CHARLIE (CHARLOTTE) GARROD

Personal skills or interests

I play golf at county level for Suffolk and hold a single-figure handicap. I have 2 young children who make life interesting!

Can you describe your career progression within Willis Towers Watson?

After a variety of previous roles with insurers and brokers, I joined Willis Towers Watson as a client services team leader in Major Accounts (now Manufacturing and Industrial, Services and Utilities) within GB Retail. I then moved into an account executive role, managing my own clients within the Natural Resources Utilities team. When my personal circumstances changed (I had a baby), Willis Towers Watson was really supportive in enabling me to move into my current job where I can bring my industry knowledge and relationships to bear but also work with more flexibility. Recently, I have been promoted to lead the GB Retail Wordings Team and deputise managing the wider P&C Wordings team, both of which are exciting career opportunities within WTW.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

Our team works on wordings to establish the best insurance cover for clients. I provide technical knowledge and wordings analysis, including property, casualty, motor, personal accident and travel coverage.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

One of the key challenges is the non-standardized nature of the policy wordings, as each insurer has its own bespoke style. This presents an opportunity to learn something new every day, as well as use the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career.

What training and development opportunities have you received in your role?

There is a wealth of training and development opportunities available, whether personal (interpersonal communications and confidence building) or technical/IT-based support. I have completed many courses both face-to-face and electronically – including onsite “Lunch and Learn” sessions – and enjoyed the experience.

What’s been one of your most exciting projects to date?

I had an opportunity to work on the Model Office in 2012, in which the processes and roles of the client teams were mapped to help improve operational efficiency.
Also, I was honoured to be nominated and voted in as an Employee Representative (ER) through two consulting projects, and be the chair of the ERs in face-to-face meetings with senior management.

What is your proudest achievement since joining Willis Towers Watson?

I take pride in helping my team develop and watching their careers progress.

How would you describe the culture at Willis Towers Watson?

The culture is changing – for the better. Management is taking a fresh view on everything and making appropriate changes, which is encouraging.

What do you like best about working at Willis Towers Watson?

The people who work here are very knowledgeable and, because of its size and internal network, there’s always someone who is able to help – or can recommend someone who can!
I’m very lucky that as my life outside of work changed, Willis Towers Watson helped me find a position that fits with my home life.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

I was pleasantly surprised to learn of the width and breadth of knowledge, and the longevity of service of colleagues.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I’m very glad I have the opportunity to work at Willis Towers Watson and hope that my career here lasts a long time. I hope to be a go-to person for technical knowledge and be in a position to one day lead the team if the opportunity arises.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with Willis Towers Watson?

Join Willis Towers Watson! It’s an interesting company with many different roles to consider and opportunities to learn and develop.