Get to know Stephy-Rose Thelin

This month we're getting to know Stephy-Rose Thelin from Tim Walsh's Southern Team of Insurance Advisers following her recent return from maternity leave.

 

1.What’s your background and how did you get to where you are now? 

I started in insurance in my early 20’s, working as a contractor for a brokerage company called Adelphi Brokers in Christchurch. I moved into funeral directing before going back to the finance sector doing mortgage brokering and insurance for WealthPoint.  My last role before joining Chubb was at ASB bank where I was a personal banker dealing with broker loans.

 

2. Can you tell us more about your time as a Funeral Director?

I got into funeral directing on the recommendation of a customer who thought I’d be good at it. The job itself is so varied, not only was I funeral directing, I did embalming and supported with post-mortems. I studied physical science so my knowledge from that was transferrable to the mortuary which was handy. The role, especially the post-mortems was a lot to take in and I still quite can’t believe some of the things I did and saw, it all feels like a story to me now but is an experience I’ll never forget.

 

3. Did that role have any influence on how you support your customers as an Insurance Adviser?

Absolutely. Having lost my mum and supported so many families planning a funeral, I understand how hideous losing a loved one can be. I sat at the table of so many grieving as their funeral director and had to ask the often awkward question of whether they had insurance. Their response was always either one that triggered a sense of relief or worry given the financial implications of the death.

 

When I’m talking to a new customer about cover options I’ll often mention how much it actually costs to cover a funeral and will sometimes speak to my experience with mum when I’m sharing the importance of advice and ensuring they’re getting the right cover for their needs .

 

4. You’ve recently returned from maternity leave, how was that experience?

It’s been quite tough because I’ve returned to work full time and as many mums know, it’s incredibly hard to get the right balance between motherhood and work, especially when adjusting to daycare. I’m enjoying being back though, I love my job and like having more structure to my day. I’m also love the opportunity to connect with different stakeholders each day. 

 

5. Do you think motherhood has changed the way you support your customers?

Now I have my own child I think I’m even more invested in ensuring families are having the important conversation about insurance and how they can ensure they’re protecting not just themselves but their children if the unexpected was to happen.

 

6. Why do you think advice is so important? 

As Advisers we’re educated to break down a customer’s situation for them and to support them with informed recommendations on what they need. So often when customers are left to their own devices, they’ll just pluck numbers out of the air and are at risk of being left with significant gaps in their cover, so having someone guide them through the covers on offer and how it can protect them in different scenarios is invaluable.

 

7. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

My mum always said “life’s too short, just live it” – she didn’t get to live long enough so it puts everything into perspective for me. Now I have my son, I feel it even more so.

 

8. Tell us about your family

My husband’s name is Luke and we have a son Beau who's 15 months-old now. We also have a three-year-old labradoodle called Teddy and a 14-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu called Lochie.

 

9. What do you like to get up to outside of work?  

I spend lots of time with the family, we love getting out and about outdoors, walking the dogs and exploring areas outside of Nelson whenever we can. We own a landscaping business on the side, which my husband runs, so we love looking for inspiration when we’re out and about.

 

10. What are you watching on TV right now? 

Married at First Sight. I love how terrible and trashy it is – it’s the ultimate easy watch once I’m finished with the evening routine. We also watch a lot of Paw Patrol.