance! Overall, I have felt immense growth ever since getting involved and getting outside of my comfort zone and I would never trade that!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have never been outside the country – so I would love to go anywhere outside the US! Maybe Switzerland, because my best friend is from there and it looks absolutely beautiful.
Q: What advice would you give to people to succeed in our industry?
As cliché as it sounds, I think I would just try to gravitate towards doing the things that make you nervous and anxious. Making it a point to stay outside of your comfort zone is crucial to growth in my opinion.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling the world!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love The Grateful Dead, Dead and Co., John Mayer, Black Pistol Fire, Mo Lowda & the Humble, The Delta Saints, and Grady Spencer & the Work to name a few.
Q: Name one or two people that made the most impact on your success in insurance? What qualities made them stand out to you?
My current team lead, Jessica Lewis. She always treated me like an adult (which was not always the case with everyone) and was never too busy to explain or show something to me. She has made the biggest difference in my career, because when she first joined our firm I was in a weird place and unsure about my future in the industry. I had just transitioned from the benefits side of insurance to the commercial side and was struggling a bit with the learning curve. But she took me under her wing with zero hesitation and I have learned so much from her and continue to learn from her everyday. You are the best Jess!!
For Fun
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about the insurance industry?
It’s cool to be involved in so many different industries and learn the intricacies of them. I also love meeting new people and learning about peoples lives, and building new relationships!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself as a successful producer with a big book of business and working with a great team, and an inspiration to many.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love November. Thanksgiving, fall weather (my FAVORITE), and my mom’s birthday all fall into this month!!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
PASTA
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom and my siblings inspire me a ton! I can’t wait to give back to them for everything they’ve done for me in my life. But another thing that is inspires me is less of a “who” and more of a “what.” And what inspires me, is my potential. I know I have it, and I know everyone has it even more than they realize! My inspiration there, is simply honoring my potential and what I have to offer to the world. If everyone were to do this, the world would be a better place. And I think by NOT honoring our potential, we almost make the world a “worse” place because we all have so much to offer, and you never know who you can inspire by simply putting your best self out there and chasing your dreams. And going off that point, another inspiration to me is simply the fact that I can inspire others by working hard and moving with integrity. Lastly, opportunity inspires me. Because I know there are plenty of people out in the world that would give EVERYTHING to have the opportunities I have had in life.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the IIAG community?
Genuine Friendship, Learning, and Opportunity.
