Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
Only you will truly know yourself and what you do and do not like. When you are deciding on a role you have to weigh up is it appropriate for you, but also what is your 'gut feel'. Not just about the role, but the people and organisation. You will spend many years of your life in the workplace, so it is critical you enjoy what you do. I have been fortunate in that 95% of time I have loved the work, experiences and people I have worked with. There will always be tasks we don't quiet enjoy, but it is my fondness for the role which has kept me here for 22 years
Career path
Audit supervisor
Phoenix Group
From 09/1995 to 02/2000Senior Risk Manager
Phoenix Group
Started 02/2020 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
I am naturally an inquisitive person with a keen eye for the detail for both what is and what is not there. These are key attributes for audit work and by being able to delve into the detail whilst retaining the bigger picture overview from my experience gained, I feel I am able to add value. However, finding things is only part of the picture, with how you communicate this equally important. Being able to leverage and build relationships in support of this is a key factor which makes the role so enjoyable.
Greatest achievements
In 2014 I project managed delivery of a fundamental change to our retirement proposition at the time. This entailed the use of a panel of annuity providers rather than writing in house annuities. Delivery entailed coordination of numerous individuals and workstreams including third parties, new website build, tools to aid customers in decision making and contractual negotiations. Whilst incredibly stretching it built out my skillset and provided a huge sense of satisfaction when it delivered and went live. It built my relationships around the business both existing and with new individuals, which continue to endure to this day
Jonathan M
Top Insider Advice
Be open to new opportunities, which make you smile We are in a growth business, and a growth mindset compliments this. I am a big believer in doing things which make you happy and working on your strengths. I feel like I have found this here
Stuart T
Operational Governance and Risk Consultant
Top Insider Advice
When i joined the first financial institution i worked for, initially working in customer services, i had two goals in mind: 1. I knew Customer Services was not for me long-term, and i wanted to move to a more admin based role as soon as possible. I achieved this within a year of joining the first financial institution i worked for. 2. Standard Life had a great reputation and were well known in the City i worked in as being a great place to work. When i took my first job in financial services my goal was to ultimately join Standard Life but i knew i required some experience in the industry before doing so. After two years in Financial Services i successfully applied for my first role at Standard Life. This was a great decision for my career and i remain at Standard Life/Phoenix to this day, many years later.
Kieran J
Top Insider Advice
My recruitment journey was a rollercoaster. When I was in my final year of university, I was so certain that I wanted a job lined up for when I leave university. Therefore, I began applying 8 months in advance. Although it sounds like I was prepared, I wasn't prepared for rejection. I used to apply to roles whereby all the duties and responsibilities would fit perfectly, but the reality is that the employee market is so competitive. I received hundreds of rejections where I put my heart and soul into job applications. My advice is therefore simple, never take rejection seriously. Go with the flow, take feedback on board. This enhances your interview skills. You develop as an individual. Through constant rejection, you will land your dream role. Most importantly, do not undermine yourself throughout the recruitment process. Keep going with utmost motivation.
