Spotlight on…is an initiative of WICI (Women in Credit Insurance) aiming at highlighting females and male allies working in the Trade Credit Insurance business. Every month, a new interview article will be published on ICISA website.
Fiona’s career began at Grant Thornton, where she worked in the Recovery and Reorganisation team, contributing to a number of corporate restructurings. Motivated by a desire to make a difference to companies before they reached the point of needing restructuring, she transitioned into corporate accounting at a Lloyd’s syndicate. It was during this time that she became drawn to the underwriting side of the business.
Eager to apply her experience in corporate restructuring and accountancy, she moved into the trade credit insurance sector, where she has worked as a risk underwriter for over 15 years. She is now the Risk Underwriting Manager at Tokio Marine HCC, leading a team of underwriters who continue to inspire and challenge her every day.
What are your top 3 tips for a successful career in the trade credit insurance industry?
- Build relationships: This is an industry where trust is paramount. Focus on genuine connections with brokers, clients and colleagues.
- Stay curious: The world of trade credit insurance is ever-evolving. Regularly update your knowledge to stay ahead.
- Embrace resilience: Balancing a career and homelife teaches you patience and perseverance—skills invaluable in this field!
What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today? Adapting to constant change. Whether it’s emerging technologies, evolving client expectations, or fostering inclusivity, leaders must navigate these challenges with empathy and agility.
What is the best advice you would give to an aspiring leader? Don’t wait for permission to lead. Leadership is less about a title and more about taking initiative and inspiring others – focusing on the human aspect of leadership. A team thrives when they feel heard, valued, and supported.
What helps you to unwind/destress? Not many people know this but I am an avid Lego fan! Nothing helps me unwind more than the click of bricks coming together. Sorting through the pieces, seeing a vision take shape – there’s something magical about turning a pile of tiny elements into a masterpiece. It’s like meditation in motion!
If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be and why? For those who know me well, they know how much I love the natural world (I wanted to be a zoologist when I was little – not sure how that transpired into insurance!) I’d love to step into the shoes of an environmental advocate, like Jane Goodall, to see how impactful leadership can create global change.
