GreenKite’s Ask Me Anything – Q&A with Karen Stanford

What inspired you to pursue a career in the insurance industry?

Like most folks, I stumbled into insurance when I took a summer job at Lloyd’s of London on their IT helpdesk while studying Economics at university. Surprisingly, I ended up working there part-time throughout my degree, and luckily, they offered me a full-time position upon graduating. The incredible range of opportunities I had during my early years at Lloyd’s made me stick with insurance instead of exploring other options. I hopped between three different divisions, tackling a variety of roles ranging from IT helpdesk support to project administration, and from business analytics to business analysis. By the time I was ready to venture into the broader market, I was fully convinced that insurance held the promise of a rewarding and enduring career.

What do you consider to be your strengths, and how do you leverage them in your work?

Having the ability to think on your toes, leverage past experiences, and collaboratively solve problems with stakeholders are strengths I’ve honed over my career in change management and operations. These skills are vital for driving meaningful change within a business, and being a well-rounded consultant requires proficiency in all of them.

How do you measure success in your line of work?

In the world of consultancy, you’re brought on board to tackle tasks that the company can’t handle internally. Whether delivering a specific project, repairing strained relationships, offering external expertise, or uncovering underlying issues that cause trouble, our success lies in accomplishing objectives and fostering strong, fruitful relationships with the stakeholders we serve. The ultimate affirmation of our work comes in the form of client referrals, repeat engagements, or simply resolving the very issues that were causing the problems.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about your line of work?

It’s often said that senior consultants are solely focused on clinching projects and disappear soon after delivery starts. However, I take a different approach. I actively participate and contribute to the majority of change projects at GreenKite because I firmly believe in the significance of providing expert advice and guidance while seeing projects through to completion. Another misconception surrounding change is the notion that a dedicated change team can handle it all. Undoubtedly, a change team plays a crucial role in project success, but it’s imperative for business users to stay actively engaged throughout the entire process. This ensures that any changes are thoroughly considered and effectively integrated into the organisation.

How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles?

For me, motivation springs from the individuals I collaborate with—be it clients, vendors, or colleagues. I genuinely relish my work, and those who know me will agree that I like to laugh a lot whilst working. So, fostering a positive culture has a contagious effect, while forging robust business relationships ensures that when challenges arise, there is a tribe to tackle and troubleshoot those problems collectively.

How do you balance the competing demands of your role and manage your time effectively?

Ah, that question is worth a million pounds, and rest assured, once I have the answer, I’ll be sure to share it with you. I’m immersed in a fascinating book on carving out time for strategy. It emphasises that while you can’t entirely liberate yourself from day-to-day operations, you can create space to focus on meaningful endeavours. It boils down to allocating time for essential matters and shedding the burden of low-value tasks. This can be challenging in a small business, but even adopting such a mindset marks a step in the right direction.

How do you stay current with industry developments and trends?

Stay engaged in conversations, continuously inquire, cultivate your network, and never stop learning. What makes GreenKite truly exceptional is the presence of technical experts spanning various fields. This means that expertise awaits you at every turn, ready for your access and awareness. Even if it doesn’t appear immediately relevant, I assure you that one day, you’ll find yourself in dire need of that invaluable piece of information.

Can you share your thoughts on the future of the delegated authority space?

The realm of delegated authority business has been experiencing steady growth and has undergone remarkable advancements since I started my journey in the MGA industry a decade ago. Undoubtedly, it has become increasingly entrepreneurial. Nevertheless, those destined for success understand the importance of establishing a sturdy framework encompassing processes, personnel, and technology. Gone are the days when scribbling down business details on a spreadsheet on day one could sustainably suffice.

What do you enjoy doing to relax and unwind after a long day?

In my life, I find myself surrounded by the delightful chaos of two lively dogs, three energetic stepchildren, and an extraordinary husband. Living in the Kent countryside, with a pub just a stroll away, provides a perfect chance to unwind. Additionally, I actively contribute to the community as a school governor at the local school and as a member of the Parish Council. These roles strengthen the bonds within the community I call home and enable me to leverage my business acumen to drive positive changes and bring value to those around me.

What do you see as your biggest accomplishment so far, and why is it meaningful to you?

My primary goal is to cultivate GreenKite into a thriving consultancy business—a place where individuals genuinely desire to work. I take immense pride in the fact that people acknowledge GreenKite as an exceptional workplace, offering captivating and challenging work where they can contribute meaningfully while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It brings me great pleasure to know that our team recognises the value they bring and finds fulfilment in their roles.

What advice would you give those starting in the insurance industry?

Within insurance, the opportunities are vast and diverse. It’s crucial not to limit yourself solely to the realms of underwriting and broking. Explore the myriad of captivating back-office careers that exist, as they hold the potential to be truly transformative for an organisation. These roles, often overlooked, can be instrumental in driving innovation and making a substantial impact.