Eibhlin Powell is an Associate Director in Charles Taylor
Adjusting Natural Resources.

Eibhlin has been with Charles Taylor since 2016 and is
based in the UK.

What made you join CT?

Not many people dream of being in insurance – your careers advisor doesn't tell you to go into insurance. I like it because I get to travel and maintain my technical expertise; I am a Process Engineer by background. I worked in oil and gas for 10 years so I really wanted to keep the technical side of it and insurance was all new but a nice change and very interesting. It keeps you on your toes and each claim is different.

What does your job entail on a day-to-day basis?

At the moment, less travel - mostly meetings, emails and trying to progress claims. There are lots of discussions, answering emails, spreadsheets, doing reports, trying to mentor graduates – it is important to help them to keep their heads up, focused and to make sure they are OK. I have about 30 open claims, all at various stages. When something new comes in you want to get on top of it immediately. There are lots of communications with the insured and with clients. I act as a mediator and manage expectations.

How did you adapt to the changes during the pandemic?

We all came together to make things work as a team. We have used drone technology to carry out surveys. We are using local engineers to conduct surveys on our behalf. This has worked really well. However, in some scenarios there is no substitute for being there in person. Settlement negotiations are hard virtually - you can't get the same feeling for the insured over a computer. It is important to read body language.

What is your favourite thing about working for
Charles Taylor Adjusting?

I really like the travel – that is a big plus for me, also the variety of work. I learn something new in every claim. Plus, there is a clear career path, and you are never standing still. On the sorts of claims we work on our stakeholders are extremely knowledgeable in their field which makes them interesting and enjoyable to work with, even if we do not always agree on everything. The Insurance market is underpinned by relationships and a large part of that is being sociable. There are lots of opportunities to socialise and get to know people really well.

What advice would you give to someone starting
their career in insurance?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, be proactive because everyone is busy and especially at the moment when we are not in office all the time, you can be forgotten about. Don’t be afraid to join meetings and talk to people. Get to know people. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

Eibhlin Powell