Meet the Council - Michelle South

Currently Schemes Governance & Brokerbility Market Management Director at Brokerbility, Michelle started her first role insurance role in 2004. Working in various roles throughout her time in insurance, Michelle re-joined council in 2023 and sat as our regional representative and Deputy President, until taking on the role of President this year. 

Find out more about Michelle below:

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A vet, I have always loved animals and started working at a vets on a weekend at the age of 11.

Q: Was a career in insurance a; Conscious choice or wonderful accident?

A: A wonderful accident, I didn’t even know what an underwriter did but I went for the job interview at Norwich Union anyway. All that mattered at the time was working for a reputable company with good career opportunities, job security and a good pension plan!

Q: How long have you been in insurance?

A: I started as a trainee underwriter 23 years ago. I have had various underwriting and management roles, travelling all over the UK and Europe meeting some wonderful people along the way.

Q: What attracted you to join CII Leicester?

A: I wanted to meet people in the industry locally to develop a professional and knowledgeable network as I was new to Leicestershire after recently moving from Yorkshire. I also wanted to study for my CII qualifications and thought it would help.

Q: What are the positives of joining CII Leicester?

A: The connections I made when I first joined 22 years ago and all the reasons I joined still stand true but I’m also now getting exposure to the CII regionally and nationally through being on Council giving me opportunities to make more connections.

Q: Random fun fact?

A: I qualified as a landscape gardener by attending evening classes at Brackenhurst College for 2 years, I should have really been studying for my CII exams but all work and no play…………..

Q: What skill would you most like to learn?

A: I’d love to learn to fly a plane or helicopter, I absolutely love a road trip and this would take it to the next level.

Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?

A: The Bangles – Manic Monday

Q: What is your guilty pleasure?

A: Wine, I absolutely love wine and visiting vineyards, wherever we go in the world it usually involves a trip to a vineyard.

Q: What is your favourite cocktail?

A: I love an Old Fashioned made with bourbon and maple syrup