An Insurance Love Story
On the eve of my wedding, 8 years ago today, my bridesmaid handed me a short but illuminating list. It laid out the three things I was looking for in my future husband.
It turns out I wanted someone who:
Was passionate about his job
Had deep and sustained interests and hobbies and a vibrant life
Delighted in me
So far, so good! Points 2 and 3 were easy to spot in Richard. Point 1, however, proved trickier. My top requirement—someone passionate about his job—was a bit of a dangerous desire. I was relieved to be marrying a dutiful insurance broker who left work behind at the end of the day. Insurance didn’t seem like the kind of career anyone could be passionate about, so I laughed off my wish as a lucky escape.
Seven years later, I am delighted to see that not only did Richard develop a passion for Insurance, he also inspired one in me! Here’s why he loves the industry:
Insurance is About Helping People
Insurance offers security and helps people return to the position they were in before a loss. Richard loves making sure clients understand their risks, what coverage they need, and what their policies offer—so there are no unpleasant surprises when something goes wrong.
Insurance is Black and White
Policies are either complied with or they aren’t. Richard finds satisfaction in guiding clients clearly and honestly, ensuring everyone—clients, insurance providers, and he himself—acts in good faith. Honesty and transparency are so important that we even named our daughter Verity to reflect this value. His work with NIBE (North East Initiative on Business Ethics) and the CII (Chartered Institute of Insurers) helps promote these principles across the industry.
Working With Passionate People
Insurance might not sound exciting, but Richard finds it incredibly engaging. He specializes in working with charities and small businesses, meeting people who are passionate about their work and open to new ideas. A typical day might involve:
Chatting with a beekeeper
Advising a designer on a new product
Hearing about the progress of a local charity
Guiding a scaffolder through a claim
It’s varied work, with great people.
The Risk Management Element
Richard also enjoys the risk management side of his role. This includes advising businesses on legal entities, quality control, regulatory compliance, health and safety, safeguarding, and more. While it may sound dry to some, it’s something he finds stimulating and rewarding.
In short: Insurance isn’t just a job for Richard—it’s a passion. And for someone like me, watching him thrive and inspire confidence in others, it’s a joy to witness.
Result: 3/3! Passion, life, delight—all boxes ticked.
