A rising star in the industry, Bluefin development executive Cally McBride is quickly making a name not just for herself, but also for youngsters, women and mothers in insurance.
McBride’s young insurance career recently reached new heights as she garnered two major recognitions in just a span of seven months. In November 2015, the Insurance Institute of Mid Kent declared her as a runner-up for the Young Achiever of the Year award.
Then, in May 2016, she was named among the three finalists for the Young Broker of the Year award of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.
“Being a young, female, mother in the industry it was amazing to get recognition, at national level, for my contribution to the industry,” McBride said.
At Bluefin, McBride offers insurance and risk management services and generates new business. She serves a wide portfolio of clients, including manufacturers, contractors, property owners, charities, wholesalers, retailers and professional firms.
McBride does all that while also fulfilling the best and toughest job in the world – being a mom.
“My children are the motivation behind everything I do,” she said. “They inspire me to achieve in my career and lead by example to them that if you work hard and do what you believe in, you will achieve.”
How did you get into the industry?
My career started in 2009 with a small family-run, high street broker. I have to say that I ‘fell’ into insurance, like most people, and very quickly realised that it was a great industry to be involved with. An industry that provides a great platform for passionate people to excel.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is the satisfaction you receive from a ‘job well done’. My job is to provide protection to people’s businesses, their livelihoods, and having people put their complete trust in your advice and ability is what makes it all worthwhile.
What personal or career milestone are you most proud of so far?
The highlight of my career so far has to be being awarded Top 3 finalist position in the BIBA Young Broker of the Year award in May 2016. Being a young, female, mother in the industry it was amazing to get recognition, at national level, for my contribution to the industry.
Personal life, my highlight has to be having my two children.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever arranged cover for?
I once arranged cover for a company who ride bicycles all day with an advertising board strapped to the back of them. Customers pay to have their advertisements ridden around a busy city centre, providing an innovative marketing solution.
Describe insurance brokers in three words.
Honest, trusted-advisers and creative.
How would you change the industry?
I would like to change the perception of insurance brokers – to be seen as an industry of professionals that is recognised for the value of their expert advice and services that are provided.
How is your company improving the business?
Bluefin’s culture is client-focused – the clients are at the heart of what we do. The company ensure that the culture and values are instilled into every member of staff so that that the clients always come first. I believe that we listen to our clients and move with their growing expectations to ensure that we are always ahead of the game when it comes to customer service. An example of this is the emerging cyber and crime risk - we aim to make sure that all of our clients are aware of the risks they face and provide practical protection options for them.
Tell us something about yourself outside the industry.
I am a mother to two young boys aged five and seven. My time outside of work life is heavily centred on creating memories with them and quality family time.
Name someone who has influenced you.
As cliché as it may sound, my children are the motivation behind everything I do. They inspire me to achieve in my career and lead by example to them that if you work hard and do what you believe in, you will achieve.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be yourself and always strive to achieve your goals.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t in insurance, I would be…
…in the arts as I always had a passion for performing when I was younger. I would also love to be something creative, like an architect or a cartoonist.
If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?
I would look at the country’s childcare system. Implement a new system which provides affordable and accessible childcare to enable more parents to go back to work and pursue their career.
What advice can you give to newbie brokers and to those who want to join the industry?
I would say that it is a great career choice. To me it is an industry that is innovative, creative, interesting and exciting. There are apprenticeship programmes that allow a ‘newbie’ the chance to join insurance brokers at ground level and work their way up. The sky can be your limit and, providing you are willing to invest your commitment and passion, you can set your goals high in an environment that allows individuals to succeed.
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