Inside Companjon - Donal Cronin

As part of our new blog series, we're sitting down (virtually) with some star employees, who share all things on what it's like to work at Companjon, what's happening behind the scenes and honest experiences. This week we spoke with our Head of Claims Donal Cronin. After spending most of his career in a traditional insurance setting, Donal took a leap of faith and joined Companjon. He hasn't looked back since.

Hi Donal, tell us what made you want to join Companjon?

Firstly, the opportunity to work in a startup environment; the idea of being part of the company’s foundations, creating its culture and having it become a positive workplace that is impactful on all who work there.

Secondly, Companjon’s goal to positively transform the claims experience for its customers. I worked for traditional general insurers for many years both within the domestic and international market, processes really haven’t changed. When I learned about Companjon’s technology, and how it was capable of truly enhancing real-time customer experience, it was something I knew that I wanted to be involved with and the opportunity was too good to turn down.

Is working here different to what you expected?

YES (laughs), I definitely under estimated how much hard work and graft was required, also the in-depth understanding that was needed to support other areas of the business. I would consider myself to have a wide range of knowledge in insurance and have worked within this sector for many years, but moving from a traditional environment to a digital environment, I found openly challenging, in a positive way.

I didn’t expect it to be as collaborative as it is – which is a bonus. There is a lot more thought required here especially when solving problems and implementing solutions, it is really stimulating and more than what I had expected. You may think you have all the answers stepping into a role but that’s not the case. Companjon has taught me that’s it okay to not have all the answers but that we’ll get there and thrive once we do. Like myself, all fellow Companjon’s enjoy challenges.

You mention customer experience, how does your role as Head of Claims enhance this?

Part of my job is to capture and oversee any trends on the claims side of the business and develop insights for analysis related to how customers are compensated. These insights are key to enhancing end customers overall experience, and something we strive to fulfil at Companjon. A claim is often the first point of contact or ‘touch point’ with the customer after a policy is purchased, so we really want them to have an unmatched experience and have the feeling that Companjon was there for them when they needed it most, ‘when life happens’ as we say.

What do you enjoy most about working at Companjon?

Definitely the people – we’re all so diverse and we think like a unit. Within the context of a global pandemic and all that has brought, the adversity that people have had to come through in order to make Companjon as successful as it is today, is extraordinary. I would also say that there is a healthy workplace hierarchy. Comparing this to other companies, where it can commonly be destructive due to scale or complexity, but here, it’s constructive. We’re working together to make everything as seamless for our customers and our business partners and that can only be achieved with a strong diverse group of people.

How different is working at Companjon to your previous employments?

It’s truly agile and truly flat. It is our culture.

Whatever your seniority may be, everyone works as one and challenging one another is encouraged and welcomed. We are empowered to think of solutions and be innovative. In terms of being truly flat, for example, if there is an issue with a solution, you can pick up the phone and call anyone directly, whether it’s the CEO, CFO or CTO, that culture trickles down and we’re all equal in that manner.

We’re all aligned to the same goals with no conflicting motives or agendas.

How would you describe your team in 3 words?

Fun, professional, honest.

If you could switch places with someone for a day who would it be?

David Bowie just for one day.

Unlike our other team members based outside of Ireland, you've had the privilege of working from our new Dublin HQ, what was that like?

I’m definitely a people person so when I was able to work from the office it was energizing and uplifting and a very productive space. With the current Covid crisis, a lot of people hadn’t physically met each other so it was great to finally come together, bounce ideas and collaborate.

Lastly, what would you say to someone interesting in applying to Companjon?

It’s an exciting company to work for and they look after you. Pets are welcome too :)