Georgia Shepherd, protection adviser at Mint FS, speaks to Health & Protection about making the move into protection from hospitality, overcoming initial self-doubt about changing career, the importance of keeping an open mind about your transferable skills, and why she can still make a mean wood-fired pizza.
How did you get your start in the sector?
Before entering the health and protection sector, I worked in hospitality, where I developed a passion for looking after people and building strong relationships.
Although I enjoyed the role, I was looking for a career that offered more purpose, greater opportunities for progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.
An opportunity arose to move into health and protection, and I haven’t looked back.
It has given me the chance to combine my people skills with meaningful work that helps individuals and families protect what matters most.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to educate people and raise awareness about the importance of protection.
Many people don’t realise how valuable it is until they need it, so being able to have those conversations and help them understand their options is incredibly rewarding.
I particularly enjoy working with first-time buyers, as buying a home is one of the biggest milestones in a person’s life.
Who is your role model – in life or work?
Rather than looking up to one individual, I’m inspired by the advisers and professionals who put their clients first. I admire people who take the time to educate others, build trust and genuinely care about helping people make informed decisions.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
My advice would be to keep an open mind and not be put off if you don’t come from a financial services background.
I started my career in hospitality, and many of the skills I developed there—communication, empathy and building relationships—have been invaluable in my role today.
Do you see AI as a threat or opportunity for people entering the sector?
I personally don’t think it is a threat. Talking to a client about personal protection policies can be a difficult subject for some and I believe speaking to a caring adviser who is compassionate and listens is something that is irreplaceable by AI.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
My biggest setback would have been at the beginning of my career, I had a massive lack of confidence and self-belief as the industry was so new to me and I felt like a very small fish in a large pond.
I overcame this by seeing positive results in my work and listened back to my calls and made notes on how to better my conversations.
Laugh or cry – what did your most memorable client or case make you want to do and why?
My most memorable case made me want to cry – a client I had been dealing with for a very long time suddenly passed away, but due to him having medical disclosures which were very serious and recent we were unable to find a provider who would consider him for life insurance, it was always a decline or a long-postponement period.
Hearing his wife call our office in floods of tears made it very real and gave me a real-life story to also share with my clients.
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
My ultimate goal is to become a trusted adviser who makes a lasting difference to the lives of the people I work with.
I have passed a third of my CEMAP exams, so this is something I will tie in nicely with my protection conversations.
If people look back and remember me as someone who genuinely cared, took the time to educate them and helped protect what mattered most, I’d consider that a successful career.
How would your boss describe you?
My bosses would probably describe me as diligent, empathetic and personable. I treat my clients as if they are a friend and remember the small details about them and their situations.
What’s my biggest talent away from work?
I can make a mean wood-fired pizza. After many years in hospitality, I can fling a dough ball into a perfect and tasty artisan pizza.
What mantra do I live by?
You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room—just the one willing to learn.
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
Shut Up And Dance – Walk The Moon.
I am very sociable and always up for a laugh. This song really brings out my fun-loving side.