Yolanda Tavares-Cahuma – Agency Administrator

This is SRG is a new series designed to celebrate the people behind our business, shining a spotlight on the passions, experiences and stories that shape our colleagues beyond their professional roles. In our first instalment of the This is SRG series, we sat down with Yolanda Tavares-Cahuma, Agency Administrator in the Operations team, to learn more about the person behind the work. From her passions to her personal journey, get to know who Yolanda is beyond SRG.

How did you get into insurance?

After completing my A-levels, I began exploring potential career paths. I was part of the LTSB pre-employment programme in Marketing and because SRG works closely with LTSB, my mentor informed me of an interview for a Supplier Coordinator role. Although I was new to the insurance industry, I recognised the opportunity to join an organisation with exciting future prospects, so I embraced the chance and began my journey here in January 2024.

What activities are you involved in outside of work?

Outside of work, I am actively involved in several community and voluntary initiatives through my local church. These include fundraising projects for food banks and soup kitchens, delivering gifts to hospital patients without visitors, and supporting rough sleepers through our Night Angels group. We also share positive affirmation cards across bridges to help those who may be struggling with their mental wellbeing. Alongside my volunteering, I enjoy keeping active through running and the gym, and I also enjoy spending quality time with friends.

What is your biggest passion?

I’m passionate about helping and supporting others, which I enjoy doing through volunteering and by spending meaningful time with people. I truly value shared experiences, including travelling, sports, dining out and exploring new activities as I like learning.

What three words would your friends and family use to describe you?

Kind, wise, and proactive.

“Success is feeling content within myself and the journey I’m on”

How do your out of work interests or responsibilities give you perspective and motivation for your life at work?

My volunteering and community work have shaped how I show up professionally. I am very aware that everything we do in the workplace has an impact, through our communication, behaviour and the quality of our work. Seeing the difference small actions can make inspires me to act with integrity, be considerate and set a positive example for others.

How would you define success in your personal life?

Success is feeling content within myself and the journey I’m on. It isn’t solely defined by material achievements, rather, by maintaining personal wellbeing, emotional balance and a strong sense of purpose, which I currently feel I have.

What three words would you use to describe SRG’s culture?

Fun, balanced and diverse. SRG has a positive working environment where people bring their personalities to work. It is also a place where we are encouraged to learn and progress, which is fantastic for professional development. Finally, the company is diverse in both people and perspectives, and I’ve had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

What is the best part about your role at SRG?

As I continue to grow within my role, the support and collaboration within my team has been invaluable; there is a real sense of unity and I never feel as though I’m working alone. There’s always someone offering to guide me through tasks, share knowledge and answer questions, which makes learning enjoyable.

What has been your biggest achievement in life?

I am proud of the personal and professional foundation I have built thus far. Feeling fulfilled in areas such as friendships, family, volunteering, financial independence and my career are aspects I value deeply. Reaching a place of stability, happiness and balance is an achievement in itself to me.

Is there anything you hope to achieve during your time at the company?

I aim to continue developing both professionally and personally. I want to feel confident and accomplished in my role, remain motivated by the work I do and maintain positive relationships with my team and colleagues.

Do you have a hidden talent that no one at SRG knows about?

I have a passion for singing and dancing, and I currently participate in an annual dance competition. Next year I will be taking on a leadership role as crew captain, with our performance combining elements of contemporary and hip-hop. I am also fluent in Portuguese as I am Angolan, which comes in very handy when visiting Portugal!

What are you most excited about in your life right now?

I’m excited about stepping further into adulthood and everything it brings, personal milestones, new experiences, and future goals such as independent living, marriage and family. From a career perspective, I look forward to continuing to develop in my role, broadening my knowledge and embracing new challenges.

Interested in finding out more about life at SRG? Click here.