In her last blog for The Journal, Hannah Meads reflects on the people that have influenced her career to date
My time as the CII’s blogger is at an end, leaving me feeling reflective on my time in the profession to date. I will openly admit that when I first started considering careers, insurance was not one of them. I finished school not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life, but decided to give the world of work a stab until I figured it out. In doing so, I accidentally fell into the open arms of the insurance profession.
My career so far has not necessarily been straightforward. Far from it in fact. I've tried a bit of everything – from underwriting, to broking, and back to underwriting – but along the way, the consistent thing that has kept me motivated and inspired by this profession are the people. People that make the good days great, and the bad days manageable.
I am sure there are people that have not necessarily been my biggest fans, maybe even doubted me; but ultimately, they have helped me navigate to this point in my career.
In contrast, there are individuals I hold so much appreciation for and continue look up to. Those I am able to ask advice from; those who give me a kick up the backside when I need it most; and those who are my personal cheerleaders and genuinely want to see me succeed.
The consistent thing that has kept me motivated and inspired by this profession are the people
Highs and lows
Like every career, it has had its highs and its lows. Yes, there has been tears and moments where I have questioned my own ability; moments where I have made mistakes and hoped the ground might swallow me up. But there have also been many fond memories, small wins, confidence boosts, and plenty of laughs. Whatever the situation, there has always been someone to either share the burden or celebrate with.
And the best part? The longer I am in this profession, the wider my network grows, giving me the opportunity to meet people I may not have otherwise.
I have personally had the pleasure of working alongside so many incredible individuals – people that have made a lasting impression and helped shaped not only my career, but me as a person.
When trying to find inspiration for this last blog, I came across the quote: “The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.”
To every single person that has had an impact on my career – big or small – thank you. I am so grateful. This final blog is dedicated to you.
Hannah Meads is a Chartered insurer and assistant underwriter of commercial property at Starr Companies
