Health & Protection speaks to Lindsey Wilson, senior client services specialist at Towergate Health & Protection about her move from teaching to working at an IFA, the challenge of returning to the workplace after maternity leave and her love for Shakin’ Stevens.
How did you get your start in the sector?
After deciding teaching wasn’t for me, I found a job in a small IFA looking after mortgages and group pension and risk policies.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I enjoy the satisfaction of helping clients, whether that be with the provision and audit of complicated data or the processing of a claim.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
My dad. He has worked incredibly hard to get where he is, and isn’t afraid to put in the extra time and effort to get things done properly.
Who has been your most important mentor in your career so far and why?
My current manager Rhia Webb – she is an endless source of encouragement and the kind of manager I aspire to be.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
Do it. Insurance, particularly group risk, can be daunting, but is also incredibly satisfying when what you help with provides a real difference to people.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
My biggest setback was when I took maternity leave when I was working for another company. Being out for a year, and then the subsequent adjustments I had to make to my working hours to accommodate childcare meant it took me a while to get myself back on the footing I was when I left. But with hard work and perseverance I made headway which I’m continuing to build on at Towergate Health & Protection.
Laugh or cry – what did your most memorable client or case make you want to do and why?
Both. I provide early intervention support for a client whose submission volume can be enormous – it can be challenging sometimes to keep on top of the volumes as often the cases are time sensitive. However when you see the positive impact of the prevention and early intervention support so that people don’t need to claim, it makes you feel really good to know your personal support has made a real difference to someone.
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
I would like to manage a team.
How would your boss describe you?
Hard working, supportive and a perfectionist.
What’s your biggest talent away from work?
Baking.
What mantra do you live by?
“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.”
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
Shakin’ Stevens – Merry Christmas Everyone