Prina Mashru studied Management Science at University and should have been a business analyst. But the company she worked for offered her a choice – a business analysis job next to East Midlands Airport, or a recruitment role in Marbella. She picked Marbella!
She is now an experienced head-hunter, doing talent acquisition and strategic HR in commercial insurance for more than 15 years. Prina is currently Head of HR at Konsileo. They were originally her clients, but she loves the business and culture so much she insisted they give her a job! She has been there ever since.
1. What place or country to you feel most at home with?
Leicester. I’m Leicester born and bred, and I still love the city. I’m most at home there in my house - with my husband and two kids.
2. What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest moment was being on stage at the Royal Albert Hall collecting the Best Employer Award at the British Insurance Awards 2022, on behalf of Konsileo. We won again in 2023 – and were presented the Award by Sindu Vee – a favourite of mine!
3. What inspires you?
People. I’m very much a people person, and I get inspired by getting the right person in the right role – and then watching them fly.
4. What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Financial services and recruitment are male dominated industries. Getting taken seriously can be challenging. I felt it particularly when I set out on my own after having a baby. I knew I couldn’t do 12-hour days in an office, but I also knew I COULD do the job. I just had to prove it – and I did.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
My mum. My dad died when I was 7 and she worked incredibly hard to raise 3 girls on a shoestring. She gave me my work ethic, and my drive to make a good life for myself and my family.
6. What is the best thing about your current role?
I love being part of something that’s so innovative – and so fast moving. Konsileo is really disrupting the market, growing incredibly quickly, and establishing itself as a credible and respected force in the UK market, winning business from the jaws of larger peers.
7. And the worst?
Honestly, there is no worst bit. I know that sounds incredibly trite and boring, but it really is the best job I’ve ever had, at the best company I’ve ever worked for.
8. What are your long-term goals?
I want to see Konsileo become THE place the very best brokers in the business want to work. Over the last year we’ve doubled in size – I want to double that again in the next year.
9. If you were prime minister, what one thing would you change?
I’d siphon more money into the NHS and look for other ways to support its recovery. I’m not saying I’ve got the answers, but that would be my priority.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, what historical figure would you spend your time with, and why?
I’d go for Frida Khalo. I love her paintings, her use of colour, her boldness, and her bravery. Given enough time, maybe she could even teach me how to draw!