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What was the job? Who was the boss?
It was during my year out from university. I was a commercial insurance claims processor with broker CE Heath UK, based in Reading. My boss was Colin Bailey.

Was he a saint or a sinner?
Colin was a very easy-going person, who had plenty of time for his staff.

Was it frightening?
Initially yes but then again, what new job isn't? I wasn't scared of Colin: I had met him in my interview and he made me feel at ease.

What lessons did you learn?
It was my first full-time job. I had no previous insurance background, so I was quite junior in the company. However, he treated me just like the rest of the staff. He always had time to make sure I was OK, even though he knew I was only going to be there for a year.

I learned from Colin that everyone in an organisation is key to its success – no matter at what level. I now work as a marketing officer for Moat Housing Group: I believe that a lot of the organisation's success comes from following this approach.

What was he looking for in you?
Someone who fitted into the team easily and who could prioritise a heavy workload.

As an insurance claims processor, you have to get on with a mix of people: colleagues within the company, clients and other interested third parties. I've finetuned this sensibility and used it during my work with Moat.

I learned from Colin that everyone in an organisation is key to its success – no matter at what level

Was it a laugh-a-minute?
No funny stories really, apart from the occasional strange insurance claim story.

I wouldn't dare to repeat any of them in case I get sued …

Do you treat your staff as he treated you?
I try to use the valuable things Colin and my other bosses taught me. However,I have adapted them to my own style so I feel comfortable implementing them.

What would you like to say to him now?
I am very grateful to Colin for taking me on, even though I didn't have any experience.

Thank you for treating me like all the other staff and making me feel like a really important part of the team.

I learned a lot from Colin and have been able to take that valuable experience with me into all my subsequent work.