We’re delighted to introduce you to Joanna Jackson. Joanna has been with the business for over three years and was recently promoted to Business Development Manager for the North and Scotland regions.
Tell us about your career so far and your current role
After graduating with a Psychology degree, I began my career in insurance when I joined Jensten in June 2021. Unlike most people who say they ‘fell’ into insurance, I deliberately stepped into it. I liked the idea of entering an industry at entry level, working my way up, and obtaining qualifications throughout – insurance fits that exact criteria. My role is all about people, so it’s safe to say the degree comes in handy.
In my first role at Jensten Underwriting (previously known as Policyfast), I dealt with fleet new business. After a year, I joined the Jensten London Markets fleet team (previously known as Senior Wright) as a broking support assistant. Here, I dealt with adjustments, supported the new business team, handled account queries, and made prospecting calls, among other things. This was a great role as I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the London Market, and with the help of a fantastic team, I was able to really recognise my strengths and start to develop them.
A year later, I joined the Sales & Distribution team as a Telephone Account Manager, working alongside the BDMs and dealing with my smaller panel of brokers representing Jensten Underwriting and London Markets. It was a fantastic year filled with lots of learning and working with new people throughout the business. Fast-forward a year, and I am now a Business Development Manager for the North and Scotland, thanks to my amazing team, who have been great mentors throughout.
What do you like about your new role?
My new role involves visiting brokers, educating them on our product and service offerings at Jensten Underwriting & London Markets, and discovering how we can collaborate to help them find the best possible solutions for their clients. I spend a lot of time on the road, as well as my general day-to-day duties, which can vary depending on demand. The role requires you to continuously spot opportunities, be proactive, collaborate, have a positive attitude, and efficiently manage your time.
As a Business Development Manager, I must be responsive to the needs of our brokers and reactive to the needs of the business. This means that every week is different and there is a lot of task variety in what we do. My favourite thing about the role is, luckily, what the role is all about – meeting new people and building relationships.
It’s great to meet new brokers every week and be able to strengthen those relationships. I also love building internal relationships; as a BDM, you get the pleasure of dealing with various colleagues across Jensten on a daily basis, which I thoroughly enjoy. The end goal is to facilitate broker-trading team relationships and ensure brokers are aware of their key points of contact across the business & how to use our products and services effectively.
What advice would you give women in insurance who want a successful career?
I certainly cannot speak for all women, but factors that have gotten me where I am today include being tenacious, always using initiative, not being afraid to ask questions, being honest and true to myself, and always being vocal about my ambitions for growth.
I also think it’s really important to say yes to new opportunities, whether that be someone asking for your assistance with a new project or trying something outside of your comfort zone. Saying yes will open new doors of opportunity, and you never know where they might lead.
Get in touch
Joanna prides herself on exceptional service and is on hand to offer support and guidance. She will be looking after our brokers in the North of England and Scotland regions and is looking forward to speaking with you to help develop your business with Jensten. Feel free to get in touch with Joanna using her contact details below.
Joanna Jackson
Business Development Manager – North & Scotland
Email: joanna.jackson@jensten.co.uk
Mobile: 07795 038480