Culture starts at the top. When it comes to creating a culture of service, a leader’s actions can demonstrate the value of giving back and set a standard that permeates throughout an organization. For Mike Hessling, Gallagher Bassett’s (GB’s) CEO, North America, this responsibility is a welcomed aspect of his role, one that he embraces as a privilege and a personal mission.
Spearheading GB’s efforts, Mike is returning as a volunteer at Give Kids The World’s (GKTW’s) annual service event and gala for a third consecutive year. As an organization, GB is going into its 12th year of service with GKTW, and we are proud to continue supporting as part of the upcoming Workers’ Compensation Institute conference.
GKTW Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit in Central Florida that provides children with critical illnesses and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost. Since 1986, the Village has welcomed nearly 200,000 families from all 50 states and 77 countries.
A father of eight children, Mike understands the importance of family and how supporting others brings his family closer together. This extends to his position as a leader within GB, serving as a role model for our team members and ensuring that service remains at the heart of GB’s culture.
“While we are here, we have the opportunity to help, to bring joy, and to interact with families and their children,” Mike says. “To be a part of this mission is special for me and the other GB team members who have volunteered.”
Every wish family is treated to accommodations, transportation, donated theme park tickets, meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, and more. Volunteers contribute to prepping and cleaning the Village, preparing activities, and assisting families during their stay.
“I am proud that many of our team members will join me in volunteering at GKTW and help fulfill its mission of providing happiness to children and families confronting medical challenges,” he says.
“At GB, we are committed to helping people and companies overcome the impact of risk. This same commitment—helping others when they need it most—connects beautifully with GKTW’s volunteer opportunity,” Mike says. “I can’t imagine a better way to spend a day together with so many colleagues from across GB and our great industry.”
To learn more about Give Kids The World, visit: Give Kids The World Village.
WCI Conference Preview
The Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) is a valued non-profit organization delivering world-class educational sessions at its highly anticipated annual conference. The 2024 conference certainly exceeded all expectations, offering unmatched programming and the ability to give back to both our industry and our community.
At Gallagher Bassett (GB), we recognize the immense value of educational seminars in fostering industry growth and facilitating the exchange of valuable insights. The WCI Conference serves as a unique platform where industry professionals come together to explore cutting-edge trends, innovative strategies, and best practices.
Through these panels, our seasoned experts will share their wealth of knowledge and insights, enriching the conference with practical and forward-thinking strategies for success.
Don’t miss these sessions from GB’s experts
- Thriving Under Pressure: Strategies to Prevent Burnout with Olga Benitez
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM in the Magnolia Ballrooms 4-6
- The Future of Fairness: How AI Is Transforming Claims Equity and the Injured Worker Experience with Nikki Jackson
- 2:10 PM -3:10 PM in the Crystal Ballroom H
- The Emerging Risks Regarding Mental Health in the Workplace with Greg McKenna and Danielle Hill-Lamoureaux
- 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM in the Crystal Ballroom J1
- Show Me the Money! A Guide to Greater Subrogation Recoveries with Michelle Taylor
- 8:45 AM -9:45 AM in the Magnolia Ballrooms 7-9
- Organizational Evolution and Adaptation to AI and Machine Learning with Joe Powell
- 9:55 AM – 10:55 AM in the Crystal Ballroom J1
- How to Minimize Defense Costs with Gabe Hayes
- 9:55 AM – 10:55 AM in the Magnolia Ballrooms 7-9
- Deliver Superior Outcomes that Support Workers and the Bottom Line with Miranda Love and Michelle Sears
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the Crystal Ballroom J1
- Credibility: The Currency of Success in Workers’ Compensation with Suzy Braden
- 2:10 PM – 3:10 PM in the Grand Ballroom 8A
- What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There: Key Insights for Effective Communication, Persuasive Negotiation, and Compelling Influence and Executive Presence with Caryn Siebert
- 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM in Grand Ballroom 8A
- 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM in Grand Ballroom 8A
Click here to read the full list of speakers.
