Liz Smith

Tell us about your family: 

I have 11- and 13-year-old daughters and three wonderful stepchildren from my husband, Tony.   

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and how did you end up in insurance? 

I wanted to be a meteorologist. I was obsessed with the weather and I still am! Like many people, I fell into insurance because a friend worked at a brokerage firm and my parents told me I needed to get a job! 

How would you describe your personal leadership philosophy and who or what had the greatest influence on it? 

My personal leadership philosophy is to empower your people. The only way we learn is by making mistakes. Let that happen, your people will be better for it! I also try to be as real as possible with my team. I have found that people respond better to somebody they can relate to which builds trust and bonds the team! 

What’s your favorite hobby? 

I coach my daughters’ volleyball teams. There is nothing more fulfilling than teaching and inspiring kids to play a sport that I have loved my entire life. The best thing to be called is “Mom,” but “Coach” is a close second! 

What’s something few people know about you? 

I have an organizing obsession! I love the satisfaction of organizing a closet, a pantry, a refrigerator – you name it! 

What’s the best advice you ever received and who gave it to you? 

Tony Chimino gave me this gem: “Why do when you can over-do?” 

What do you love most about MMA Midwest’s workplace culture? 

We wouldn’t be MMA Midwest without great people. It is what makes working here the best!