My decade-long career in the insurance industry has been an exciting and fulfilling one. It all started in EY’s graduate scheme, which led to a rewarding role within their actuarial practice. However, it was during my time at Allianz that I found my passion for the personal lines car book.

In 2018, I took a different path – joining ERS, as a product manager in the commercial team, and embarking on life in a smaller organisation. But, the dynamic nature of the role and the opportunity to drive product innovation forward fuelled my entrepreneurial spirit.

Little did I know that the world would soon be hit by a global pandemic though!  As COVID-19 disrupted industries and lives, I found myself at the forefront of adapting to the changing landscape, playing crucial role in opening up our successful courier product and exploring e-trade opportunities.

Fast forward to the present day – I have been in my current role as the Head of Delegated Personal Lines at ERS, part of the IQUW Group, for two years, focusing on personal lines once again. Leading my own team and heading up important decisions, ERS is a place where accountability and hard work are essential. We pride ourselves on our agility and nimbleness, taking risks and pushing boundaries in a supportive and collaborative environment – all of which is hugely rewarding.

One aspect of my journey that has been particularly remarkable is my experience with parenthood. In March 2021, my eldest child was born, and like most companies, the standard paternity leave offered was just two weeks. And like many new parents, it was tricky to navigate the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities during those initial weeks.

However, the IQUW Group had always been on a roadmap to enhance its parental leave policies, and I was thrilled to see those changes take effect when I had my second baby. The introduction of two weeks of full pay for paternity leave was a game-changer. This generous offer allowed me to spend valuable time with my newborn and support my family during those crucial early weeks. It also meant I could preserve my holiday time, recognising the importance of taking regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

But the journey didn’t stop there. The IQUW Group has since expanded its parental leave policy again to offer four weeks of paid leave. And the best part is that it doesn’t have to be taken all at once. The flexibility to split the leave and take it at different times provides parents like me with the support we need as our children grow. It’s a brilliant initiative that acknowledges the evolving needs of working parents.

I also believe the IQUW Group’s commitment to supporting working parents extends beyond parental leave. The company embraces flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working, which has provided me with the flexibility to strike a healthy work-life balance. It allows me to be present for important milestones in my children’s lives – not least nursery pick up! – while contributing meaningfully to both my family and my career.

As I reflect on my journey as a working parent at the IQUW Group, I am grateful for the company’s continuous efforts to evolve and enhance its support for parents like me. Parenthood is a remarkable journey, and I am proud to be part of an organisation that values and supports the unique experiences and challenges that come with it.