Diary of an Insurer: Zurich’s Paula Robinson

Monday

My Mondays are always filled with team meetings, catching up with the other team managers in the South, and then with my regional manager about the region’s work or issues to be resolved for the week ahead. 

It’s the day I like to set up for the week and make sure I’m ready for any challenges we might face.

I have a team of 17 engineer surveyors who spend their time inspecting anything from lifts through to cranes, plant machinery, boilers, coffee machines and LEV systems in and around our region in London. 

While most inspections are straight forward, many present challenges. It can mean a busy day spent on the phone and answering emails but it’s important that we address and resolve any issues as quickly as possible. 

I started my role as the team manager back in March. I’m the first female team manager for Zurich Engineering – something I’m so proud of and I’m absolutely loving it.

By the end of the day my head is spinning so I’m ready to take my two dogs, eight-year-old Ruby, a staffy [staffordshire bull terrier], and two-year-old Frankie, a pointer, out on their second walk. 

Two high energy breeds, they love running through the open fields I am lucky enough to have them a minute from my front door. It’s our routine and it keeps me active; it’s my time to recalibrate.

Tuesday

I really love getting out and about. Even in my role as a manager I still think it’s crucial to get out on the ground and carry out inspections. 

Today I’m inspecting some workshop equipment – this includes overhead travelling cranes, hoists and lifting appliances. It’s not for the fainthearted – personally I love nothing more than being up high in a mobile elevated work platform and inspecting cranes rain, hail or shine.

It’s 30 degrees today but that doesn’t mean we can compromise on safety. I’ve got full coveralls on in a factory and it’s boiling. It’s nothing I’m not used to though; I was in the army for 14 years as a vehicle mechanic and had to work in much hotter climates, so I push on through and complete the inspection, regardless of the heat.

I love being active and improving my fitness, much of this also comes from my time in the forces. 

I successfully completed a half Ironman Triathlon last year and I’m currently training for a full Ironman later this year. So, it’s off to the gym tonight, While I’m really motivated complete this goal, I’m not going to deny that the beer garden is calling me.

Wednesday

After my quick morning dog walk, I make my way to Southwater in Sussex to inspect a 300-tonne mobile crane. It’s huge, the biggest crane they have.

It’s then back home to do some studying for my NVQ Level Three Raise the Bar in Leadership and Management course. 

This is an in-depth one-year qualification. It’s quite tough to find the time to study alongside my day job, but it’s a case of being dedicated and thinking of the end goal. 

As much as you can learn in a role, I always want to be the best leader I can be for my team of talented engineers.

I’m then ready for bed, but as a reward for my studying I’ll catch up on my guilty pleasure, Love Island. Don’t judge me.

Thursday

Sad as it sounds, lifts are my favourite things to inspect. It never gets old seeing the look on people’s faces when I jump on top of a lift and shut the door behind me.

Today it’s a mere 36 floor lift to inspect in central London. It’s four lifts so it’s a big job but someone’s got to do it.

From being up high in the city, able to see the sights, it’s then 10 floors underground to inspect the lifts of another iconic London landmark. I won’t lie, being underground isn’t for me, I much prefer heights, but I’m probably in the minority for thinking that.

Then it’s off home to the gym as that Ironman Challenge triathlon won’t complete itself.

Friday

It’s a typical Friday today, a mixture of being out and about at customer locations and being at home at my desk.

The morning is spent catching up on admin and a few calls before the weekend. 

My first port of call is a check-in with the apprentice on my team. I’m quite involved in supporting his work and mentoring him, which I love. It’s great to see team members progress in confidence and hone their skills, it makes me proud.

My afternoon is spent inspecting stairlifts in residential homes. A lot of the homes I visit are those occupied by the elderly, who may not have seen anyone for quite a while. I get the job done and then give them some of my own time for a natter. 

They know when I’m due and usually have a brew waiting for me. I find this a really rewarding part of my job, it’s something unexpected. They’re always happy to have the company and that to me is more important than a quick finish for the weekend.