Listening is the key to success.

Sylvie, you’ve had a lot of jobs. How did you get into insurance?

I worked as a sound engineer and photojournalist, later also in the insurance industry in France. I was approached by my manager who suggested that I should come work for Generali. That’s how I ended up in Switzerland. When I moved to Switzerland in 2015, everything was new – a new place to live, a new country, a new job. But I knew that I wanted to work at Generali. I was impressed by the products and values that this business embodies.

How did you find it settling in at Generali Switzerland?

It was complex because everything was new to me, but I got a lot of support. I was taken seriously, encouraged – and quickly became part of the team. I have worked hard to expand my knowledge through additional training. One course enabled me to obtain a federal diploma in social insurance. Generali is very supportive of this. A high level of expertise is very important. Our advice can have a huge, long-term impact on the lives of our customers.

What do you find fulfilling in your job?

I often assist my customers for years – sometimes even through generations. The trust that this creates is incredible. One day, a customer who had cancer told me that she would have lost her home without our loss of earnings insurance. She said to me, “You saved my life.”

How do you respond to people?

Empathy is key in our profession – for both men and women. I listen closely and try to understand their true needs. I don’t sell products. I look for solutions to my customers’ problems. They appreciate that. That’s why many people recommend me to others.

How flexible are you in your day-to-day work?

I value the freedom to organise my day myself. If you are well organised, you can work very independently at Generali. This also helps if something unexpected happens. If my child is sick or if there’s a scheduling problem, I can adjust my day. My boss understands that. As long as I achieve my goals, I have almost as much freedom as a self-employed person, but with the security of an employee.

What are your plans for the future?

I have developed a lot in my field and would soon like to lead a small team. Passing on my knowledge and experience is something that appeals to me.