You’ve been part of UnisonSteadfast for some time—can you tell us about your journey in the company so far?
My journey with UnisonSteadfast began over eight years ago when I joined as an apprentice. Since then, I've grown tremendously both professionally and personally. Starting from the ground up allowed me to gain a deep understanding of our clients, our processes and the value of strong international cooperation. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit some of our members in Germany, Poland, the UK, and the USA, which gave me valuable insights into local market dynamics and cultural differences. These experiences helped shape my global perspective and reinforced how important tailored, region-specific solutions are within our network. It's been an incredibly rewarding path so far, and I'm excited for what lies ahead.
What excites you most about stepping into the Senior Account Manager role?
I’m excited to take on more responsibility with key account clients and to brokers in different regions like Easter Europe, Scandinavia, North America etc. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen broker relationships on a more strategic level and add even more value to our members.
How do you think your experience as an Account Executive has prepared you for this next step?
Not only through my time as an Account Executive, but also from the very beginning as an Account Assistant and later as a Junior Account Manager, I’ve gained a solid foundation in international client service and program coordination. Each role allowed me to gradually take on more responsibility, deepen my understanding of our clients’ needs, and build strong relationships across our global network. I’ve learned how to manage complex placements, communicate effectively with brokers and insurers from different markets, and remain solution-oriented under pressure. These experiences have prepared me well for stepping into this senior role.
What have been some key learnings from working alongside the Senior Account Managers?
Working closely with our Senior Account Managers, Jenny and Oliver, as well as Rolf, our Account Director and Muriel our Director of Business Development, has been incredibly valuable. One of the biggest takeaways has been the importance of clear communication and actively guiding brokers, especially when coordinating across multiple markets. I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes when we set expectations early, provide structured support, and stay accessible throughout the process. Their ability to manage complexity while keeping the bigger picture in mind has really shaped how I approach client service and project management. It’s taught me not only the technical side of the role but also the leadership and relationship-building aspects that are so crucial.
What do you see as the biggest challenges in transitioning from Account Executive to Senior Account Manager, and how do you plan to tackle them?
One of the biggest challenges is that the responsibility grows not only in managing client relationships but also within the team. As a Senior Account Manager, I want to support my younger colleagues, share knowledge, and hopefully be a role model, especially for the young women in our team. It’s important to me to show them how to navigate different situations, handle pressure with confidence, and grow in their roles. I plan to tackle this by being approachable, leading by example, and creating an environment where they feel encouraged to ask questions and develop their skills.
You’ve already worked closely with our members and business partners for a long time and you know them and their requirements very well —what do you think is key to maintaining strong member relationships?
The key is trust, built on transparency, responsiveness, and consistency. Members need to feel that we are listening to them, taking their feedback seriously, and delivering on our promises. Regular, meaningful touchpoints are essential to showing that we are not only present but genuinely invested in their success.
Each region in the world has its own insurance landscape—how do you approach working across different markets?
Each market has unique regulations and cultural nuances, and the key is to listen carefully to local experts and members. My role is to connect those local insights with our global network, ensuring members benefit from both local expertise and international opportunities.
UnisonSteadfast is celebrating its 20th anniversary—what do you think has been the key to the company’s success?
I believe the key to UnisonSteadfast’s success is the unique combination of global reach and strong local expertise, which creates real value for our members. But just as important is the dedication of the entire team behind the network. Their commitment, professionalism, and ability to build trusted relationships with members and partners have been essential in growing and strengthening UnisonSteadfast over the past 20 years. It’s that mix of a strong network and a strong team that has truly made the difference.
What do you value about our IDC conferences?
The IDC conferences are invaluable because they bring the network to life. They provide the unique opportunity to meet face-to-face, exchange knowledge, and strengthen personal relationships, which are the foundation of our collective success. At the same time, the unforgettable moments created during the evening events add a unique spirit and make the experience truly memorable. I have great respect for what Polina, Melinda, and Marta put together year after year, their hard work and creativity make each conference exceptional.
Which one, in your opinion, was the best IDC we have had so far? Do you have a favorite IDC moment?
My favorite IDC was my very first one in Havana in 2018. The atmosphere was truly special! It was exciting to meet so many members and partners face-to-face for the first time and to really experience the energy of the network. I remember how open and welcoming everyone was, which made it easy to start building lasting relationships. Beyond the official program, the cultural setting and the chance to share experiences in such a unique location made it unforgettable. Being in a country like Cuba, with its rich history and unique political background, made the experience even more remarkable and something you don’t get to experience often. That conference really set the tone for how much I value the IDC gatherings.