Jenna Collins, partnership development executive at Santé Group (pictured), speaks to Health & Protection about starting off in digital technology, why her parents are her role models and a day when she was required to deliver 12 different roundtable presentations about various benefits.
How did you get your start in the sector?
I was given a fantastic opportunity to join Santé Group by CEO Paul Nugent.
I had previously worked for a digital technology company, who had had a connection to Santé Group and I was approached by Paul to discuss the then, newly developed MySanté digital health and wellbeing app. I loved it and the difference I knew it would make to the SME workplace. I was lucky enough to join the team and the rest is history.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
Working across the multisector employment space, learning about the challenges and innovative approaches business leaders tackle to support their workforce. Equally, the dynamic, forward thinking and innovate approach Santé Group has about workplace healthcare solutions. It’s busy, it’s challenging and it’s exciting to be a part of it.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
My role models are unquestionably my parents. They have always set an incredible example, working hard, long hours, volunteering and committing to always doing the best they can. Their work ethic is second to none.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
To jump right in. The focus and importance of personal health and that of workplace wellbeing isn’t going away and due to the changing and evolving working environments the sector is very challenging but rewarding.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
My biggest setback is a personal one, but I overcame that by throwing myself into work. To find purpose by focusing on small, achievable daily goals, which I ultimately reflected on to get a sense of pride. Any general set back can be worked out when you shift gear and try to find small wins.
Laugh or cry – what did your most memorable client or case make you want to do and why?
It has to be cry, in a good way. As part of my role I have the privilege to go into many businesses and present, educate and support people about our digital health and wellbeing solution.
While supporting the onboarding of one of our clients, I was required to deliver 12 different roundtable presentations about the various benefits, nuances of the app and more. It was an extremely busy and fast paced afternoon, engaging with up to a 100 people in a very short space of time. I was thrilled to get almost immediate feedback that one of the attendees had been able to engage with one of the aforementioned benefits (savings and discounts), which brought a look of relief to their face they were not expecting. Needless to say, it made my day.
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
Apart from the obvious, securing a key sector client. My goal is to simply work hard, with purpose and integrity and be valued as a key member of the team.
How would your boss describe you?
Hopefully as a team player, willing and responsible.
What’s your biggest talent away from work?
Planning holidays.
What mantra do you live by?
I can and I will.
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
Too many to choose from, maybe… You’ll Never Walk Alone (yes I’m a Liverpool fan).
