When Zoe Garner walked into an interview at Coversure Palmers Green eight years ago, she wasn’t just looking for a job, she was searching for a workplace that felt right. After nearly two decades in fast-paced, male-dominated insurance environments, Zoe found a welcoming, supportive culture where her voice was heard and her experience was valued.
From her early days as a data-entry administrator to becoming a team leader, Zoe shares her story to help other women believe in their potential, especially in an industry where women are still underrepresented in leadership roles.
From Woolworths to the world of insurance
I was working full-time at Woolworths and when the management changed, I knew it wasn’t for me anymore. During my lunch break one day, I popped into the agency next door asking if they had any admin work and they did.
Zoe Garner, Senior Sales Administrator at Coversure Palmers Green
That spontaneous decision led to a series of roles in admin and insurance support, including Group Life Administrator at Canada Life and a long tenure at a motor trade broker. While some of her career moves were prompted by redundancy, Zoe reflects on them as turning points:
I think redundancy worked in my favour. It led me into roles where I gained qualifications and real industry experience. I got my Cert CII qualification in 2014 thanks to a company that actively supported professional development.
Zoe Garner, Senior Sales Administrator at Coversure Palmers Green
A family legacy
Zoe’s connection to insurance runs deeper than most. She recalls, “my granddad started in insurance as a boy at a marine insurer in the City. He was so proud that both my brother and I went into insurance too, even though it was a very different world then. Think cigarette packets and handwritten policies at Lloyd’s!”
His enthusiasm and stories made an impression. And today, Zoe carries forward that family tradition, albeit in a more regulated, digital world.
Finding a home at Coversure
After a few breaks from work due to redundancies and several intense interview processes, Zoe came across an opportunity at Coversure Palmers Green.
I walked into the interview and it felt like home. It was welcoming, not intimidating. That was such a contrast to the lengthy panel interviews and tests I’d done elsewhere. Coversure is more than I expected. After working in a very fast-paced, male-dominated insurance culture, this environment has been refreshing. It’s supportive and relaxed, and we socialise outside of work, which is lovely.
Zoe Garner, Senior Sales Administrator at Coversure Palmers Green
A shift from male-dominated norms
Zoe’s earlier roles in the motor trade space exposed her to a different, often less inclusive, insurance culture. She has seen firsthand how difficult it can be for women to thrive in certain areas of insurance, especially in male-heavy sectors like motor trade.
In past roles, she had to work hard to demonstrate her knowledge and experience, often facing scepticism from clients and colleagues alike. At times, she felt overlooked or underestimated simply because of her gender.
It was very male-dominated. All the leadership and underwriters were men. I had to learn to speak louder and educate the people I worked with to prove I knew what I was talking about. In my eight years here at Coversure, I haven’t had any of those problems. It’s been nothing but supportive.
Zoe Garner, Senior Sales Administrator at Coversure Palmers Green
The female perspective in insurance
Zoe believes women bring a different and essential perspective to insurance. From greater attention to detail to a more empathetic, client-first approach, she sees diversity not as a box to tick, but as a strength that improves service and outcomes.
For those women considering a career in insurance or looking to progress their careers, Zoe admits that “there will be moments when it feels like the world is against you.” However, Zoe’s advice is to “keep going, speak up, know your worth and don’t be afraid to challenge something that doesn’t feel right.”
A career driven by life-long relationships
What’s been the most rewarding part of Zoe’s career?
“The people. The relationships I’ve built along the way – some I’ve known for 20 years. We’ve been to weddings and christenings. That kind of bond is rare in many industries.”
Zoe jokes about retirement and moving to the countryside with a pack of cocker spaniels. For now, she’s exactly where she wants to be, working with great people, in a role she enjoys, helping clients protect what matters most.
