Without a Doubt the Best Decision - Paul Turner
Paul Turner joins us to talk about his experience in the insurance industry, how it’s changed, and what his career at Konsileo is like.
‘I started in 1991 when I was 17. I failed all my GCSEs, and my dad said I needed to work for him. My first ever job was to convert paper files onto a brand-new computer system, which ended up taking a year. I was also making the teas and doing the filing, which I enjoyed because it was relatively easy. But you do learn a lot doing those sorts of things; you start picking stuff up as you do it. I was eventually allowed to speak to clients, take responsibility for the diary, write proposal forms, learn underwriting guides, the lot. Back when I started, nothing was sent via the internet so it took a while to get everything sorted out.’
From There, to Now
Paul ended up as a manager in his early twenties, being the port of call for one office and six other staff. He explains, ‘in 1998, my dad’s business partner had a heart attack which meant I had to step up to take his position. I got dropped in the deep end really. Managing all those people was quite tricky. It was a case of just getting through that time, but it ended up being pretty successful. We faced challenges, like direct line had just come into play which meant a lot of our processes had to be reviewed.
‘I enjoyed the role as it ultimately ended up being an accidental career. Work started increasing in importance and I was able to buy my first house. I did have some quick growing-up to do. Having absolute responsibilities at that age makes you realise the importance of taking accountability for your actions. I had to dive in and learn to deal with commercial insurances. Someone from Avon insurance came down and showed me the ropes which I will always be grateful for.’
Being in the insurance industry for 30 years means that Paul has seen a lot of change. When asked about his experience of the shifts in ways of working, Paul responded that, ‘it’s a lot easier in so many respects but then time-consuming in a different way. You get more done quicker; tech has played an incredible, fundamental role to that compared to 20-30 years ago.
‘Working from home is so normalised now, which is great. In 2018, I had enough of being in an office! I definitely found I’m less and less tolerant, so having my own space means I can pick and choose when I speak to people. That move has also been enabled by tech. The freedom it unlocks means that I can be more available for both clients and my family, and my quality of life has been exponentially better. You no longer have to turn up and be somewhere even if you’re feeling like crap.’
“It’s Without a Doubt the Best Decision I’ve Ever Made in My Working Life”
Paul was among the first Client Directors to join Konsileo, when there were less than 20 people at the company. Now, 7 years later, Konsileo has grown to over 150 colleagues. Asked about his experience, Paul declares how, ‘having ran, owned, and managed places, this is without a doubt the best decision I have ever made in my working life. Without a doubt. I feel respected, I feel worthy – I would never want to leave. This is my retirement plan. I enjoy the comradery but also the chance to have some distance and space at the same time. The trust to just get on – to look after your own clients and be successful in that – it really motivates you to do your best work. It also teaches you to recognise that you’re not having a good day and to give yourself the space to get your mindset right.
‘I didn’t expect to find trusted colleagues that have become friends. Whilst I keep my circle fairly small, I’ve got certain established relationships that I know I can always speak to. Previously, I had been the one everyone came to for advice and had to be the one with all the answers. I don’t have to have that anymore; I can lean on my peers and bounce my worries off. Getting that alternative perspective is so valuable, especially after being the one that was always giving the other view! Konsileo was originally sold to me on the basis of freedom, and that is still true to this day. I really needed that WFH environment and being able to be there for my kids.’
Evolving as a Professional, Evolving as a Person
Asked how his style of broking has changed over these past developments, he responded, ‘I am much more assured with my clients. I am more prepared to tell them straight up. A lot of it is about having the confidence to provide advice and the ability to lead a client through your reasoning. I’ve also found ways to help me get out a bit of a rough spot – listening to music is always my go-to. With my working patterns, I’m also able to take a couple days off to gain perspective if something is really frustrating me.
‘I’ve always been a person that is optimistic, so I do look for the positives in any situation. You’ve got to have the lows to appreciate the highs and remember that nothing lasts forever; all you can do is make the best of each day. Having a mental health nurse as your best mate also helps, he helped me through massively when my dad died. The right people around you make all the difference.’
Outside of work, Paul is deeply involved in his local rugby club. His dad set up a junior section and eventually became the president of the club. Recently, Paul has been asked to be the junior chairman. He expands, ‘it was such an honour, I’m humbled. Being able to continue something my dad helped create is amazing. I still coach and play a little, and I recently had my first game of rugby with my son as a senior which was a real full-circle moment.’
Has Paul’s story resonated with you?
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