Page 5 - Specialty Practices - November Newsletter

Extra, Extra, Read all About it!

Todd Macumber; President of Risk Services, Specialties Practice,
& MENTOR

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for
non-formal education, which challenges young people aged 14-24 to
dream big, celebrate their achievements, and make a difference in their
world. Since its launch in 1956, it has inspired millions of young people
to transform their lives. The Duke of Edinburgh award has been issued in
over 130 countries worldwide.
Todd Macumber got introduced to the award program a couple of years
ago when they became a HUB client. HUB’s very own Rick Gulliver sits on
the board in the US.
Todd showed interest early on in this program. Since the award process formalized in
the US, Todd got an opportunity to participate alongside some others at HUB. Todd’s
role is to be a guide, mentor, and supporter of a couple of individuals that are pursuing
different levels of this award.
Award Leaders, like Todd, develop and create an individualized and balanced Award
program for their mentees. Leaders are to guide them into selecting activities that will
challenge them and expose them to something new. There are different award levels that
they can achieve based on their age and the process they want to take. Their end goal is
to achieve this award.
Todd also provides insight to help the participants figure out what they can achieve and
how to achieve those goals. He currently is mentoring two very bright, young kids in their
teens. “They have some pretty ambitious goals.” He talks to them weekly and said they’re
making some good progress so far.
One participant, Michaelya, is extremely bright and cheerful but has been battling a rare
cancer off and on for over five years, and is also has a leg amputee. She got involved in
the program when her dad was looking for an achievement award that would fit her
unique needs. The other participant, Milo, is also extremely bright and is in 6-7 different
AP classes, is very active in his school, and with Eagle Scouts. His mother participated in
this award in the UK when she was younger, so she saw the opportunity for her son to be
apart of it. Todd talks to them at least once a week, in a combination of phone calls,
emails, and opportunities to do Skype. Their parents also participate as part of this.
This mentorship tracks along with other activities Todd has done in the latter part of his
career. Once a year, he speaks to 140 soon-to-be future leaders in his field about career
pathing. He also Chairs an Advisory Board for his alma mater, which focuses on evolving
their educational programs to help students prepare for successful careers. Previously he
has participated in Junior Achievement. Todd enjoys helping others. He thinks it's
important to give back and to provide guidance, knowledge, and support to kids and
young professionals trying to figure out their own path.
For these participants, they want to achieve this
award. For Todd, he’s in it for the journey, he wants
to see them achieve their goals, but he wants to
make sure he's helping them in the process.

© 2019 HUB International Limited. 5