Allianz Experts
Meet Robert
Business Anthropologist at Allianz Ireland – striving for continuous improvement.
He says: “Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know how to do that.”
What’s your mission at Allianz?
I am a business anthropologist focused on culture within Allianz. Anthropological views of culture are diverse, but grounded in the idea that culture exists in people and the environment. While symbolic and abstract, culture is visible within shared practices. I avoid definitions of culture regarding individual traits and focus on practices visible through mutual human action. This allows for an emphasis on actions that change work practices and shared goals rather than individual traits. It encourages a focus on positive improvements that make Allianz better for our customers and team members.
What’s your career progression?
I went to college in my 30s as a mature student, spent three years completing my undergrad, received a scholarship to complete a two-year MA and an Irish Research Council scholarship to complete my PhD in Anthropology.
Before joining Allianz, I worked as a researcher within healthcare, a university lecturer and in a national newspaper.
What's surprising about your job?
I have quite an unusual role, even amongst my anthropological peers, my role is quite unique. So, I spend a lot of time explaining anthropology as the study of people within their natural settings. When in an active research phase, my days are filled with talking to a range of people across the organization.
What’s your main career advice? What inspires you?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or say, “I don’t know how to do that”, as most people appreciate honesty and will be happy to help.
I love to work with people who are honest and prepared to question not just my logic, but the logic within any idea.
