Chipurnoi of Wells Fargo: A leader in the industry

Name: Christine Chipurnoi, MS, CPCU, RPLU Title: Senior Vice President Company Name: Wells Fargo Insurance Services Inc. What year did you start your career in commercial real estate: 1981 What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why? I have had many but in 2012 was selected by the National Association of Insurance Women for their highest award, the Helen M. Garvin Outstanding Achiever Award, 2012 - it was truly an honor to receive from my peers and was for being a leader in my industry, breaking glass ceilings for women, mentoring of young people in our industry and for community service. When you launched your own business what were some of the initial challenges and how did you overcome them? Meeting new clients was initially a challenge, until I became immersed in CREW New York. What has been your experience with having a mentor or being a mentor yourself? I had several mentors and sponsors during my career, most recently Judy Robinson from Wells Fargo. They come in many shapes & sizes so you never know who will take the time and invest in your growth. I have mentored many young women in both the CRE and the Insurance Industry, both male dominated industries. It brings me such satisfaction to give someone else the power to succeed on their own. Please reflect on a recent achievement and/or milestone for your company: Merging NYCREW and AREW was a monumental undertaking. Finally as CREW New York, we are stronger than ever and positioned to grow and help hundreds of women in NYS'c CRE space. I could not have moved this mountain without the help of my co-president, Jane Lyons, she is a ROCK STAR. Additional questions for all participants: (50 words or less) 1. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why? I have always been technical, detail oriented and worked hard FOR my clients. Making them more successful financially had been my greatest accomplishment. 2. What is the first thing you do when you arrive in the office in the morning? Drink coffee, check voice mail/email and start my Key Items to accomplish list. 3. What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you? Add "an appointment" to my calendar for large projects, otherwise they may linger. 4. What is the best advice you have received and who was it from? Be impeccable for your 50% of input into any situation, so make it your best every time - be impeccable. You can't control what others do but have full control of what you bring to the table, so always bring your A Game. Thanks Sharon Melnick ☺ 5. List 3 women that you would like to have drinks / dinner with and where would you go? a. My grandmother, anywhere, any place. Miss her like crazy. b. Princess Diana - She was an outsider and had to overcome the criticism of the world. She developed into one of the most powerful and loved women. c. Carly Fiorina 6. What is your favorite quote? Success is the best revenge. 7. What did you want to be when you grew up? Pediatrician