Julie and Aurélie joined Vanbreda around the same time and now form a strong duo within the Property team. What began as a work relationship blossomed into a close friendship built on trust, open communication and a shared passion for the profession. Together, they talk about what makes their work so absorbing and why they feel completely comfortable being themselves at Vanbreda.
How did you end up at Vanbreda?
Julie: After completing my studies in Finance and Insurance, I was still unsure about what direction to take. I started at a health insurance fund to get a better feel for the sector. After six months, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the insurance world. I connected with Vanbreda via LinkedIn and started working here in the summer of 2024.
Aurélie: I came straight out of school and was torn between further study and getting a job. A contact of my father’s gave me more insight into the sector. His advice was clear: if you really want to learn the trade, Vanbreda is the ideal place. I felt welcome right from the job interviews, and two years later I’m still very happy with the choice I made.
How would you describe your collaboration?
Julie & Aurélie: We started at around the same time and are the same age, so we quickly clicked. What started as a work relationship grew into a genuine friendship. We communicate openly and honestly, listen to one another and give honest advice. Our mutual trust means that we don’t just work well together, but also stay in touch regularly outside of work.
When does your collaboration work best?
Julie & Aurélie: It’s at its strongest when we can coordinate quickly and reach each other easily. Because we’ve gone through the same learning curve together, we have a good understanding of each other’s challenges. We’re currently working together on a big case where continuity is essential. If one of us is away, the other can take over without any problem and keep things moving. Our open communication, effective task division and mutual trust mean that we can act quickly and consistently provide our clients with the best possible service.
What makes the property sector so fascinating for you?
Julie & Aurélie: Property is a very wide and multifaceted field. No two clients, policies or files are alike. We provide tailored solutions and deal with a wide range of sectors, risks and challenges on a daily basis. That variety means that every day is different and we’re learning all the time. It’s this combination of complexity and variety that makes the work so interesting.
Which case stands out most in your memory?
Julie: One of the most memorable moments was when a new client suffered a fire before we had even had a chance to fully review their file. Suddenly, everything else had to be put aside so we could quickly get a clear picture of the policies and insured risks. The responsibility and fast-changing nature of a situation like that give you a huge rush – especially when you realise afterwards that you were able to make a real difference.
Aurélie: I find cases that require a specific approach particularly fascinating. They challenge me to keep learning and developing my expertise. I can see that giving clients clear and professional guidance increases not just my knowledge, but my confidence in what I do. Additionally, long-term partnerships with clients and insurers mean that you build close relationships and become genuinely invested in the cases you handle.
What might someone starting out in Property find surprising?
Julie & Aurélie: Many people think insurance is boring, or that a policy is quickly drawn up and then that’s it. And at school, fire insurance is often covered quite briefly and mainly from a personal perspective. In reality, a great deal of analysis, consultation and customisation goes into large Property policies. Setting up a policy can be like a project where the client, broker, insurer and administrator work closely together. That complexity and collaboration often surprise people when they first get introduced to the Property sector.
What energises you in your job?
Julie & Aurélie: The combination of challenging files and a close-knit team. We work on large and often complex cases, but there’s a really good atmosphere in the department. Colleagues are always ready to help one another, and there’s also space for chatting and lunch breaks. That mix of professional challenges, collaboration and enjoyment means we start every day with real enthusiasm.
What have you learnt from each other?
Julie: We relied on each other a lot in the beginning. Together, we learnt about not only the technical side of the job but how to handle pressure, priorities and complex files. It’s good to be able to talk about where things are going wrong and then work on a solution together. We make a really strong team in that regard.
Aurélie: I’ve learnt so much from Julie. She can explain things very clearly and often gets straight to the heart of the matter. What I particularly value is that her explanations are always concise yet comprehensive. That meant I usually understood how things worked quickly and could move straight on to the next step.
How do you put the slogan ‘Completely Vanbreda, completely yourself’ into practice?
Julie: We’ve felt welcome on the team from day one. Colleagues show genuine interest in one another, and everyone’s individuality is respected. Whether you’re talking to a colleague, a supervisor or someone from management, you have the freedom to be yourself. That open, accessible culture makes us feel at home here and happy to come to work every day
Aurélie: That’s right. For me, it’s also the open, warm atmosphere. Everyone is friendly and approachable. There are also lots of initiatives where you can get to know colleagues from other teams.
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