Diary of an Insurer: Starpeak’s Andy Brownsell

Monday

I wake-up at 6am, ahead of the rest of my house and head down for breakfast. I tend to spend 15 mins eating and reading the news. I normally leave the house by 7.30am.

By 8am, I’m already in work mode, catching up on emails and planning out the week ahead. 

Each week has a unique set of challenges and opportunities, however, our goal at Starpeak remains the same: to revolutionise the insurance experience for our valued customers. Every activity I engage in helps gets us closer to this goal.

Next up, I lead a product development meeting. During this time, we brainstorm our product offerings, ensuring they remain innovative and aligned with the evolving needs of our customers. I prep for an upcoming product governance committee meeting, scheduled for later in the week, by reviewing the product governance and oversight documents contributed to by each committee member.

After wrapping up product-focused activities in the morning, I grab a quick bite to eat to recharge for the afternoon.

My afternoon typically kicks off around 2pm. Today, I have a discussion on data privacy with our technical director, lasting for about an hour. This session allows us to delve into the intricacies of data privacy regulations and ensures that our practices align with the highest standards of compliance.

Following this, I dedicate my time to reviewing the staff training initiatives for my direct reports. This involves assessing their progress, identifying areas for improvement, and thinking about ways to enhance their skills.

As the workday draws to a close, I catch up on emails. This allows me to address any urgent matters, tie-up loose ends, and ensure that I’m well-prepared for the following day.

Tuesday

I start my day by reviewing upcoming PR work and activities. This helps me stay abreast of our communication strategies and ensures alignment with our broader goals.

Following this, I have a catch-up with the head of customer outcomes. During this weekly meeting, we discuss training and compliance matters to ensure that our customers receive the highest level of service and support.

Late morning, I attend a meeting with insurers, primarily focusing on the sign-off for binder renewal. This ensures that our contractual agreements remain up-to-date and in alignment with our business objectives.

Noon marks the time for me to dedicate an hour to managing emails, ensuring prompt responses and addressing any urgent matters that require immediate attention.

After lunch, I have a one-on-one meeting to discuss personal development and progression pathways. This allows for discussions regarding individual growth and opportunities within the business.

From 2pm to 4pm, I devote my time to reviewing the monthly activities necessary to maintain compliance with our regulatory requirements. 

Wrapping up the day, I have discussions around product development and planning, laying the groundwork for future initiatives and ensuring alignment with our long-term strategic objectives.

Wednesday

I begin my morning by diving into my emails. Following this, I have a meeting scheduled with insurers. During this time, we discuss product performance, ensuring that our offerings meet the evolving needs of our customers.

From 11am to 2pm today, I review the performance of our products under the Protectivity brand. This allows us to assess the effectiveness of our strategies and make any necessary adjustments to optimise performance.

In the afternoon, we have a meeting to explore new opportunities with a prospective new capacity provider. This presents an exciting chance to expand our network and explore potential collaborations.

At the end of the day, I dedicate time to follow up on any action items or decisions made during the day’s meetings, ensuring that progress continues smoothly. 

Thursday

My morning begins with dedicating an hour to managing emails, ensuring that I’m up to date with any important tasks that need my attention.

Following this, I have a product development group meeting that allows us to discuss product performance and how we can improve customer experience and uptake.

Directly after this, I have a meeting focusing on underwriting and claims performance, where we assess the effectiveness of our processes to ensure efficient and satisfactory outcomes for our customers.

In the afternoon, I chair a product governance committee meeting.

During this monthly re-occurring meeting, our committee reviews a specific product or set of products to ensure they continue to provide value to our customers. We also review and evaluate new products, which are required to go through a rigorous approval process.

Friday

Following my email check, I aim to squeeze in some continuous professional development time. This allows me to invest in my professional growth, which is extremely important.

I have a catch-up session with the head of marketing to discuss ongoing marketing initiatives and align our strategies with our overarching goals plus a scheduled call with one of our insurer partners to provide and receive updates on our projects, ensuring that we’re on track to meet our mutual objectives.

In the early afternoon, I review management accounts in preparation for an upcoming board meeting. This meeting falls mid-month and is a chance for the senior team, which includes Julian Hucks, founder and managing director, and Andy Pilgrim, technical director, to sit down and review business performance. 

This covers compliance, staffing and HR considerations along with product and operational performance.

Later I focus on exploring a new partnership opportunity, working on a product proposal and plan to capitalise on this potential collaboration.

As the working week comes to a close, I dedicate time to plan for the upcoming week. This involves reviewing my schedule, preparing for early-week meetings, and considering any travel arrangements that may be necessary.