Meet Namrata Nagraj, AVP, Reinsurance Systems
What is your backstory? Tell us about your path to Sompo International.
I have a very interesting backstory. I moved as an immigrant from India and got a job in a small reinsurance company called Montpelier Re, where the entire IT team was around twenty people. Montpelier Re then got acquired by Endurance, which is now Sompo International – I have been here since the beginning, you could say. I personally have seen myself growing from an individual contributor to a leader.
What is something about your role / BU that people may not know?
Generally, IT department is viewed as guys and gals who reboot system or come to your station to reinstall new software, but it is really the application of technology to solve business and organizational problems. Just like community helpers, we are like technology helpers trying to help the organization function more efficiently every day.
What do you think makes Sompo International unique?
There is tremendous opportunity to learn and hone your skills not only individually, but also for the entire team and department. We have the opportunity to work on the latest technologies. The pace at which we work makes it more interesting and challenging it never leaves any dull moment in our professional lives.
Can you shed light on a current project / initiative you / your BU is working on?
We are currently on upgrading our SAP databases to the latest, greatest and fastest platform in the market. It is a very interesting project and great value add for our company.
Any advice to your younger self?
Patience & Perseverance.
What do you do when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I play with my 8-year-old son, binge reading with him to encourage him to make books his friends for life, and we like to bake. We just got an addition to our family – a German Sheppard puppy. Nowadays, I enjoy exploring outdoors is what I do when I am not working now a days – be it rain, sun , snow or blizzard.
Last words – anything else you’d like us to know?
Life is full of surprises and not all of them are pleasant. I am always geared up to face any challenge arising out of surprises or otherwise in work life. I draw inspiration from my elders’ experience and documented real life stories of successful entrepreneurs customizing to the present day situation.