Recommendations
"I have worked closely with Nicki Shields throughout her time as a Senior Manager within Product Development in Allstate Business Insurance, where she closely partnered with many others to lead the creation of reimagined product experiences with a clear focus on the needs of all end users, including agents, customers, and internal users.
Nicki consistently demonstrated passion and critical thought with how she approached her work. She was always intentional around anchoring her design ideas specifically around who would be experiencing it, while at the same time, balancing desired business outcomes. In addition to collaborating with colleagues broadly across Allstate Business Insurance, Nicki proactively sought out and partnered with leaders across the enterprise, including customer experience, marketing, and claims. She also successfully led an engagement with an outside technology and design firm and recently has been a key leader in the kickoff of a critical strategic partnership for the organization.
Nicki’s curiosity and willingness to advocate with facts for what she believes is best, coupled with her extensive and broad industry experience across product, underwriting, and sales, will help any team looking to solve unique business problems and achieve lofty targets in a future focused, user-centric way."
-Seth Goodchild, Director Product Development, Allstate
"I am a program manager with Allstate Insurance Company, and first met Nicki when I was assigned the Business Owners Policy (BOP) Redesign program. The program was in its earliest phase and I first met Nicki as my primary business owner. In our first conversation, I was impressed with her breadth of knowledge and her vision of what was to come. Unfortunately for her, she was a one-man show and was playing every role. For the few months that she had been with Allstate, she had wasted no time in getting a framework established for what she envisioned as the BOP of the future.
Since that time in mid-2022, I have worked very closely with Nicki with what would become an ever-changing program. While the work was ongoing, there were enterprise-wide changes that caused course corrections throughout the program. Despite the constant change in direction, Nicki’s dedication and passion for the outcome never wavered. One of Nicki’s strengths is to remain calm amid changing conditions and to remain steadfast in her commitment to strategic goals. Her ability to lead through change was critical in helping the program team move forward despite the uncertainty we faced. Her focus and positivity, despite the changing objectives, was an inspiration to me and to others on the team.
Nicki’s ability to engage others is also a powerful asset to any team or organization. She has extensive experience within the insurance industry and welcomes the opportunity to share her knowledge with others. She moves forward but is committed to bringing others along with her.
Nicki’s communication skills are consistent and clear. Nicki’s points are well thought out with consideration and understanding of her audience. Her ideas and viewpoints are well thought out, relevant and timely. Her emotional intelligence when communicating is the best I’ve seen in my career. She clearly respects the views of others while offering a differing viewpoint, allowing others to feel valued and engaged. Regardless of the setting, she consistently creates an inclusive atmosphere. As a result, the individuals become invested and operate cohesively. Ultimately, the work reflects ownership and buy-in.
Finally, Nicki consistently demonstrates her commitment to the customer in everything she does. Not only is she committed to the internal and external customer in her own work, but she challenges others to think outside of the norm and do better on behalf of both. I can recall very vividly in one of the earliest BOP program meetings, Nicki asking a question about the impact to the premium paying customer and their experience. The group had obviously not given this any consideration. The entire program team learned early-on that Nicki would undoubtedly challenge them to think of the customer first, not last. Nicki’s commitment to being the voice of the customer was a powerful reminder that a great product would mean nothing without a great experience.
I would be happy to share more about Nicki. My experience with her, both professionally and personally, has been overwhelmingly positive. I have enjoyed working with Nicki and have learned so much from her. I highly recommend Nicki as a highly motivated, intelligent, and valuable asset to any team. "
-Laura Zabriskie, Program Manager, Allstate Insurance Company
"You have spent countless hours in preparing the materials for the Phoenix BOP Business Case - not only did you consider the various workstreams' needs and goals, but you also questioned the team in a very thought-provoking way to bring a highly-strategic focus to the presentation, relating to overarching core principles, as well as future resourcing needs. I appreciate the questions that you raised about the historical data within the presentation, to ensure that the messaging was accurate as well. Thank you for your strong commitment to making a strong business case for the exciting future of BOP!"
- Andrea Burns, Head of Commercial Lines Property and Liability Line Management, Allstate
"Nicki- You have been such a great business partner to work with on the value stream work for ABI. As I shared, you have such an open mind, are forward focused and are open to new ideas which make others want to work with you. I am so glad we have met and built this partnership. You are truly a great asset to Allstate!"
-Karen Delaney, Engagement Principal Continuous Improvement COE, Allstate
"Thanks for your generosity with your time to share external underwriting perspectives and insights on the needs of ABI underwriters. After the sessions this week I had so many questions. I appreciate how you raised up alternative perspectives in the brainstorming sessions. And it is always engaging to with someone who has so much passion for the work. Thanks for sharing how to bring the ideas together in a way that can have significant impact."
-Carolyn Parker, Director - Data Science - Small Business Insurance, Allstate
“I have known Nicki since she was a DSM and have been working closely with her since she became the Underwriting Manager for Kentucky. Through our frequent collaboration, I have found Nicki to be very proactive and willing to take on extra responsibilities. She is often the first one to volunteer to take the lead on many of the tasks that need to be performed.
Nicki has worked very closely with me on the Kentucky profitability committee and we work continuously on taking the necessary steps to turn around the loss ratio in the state. Many of these tasks involve making difficult decisions and sticking with them and Nicki is not afraid to implement these difficult actions.
One thing that is very helpful when working with Nicki is that she sees things from a holistic point of view. She understands the impact of different decisions from not only an underwriting viewpoint, but also a sales viewpoint. She knows that any decision made from underwriting will have an impact on the agents and DSM’s and she takes that into consideration. Her experience in both underwriting and the field is a huge asset to helping both the company and the agents.
Beyond the work side of things, I find Nicki to be a very enjoyable person to work with. She is personable, funny, and easy to talk to. She is the type of person that wakes up every day asking herself what she can do for Erie today, not what Erie can do for her. Her experience, work ethic, and personality make her an excellent candidate…”
– Jay Simon, Vice President, Kentucky Branch Manager, Erie Insurance
“I have known Nicole for 8 years now and had the opportunity to work with her as a District Sales Manager in Raleigh, NC.
Nicole joined the team from the training program and brought energy and new ideas while adapting to the culture of the agency force. She worked with the agents to drive results by building relationships and following up the promises she made. During her tenure as a DSM in Raleigh she quickly earned the respect of agents while also handling difficult situations.
Nicole is ambitious and anxious to learn, she is not shy about asking thoughtful questions that will enhance her ability to serve our customers. Nicole is a problem solver and can adapt to any situation she is faced with. She is a dedicated Erie Employee who has been a pleasure to work with; she elevated the team and worked to bring out the best in everyone.”
- Kristopher Marrion, Vice President, Maryland Branch Manager, Erie Insurance
“She has strong communication and leadership skills which are necessary for the important roles she has taken on at ERIE.
Nicki’s agents in Ohio always spoke highly of her and she was our point person on the Ohio sales team for our agent webinars and meeting presentations. She also was always very professional and well prepared for our presentations at the ABM and district agency meetings.
I believe Nicki’s prior field experience provides her with great perspective and she would be a good candidate…”
- Rob Smith, Vice President, Columbus Branch Manager, Erie Insurance
"I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Nicki for any future endeavors she may pursue. Over the past 18 months, I have had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Nicki, and her impact on our team and the broader organization has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Nicki’s unwavering commitment to user experience (UX) goes far beyond aesthetics. She consistently prioritizes creating seamless and enjoyable experiences for both agents and customers, demonstrating a profound understanding that UX is the cornerstone of Allstate’s future success. Her ability to integrate this vision into her daily work has set a new standard for excellence within our company.
In addition to her professional expertise, Nicki’s personal qualities make her an exceptional mentor and leader. Her kindness and dedication to mentoring have been invaluable to my own professional growth. Through her continued coaching and our monthly conversations, I have gained insights and skills that have greatly enhanced my career. Her willingness to invest time in others’ development is a testament to her selflessness and commitment to the team’s success.
Nicki’s contributions extend beyond individual mentoring. Her role in the Product Management/Experience Team, particularly through the Talent Share initiative, has been instrumental in influencing key tech-based projects, developing products of the future and driving strategic initiatives forward – even during times of ambiguity and great change. Her strategic mindset and ability to navigate the evolving corporate landscape with enthusiasm and a positive attitude are truly inspiring. She adapts to changes with a grace and joy that is contagious, making even the most challenging projects feel achievable.
Her focus is always on customer-centric solutions and her passion for delivering optimal experiences have left a lasting impression on everyone. Nicki exemplifies the qualities every employee should strive for: positivity, eagerness, and a future-focused mindset.
Nicki is not just a remarkable professional but also an inspiring leader and mentor. Her blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and personal dedication makes her an invaluable asset to any team. I wholeheartedly recommend Nicki and am confident that she will continue to achieve great things in her future endeavors, leaving a lasting impression on any team that is fortunate enough to have her."
-Nikki Kozlowski, Marketing Planning and Execution Manager, Allstate
"Thank you for helping ABI highlight the voice of the customer in upcoming ABI monthly communication meetings with employees and partners. Your efforts will help spotlight important work supporting small business owners. Appreciate your partnership!"
-Laurie Dobosz, Communications Senior Manager, Allstate
"Wanted to recognize your efforts with the new BOP product/system. It is greatly appreciated! Your knowledge and expertise does not go unnoticed. I spoke with an agent that you met with this week (2nd time now) and he was also complimentary of your ability to receive feedback and make notes and hear the agents concerns. Thank you for your efforts!"
-Nicole Ramis, EA Commercial Business Consultant, Allstate
"Nicki, I just wanted to give you kudos for leading the customer experience work with BOP. The recent demos, and agent feedback sessions have been enlightening! It's clear that you're passionate about the work, and it's that passion that will ensure we build the right product for our agents and customers! Just really great work! Hats off to you ;)"
-Julia Hartley, Sr. Strategic Program Manager, Allstate
"In all that she does, Nicki leads strategically and with compassion. Nicki has multiple years in the industry and has developed strategies and solutions to not only drive insurance business outcomes, but also to optimize experiences across a wide-range of users/stakeholders including customers, agents, brokers and dealers. She understands her audiences’ needs and expectations and designs solutions and strategies to meet them. During her work on Allstate Business Insurance, Nicki not only intended to improve the customer experience, she engaged her agents to better understand their pain points, developed tools to best support them to efficiently accomplish their goals and ensured they were front and center of Allstate designs. Nicki is able to lead complex programs and is adept at engaging the right AORs to motivate all around a common goal, leverage appropriate skills, and arrive at mutually beneficial solutions. Nicki is outcome-oriented, efficient, comfortable in the ‘grey’ and a pleasure to work with. She’d be an asset as a leader to any team."
-Susan Mena, Director, Marketing IMC, Allstate
“Nicole is a woman of exceedingly great character. Her passion, excitement, morals, and work ethic exude all that is Erie Insurance. She is hard working, dedicated, and efficient in whatever task is laid in front of her.
She was in charge of a unique territory that presented more challenges than most DSM’s have to face. She met this challenge with a smile and delivered growth and engagement that far exceeded expectations… Her influence across Ohio is still felt today. …This skillset is to be envied in our industry… Nicole is hard working. Nicole is honest. Nicole is well liked. Nicole is innovative. Nicole is respected… ”
– Freddie Johnson, Vice President, Canton Branch Manager, Erie Insurance
“I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Nicki over the past twenty years and have been impressed with her professionalism and her proven success in achieving quality growth. Her broad perspective gained from years as a District Sales Manager, coupled with her ERIE underwriting expertise in both personal and commercial lines, uniquely qualifies her for success in this critical role.
Her understanding of agency sales challenges and her proven ability to build and foster Agent relationships would further increase the collaboration of our West Region team and support quality growth.
The strong desire she demonstrates for continual improvement is a powerful motivator to other employees…”
- Joe Vahey, RVP Claims West Region, Erie Insurance
“I have had the privilege of knowing Nicki for sixteen years, when we entered the Personal Lines Underwriter training class in 2003. Nicki has always exuded a passion for life and her career at Erie Insurance. This passion has driven her to always work towards self-improvement and helping others. I am inspired by her motivation and growth since 2003.
While Nicki is driven professionally, she remains kind and is a natural leader. Before moving into management, Nicki had the ability to influence others utilizing her vibrant personality and willingness to put others needs before her own. She also has an innate ability to learn and adapt.
…I have had the opportunity to work with Nicki in both my role as in-house counsel and as manager in Personal Products Data. Nicki approaches all projects and problems with the same tenacity and positivity. I am able to rely upon Nicki to be timely and consistent, and to provide accurate work product. I truly enjoy working with Nicki on a personal and professional level.”
-- Denise Pekelnicky, Esq., Product Rating and Analytics Manager, Personal Products Data, Erie Insurance
“I’ve been with ERIE just over 2 years and spent 6 months working as a Project Manager with Nicole in the Underwriting space.
In that short time it was evident that Nicole truly exemplifies our corporate values. I’m sure the other applicants are just as qualified on paper as Nicole with very detailed accomplishments, professional designations, licenses, and affiliations. Those are very important and I’m sure you will agree that everything Nicole has done to this point in her career at ERIE has prepared her well for this opportunity. More importantly than merely achieving these goals is the relationships you build along the way. Before I came to ERIE I would hear words like inclusiveness, teamwork, and enthusiasm to describe the work atmosphere here. During my time working with Nicole she exhibited all of these traits and you could sense her passion for her team and the entire Underwriting organization.
…Recommending Nicole based on her achievements is easy, my recommendation is based on the kind of person I believe ERIE is looking for in a role of this magnitude, and Nicole is a perfect fit.”
– Jeff Pasinski, Senior Project Manager, Sales and Product , Erie Insurance
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