Click here to see, More in This Category

Finding Purpose

By Tracy Morato
Environmental, Social, and Governance Manager

The new school year getting underway has me recalling the age-old question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I even asked my two children that very question (the answers are currently a baseball player and a princess). Growing up, my response to that question never changed; it was always, "I want to be a teacher." Being a teacher was my dream – a job where you feel rewarded each day.

Unfortunately, landing a permanent teaching job was nearly impossible when I graduated college. So after a few years of struggling to find the right position, I found myself working in corporate America. I had worked at Selective on and off for many summers, but never through an official intern program since I was sure my path would lead me to a classroom one day. Twelve years later, I am in a very different place than I had expected, but I didn't lose my drive or love to find those "feel-good" and rewarding moments.

Since shaping students' lives wasn't in the cards for me, throughout my career at Selective, I have always hungered for purpose and the ability to give back. I learned to seek out opportunities at our company that are "extra-curricular" (It's the teacher in me!) and get involved outside of the day-to-day business operations. I've found my purpose for many years by participating in events like Bring Your Child to Work Day, various volunteer opportunities in the community, inter-company softball tournaments, and affinity groups like Women at Work.

Being involved in these activities has brought me extra happiness beyond that provided by our work to help our customers rebuild their lives after a loss. By participating in meetings and activities outside of my job description, I have been able to gain valuable insights, build relationships, and network with colleagues with whom I otherwise wouldn't have an opportunity to associate.

I have recently moved into a new position in Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG"), and I couldn't be more excited to find new purpose in my work. Although being a positive influence in the community is nothing new at Selective, reporting on how we are a model corporate citizen brings me joy and feels extremely meaningful. Following the release of our second ESG report earlier this year, I heard employees comment about their pride in working for an organization that strives to uphold a strong code of ethics, which does so much to help preserve the environment for future generations, and gives back to our communities. I also continue to involve myself in groups and those "extra-curricular" activities, and I plan to find ways to immerse myself in my child's new school.

We dedicate so much of our time, energy, and lives to our workplace - why not find the bigger purpose and what drives you each day. If I could offer any advice, it would be to find something "extra" to get involved in at work. For example, at Selective, we offered a lunch-time book club that provided an opportunity to connect with others who share a common interest and love of reading. If you can't find anything within your organization, LinkedIn offers various groups that could be beneficial and inspiring. I just joined one called "ESG Young Professionals," where I hope to network with individuals and learn best practices outside my internal network.

One of my favorite quotes is from Tony Clark, a former Major League Baseball player and current executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association. He said, "If you want to know what your purpose is, it is to make the most of your talents and skills for the greater good, and that means starting with yourself." What will your purpose be?

About the Author

Tracy Morato, Environmental, Social, and Governance Manager at Selective Insurance, is responsible for all external ESG Reporting and the coordination of internal ESG integration. Tracy joined Selective in 2009.

Getting Unique Perspectives

Are you a publication looking for a unique perspective from one of our contributors? Contact us for further details.