Howard Pearson, head of Miller Insurance Group's retail unit, loves the fact that he can be nosy about his clients' businesses, but finds dress-down Friday stressful – he never knows what to wear.
What newspaper do you read?
Radio 4
What career did you want to have when you were a child?
I wanted to manage The Savoy
What was the worst business decision you have ever made?
Not to specialise in technology business five years earlier
What do you like best about insurance?
Being able to be nosy about my clients' businesses
What would you do tomorrow if you left the insurance industry?
All the jobs around the house
How do you relax if you do not play golf?
Enjoying my family and the village I live in
What is the biggest insurance claim you have ever made?
My clients never have claims!
Do you have an unfulfilled ambition?
To have something published that people pay for
(does this count?)
Who do you most admire?
My dad
How many people have you sacked?
Even one is too many
What is your favourite quote?
That insurance is about allowing “merchants to trade more freely” – Francis Bacon, I think
What is your most over-used phrase?
“That's really good and have you thought of....”
What keeps you awake at night?
My three delightful children
What advice would you give someone starting in insurance today?
Change job content regularly for the first five years
What was your first job?
Post room
What was your education?
On-going
What is your favourite film?
Magnificent Seven
What is your favourite book?
Brewers Dictionary of Phrase & Fable
On dress down Friday, what do you wear?
This is the most stressful decision of my week. Mainly things that don't go together, according to my secretary
What is your favourite tea?
Hot and wet (I'm an insurance broker)
How often do you use public transport?
Almost every day, especially buses in London
Who do you vote for?
The best local candidate
How did you vote in the last election?
Early, so I could nag my colleagues all day to vote
Are you in favour of the Euro?
Yes/No?
Europe – Yes; Euro – maybe not yet
