New! Executive Advisor Announcement: Stacy Varney
In this series, we'll be highlighting top leaders and thinkers in the industry that are part of Optimity's advisory board. Read on to learn more about their perspective on our industry and the expertise and knowledge that they'll be bringing to Optimity.
Stacy Varney
Optimity is excited to announce Stacy Varney as our newest advisor working with the leadership team to continue the rollout of our innovative solutions in the insurance sector.
Doug developed and implemented the first National Account Distribution contract in Canada. Having co-founded Apexa, an industry-standard compliance workbench and he was an early pioneer in MGA channel development. He is the creator and marketer of the “Big Stick Bologna character” on Maple Leaf Wax Bologna, a marketing initiative to reinvigorate an aged brand with a new generation. Over the last 3 decades, he has been a consistent force of modernization and commercialization of big ideas in the insurance industry.
Q. Where do you see the industry going?
The insurance industry must make fundamental changes to the way they do business as consumers expect more from every company they engage with. Improving the customer experience and being easy to do business with should be a priority for every insurer. InsurTechs, like Optimity, must present their unique value propositions by demonstrating how they will help meet this consumer demand.
Q. What is your specialty?
I've been a sales & marketing leader in the insurance/reinsurance and InsurTech space for over 20 years. I'm a natural connector of people and love developing high-performing teams to achieve company growth objectives. I'm also a coach and mentor to many in the industry and love to help others achieve their personal & professional growth goals. I'm known for my high energy and drive.
Q. Why are you working with Optimity?
I believe in the mission of the company and the passion of the founders. I believe Optimity has a unique value proposition for the insurance industry and I'm excited to help share the value proposition with my extensive network.
Q. Examples of other success stories you have worked with?
My most recent success story was during my time at ClaimVantage. I was the first Global Head of Sales & Marketing the company had and I built a dynamic, high-performing team over a two-year period while also helping achieve significant ARR growth which ultimately led to the company being acquired in early 2021.
Q. What do you expect will be the most exciting thing to happen over the next quarter / year?
I'm officially kicking off my independent consulting practice and Optimity is a key customer out of the gate.
Q. What expertise are you bringing to Optimity?
Executive leadership, sales excellence, marketing (to the insurance industry), account management (customer success) expertise, a global view of the industry, an extensive network, strong work ethic & integrity, energy and a very positive attitude!
Q. Favourite thing about working with Optimity and the ecosystem?
Helping the team achieve their goals!
At Optimity, Doug will be advising on distribution strategies, channels, and ecosystems that support our carrier solutions at scale. If you are interested in partnerships and collaborations with Optimity, feel free to reach out to Doug at dougpaul@myoptimity.com or our solutions team at engage@myoptimity.com.
For additional information, visit www.myoptimity.com/.
About Optimity
Optimity is a mission-driven technology company that uses evidence-based behavioural science and gamification to improve population health. The company’s health and wellness solutions for enterprise and consumer markets are developed by leading health experts and backed by more than 30 years of behavioural science research.
Optimity Enterprise, the company’s B2B solution, engages large populations in staying healthy and live longer. It is used by employers and insurance companies in Canada, the U.S. and Japan to drive better health outcomes and longevity for employees and policyholders. The Optimity consumer app (formerly Carrot Rewards) rewards users for walking and completing short educational quizzes focused on the body, mind, and finances. Optimity partners with popular consumer loyalty brands, enabling points (gems) earned in its enterprise and consumer apps to be redeemed towards grocery, travel, and lifestyle rewards. With a reach of over one million Canadians, Optimity is the most popular and trusted health rewards program in the country.
