60 Seconds With... Allianz’s Steve Bramall

Explain your job to a five-year-old.

I manage a big team of amazing people who help businesses buy and sell to each other.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

I have a lot of achievements that I am proud of but being asked to join the leadership team of Allianz Trade UK & Ireland, after more than 12 years working with great colleagues across various different parts of the business, was really special.

What would you name your autobiography?

Rollercoaster.

If you could learn any new skill what would it be?

Outside of work, one of my passions is music, so I would probably learn to play the piano or guitar.

If you could be a fictional character, which one would it be?

James Bond.

What chore do you hate most?

The washing-up.

What did you buy with your first wage packet?

I probably spent my first wage packet on music.

What would you tell your 18-year-old self today?  

I would say don’t be too impatient. Set goals in work and life, work super hard to achieve them, be nice to everyone, and always find the balance.

What song is guaranteed to make you smile or dance?

“One More Time” by Daft Punk.

What sporting event that you’ve never attended is top of your bucket list?

As a football fan, it’s got to be a World Cup final.

If you could go back in time to any point in history, where would you go?

Ancient Egypt – I’m fascinated by how advanced they were for such an early civilisation.

What is one fact about you that would surprise your colleagues?

I actually studied Sports Science and wanted to work in performance psychology before I began my career in banking, and then made the transition to credit insurance.

What one thing couldn’t you live without?

Staying connected and up to date with colleagues, friends and family is really important to me, so I couldn’t live without my phone and the Facetime function.

How do you define success?

This has changed over time. I would say that success is when you achieve the outcomes that you set out to deliver in a manner that you are really happy with.

What was the last lie you told?

That I would take away my daughter’s Nintendo Switch indefinitely if she didn’t tidy up her toys.