Company Safety and RIMS Chapter Leadership with Tamieka Weeks

RIMScast

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Navigating the Risk Management Journey

This chapter explores the speaker's career path from a claims adjuster to the director of global risk management at Southwire, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and building relationships. It also highlights the development of a risk culture within the organization and the implementation of tools to streamline risk management processes.

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Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.

Justin and his guest, Tamieka Weeks, discuss highlights from her risk career and how she felt, pivoting from claims adjusting to risk management. Tamieka tells of her role at Southwire and how she helps the evolving risk and insurance group. Tamieka digs into challenges she has faced at Southwire and in the RIMS Atlanta Chapter, where she serves on the board as a past president. She tells how the Chapter survived and improved during COVID-19. Tamieka speaks of her instant love of risk management and the excitement of waking up each day not knowing what was coming next. Tamieka provides advice for rising professionals and tells how the RIMS Atlanta Chapter works with risk and insurance students.

Listen to Tamieka’s advice for you.

Key Takeaways:

[:01] About RIMS and RIMScast.

[:15] Registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow with RIMS, from May 4th through May 7th in Chicago, Illinois. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD.

[:26] After you register, visit your App Store, search for RIMS Events, and download the RIMS Events App. Select RISKWORLD 2025, load the show onto your phone, and start building your RISKWORLD itinerary!

[:42] About this episode of RIMScast. Our guest is former RIMS Atlanta Chapter President, Tamieka Weeks. We will talk about her career journey and all the fantastic work she’s done for the RIMS Atlanta Chapter.

[1:07] In the spirit of National Electrical Safety Month, we will learn how she drives a culture of safety at Southwire.

[1:15] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! RIMS is co-hosting an intensive four-day program which is your gateway to achieving two prestigious certifications, the DRI Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) and the RIMS Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP).

[1:34] This workshop will be held from May 19th through the 22nd in collaboration with DRI International. Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode’s show notes.

[1:49] Virtual Workshops! On June 12th, Pat Saporito will host “Managing Data for ERM” and she will return on June 26th to present the very popular new course, “Generative AI for Risk Management”.

[2:06] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode’s show notes.

[2:17] RISKWORLD registration is open. Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow, from May 4th through 7th in Chicago. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD. Also, remember that there will be lots of pre-conference workshops being held in Chicago just ahead of RISKWORLD.

[2:35] These courses include “Applying and Integrating ERM,” “Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique,” and more! The links are in the show notes.

[2:45] The Spencer Educational Foundation is having a Flash Sale for sponsorships at RISKWORLD! Sponsorship pricing has been reduced for the Spencer-CNA Pickleball Social on Saturday, May 3rd, and the Spencer-Gallagher Golf Tournament on Sunday, May 4th.

[3:03] Sponsorships are still available for the Spencer-Sedgwick 5K Fun Run on Tuesday, May 6th. Visit Spencered.org/riskworld2025 to learn about these opportunities and more. Also, reach out to Spencer’s Executive Director Megan Miller at MMiller@Spencered.org.

[3:26] Our guest today is the Director of Global Risk Management and Insurance at Southwire Company in Georgia. She is also the former RIMS Atlanta Chapter President. Under her leadership, the chapter took home the RIMS 2022 Chapter of the Year Award at RISKWORLD.

[3:46] She is Tamieka Weeks and I am so thrilled to finally get her on RIMScast to talk about her career journey, her work at Southwire, and what it was like to lead the RIMS Atlanta Chapter.

[3:59] We will also talk about how Tamieka helps drive a culture of safety at Southwire, in the spirit of National Electrical Safety Month, coming up in May.

[4:08] Interview! Tamieka Weeks, welcome to RIMScast!

[4:31] Tamieka Weeks started as a claims adjuster with a finance degree. Her career has been so different from many. Tamieka hopes all will take their journey for what it’s worth and be proud of their accomplishments.

[5:08] When someone approaches you with an opportunity, say Yes! Don’t turn it down. You never know what doors may open. As a former claims adjuster, and now the Director of Global Risk Management and Insurance, she wants to have a relationship with the claims adjusters.

[5:45] In a file review, Tamieka wants to know the why behind an insurance policy. She purchases a policy with the intent of protecting Southwire’s assets.

[6:29] Southwire is about an hour west of Atlanta, in Carrollton, Georgia. It is the leading manufacturer of wiring cable. Southwire will celebrate 75 years in March of 2030. Southwire is excited about where it is today and is looking forward to continuing to grow globally.

[7:13] Tamieka knows to expect the unexpected and be able to pivot. She never knows what may come up in a day. She is open. She knows she is there to support the organization.

[7:38] Tamieka is a trusted advisor and a subject matter expert within the organization. She prides herself on ensuring that everyone knows that she is here to support them.

[7:54] Southwire has 9,000 employees. In November 2024, Southwire launched a risk management SharePoint site. It goes into risk management insurance definitions and surety bonds definitions. It’s all about sharing the knowledge of the industry.

[8:26] The SharePoint site also provides the claims reporting. Tamieka educates the employees on what to do when an incident occurs. The first thing is to report the claim to the TPA. If they have any questions, they can contact Tamieka. Tamieka is also responsible for surety bonds.

[9:16] There is a checklist for property claims and those are reported to Tamieka. The instructions for what needs to happen on a property claim are on the SharePoint site. It’s important to notify Tamieka so she can report the property claim.

[9:32] It’s all about everyone being aware of what needs to happen about an event.

[9:41] Tamieka has been with Southwire for almost 12 years. She helped build the risk culture at Southwire. It’s been a fun ride, for sure!

[9:53] Tamieka partnered with several team members to develop the SharePoint site. It’s been exciting for the organization. It was launched by the IT department and several others. Tamieka had spoken with risk professionals throughout the industry about what they were launching.

[10:33] The beauty of the risk industry is that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. It’s all about what we can do to enhance their organization through process improvement.

[11:00] When Tamieka started with Southwire, she was busy administering certificates of insurance. The SharePoint site streamlines everything in a central location. People can see their insurance limits, request what they need, and submit information to their insurance brokers.

[11:45] Tamieka’s risk team of about 5 people reports to the General Counsel department.

[12:27] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! On April 24th, Riskonnect returns to deliver “Better Together: The Marriage of Insurable Risk and Business Continuity.” Nonmembers can use the code BETTER50 at checkout for complimentary registration.

[12:44] Zurich’s webinar, “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding” was rescheduled and will be held on May 1st at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.

[12:52] If you were already registered for the original date, you do not need to take any action: You are now registered for the May 1st session with Zurich about “Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding.”

[13:04] On May 22nd, webinars are back with GRC, a TÜV SÜD Company, and their newest session, “Asset Valuations in 2025: Managing Tariffs, Inflation, and Rising Insurance Scrutiny”.

[13:20] On June 5th, Zywave joins us to discuss “Today’s Escalating Risk Trajectory: What’s the Cause and What’s the Solution?” We’ll find out on June 5th!

[13:31] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/Webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members.

[13:43] There was a brief extension for educational session submissions for RIMS Canada, which will be held from September 14th through the 17th in Calgary. The link is in this episode’s show notes. Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca and submit your session by April 24th.

[14:00] Let’s Return to Our Interview with Former RIMS Atlanta Chapter President Tamieka Weeks!

[14:18] When Tamieka joined risk management, she loved it instantly because it’s continually evolving. The market and your company are evolving and you have to be able to embrace the change. There are always new risks and emerging risks.

[14:43] Once, cyber risk was new. Now the new risk we’re talking about is AI. Who knows what new risk we will be talking about in the next nine months to a year? To be in the risk management industry, you have to love it to wake up each day not knowing what to expect.

[15:16] Tamiela says the meaningful relationships that we establish from day to day, month to month, and year to year are truly amazing. The industry is amazing, as well, from Atlanta to global. She is excited about RISKWORLD 2025 in Chicago.

[15:43] RISKWORLD 2025 will be held from May 4th through May 7th, in Chicago, Illinois.

[15:47] May is also National Electrical Safety Awareness Month in the U.S. Southwire is always focused on safety, with monthly training for team members. They focus on team members from entering the facilities to exiting the facilities. Safety is number one.

[16:28] Southwire’s Environmental Health and Safety Department strives for safety. Southwire recently completed Lockout/Tagout training, a safety procedure for properly shutting off equipment to ensure that no one is accidentally injured if machinery is being serviced.

[17:01] Tamieka says labeling is placed on Southwire wires and cables to ensure the customers are aware of how to use the products. Customers can also download information on the safe use of Southwire products. This is part of Southwire’s Environmental Health and Safety efforts.

[17:43] RIMS Plug! From Ryan Harris, upcoming Keynote on the Main Stage on May 6th at RISKWORLD 2025, “Greetings RIMS members and global risk professionals! I’m Ryan Harris, Champion of Super Bowl 50, best-selling author, and award-winning broadcaster.

[18:02] “I’m thrilled to be your Main Stage Keynote for RISKWORLD 2025, where we will discuss the transformative five steps to building a championship team and leading to win! You can learn more about me and my story by listening to RIMScast.

[18:18] ”And more than anything, make sure to register for RISKWORLD 2025 by visiting RIMS.org/riskworld. I’m so thrilled to see you and I’m looking forward to us building together so that you can reach your greatest success!”

[18:33] Thank you, again, Ryan. We look forward to seeing you at RISKWORLD 2025 on May 6th. A link to Ryan’s episode of RIMScast, #325, is in this episode’s show notes. Get a preview of the Super Bowl Champion and remember to register for RISKWORLD 2025.

[18:49] Let’s Return to the Conclusion of Our Interview with Tamieka Weeks!

[19:10] Tamieka describes practicing risk management in the greater Atlanta area. She says it’s all about the people and the risk management community. Everybody just loves everybody! It’s Southern hospitality. When she joined the Atlanta RIMS Chapter, it was very welcoming.

[19:34] When Tamieka joined the board, the board members saw so much potential in her. They assured her she could do this. Tamieka says Atlanta is the land of opportunity. Tamieka joined the chapter in 2013. She became the first Black female President of the Atlanta Chapter.

[20:38] Tamieka became Chapter President during COVID-19. Her thoughts were about what she could do to make the organization better and what she could do for succession planning.

[20:59] Members were at home. Tamieka connected with the previous presidents and prior board members. No one was in person. Tamieka asked the previous officers for their notes. They were happy to talk and share ideas to make the chapter succeed.

[22:02] That moment was more about the Chapter and less about Tamieka. Tamieka built committees and sent surveys. Tamieka wanted to hear what the members had to say. She gave the board and members a voice. It was a fun time, working to make the chapter better.

[22:44] The feedback from past presidents was the foundation to win 2022 Chapter of the Year! Their ability and willingness to help Tamieka in her role made the RIMS Atlanta Chapter special.

[23:33] The chapter had a virtual social hour with a mixologist. They had a virtual trivia game. They had a virtual mentor event. They raised money at a Virtual Aid Conference. They were creative in everything they did. They were able to connect with members in a challenging time.

[24:20] The surveys were critical. They partnered with global RIMS to enhance their bylaws. The new bylaws permitted the board to meet virtually. They changed their chapter website. They made many improvements to the chapter’s success.

[24:58] In 2025, Tamieka received the Walter H. Buce Jr. Memorial Award which honors the insurance and risk management professional of the year in the RIMS Atlanta Chapter. Tamieka calls the award overwhelming. She is deeply honored. It means the world to her.

[26:04] Tamieka’s advice for young risk professionals: “Stay focused. When others see potential in you, listen to them. Don’t shy away. Work hard. Set clear goals. Trust in yourself. Stay dedicated. Be persistent. Be intentional. Your path will eventually reveal itself.

[29:29] “You’re going to have people around you that are going to be your cheerleaders. Please find a mentor. They’re going to support you along the way. In Atlanta, I would also say we have focused on bridging the gap of rising risk professionals and students entering the industry.”

[27:08] “The RIMS Atlanta Chapter has embraced what we can do to help and support the young professionals who are focused on entering the industry soon. That’s been a huge success for the RIMS Atlanta Chapter, as well.”

[27:28] Tamieka Weeks, It’s such a pleasure to see you again. I look forward to seeing you after this episode comes out, at RISKWORLD 2025 in Chicago. Tamieka is looking forward to seeing everyone, It’s going to be a great RISKWORLD!

[27:46] Special thanks again to former RIMS Atlanta Chapter President and Walter Buce Award Winner, Tamieka Weeks for joining us here on RIMScast! Learn more about her and the chapter’s fantastic work through the link in this episode’s show notes. Of course, visit AtlantaRIMS.org.

[28:05] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes.

[28:32] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let’s collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information.

[28:50] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information.

[29:08] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today’s risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more.

[29:24] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management.

[29:38] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org.

[29:46] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!

Links:

RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! Download the RIMS Events app!

Spencer’s RISKWORLD Events — Register or Sponsor!

RIMS Texas Regional 2025 — August 3‒5 | Advance registration rates now open.

RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP)

RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy

RIMS Risk Management magazine

RIMS Now

The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center

Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates

Submit a session to RIMS Canada 2025 — Final Deadline April 24.

RIMS Atlanta Chapter