Moises Frias, digital services and analytics manager at Maxis GBN, speaks to Health & Protection about why he always wanted to work in insurance, why it is vital to communicate to clients the benefits of technology and about his impending new role.
How did you get your start in the sector?
I was always drawn to the insurance industry – I know that sounds like a lie, but it isn’t, I promise. It’s one of those ancient industries that has a really good reputation, especially as I live in London, the capital of insurance. It’s a good place to work and I find the industry has a lot of opportunities for everyone, no matter background or experience.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I work in the digital and innovation team and am part of the Maxis Data & Digital Innovation Lab. The lab develops the dashboards and other digital products and services which help our clients to understand their data. I love talking to clients and seeing them using our dashboards to decide their business strategy – it gives me a lot of pride seeing my work in action.
In the new year I will be moving into a new role in the Maxis IT team as a data engineer, helping to deliver one of our biggest data management projects ever. So, I’m looking forward to seeing that project come to life and solving some of the data challenges we face.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
I would have to say my dad. He has had to make a lot of sacrifices to get my family where we are today and I’ve always looked up to him.
Who has been your most important mentor in your career so far and why?
My manager – director, digital and innovation, Helga Viegas has always been a great mentor. She understood we needed to innovate and be at the forefront of the industry. She created our innovation lab – the vision that she had, and the fact she turned it into reality, is something I’ve always looked up to.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
In this industry there’s is a lot of information to get to grips with at first. When I first started I hit the ground running but soon realised how important it is to understand all aspects of the business. My advice would be to speak up and ask questions. It’s important to speak to a variety of people and find out what they do and how it all comes together – understanding this will make doing your job a lot easier.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I face working in innovation, is convincing people that the new tools we have developed will benefit them – this applies to colleagues and clients. This is something we manage to overcome as a team, and it’s always worth it to see the final product being used and appreciated.
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
I think if I can look back on my career in 20 years, I’ll be happy if I am the kind of person people consider an expert. I want to be someone that people go to for strategy and, also just for advice. I know that this requires a lot of effort, but it’d definitely be the marker of success for me.
How would your boss describe you?
I think she would describe me as someone with a can-do attitude. I don’t like to say no, which I guess isn’t always a good thing, but I always try to bring a solution to the table. I don’t like to call out a problem or a challenge without trying to solve it.
What’s your biggest talent away from work?
I can’t say it’s a talent yet, but I enjoy wine tasting and I want to get seriously good at it.
What mantra do you live by?
I have two: You shouldn’t compare yourself to other people, you should compare yourself to who you were yesterday and keep getting better; and a goal without a plan is just a wish.
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
Viva la Vida by Coldplay.