Rising star: Simone Sailman, Cunningham Lindsey

How did you get into insurance?
After leaving university, I secured a position with Axa as a motor claims handler. We often appointed loss adjusters to investigate claims and the role really appealed to me. I applied for a claims technician role at Cunningham Lindsey, telling management that my goal was to become a loss adjuster. Thankfully, through our management team, and by working closely with our large loss specialist, Mike Hurry, I have been given the chance to fulfil my ambitions.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career to date?
The biggest challenge I have faced is carrying out the day job as well as striving to become a chartered adjuster. Successfully managing a caseload, completing numerous examinations and maintaining a work-life balance is not easy.

Do you have a role model or mentor and what have you learnt from them?
Since I joined the London office I have aligned myself with Michael Hurry, an extremely accomplished high-net-worth adjuster. He is my mentor and I often assist him with English Heritage claims. I have learned a lot about non-standard construction and best practice when handling claims.

How has your view about the insurance industry changed since you started?
I now see that most members of the general public don’t fully appreciate the complex nature of the insurance industry and this doesn’t help its overall profile. With a clear understanding of the insurance contract and the case law/statute law that supports it, I feel that such negative views are unjustified.

Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
In 10 years, I would hope to be fully qualified and handling major loss domestic, high-net-worth/specie and international claims. I would also like to be part of the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters’ council.

If I wasn’t working in insurance I would be...  An independent filmmaker or a small business owner.