Going behind the scenes with Account Manager, Joe Blair

Joining as a business graduate fresh out of university almost two years ago, Account Manager, Joe Blair, has enjoyed a fast-paced career at INSTANDA. In his own words, he says, “I know that if I had joined a larger business, I would not have had the chance to work closely with executive-level members in the business”.

We catch up with Joe to find out what it’s like to work in account management and why he considers himself to be lucky.

Joe, what does your role at INSTANDA involve?

As an Account Manager, I am responsible for several things. The best way to describe it is to build relationships with clients that are mutually beneficial so that as they grow, so does INSTANDA.

I am also responsible for the growth of accounts to ensure that as a business, INSTANDA maximises revenue opportunities.

In understanding what each client needs to achieve from the platform I work closely with other members of the team to deliver enhanced functionalities.

Additionally, I help manage the training here at INSTANDA.

You also work with our Partners, how does this differ?

Yes, part of my role includes working with a few of our great partners. This brings an entirely different and exciting challenge, working alongside other great companies to produce awesome solutions for their clients. I have been lucky enough to work with a partner in LATAM for a couple of years now, and to see them grow their business, and know that INSTANDA has played an integral part is very rewarding. In general I work more on the delivery side with partners, helping them to achieve their goals and maximise their potential.

Rewinding a bit, how did you arrive at INSTANDA?

Sure. I joined INSTANDA in 2019, the summer after I graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a 2:1 in Business and Economics.

I was keen to find a role where I could excel, so I applied for the Analyst position at INSTANDA. I consider myself lucky as I was quickly given responsibility for various tasks and worked closely with INSTANDA’s EMEA COO. After just three months, I was promoted to Account Manager.

What attracted you to the role?

The role was the right position for me, but it was the company that really attracted me. As a graduate, I wanted to gain insight and experience in multiple areas of a business, and I have always been interested in technology and financial services so Instanda was a perfect fit for me!

As a fast-growing Insurtech business, they have given me the chance to play a fluid role in the company, and always value my opinion.

I feel I have been given the opportunity to contribute to the business in lots of ways, including with operational transformation changes. I’ve also learned a tremendous amount about the technical aspects of the platform from some incredible minds. It’s an exciting place to work.

Can you tell us about a project you are particularly proud of?

I would love to give a detailed answer to this question, but I wouldn’t want to break client confidentiality! However, the things that make me most proud are when I work with clients to come up with exciting new solutions, and when I contribute to new processes and functions that are then adopted. Any deal that brings both value to the client and INSTANDA is also very rewarding.

What traits have made you successful at INSTANDA?

I make a conscious effort to immerse myself in the business and the culture. As such, I work hard and will happily go beyond my immediate remit to help the company.

If you were to ask other team members, I would like to think they would say I am committed and hard-working but also personable. After all, within my role, I must be pragmatic and take a step back to understand the root cause of a problem. This means exploring solutions with other people.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

The company is made by the people who work here. It is great to have so many colleagues that I can call my friends.

If a new starter asked you for some tips, what would you say?

INSTANDA is operating in a fast-paced industry and there is so much to take in, so my advice would be to work hard, and grab every opportunity with both hands.

If someone was starting an analyst or account management role, I would say “immerse yourself in the industry. Make the time to read relevant papers and listen to podcasts” (I aim for two articles per day).

Lastly, and this is the most important one. Integrate and connect with your colleagues – they are truly brilliant people and can make your job so much easier!

Wrapping things up, do you have any INSTANDA social stories to share?

The culture is fantastic. It breeds collaboration and because of this people enjoy socialising too. Before Covid, I would help organise football games, play golf and enjoy some great evenings at the pub with the team. It’s very much a work hard, play hard culture.