It’s time to get to know another member of the MAXIS team! This time, we sat down with our Solutions Manager, Sophia Windsor, to learn about her first year at MAXIS (and in the industry!), and what she’s looking forward to. Keep reading to find out more…
1. You joined MAXIS right at the end of 2024 – how has the first (almost) year been?
It’s gone extremely quickly! I can’t believe that I’m approaching the one-year mark. I joined MAXIS at Christmas time, so I was fortunate to have a couple of weeks to really get to know lots of people from around the business before the Christmas break. The first year has been incredibly fast paced but also extremely rewarding. Joining when I did meant that I could get involved with the multi-employer pool (MEP) project that saw us adding MEP to our MAXIS Global Pool Solution. This helped me familiarise myself with our solutions and build essential relationships around the business. I’ve learnt a huge amount from my manager, Nicola Fordham, who is Chief Solutions Officer at MAXIS. With her underwriting background, Nicola has so much technical expertise that has really helped me get to grips with the business and the industry.
2. Can you tell us a little bit about your role as Solutions Manager and what it means for you day-to-day?
Yes of course. Solutions is a relatively new team but we are responsible for overseeing the evolution and development of MAXIS GBN’s current insurance solutions and global programmes. It’s such an interesting team to be a part of and my job specifically is to bring new ideas to life. Day-to-day it involves breaking key projects down into different delivery phases, looking at the work that needs to be done internally, any technical development needed, and really mapping out how we get from the idea to delivering it to our clients, members, intermediaries and the market. It’s about really getting stuck in, problem solving and collaborating. It’s a really varied role which suits me well.
3. Why is it so important to have a dedicated team focused on evolving our global EB programmes?
EB programmes can be very complex, and our clients’ needs are constantly evolving so we need to make sure we’re staying ahead of the curve and responding to their needs. It’s really important that we have a dedicated function for mapping out market trends and seeing where we can innovate and deliver real value to our multinational clients. It's great being part of a team where improvement and innovation is our sole focus – it’s no ones ‘side of the desk job’, it’s our priority and this means it won’t fall by the wayside.
4. This is your first role in the global EB industry – what have you enjoyed about getting to know the business and the industry?
I actually trained in tax when I left university so luckily for me, I enjoy learning technical things, getting into the details and unpacking how everything works. Although I’m new to the industry, understanding all the complexities has been a great challenge for me to take on. I’m lucky to have the opportunity to work with individuals and teams from across the entire business and there are so many experts to learn from at MAXIS. I’ve spent a lot of time getting to grips with pooling this year, so the next challenge is captives!
5. Do you have any highlights from your time at MAXIS so far?
Aside from the MEP project I mentioned already, I was also honoured to be shortlisted for a staff award in September this year. Every year, MAXIS awards three people from around the business who have demonstrated our core values (accountability, collaboration and creativity) throughout the year. To be nominated by my colleagues after less than a year with the business meant a lot to me – it’s testament to all the support I’ve had from my colleagues since I joined but it was a huge honour that I was really proud of.
6. How would you describe the culture and team at MAXIS?
I think that everyone at MAXIS truly embodies our values. I don’t think I’ve ever worked somewhere where the values shine through so well, and where everyone knows the role they play in delivering the strategy. Everyone at MAXIS is supportive and collaborative, and the team is very forward thinking. I also love the fact it’s such a diverse team. There are so many different experiences and perspectives, and it makes for such a positive learning environment that I’m grateful to be a part of.
7. When you’re not working what do you enjoy doing?
I really enjoy exploring new places. I’d say I’m quite outdoorsy, so I like to walk and spend time outside. I also play netball for a local team in Folkstone – it’s something I’ve done since I was about 11 and it’s a huge passion of mine.
I have a 14-year-old dog who I talk about a lot! He’s my best friend, and I know I’m not alone in that, so hopefully that resonates with a lot of people! I also love all things home interiors and gifting. I used to work for a small business marketplace and I’m a bit of a shopaholic, so I like to find thoughtful gifts for friends and family, as well as things to fill my own home with!
8. And finally… What’s a mantra or motto that you live by?
I would say that ‘challenge brings change’ is a big one for me. It reminds me that growth comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone and that’s definitely been apparent for me over the past year, since taking on this new role and learning a new industry. Sometimes things can feel really scary before you do them, but once you get going it gets much easier and there’s lots to be proud of. I don’t think change happens unless we continue to challenge ourselves and I’m confident that’s something my team and I will continue to do, both personally and professionally.