Meet the Pros: Natalie Smithson – Claims Technician, Pro Global

Since joining RSA in 2015, and moving to Pro in 2020, Natalie has embraced the technical challenges of legacy claims with enthusiasm and curiosity, supported by a network of experts across disciplines. She recently attended her first IRLA Congress in Brighton this May and is part of IRLA’s latest cohort of Future Leaders – an initiative designed to connect and nurture rising stars in the legacy market. 

We caught up with Natalie to talk about her experience learning the ropes in the complex world of legacy claims, her first time meeting the market at Congress, and what it means to be part of the IRLA Future Leaders community. 

Q1: You recently attended your first IRLA Congress – what was that experience like, and how did it feel to meet the legacy market for the first time? 

Natalie: “It was a brilliant experience, I feel very grateful I was able to attend. I have heard so much about how beneficial Congress is for anyone in the legacy space, but being there in person really brought it to life. It gave me an opportunity not only to meet individuals involved in claims, but others across the industry as well. Everyone was so open and willing to share insights, which gave me a real sense of how interconnected everything is. As someone who is looking to progress in my career, I found it incredibly valuable to get a feel for the wider market, and how many opportunities there are to grow if you’re curious and proactive.” 

 Q2: You’re also part of the IRLA Future Leaders cohort – how has that helped shape your career? 

Natalie: “I have worked in the Legacy Market for some time now, but recently I have been looking to progress my career. The Future Leaders programme has come at the perfect time and has been a huge confidence boost for me. It’s great to be surrounded by people who are equally passionate about the industry. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and shared learning, through the training sessions or informal chats with the other cohort members. I’ve come away with new ideas, a broader understanding of the market, and some great mentors too. It’s has helped me realise how I can make a difference as a Leader in the Legacy Market” 

 Q3: What’s it like working at Pro when it comes to handling complex claims? 

Natalie: “One of my favourite things about Pro is the people. I’m surrounded by a fantastic team of experts with a depth of knowledge in areas such as legal, underwriting, and loss adjusting. There’s a real culture of knowledge-sharing, which makes such a difference when you’re navigating complex claims. I’ve learned so much just by being part of conversations with my colleagues, where we mutually share knowledge and claims experiences, which enhances the service we provide for our clients.  It is exciting to be part of an organisation that has seen such growth over the last few years. I look forward to understanding more about the wider business and continuing to progress my career.  

Thanks for taking the time, Natalie. Stay tuned for more stories from across our team as we continue to Meet the Pros.