We’re counting the days until Applied Net 2023 (Oct. 23-26)! With the wide range of sessions and inspiring speakers who will be featured at the conference, attendees can come ready to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences. In this session preview, Miriam Kasseris, a panelist for the session, “Expert Panel: Lessons Learned From Undergoing an Acquisition,” shares what attendees can expect during the talk.

What is your experience in this field and what’s your favorite part?

My agency was acquired by Arthur J Gallagher in September of 2021. After 20+ years with the same 4th generation, family-run agency, it was a very complicated experience. The last two years have been filled with many learning curves — some good, some not so good — and since mergers and acquisitions (M&As) look to be the norm, I thought it would be helpful to share my own experience with those in similar situations, as a way to both help others on their journey and also help my own growing pains.  

What can attendees look forward to during this panel session?

The three panelists have all been through acquisitions, both on the “acquired” side as well as the “acquirer” side. Our hope is that this session will help clear up some of the unknowns and help foster a good experience. In this vein, we will share our experiences: what we learned and how we turned issues into positives. We will touch on the key points to keep in mind and welcome any questions from the attendees.

Is there a particular topic you’re most looking forward to sharing?

I am excited to share my experience, and how I learned to accept the myriad of changes that came with being bought. I am also looking forward to sharing about the challenges of relearning Epic through the corporate lens, and how losing some of the authority I had previously turned into a positive path.

What is a highlight or two you hope attendees will take away from your session?

I want folks to understand that while change is scary, it can also be a very good thing. That it is okay to ask a lot of questions, both of your management as well as that of the company acquiring you, and to do your research to ensure the culture will be welcoming.

Miriam will also be speaking in two other Applied Net sessions: “Configuring Download in Applied Epic” and “Expert Panel: Why You Should Be Using Claims Download.” View the full schedule and don’t forget to register today!

Miriam Kasseris: I have 20+ years in the insurance game. The majority of that for the same family-run agency. We were acquired by Arthur J Gallagher Risk Management in 2021, and I look forward to more opportunities for learning and growth within the industry. 

I am also a member at large for the Tri State Epic Users Group and hope to use this experience to help others get the most out of Epic and ACN. Most recently, I was chosen to be the host of season three of the ReApplied podcast.

When not handling a multitude of client issues, running reports in Epic, or sorting out the daily download, I can be found with my nose in a book, or a nail polish brush in my hand.