Employee Spotlight: Sarah Karam

Scrivens has a diverse team of professionals: from industry influencers to musicians, from analysts to poets. The Employee Spotlight series aims to highlight the talented individuals who work here. Each month, we’ll be featuring an interview here on the blog and on our social accounts.

Meet Sarah Karam, Receptionist

Sarah is Scrivens’ newest team member and joined us in March of 2021. In the past couple of months, Sarah has taken on a lot of new responsibilities and has fit right in with the Scrivens team.

Sarah grew up in a small town called Edwards, just South of Ottawa. Her husband, her daughter and herself can often be found at their cottage in Mont Tremblant, regardless of the season. During the warmer months, they swim, garden, and hike. In the Winter, they enjoy spending time outdoors skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Sarah admits that her daughter is already a better skier than her.

Let’s learn a little more about Sarah.

What is your favourite thing about your role?

As the receptionist, the best part of my role is being at the nucleus of the office. I’m fortunate to be able to work with all of our departments and every employee. Each day is exciting because there are many projects and new things to learn!

It’s important that each and every time our clients call, they are greeted with kindness. I value providing a courteous and caring attitude that our clients expect when contacting Scrivens. 

What do you like most about working at Scrivens?

The atmosphere! Everyone I met since joining has been kind and patient while I learn all of my responsibilities here at Scrivens. I’m fortunate to be a part of a team that consistently displays positivity and makes Scrivens a fantastic place to work.

I’m really lucky to come to work every day in an office building with such a rich history.

What has been your favourite project at Scrivens?

I’m fairly new to the insurance world but I have really enjoyed learning everything I can about the services that Scrivens provides. From retirement planning, car insurance, business insurance, employee benefits, there’s so much to learn but each new thing I learn is very rewarding.

I’m working towards elevating my career in the insurance industry by studying to earn my R.I.B.(Ont.) license!

What is one career lesson you have learned so far?

When a new opportunity arises and you’re unsure which direction to take, take the one that will challenge you the most.

Do you have any nicknames?

Sarah-Dara-Doo is a family nickname that continues to embarrass me to this day. My friends mostly call me “Burnsy” after my maiden name.

What is your favourite travel destination?

It’s not even close: Turks and Caicos. I’m enthralled with their culture, people, and food. While I’m there, I love adventuring out and snorkeling in the most beautifully clear, blue water I have ever seen.

Favourite quote

“We never forget the people we love, but the light of their lives and warmth we felt in their presence burns like a candle, the flame growing smaller from the very last moment you spent together”

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’m double-jointed and can fit into some very small spaces.