IFSDG: How long have you worked in Zurich Insurance?
Verity: Three years
IFSDG: How many people work at Zurich
Insurance?
Verity: 55,000 globally and 5,000 in the
UK.
IFSDG: What is the vision for Zurich Insurance in
Glasgow?
Verity: Zurich is eager to play a leading role
in building a successful and balanced economy in Glasgow and
Scotland, stimulating growth and protecting and creating jobs but
also making a difference in our local communities
IFSDG: What's a typical day for you?
Verity: Over the past few months I have been
part of a project in Switzerland so my typical day changes a lot…
but I have had a few constants including getting a 'must have'
coffee in the morning, working with great people who support me and
help me understand different areas of business and talking to
customers to understand what their needs are and what we can do to
help.
IFSDG:. Why did Zurich Insurance choose to locate in the
IFSD in Glasgow?
Verity: We were previously based at The Eagle
Building, Bothwell Street, but we recently relocated to a new
state-of-the-art environment on the 7th floor of St. Vincent Plaza.
We're now in a much more central and accessible location.
IFSDG: Three good things about working in
Glasgow?
Verity: It is energetic, the people within the
IFSD of Glasgow are very encouraging and we have great societies to
help young people develop such as the Insurance and Actuarial
Society of Glasgow.
IFSDG: What is your biggest business achievement to
date?
Verity: My biggest business achievement to date
would have to be spending time in the US presenting to the Board of
Directors. I was part of a programme called 'Make the Difference',
which takes colleagues from all over the organisation to innovate
and adapt the organisation. This experience showed me how invested
Zurich are in nurturing young people to help make decisions for the
future. It was a great confidence boost and taught me a lot about
our huge organisation. It also allowed me to see the great sights
of Chicago.
IFSDG: What is the best investment you ever
made?
Verity: From a personal point of view, I would
have to say my dog Alfie. When I finished my exams at 15, a litter
of puppies arrived at the farm where I keep my horse… from there I
couldn't resist. My parents were totally against the idea but
eventually my Dad told me if I could raise the money for one then I
can bring one home (he should have known then that I was too
determined not to raise the money). After working some extra hours
and selling things on ebay, Alfie came home with me! No matter
what, he will greet you with a waggy tail and is always up for
cuddles.
Professionally, I would have to say my time spent mentoring
young apprentices; it is great to see them develop and to support
them through challenges that I once came across.
IFSDG:. Which businessperson or company do you most
admire and why?
Verity: I would have to say my Dad. When I was
a little girl he started up a small finance brokerage and from a
young age showed me how determination and hard work pays off. He
has coached me throughout my very short career and not that I care
to admit it, but he gives me great advice and support.
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were a
child?
Verity: I always wanted to be a mounted police
officer. My thought process was that I could help people and do my
favourite hobby at the same time.
IFSDG: What do you do to relax away from the
office?
Verity: I have a horse called Skippy; he is my
therapy away from the office! We love to go long hacks in the
countryside or to the beach, if we are not show jumping. I am also
involved in Young Farmers where I have met friends for life and
learnt great skills whilst competing in public speaking and annual
variety concerts. I may be biased but I think it is the best
organisation for young people to be involved in.
IFSDG: I-phone or android?
Verity: I-Phone
IFSDG: Favourite band?
Verity: This is a very hard one… I love pop
music but slowly converting to country
IFSDG: Favourite sport?
Verity: Horse riding
IFSDG: Favourite movie?
Verity: Princess Diaries (any of them, I can't
wait for the next one)
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Verity: Snow, my most favourite time of year is
Christmas!
IFSDG: and finally, what three words sum you
up?
Verity: Enthusiastic, Determined, Sociable