What it's like to work at Aviva

Interview with David Beckham

Who are you? (Tell us about you, your background)?

My name is David Beckham and yes, I have heard all the jokes………. I live in Norfolk in the UK and now fit into the over 50 age group on questionnaires! I am married and my wife Anj works in archaeology, which is good for me because, as my father-in-law joked at our wedding “the older I get the more interesting she’ll find me”! We have no children but do have a fur-baby in our Border terrier Branston. Outside of work I like walking, drawing and reading. I used to coach fencing as a hobby but this has dwindled off a bit as in 2010 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease which has caused me to re-focus my activities somewhat. But more on that later    

When did you join Aviva?

I joined in 1986

Why did you join Aviva?

To be honest my Dad worked here (at least at Norwich Union) for 39 years and met my Mum here so it was kind of a default job selection!

What has your career path been in Aviva?

I started in defined benefit pensions admin, then moved around other pensions admin areas until I was transferred to our formative IT Change division in 1994-ish. I guess I then found my vocation in Business Process Re-engineering until I became one of the original Aviva Business Analysts in the late 90s. From then on I really hit my stride and had two terms as BA Practice Lead and since my diagnosis I have been moving (at first informally but of late more formally) into a training/mentoring role. I am currently leading this activity for the UK BA community whilst also speaking at conferences regarding my experience of dealing with change

Who has been your biggest influence on your life at Aviva?

There’s really been too many great people to single any one person out. I’ve been blessed with some great friends, colleagues and leaders.

What has been the happiest moment of your life so far?

In personal terms, my wedding day plus the first time I ever saw Star Wars IV in ’77 as a ten-year-old

In professional terms there are a few:

• the first time I presented my Power of Change presentation and got a standing ovation
• a few weeks ago when two people presented very powerful and compelling personal stories to our BA community for a skype conference I had organised. I was very proud for them and proud that I was able to facilitate such a powerful outcome 

In sporting terms England winning the rugby world cup in 2003 – truly epic

What is the most important lesson you have learnt in life?

There are no re-runs; dance while you can

Are there any stories, memories or characters you could tell us about?

Yes, but we would be here all day!

What would you like others to know?

Beyond ‘the way to Amarillo’, one of either personal fulfilment or exactly what they want to do in life at an age early enough to do something about it…!