A broken ankle is not about to put the kibosh on Sher Bridgeman sliding on a pair of fab golden stilettos. Meeting us for Friday afternoon cocktails at the lounge at the Spanish Court Hotel, the assistant vice-president of business development at Guardian General Insurance Jamaica Limited doffs the sandals in favour of heels for her close-up moment with our lens.

Style clearly matters. So, too, does maintaining solid customer-service ties with the brokers she serves. Bridgeman is fresh from meetings, but ready to sip vino and gab about keeping and building business, equal opportunity, and why her toe ring is a fashion essential.

What are you sipping?

A glass of Pinot Grigio.

What kind of day are you having?

I went in this morning and had to respond to three brokers. I also had a meeting with the underwriters on how we can better serve our brokers. I had to arrange two direct client meetings and I ordered my birthday cake to celebrate this Wednesday.

What are your birthday plans?

I am celebrating my ’22nd birthday’ (laughs) and I actually have no plans except to spend the day before with my team and go to a seminar for my birthday.

Has the in-limbo nature of the economy presently impacted on Guardian’s business?

It has. The market in itself right now is the softest I have ever seen it in my years of being in insurance. We’ve never seen the market this soft and of course that affects our premium income so, as the head of business development, I have to be rethinking and coming up with strategies to keep the business and get new business.

Care to share how you arrive at creative solutions?

I listen to my brokers and I tend to give them what they want as much as I can. I find that relationships go a far way, and they take time to foster and develop, but once I am there with my brokers, and I’m backed by a very good team, we get the business and keep it.

In the main, many Jamaicans misunderstand customer service and see it as subservience. Are we up to par with developed nations where service delivery is concerned?

I find that customer service in Jamaica is very poor, particularly at government agencies. Guardian General operates on a totally different model. We sell insurance and realise that the time you need it is when you have a claim. Service for us is par none. We do a lot of surveys and are constantly asking our brokers how better can we serve you because that’s what you pay premiums for, so we are heavily customer-focused.

As a female senior executive, do you find sexism still exists in the business world or do your male counterparts consider you equal?

We have moved way beyond that. I think they see me as a threat because I have assets that they could never have or ever use. I think they see women as a threat because whatever women put their minds to, they are going to go after it and get it. We are persistent and hard-working.

How do you unwind?

I have a glass of wine every evening. It relaxes me. Even though I like movies, I enjoy watching episodic TV shows because it’s short and they don’t have to hold my attention for very long. Scandal is a must. I love, love, love Law & Order and can watch it all day. Also, I read a lot as I always have my Kindle.

What perfume are you spraying?

Coco Chanel — it’s my only perfume.

An LBD or jeans?

A little black dress, as I find it easier to put on and take off.

Flats or stilettos?

Definitely stilettos. They look better with an LBD.

What five words best describe Sher?

Energy, fun-loving, loyal, hard-working and mother.

Who is your professional idol?

My boss Karen Bhoorasingh. She’s a woman who makes sound business decisions and I think she is highly respected in the industry as a whole and in Jamaica.

What are your style essentials?

My heels are number one, even though I broke my ankle three weeks ago and I’m dying. My five children are my arm candy. My Michael Kors handbag, mascara and my toe ring that was given to me by my mum and I never take it off.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

One that is relaxed. I have a stressful and hectic job so it has to be very relaxing over a glass of wine.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

He must be someone who is conversational. I’m not into hype and going to parties to be seen. I like to cuddle so he should be into that and he must be into children.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

At some position at Guardian General.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Love what you do so you never see it as going to work.