Spotlight on Clare Surgeon… on her Operations role as well as her secret singing talent

16 March, 2022

Clare Surgeon recently prised herself away from her previous firm of over 20 years and made the leap to her role as an Operations and Assurance Manager within the Small Business Unit of PIB Insurance Brokers.

So how does it feel being a newbie after so many years with the same company? And how did she make the transition from her musical upbringing and experiences, to choosing PIB as a new career destination? Over to you Clare! 

Tell us a bit about yourself? 

I fell into insurance by accident. I saw a job advertised as a Customer Service Advisor for an insurance company and thought ‘well I like talking to people so it sounds like a good job for me’.  I had a range of roles over the years there including claims, Learning & Development, Projects, Underwriting, sales to name a few. When I settled into an operations and customer excellence role about five years ago, I knew it was what I wanted to do longer term.

Where does a pair of roller skates fit into this?

I love being in Operations as there are so many different aspects to it and no day is ever the same! However, when I left college with A levels in Theatre Studies and Dance (and English) all I wanted to do was get into musical theatre. I loved the stage musical ‘Starlight Express’ and could see myself singing on roller skates like the performers in it. Funny how things change isn’t it?!

What attracted you to PIB as a career destination?  

I wasn’t actively looking for another job, but a friend told me about a role which they thought would be perfect for me, and for the next stage of my career. So, I found out more and here I am!

What does your new role entail?

Operations is such a wide remit, and we cover pretty much anything and everything, such as improving efficiencies for example through automation, documentation or process improvements, as well as ensuring that we always do the right thing for our customers. I’m loving it!

And how is life so far at PIB? 

I must admit that I felt a bit daunted by being a newbie, after so many years with the same company. But my colleagues have been amazing and really welcomed me in, which is wonderful.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself? 

I’m not really one for the limelight so the most surprising thing about me is probably my love of live singing! I was the lead singer in an indie/rock covers band for a few years.

Biggest achievement?  

There have been a few things during my career so far that I’m really proud of, but I honestly feel the best is yet to come.

My biggest personal achievement was completing the ‘Sandy 10’ road race. I’ve never been a runner, but my sister kept asking me to do it with her. I loved and hated every minute of it in equal measures. I am in awe of people who run marathons, but it’s really not for me!

What is your best piece of careers advice you’ve been given, or you would give? 

Be true to yourself and never let anyone hold you back.

Did you enjoy reading Clare’s story? You can read more about colleagues across PIB Group on our website or explore our career opportunities here.