Growing into Shared Success

I am convinced that I am one of those individuals who overworks the left side of the brain.

For as long as I can remember, my affinity for logical, analytical and critical thinking has always been an integral part of who I am. Not everyone will feel me, but yes, I get exhilarated about spreadsheets! I’m not just reporting numbers; I am able to read the data and become a “spreadsheet storyteller.”

I use my well-organized, detailed spreadsheets to connect the dots between current events — such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and severe weather events — and our internal results. While they are all unforeseen events, it makes me see that the work my team and I do matters by presenting realistic financial reports to the leadership team.

Our team presents analysis that explains what is happening and how it is impacting our company’s results. These stories help us provide better thought leadership and guidance internally to our senior leadership, our underwriters and our brokers, who in turn can better support their decisions, and how their clients may be impacted by these occurrences.

My love of numbers and attention to detail started as a child and developed when I studied Accounting and Finance in college. Soon after graduation, I accepted a job at a company on Wall Street, where I got in-depth exposure to the insurance industry. I soon realized that was the work field I enjoyed, and it also helped that it aligned very well with my skills and passion for the subject.

“Not everyone will feel me, but yes, I get exhilarated about spreadsheets! I’m not just reporting numbers; I am able to read the data and become a ‘spreadsheet storyteller.'”

I joined Arch in 2014 and have been here ever since. I started as a Senior Accountant in the Corporate Finance team. From day one, I had great mentors and people who invested in me. They gave me responsibilities that helped me grow into the leader that I am today.

Thinking back, I often wonder: “Was I ready to take on more and become a leader?”

Honestly, I would say I am the type of person who is always ready to take on additional responsibilities and challenges, which makes my job even more interesting. Has it been very hard sometimes? You bet. However, having an open mind, a great support team and a positive outlook make it a much more manageable process.

I Became a Leader and I Became a Mother

As a female leader at Arch, I feel incredibly supported. Leadership is invested in making sure we are successful, and the environment supports that.

Arch is very family oriented. In my eight years here, I did not just become a leader, I also became a mother. I feel like I have been a success at both, because the ethos of our company allows for the opportunity to develop as a professional while maintaining a balanced quality of life.

Recently, I started work on my master’s degree in Accounting, and Arch has been supportive from the moment I presented my idea to further my studies.

My overall experience has been extremely positive, and that is what I want to replicate for my team. I Pursue Better Together with my team by empowering them just as I have been empowered, which then generates motivation to continue doing a great job. I provide a clear roadmap and facilitate the tools and resources required for them so that they can be successful in any project they take on. Without my team, I could not achieve our goals. Their success is my success.

My team has been in growth mode. Two years ago, I had only one person; now we are six, and I just hired another person recently. We are definitely still growing! We are individuals with an accounting background, as well as a personal vision of growth.

I always get excited when I bring on someone new. Helping them realize the support and the professional opportunities they have at Arch makes it a rewarding roadmap for all of us.

Not long ago, I did not expect to be where I am today. It has been an amazing journey, both as a professional and as a valued member of a thriving company. I am looking forward to what the next few years will bring my way!

Ewelina Sarmiento

AVP, Financial Reporting

Arch Insurance | Jersey City, N.J.

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