Women In Industry

AT WORK, REST AND PLAY

THIS MONTH: Irene Akpojaro Head of Insurance, GGF

This series in Glass News highlights the hopes and aspirations of women in the windows, doors, glass, roofs and hardware industry and will hopefully inspire more to make this their career.

AT WORK...

How did you get into this industry?

I started from the bottom up. I started as an administrator and gradually built my career up to where I sit now as the Head of Insurance for the Glass and Glazing Federation.

What was your first job after school or college?

My first corporate job after university was with AkzoNobel Plc as an order processing administrator.

Can you give a brief resume of jobs up to your current position?

After my time at AkzoNobel, I joined Installsure as an administrator and have worked my way up. I have been with Installsure for 12 years now. I started as an administrator in 2010, was promoted to Accounts Manager in 2017, in 2018 to the role of Client Manager and in 2020 after the departure of the then Head of Operations, I was promoted into that position and subsequently to the role of the Head of Insurance. This has shown me that hard work and perseverance is the way.

Do you believe your speciality (finance, sales, management, marketing etc.) is transferable to any industry?

My speciality in insurance is very transferable to any industry.

Have you a career path mapped out or is it more about opportunism?

I am currently studying for my insurance Certification and the next step once that is achieved would be working towards Risk Management certification and directorship with the group.

Looking ahead, where would you like to be in a) 5 years’ time and b) 10 years’ time?

5 years, for now, I would want to be fully certified in Insurance Risk Management and working towards directorship. In 10 years I would be well established with my role and looking at what the future brings.

AT REST...

Away from work, what is your focus?

Family, ensuring that we are thriving as a family, enjoying a good holiday and spending quality time with each other is very important to me. Because, as they say, life is too short.

What activities help you switch off?

A lovely sunny holiday and I will switch off. I enjoy swimming when not travelling and a good book which can transport me away from where I am will do that trick too.

All work and no play make Jill a dull girl! True or False and why?

Very true, you have to find the right balance between work and play. Particularly the play aspect is important, to relax the mind and de-stress from the daily pressures of work.

AT PLAY...

Do you achieve the work/life balance you would like to?

Currently yes. It hasn’t always been like that, but after I was dignosed with high blood pressure at a young age, I have had to relearn how to switch off from work when at home. I wouldn’t say I have perfected it but I am still learning and my work-life balance is a lot better.

With money and leisure time no object, what would you really like to do for yourself or your family?

Travel the world.