Profile
“Being true to who we are is key; we are purely a referral-based business. There is zero marketing or advertising”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
For Ania Caruso, elevating the careers of others has been the most meaningful contribution in a remarkable career that has spanned over two decades and counting.
“It’s not just about guiding others to achieve their goals, but also about helping them see their potential in ways they may not have realized,” says Caruso, National Casualty President at RPS.
“If I’ve been able to spark even a small amount of courage or innovation in the leaders of tomorrow, then I consider that a meaningful and lasting impact.”
Caruso’s career ambitions were shaped from an early age, as the IBA Hot 100 member watched her mother, a successful CFO, exemplify the leadership and empowerment skills needed to thrive as a professional.
“Watching her, I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps in some way.”
One of Caruso’s employees has dubbed her an “Ideas Ambassador,” a label that embodies the industry veteran’s unique innovation and problem-solving skills. She enjoys challenging the status quo and has built a team around her that is constantly finding novel solutions to the industry’s challenges.
“What sets me apart is not just the ability to develop forward-thinking ideas, but also my capacity to rally and inspire those around me to bring those ideas to life,” she notes. “Whether it’s leading a team through a complex challenge or crafting solutions that exceed client expectations, I thrive on creating a shared vision and empowering others to achieve it.”
As a lifelong learner, Caruso is always looking to grow her knowledge base to find the most pertinent solutions for her clients. She also understands that careers have seasons – with periods of highs and lows – and uses her setbacks as motivation for future success.
“I would describe my approach as a ‘can-do attitude’ combined with the mindset of ‘what got you here won’t get you there,’” she explains. “I firmly believe in the importance of continuous evolution, both professionally and personally. To succeed, you must always be willing to adapt, learn, and grow.”
Finding the right talent in the insurance industry has been an ongoing challenge for leaders across the country. This “war” for talent – and especially candidates holding specialized expertise – has helped Caruso shape her team to be inclusive, collaborative, and results-driven.
“I focus on creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow with a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.”
She adds, “I also prioritize mentorship and career development opportunities, ensuring that team members see a clear path for growth within the organization.”
Caruso is also passionate about finding talented individuals who may not be traditionally targeted by the insurance industry.
“I believe in looking beyond traditional talent pools and embracing diversity of thought, background, and experience,” she explains. “By broadening our perspective on what makes a great candidate, we can uncover untapped potential and bring fresh ideas to the table.”
2850 Golf Road Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
866 595 8413
RPS.Marcomm@RPSins.com
linkedin.com/in/ania-caruso-cpcu
RPSins.com
Ania Caruso, CPCU
National Casualty President
Risk Placement Services
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“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
2001
2015
2021
2023
2024–2025
Began her insurance career at Marsh through their prestigious graduate training program. During her tenure, she held a variety of roles, showcasing her versatility and commitment to professional growth. She later accepted an opportunity to establish the Complex Casualty Practice at WTW in the Southeast, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
2001
Joined CNA: Driven by her industry curiosity and passion for innovation, she transitioned to the carrier side, taking on the role of umbrella and excess leader at CNA. This role allowed her to deepen her understanding of underwriting and broaden her perspective on risk management.
2015
Joined Gallagher: Guided by her unwavering client-focused approach, she returned to the brokerage side and joined Gallagher. Here, she spearheaded the creation and growth of the Casualty Practice in the Southeast, delivering tailored solutions and driving exceptional results for clients.
2021
Honored as Business Insurance Women to Watch winner and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Georgia - Women We Admire
2023
2024: Risk and Insurance Power Broker – Manufacturing
2025: Joined RPS as national casualty president. In this role, she continues to lead with vision and strategy, shaping the future of casualty solutions on a national scale.
2024–2025
Milestones
Milestones
ELITE WOMEN 2024 JUDGE
“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day,” he says.
While at the helm of a rapidly growing business and a family that includes two young children at home, Rakowski has learned to manage what he calls a “never-ending list of commitments” that consists of a new team member each month, a new interstate office and two to three new referral partners monthly.
“Our business is a human business, so investing genuine time in every person can be draining on a personal level. Balancing it all is a challenge,” he says. “Simply put, do what you say you will do, and act at all times with honesty and integrity, being respectful and empathetic. The financial outcomes are a byproduct of the human interactions we have.”
Attracting, retaining and delivering exceptional client outcomes and service starts with a sincere interest in their journey and remaining relevant to them as their lives and needs evolve, notes Rakowski. He points out that he and his team put in most of the work upfront in building meaningful relationships, which is a testament to its 99% client retention rate.
He says, “We are clear in the types of clients we work best with and our value proposition. We also look for a cultural alignment with all of our referral partners, and we are acutely aware of our strengths and how different we are from our industry peers.”
Rakowski recently opened a Queensland business and plans a foot in every other capital city. He strives to establish the brokerage as a national business with on-the-ground representation in every state by the end of 2025.