Founder
METRO CLAIMS & RISK MGMT
Years in the industry: 20+
Prior to founding his own business, Dwight Geddes worked in several different roles within the insurance industry, including as an inside/desk adjuster, claims manager and director of claims. “I, like so many others, fell into insurance,” he says, adding that one of the biggest barriers to recruiting people of color is the fact that “the industry does a great job of promoting its products but a terrible job in positioning itself as an optimal career choice.”
To change this, Geddes says, companies need to actively recruit more African American college students and ensure that their management teams, C-suites, boards of directors and external partners reflect the demographics of society. “A lot of talented people end up leaving insurance after a few years due to burnout or not seeing a path ahead to a career,” Geddes says. “Some of it is not seeing themselves reflected in senior management. Another aspect of it is a lack of mentorship. It is crucial to the young Black professional that he or she has someone who can help them on the career path.”
Geddes dedicates his time to several industry organizations, including NAAIA; the Dive In Festival; the CLM Alliance, where he is co-chair of the D&I committee; and the annual Claims College, where he serves as a faculty instructor to insurance professionals.
“Our industry would be well served to embrace the cultural shift happening and work to lead the change,” Geddes says. “I love this industry and enjoy what I do, and I want to continue to help to improve it as much as possible.”
