We would like to introduce you to our National Product Manager, Growth and Innovation. Paul Beardmore recently joined our Group Insurance team in this newly created role that further enhances our product offering by focusing on both innovation and product solutions for our partners.
Congratulations on your new role as National Product Manager, Growth and Innovation. What has been the most exciting part of your role so far?
It has been great to become part of a new team along with a number of familiar faces. The most exciting part is the opportunity for us to develop unique product solutions for our Partners (and prospective Partners) to help their members protect what matters most.
How did your career path steer you into the insurance industry
I guess I was just lucky. I started out in a pricing team (actuarial studies) working for National Mutual and continued in the life/superannuation/investment industry. I worked in a number of roles from business development to head of product leading to group insurance product for the last 12 years. The last five years I have been involved in Product Innovation.
What do you enjoy the most about working at Zurich?
The team I work with, the opportunity to grow the group business for Zurich in Australia and helping provide valuable protection to more Australians whilst supported by the global business’ depth and experience
What do you see as the biggest growth opportunities and challenges for group insurance moving into 2023?
Our biggest growth opportunities are our existing Partners and the new Partners we are going to win in the next 12 months. Facilitating the Partners to engage effectively with their membership / employees to ensure their members have the right protection packages in place across group and retail products.
The challenges for the industry are developing digitalisation and simplification. The aim is to assist Partners with engaging more effectively with customers, supporting them to select the right protection for their needs
Since the covid crisis, how has your life changed for the better?
Covid prompted a lifestyle change, as we moved from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast. I am now enjoying the Queensland lifestyle and a big thanks to Zurich for allowing me to work from interstate.
How do you keep motivated during busy times?
I stay motivated with the knowledge that there are many great opportunities for innovation within our industry in product design which are waiting to be developed. These may come from the everyday or from innovation programs we run internally and with our Partners. Also, being part of a great team that is supporting the delivery of new and innovative ideas to our Partners for their members provides a positive environment to stay focused and motivated, even in busy times. The successes in supporting more members take out the protection they need is a great win for all in the industry.
Do you have a mentor or someone who inspires you?
I have had the great fortune of working with many inspiring managers and leaders over the years who have supported me in my development and the roles I have taken. This support from a wide range of people has provided me with the insight to seek inspiration in the everyday and be patience to know that every day is another chance to learn and grow.