Penny speed meets... Dave Partington, head of retail offices, Gallagher Heath

Being an insatiable socialite, Penny Black is always eager to probe the personalities behind the professional veneer of her industry friends. What better way to squeeze in and share as many intimate revelations as possible than her very own ‘speed meeting’ column? This week, it’s the turn of Gallagher Heath’s Dave Partington

What was your first ever job – and were you any good at it? Cracking eggs in a cake factory – and yes, check out my synchronised one-handed double crack

If an MP3 player really could only hold three tunes, what would you select for the ultimate soundtrack to your life? Everybody Dance by Chic; A Forest by The Cure; and Lola’s Theme by The Shapeshifters

Who was your top teenage pin-up? Debbie Harry

My colleagues won’t know this about me but… I hold the Guinness World Record for the fastest half marathon by a man dressed as a fruit (tomato)

Favourite book of all time? P05: Insurance Law

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Treat others as you would wish to be treated

What would be your chosen superpower? See the future – a given for someone that likes a flutter

If you could be Prime Minister for the day, what change would you instigate and why? Make anyone fit and able do voluntary work if they aren’t employed or in education

How would a typical school report about you read? Excellent results – despite his attitude and effort

My top tip for climbing the insurance career ladder is... Choose your boss, not your job

What’s the most annoying thing people do in your office? Turn up for meetings on time

My last supper would comprise… Heston Blumenthal’s 14-course tasting menu

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date? My wife, Fiona

When I’m not working I like to... Play with my kids, dine with my wife, drink with my mates and run on my own

Last film you saw? Lincoln (not recommended unless you are stuck on a plane for eight hours)

If I wasn’t working in insurance I would probably be... Trying to get into the industry

Name your five ideal dinner party guests (dead or alive) noting what they bring to the party Jamie Oliver to cook; Norman Jay MBE to play the tunes; Henry VIII to bring the meat; Prince Harry to bring the booze; and James Corden in case the conversation gets boring

Marmite: food of the gods or work of the devil? Gods’ food

Career high point to date? Right now: having turned the business around and built fresh infrastructure, we’re now securing fantastic business wins, beating budget and primed for growth

What do you say when strangers at a social gathering ask what you do for a living? I’m an insurance broker

If you could travel back in time, where would you go? Apollo moon landing – just to check it actually happened

Finish this sentence: Insurance is a great industry to work in because… Everyone has to buy it and most people aren’t interested in it

Would you like to be probed by Penny on one of her speed meets? Get in touch via stephanie.denton@incisivemedia.com

This article was published in the 30 May 2013 edition of Post magazine