Coffee Break with... Rachael Brafield Claims Advisor – Claims, Christie Insurance
Welcome to Coffee Break with…our Christie Group series that shines a spotlight on the diverse group of people behind the business, their expertise, passions and what makes them tick!
Christie Insurance
Insuring your business, your interests and your family
When did you join Christie Insurance?
August 2024.
Where were you when you accepted your role at Christie Insurance?
In a rented country barn on a farm. We were living there temporarily while totally renovating our house.
What was your first job?
At a Little Chef, while doing my A-Levels.
In a couple of sentences, can you tell us a bit about your job at Christie Insurance?
I provide help and guidance to our clients when the unexpected happens and they need to make a claim.
What’s your favourite thing about Christie Insurance?
My colleagues, it’s a real team effort. Everyone is friendly, happy to help and share their knowledge.
What's a favourite project that you’ve worked on at Christie Insurance so far?
"Coffee Break" questions... not! Cringe.
What’s been the biggest challenge of my career so far?
Returning to work since having children a few years ago. It turns out "the struggle of the juggle," is a real thing! Insurance is a total breeze in comparison.
What’s been a highlight of my career so far?
Returning to work at Christie Insurance since having children has been a highlight of my career; with young children, you have no choice but to embrace a better work-life balance.
How has the industry changed since you started at Christie Insurance?
I’m not sure it’s changed much over the last 16 months, although cyber seems to be high-profile, and I fear some claims may be on the horizon.
Who in your industry do you feel most inspired by?
My ex-CEO. He grew his independent brokerage from a start-up into a business with several offices and over 300 employees across the UK. Eventually, he sold the company to one of the top national brokers. He’s since started again, I’m not sure he’ll ever retire!
Tell us a bit about your life outside work – what are your hobbies?
I love being outdoors! My main hobbies are cycling and walking.
What’s your hometown? Where do you live now?
I’m from a little town in North Lincolnshire, near the Humber Bridge, but I’ve lived in Hertford for most of my adult life.
Where’s the best place you’ve been on holiday?
Impossible, I can’t possibly choose one as they’re all so different! Cycling from Dubrovnik to Split in 5 days, island hopping with our bikes, was epic—picture postcard beautiful and great fun! Cape Town, the Maldives, Vietnam, and Australia were the more relaxing favourites.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Shoes in the house or on train seats!
If you could live and work in any city, where would you go?
Vancouver.
What would be your desert island meal?
Indian. I love curry!
What’s your favourite film?
Anything by Richard Curtis.
Tell us your favourite joke / What is your favourite movie quote?
“When I grow up and get married, I’m living alone.”
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Another cycling holiday somewhere scenic.
What is your biggest fear?
Not seeing my children grow up.
What news source do you read every day?
Having two young children, sadly the car radio is often the only chance I get to hear the news these days.
What’s your social media platform of choice?
I loathe social media!
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