Penny Speed Meets... Paul Havenhand, head of insurance and travel, the Post Office

What was your first ever job – and were you any good at it?
Selling loans to customers on the end of a phone and, yes, I was very good at it.

What’s your favourite quote or motto?
‘I haven’t got the right head on’.

If you had the power, what words or phrase would be banned?
‘Whatever!’

What would be your perfect day away from work?
Jet‑skiing, BBQ on the beach, followed by a campfire, whiskey and a nice Cuban cigar watching the stars.

Who would play you in the film of your life?
Steve McQueen.

What is your worst habit?
My addiction to the snooze button on my alarm clock.

If you could edit your past, what would you change?
Age 18 to 25, I aged about 20 years.

What would your death row meal be?
A long one – lasting around 20 to 25 years.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Head of insurance for the Post Office but, failing that, a professional golfer would have been a good second.

What is the strangest claim you have ever heard about?
Not strange – more cheeky was the building society customer who didn’t renew her home policy, days before her house was almost destroyed by escaping water, and then asked us to pay for the damage, as she hadn’t sorted out a new policy yet. Actually we did, but the underwriter was feeling generous that day.

What inanimate object would you save first from a fire and why?
Photographs of my wonderful children as babies – irreplaceable.

This article was published in the 10 July edition of Post magazine.