There’s far more to the multi-faceted team at VIPR, than meets the eye. We’ve interviewed our team members to help you to get to know them better and understand their roles within our industry-leading company. In this blog our Business Development Manager, Ralph De Lisle, who leads our sales strategy, lets us know what his day entails.
5:00 – Each day when I wake, I write my ‘morning pages’ before I get out of bed. Today is no different as I note down my stream of consciousness and focus on the productive day ahead. It’s my dad’s birthday today, so I make sure to jot this down too.
5:30 – I perk up after a steaming hot cup of Yerba Mate. This South American herbal brew (a bit like green tea) is full of nutrients and antioxidants to give me a boost in the morning. I prefer it far more than any other caffeinated beverage.
6:00 – I begin an hour-long peaceful meditation session in silence. On occasion, I’ll download a guided meditation by Dr. Joe Dispenza. It’s a great way to get my mind ready for the busy day ahead.
7:00 – I love to spend time in the kitchen, experimenting with ingredients and showcasing my culinary skills. This morning I opt for a slice of sourdough topped with asparagus and a perfectly poached egg – it’s my go-to meal for breakfast.
7:30 – I begin my commute to VIPR’s office in Bromley from Fulham on a busy train into Victoria station. My next train into Bromley South offers a quieter and far more spacious environment, where I can delve into the latest paperback book I’m reading; Masculine and Feminine: The Natural Flow of opposites in the psyche by Gareth Hill.
8:50 – Arriving at the VIPR office I head straight into a sales strategy meeting with our CEO, Paul Templar and COO, Stewart Williams. We review our hot prospects and how we can deliver for them, particularly looking closely at brokers we are hoping to work with, in and outside the UK.
10:00 – It’s time for a call with my sales team to check on the status of recent prospects. As I head into The City, we discuss a plan of action focusing on European re-insurance companies, however the language is somewhat different to the Lloyd’s market so I guide them on the terminology, as well as how our products will apply to them.
11:45 – Once I arrive at London Bridge, I make my way to my first meeting of the day. As I head over the bridge, I pause and take a moment to enjoy the iconic view.
12:00 – One of the largest Lloyd’s brokers joins me for a hot beverage at Association Coffee on Creechurch Lane. During our meeting, we negotiate a contract to provide a service which offers more than general operational tools, but value-add capabilities. We also discuss a proof of concept that our team will be working on so they can see how all our systems, when brought together will benefit them.
13:00 – I dash to lunch with an early prospect for a sit-down meal to give us the opportunity to get to know each other better. Today, our conversation takes place over French-style peas on toast, delicious beef flank and a satisfying oyster pie at The Mercer restaurant and bar on Threadneedle Street.
14:30 – Following our productive lunch meeting, I take shelter at the Doubletree by Hilton to work through various sales strategy documents, research potential prospects and take calls with market associations, such as BIBA and LIIBA.
17:30 – Before I call it a day, I wind down with a pint of Guinness in the casual setting of The Counting House on Cornhill. I’m joined by another prospect and friends from the London market.
19:00 – I head back to Fulham and make a pit stop at the local Pure Gym for 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
20:15 – During a brisk five-minute walk home from the gym, I brainstorm ideas for dinner. Arriving back, I prepare a crisp rösti, with a range of accompaniments, including a rich white wine and cream sauce.
21:00 – As I dine, I’ll escape with a riveting audiobook. I’m currently listening to New York Times Bestseller, The Body by Bill Bryson.
21:30 – Once the dishes are done, I settle down to illustrate and let my creative juices flow. Channelling my creativity is conducive to a sense of happiness and feeling fulfilled, so I’ll pick up my pastels and dedicate the rest of the evening to producing a new artwork.
23:00 – Poetry before bed has been part of my routine for years. T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets calms my mind and before I know it, I’m fast asleep.
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