Juliette Meads, national account manager at Vitality, speaks to Health & Protection about having insurance in the blood, suffering from imposter syndrome and why she models herself on the Queen of the Amazons.
How did you get your start in the sector?
I started in the industry in 2017 after completing my degree in ancient history at the University of Manchester, so naturally I went into insurance.
Aside from the obvious path of ancient history into insurance, I come from a line of insurance professionals. My dad, mum, aunt and uncle were all business development managers (BDMs) early in their career for various companies like EagleStar, Prudential and Lloyd’s Bank, so there must be something in the blood.
My career started in the industry when I was given the opportunity to work as a telephone account manager at AIG Life.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
The speed at which everything moves. The depth of the role is also something that I really enjoy, I’m constantly learning new things and am challenged to use my head and work strategically and I really enjoy this.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
Queen Penthesilea of the Amazons, the strong female warrior. Penthesilea led from the front, she broke the mould by being a strong female leader in the classical world – I’ve actually named my dog Penny in her honour.
Who has been your most important mentor in your career so far and why?
Karen Woodley, Steve Bryan, Holly Ewing, Vicky Churcher, Andy Philo, Angela Davidson and Lianne Bowen have given me great support and advice.
It would be remiss of me however not to mention my best mentor, my dad Mark Meads. Having worked in the industry for 30+ years, he has given me invaluable support and mentorship throughout my life and now career, being able to pick up the phone to him and chat through any challenges I have is something I am incredibly grateful for.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
Insurance often has a bad reputation, as people don’t believe it is there to help them. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
No one ever wants to make a claim, but protection to maintain a standard of life after a death, illness or accident is one of the most rewarding products you can sell. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge, then I would absolutely recommend it.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
Imposter Syndrome, but it’s not something you can just overcome. It creeps up when you hit targets, switch that account on, get that job and I do constantly remind myself I’ve worked hard for this, I’ve put in the hours, and I’ve made things happen.
Recognising that my imposter feelings are actually my hidden strengths mean I can use them constructively to drive myself forward.
Laugh or cry – what did your most memorable client or case make you want to do and why?
Cry – working on the road is tough at the best of times, the miles you put in can be horrendous in some weeks. Early into my BDM days, I remember setting off at 5:30am to drive 188 miles to get to a broker meeting for 9:30am. I arrived to find out the broker wasn’t coming in that day, and five unanswered calls later I was back in my car to carry on to my next meeting – no pain no gain though, right…?
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
I’m incredibly ambitious so really, the sky’s the limit.
How would your boss describe you?
Passionate, opinionated and eager to learn.
What’s your biggest talent away from work?
I’m the unofficial, self-appointment social secretary of my friends, you can rely on me to organise brunches and activities for us all.
What mantra do you live by?
‘Stress is caused by the things you don’t do’.
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
Kenny Rogers – The Gambler – “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, Know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, And know when to run.”
