As a relatively central function within the wider finance team at Phoenix. I am often closely interacting with team members from across the business with very specific knowledge and skill sets. This helps to develop my knowledge of the business and gives me an appreciation for how the work my team contributes to the business adds value. I also get the chance to work on a broad range of activity which averts boredom through saturation. I really enjoy being a line manager and supporting the team to develop as professionals really motivates me to do my best. This might include regular one to one sessions, workshops, training or just a general discussions. I love to see people with a desire to grow flourish and it always fills me with pride to see a member of staff be recognised for their good work.

The key advice I have given to all applicants and new starters is that Phoenix is a company where your opportunities are significant and plentiful. The key to capitalising on this is to be proactive, take the time to understand and reflect on your goals and achievements and communicate openly and honestly with the team around you about how you want to progress/operate within the business. The business can be fast paced and although all the resources and help are made available, it is incredibly important to make yourself accountable and seek the information you need for yourself. People are always willing to support you here but have respect for those who have taken the time to consider their requirements carefully and actively seek support before it becomes a critical requirement.

At the start of 2021 my role changed and I was made responsible for a new team that would be comprised of staff from two locations following the purchase of standard life into the Phoenix group. Coming from the Phoenix side of the transaction was a challenging experience as a huge amount of harmonisation was required to bring the teams together. This involved the embedding of new controls, networking with new teams, understanding the operations and reporting of the new entities, switching reporting ledgers and hierarchies and most importantly, supporting both my old and new teams through the transition. This significant change had a huge impact on the stress levels of the teams and helping them to traverse this new landscape by being as supportive, understanding and as informed as possible felt like a huge achievement.