In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re excited to share the inspiring story of Rhea Robinson, Group Operations Manager at Coversure Poole, Coversure Weymouth, Coversure Bideford and Coversure Croydon, who exemplifies the power of persistence, leadership and breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
A humble beginning
Rhea’s career journey into insurance began very early on. “I went to college straight after school, and I was doing a secretarial course,” she recalls. “Through that, we had to do a work placement, and my placement happened to be at a local insurance broker. I started there just doing personal lines, and after four months, the boss asked if I’d like to leave college and work full-time.”
It was a decision that would change her life. “I made the choice to stop college, went to night school for an IT and health and safety course, and went full-time in the role. I’ve been in insurance ever since. 19 years now.”
From Sales Executive to a regional leader
Over the years, Rhea has steadily climbed the ranks in various roles. She started as a Sales Executive at Swinton, becoming one of their youngest appointed managers at just 22 years old. However, with the threat of branch closures, Rhea made a strategic move. “When I knew the company was starting to close branches, I decided I’d rather leave and not wait to be offered redundancy.”
This is when Rhea moved to Coversure – embracing new challenges, learning commercial insurance and proving her adaptability. “I had no experience in commercial insurance, but I was eager to learn, and Coversure gave me that chance,” she says. As the business grew, so did Rhea’s responsibilities. She started out managing the Weymouth office then progressed to a regional role overseeing Poole, Croydon, Bude, Bideford and Maidstone as well.
Overcoming challenges and leading with confidence
Like many women in leadership positions, Rhea faced challenges along the way, including instances of unequal pay and being undervalued early in her career. One such moment came when, despite her eight months of experience, a male colleague with no prior experience was offered a higher wage.
When I was at my first local insurance broker, a lad came in with no experience. I’d been there for eight months but he was automatically put on more money than I was despite the role being the same. My boss, who was male, was not happy when I approached the subject and that moment really stuck with me.
Rhea Robinson, Group Operations Manager
Rhea’s response was to confront the issue directly and demand fairness. While the situation didn’t change, it was a pivotal moment that motivated her to continue building her career and seek out new opportunities. “It was the turning point for me. I realised I couldn’t just sit back and take it. It made me want to move on, build my career and prove my worth.”
As a leader today, Rhea embodies the qualities of honesty, active listening and emotional intelligence. She emphasises the importance of understanding her staff on a personal level, creating an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and providing support during times of change. Her approach fosters a culture of collaboration, where both women and men are valued equally.
Being open, honest, and getting to know your team is so important. You need to understand their body language, and really listen to them. I’ve learned to practice active listening to truly understand what’s going on with them, both personally and professionally.
Rhea Robinson, Group Operations Manager
Creating an inclusive work environment
Rhea believes strongly in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where diversity is celebrated. “It’s important that everyone is given a fair chance. At Coversure, we make sure that everyone, no matter their background, has the opportunity to share their voice and contribute,” she says.
Interestingly, Rhea’s region has a predominantly female workforce, with two men among eight women in Poole and Weymouth. This balance creates an environment where collaboration thrives, and all employees are encouraged to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
Balancing career and family life
One of the greatest challenges Rhea has faced is balancing the demands of her career with her personal life as a mother. She acknowledges that it can be difficult to switch between “work mode” and “mum mode,” but she has found strategies to create a healthier work-life balance.
When I started taking on more responsibilities, I was checking emails at all hours of the day. Early mornings, while out with my son, even while on holiday. But about three months ago, I made the decision to shut down my emails outside office hours. I realised I needed to focus more on my family and personal life, and that meant creating clear boundaries.
Rhea Robinson, Group Operations Manager
Leadership and mentorship
Rhea credits Managing Director, John Palmer, as her role model stating, “I think John is probably my biggest inspiration because he built his business from nothing. His passion and love for the business is admirable.” John’s influence in Rhea’s career has inspired her to build a leadership style of trust, transparency and a strong commitment to growth.
Having recently completed the Level 3 Rising Star programme and earning a distinction, Rhea has further honed her leadership skills, learning how to fine-tune her approach to management. As a mentor, she encourages others, especially women, to believe in themselves and not let imposter syndrome hold them back. Her advice to women starting out in the insurance industry is simple but powerful: “Be confident. Believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone undermine you.”
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Rhea is focused on continuing her growth within the company. In the next few years, she hopes to become more involved in the budgeting process, gaining a deeper understanding of the financial side of the business. Ultimately, Rhea aspires to take on a more senior leadership role within the group, where she can continue to shape the future of the business.
A call for equality and progress
Reflecting on her career and the progress of the insurance industry as a whole, Rhea believes that while strides have been made in terms of gender equality, there is always room for further improvement. “I think we are on the right track, but we need to keep evolving and ensure we treat everyone equally,” she says. With continued effort and determination, the industry can evolve to become even more inclusive and diverse, creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender.
Rhea’s journey is a testament to the strength of resilience, leadership and the importance of supporting one another in both professional and personal spheres. As we approach International Women’s Day, it’s stories like Rhea’s that remind us of the significance of celebrating women in all industries. Rhea’s career proves that women can excel, break down barriers and lead with confidence, ultimately creating spaces where others can follow in their footsteps.
