Meet Shirley Nosakhere-Fountain, Vice President, Facilities and Real Estate
What is your backstory? Tell us about your path to Sompo International.
In late 1987 I was approached to join a startup known as Centre Re, who became a leading figure in the creation of Financial Reinsurance. Joining a company in startup mode allowed me to gain invaluable experience, skills and develop key relationships. After ten years, I decided to return to school and obtain a Bachelors degree and later a Dual Masters’ Degree. Two weeks before graduation I received a job offer from Endurance Specialty Insurance (at that time also a startup Company and now, Sompo International). The time I had taken to foster work relationships at Centre Re provided me this invaluable opportunity as two former employees of Centre were part of the startup of Endurance.
What is something about your role / Business Unit that people may not know?
Facilities are constantly working behind the scenes on identifying new and better ways of doing things on behalf of the Company. We understand the importance of staying competitive and therefore we are consistently looking for new and better ways of doing business, saving money and adding benefits to our customers.
Can you shed light on a current project / initiative that you / your Business Unit is working on?
During this pandemic my priority and primary focus is facility cleanliness and workforce safety. This involved ongoing discussions with property management and adhering to all Covid recommendations by the (Bermuda) Ministry of Health.
What is a trend you feel is impacting the industry now?
Much discussion is taking place across all industries regarding the need to rethink the office and work life after Covid as the pandemic has forced new ways of working.
Any advice to your younger self?
Education is ongoing and has no age restrictions. Roles are continuously changing – keep an open mind and make every day a learning day.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Spending quality time with family – I want to make sure I live life with no regrets.
Last words – anything else you’d like us to know?
Appreciate each employee’s role, regardless of level, as everyone has good in them.