Britney Trussler, protection manager at Dynamo, speaks to Health & Protection about taking the leap into protection from hospitality, taking pride in securing protection for customers who believe they cannot access cover, why Emma Astley is her role model, her prowess at Monopoly and her passion for educating advisers about protection.
How did you get your start in the sector?
Like many in the financial services industry, my journey into the insurance sector was more by chance than design. At 19, with a background solely in hospitality, I was eager to embark on a new challenge that would offer me the opportunity to build a long-term career. In November 2018, I took that leap and joined Dynamo as a case handler, supporting the protection team.
Over the course of my first year, I discovered a passion for sales and was given the chance to transition into the general insurance department as a consultant.
For the next three years, I dedicated myself to honing my skills in sales, consistently exceeding targets and building a solid reputation within the industry. Despite my success, I always felt a pull back to my roots in protection.
In March 2023, I decided to follow that instinct and began my journey as a protection consultant. This role has allowed me to combine my sales expertise with my desire to help clients secure the coverage they need, making it the perfect next step in my career.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to help those who believe they can’t secure insurance.
I’ve always been driven by a deep desire to assist others, and it’s something I take immense pride in. A significant part of my role involves working with clients who have been previously declined or have faced significant challenges in obtaining coverage elsewhere. When they come to me, many of them feel disheartened and have almost given up hope.
I truly enjoy the process of connecting with these individuals, listening to their stories, and understanding their unique struggles.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to use my expertise to help them navigate through these challenges and ultimately secure the protection they need. Each time I succeed in finding coverage for someone who thought it was impossible, it reaffirms why I love what I do.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
My role model is without a shadow of a doubt Emma Astley from Cover my Bubble.
Emma embodies the qualities I strive to cultivate in my own career and her relentless work ethic, dedication to getting the best outcome for her clients and unwavering integrity has always inspired me.
What I admire most is her ability to lead by example, not only achieving success for herself but also empowering those around her to reach their full potential.
Her influence and ongoing support has been a constant source of motivation, pushing me to continuously improve and make a meaningful impact in everything I do.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
Starting a career in the insurance sector can be a bit daunting, but it’s important not to let fear hold you back. Confidence and a willingness to learn are your greatest assets for embarking on a new career.
It’s natural to feel uncertain when entering a new field, especially one as complex as insurance. But remember, everyone starts somewhere. Instead of letting fear paralyse you, embrace the challenges ahead and have faith in your capacity to grow and handle whatever comes your way.
The more you face challenges head-on, the more capable and knowledgeable you’ll become.
Don’t underestimate the value of learning from those who have walked the path before you. Seek out connections and mentors who can offer guidance and insights based on their own experiences.
Take advantage of networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals, as these relationships can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest setbacks I faced in my career was a lack of confidence, particularly due to my age.
Entering the protection game at just 24, I found myself surrounded by professionals with years, sometimes decades, of experience.
It was incredibly intimidating to be the youngest person in the room, trying to establish myself in an environment where others seemed to possess so much more knowledge and expertise.
This lack of confidence initially made me second-guess my abilities and hesitate to voice my opinions or take the initiative. I felt the weight of being young and relatively inexperienced, and it was a challenge to see my value in comparison to those around me at times.
However, over time, I realised that age and experience are not the sole indicators of success. My fresh perspective, adaptability, and eagerness to learn became assets that I could leverage.
Building confidence wasn’t an overnight process, but it involved trusting my instincts, learning from every opportunity, and reminding myself that everyone starts somewhere.
By focusing on continuous improvement and embracing my unique strengths, I gradually overcame the intimidation of being young in a seasoned industry.
Today, I see my age not as a setback, but as a strength that brings energy, new ideas, and a fresh outlook to the table.
Laugh or cry – what did your most memorable client or case make you want to do and why?
The review below that I received really speaks for itself and when it came through, made me feel rather emotional.
“I was recommended to senior protection consultant – Britney Trussler, who I simply cannot praise enough. When other insurers could no longer cover me, I felt very vulnerable, and more so because the coverage from previous insurers wasn’t even enough to cover my mortgage, so Britney went above and beyond to get me a fantastic deal to look after me and my son. Being a single parent comes with more worries and Britney was able to sort everything and make excellent recommendations that resulted in full coverage, protecting me and my family. Thank you so much for all your support.”
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
My ultimate career goal is twofold: to educate advisers so they can provide clients with the best possible advice and outcomes, and to raise awareness that insurance isn’t just for healthy people, but a vital tool for everyone.
I am deeply committed to empowering advisers through education. The world of protection is complex, and for advisers to truly serve their clients well, they need more than just technical knowledge. They need to understand how to listen, assess individual needs, and provide personalised solutions that help clients achieve their financial goals.
By equipping advisors with the necessary tools and insights, I aim to ensure that clients receive advice that is not only sound but also tailored to their unique circumstances. Better-educated advisers leads to better client outcomes, and that’s a positive impact I am passionate about making.
I want to challenge the misconception that insurance is primarily for the healthy. Insurance is about managing risk and providing security, and that need doesn’t disappear if someone has a health issue. In fact, it becomes even more critical.
My goal is to raise awareness and advocate for a more inclusive approach to insurance, one that recognises the importance of coverage for everyone, regardless of their health status. I believe that by shifting this narrative, we can create an industry that better serves all individuals, ensuring that everyone has access to the protection they need.
How would your boss describe you?
A direct quote – “Relentlessly passionate about protection. Always looking for the best outcome for every client.”
What’s your biggest talent away from work?
While I don’t have any ‘traditional talents’, I do pride myself in having a strong ability for problem-solving and being resourceful. I mean that not in the sense of games or puzzles (although I am the current Monopoly champion in my family), but for everyday dilemmas and challenges, whether that be for myself, friends, colleagues or family. I have a relentless drive to find logical solutions and won’t stop until I do.
What mantra do you live by?
“Progress over perfection.”
This reminds me that striving for perfection can often lead to unnecessary stress and self-doubt, while focusing on continuous improvement allows us to grow, learn, and adapt.
Embracing progress encourages resilience, patience and a more positive outlook on life’s challenges.
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
Unstoppable by Sia – always rising to a challenge, never backing down.
However, if you asked my friends or family they would say Miss Independent by Neyo, describing me as strong-minded, never afraid to voice my opinions and relentlessly stubborn in standing firm in what I believe.
