Taking the lead in Leicester
Sue recently joined PIB as the Branch Director for our Leicester Branch, bringing with her over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry
Sue recently joined PIB as the Branch Director for our Leicester Branch, bringing with her over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. She began her career at Bland Bankart (now part of the Gallagher empire) and most recently at Berkeley Insurance Group in Leicester. We caught up with Sue to learn about how she has settled into her new role and her initial impressions of PIB.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I previously held the position of Operations Director at my former company, where I dedicated over 20 years of my career. The company was relatively small, with just 70 employees. In my role, I was responsible for everything from systems and HR to compliance. After two decades and some changes within the business, I felt it was the right time to seek a new challenge.
What were your first impressions of PIB?
Everyone here is incredibly welcoming! You might think that in a company with over 4000 employees, you'd just be another number, but that’s not the case I have experienced at all. I’ve been made to feel like part of the team, and everyone I’ve met across the business has been so warm and inviting. The culture here really empowers you and gives you the trust to do your job well.
I took over the Leicester Branch Director role from Stewart Liddell, whom I’ve known for many years. It was reassuring to see that Stewart has stayed with PIB and is continuing to grow his career within the business. It’s a testament to the opportunities available here and the commitment people have to progress within the company.
What do you enjoy most about working at PIB?
The people, my team, and the wealth of opportunities available to everyone, along with the company's commitment to communities and environmental issues.I also appreciate the initiatives offered by the company, both from a professional and personal perspective. I’ve already made use of the Community Trust to support my charity efforts, like running the Great North Run, and I’m inspired by the company's dedication to making a positive impact on both local communities and the environment and the significant progress in Diversity & Inclusion. I look forward to contributing to this and watching it grow.
What goals do you have?
I’ve inherited a very successful branch, and my goal is to continue the excellent work that has already been done and ensure our team continues to perform at the highest level. I want to maintain the great momentum we have and continue to support the team in every way possible.
What are your hopes for the industry?
As a former President of our local CII and a current member of both the Education and Finance Committees, I’m passionate about attracting new, young talent into the industry. There aren’t enough young professionals entering the field, and I believe there are huge opportunities for building a successful career within this industry.
What would you say to your younger self?
Have the confidence in your own ability.
How do you measure success?
Go to sleep feeling happy with what you have achieved that day.
Any interesting facts about yourself we should know?
Like I mentioned before, I am running the Great North Run next month for Rainbows Children’s Hospice. This is my third half marathon, and second GNR.I don’t plan to do another…
Do you have a personal mantra?
Not such as mantra but I practice gratitude every morning when I walk my dog, Ginny, I think about all the things I am grateful for and looking forward to. I don’t believe in negativity.
3 words to describe yourself
Positive, caring and ambitious
Quick fire round:
Favourite holiday – San Francisco
Sweet/Savoury – Savoury
Cat/Dog – Dog
Tea/Coffee – Coffee
Night/Day – Day
Favourite song – Wonderwall by Oasis
Netflix/Prime – Netflix
Lunch/Dinner – Dinner