Women in insurance – leaders, experts, team players
This International Women’s Day we wanted to shine a light on some of the incredible women in our business.
At Rossborough and Gallagher, we're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for the benefit of our clients, our teams and the communities in which we live and work. Inclusion and diversity are a core part of our business, and it's embedded into the fabric of our organisation both locally and globally. As part of this, we're dedicated to empowering women, developing the next generation of leaders and celebrating their achievements. We recognise insurance is a traditionally male-dominated industry, and we value the experience and power that women bring to this exciting sector. We see inclusion as a conscious commitment and diversity as a vital strength. By embracing diversity in all its forms, we live out The Gallagher Way to its fullest.
"The whole idea of an inclusive culture is about bringing different perspectives around the table to better serve our clients." Pat Gallagher, Chairman, President and CEO, Gallagher.
We asked these inspirational women some interesting questions about leadership, motivations and what it takes to be a successful woman in insurance.
Here’s what they had to say. Natasha Lucock, Sales Director at Gallagher Channel Islands and Isle of Man, has been recognised in the Future Leaders Top 70 Leaders List, which highlights the exceptional talent and insightful leadership of individuals who are shaping the future of Jersey.
She has more than two decades worth of experience in insurance underwriting and holds Chartered Insurer status. She is approachable, collaborative, takes ownership of situations and displays dedication and expertise in whatever she does. Natasha is passionate about the insurance industry and helping clients get the best solutions, but also fostering career and development opportunities for those working within the industry. She is also a huge advocate for gender equality and will regularly lead the charge on this issue within the business. She embodies Gallagher’s values of professionalism and teamwork and delivers exceptional service, putting the client’s needs to the fore.
What does exceptional leadership look like to you?
“There are many traits that make a good leader but from my experience an exceptional leader has to have a strong ability to connect with their team. They need to be approachable, authentic and lead by example. A leader must be trusted to act with integrity and be relied on to do the right thing. Setting the right tone for the culture of an organisation is important and begins with leadership team. Facing each day with passion, positivity and to be able to bring a team together to drive a business forward is a skill good leaders must possess. A great leader is open to new ideas, not afraid to laugh (humour is so important in creating a positive culture). Fostering a positive, fun and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute is crucial to the wellness of colleagues and in turn success of the business”.
Hailey Whittingham, is a Senior Personal Lines Broker in our Jersey team. She first joined Rossborough in a temporary role in 2018 before joining the team permanently after completing her college studies in 2021 and hasn’t looked back since.
She’s undertaking professional qualifications, has already been recognised with promotion and according to her line manager is exceptional at her job. Hailey, really is a talent – she recently won the Jersey Finance Rising Stars Award in the Insurance category.
How has undertaking qualifications and continuous professional development helped you to perform your role?
“I have opted-in to attend many different training sessions and webinars provided by the Chartered Insurance Institute, in addition to studying towards my CERT CII Qualification. I was also nominated to participate in the Gallagher Fast Forward programme, which is a yearlong course covering self development, networking and careers. I am a little over halfway through the course and I have thoroughly enjoyed every session. All of this has enabled me to gain confidence within my role, as well as expand my insurance knowledge to aid both my colleagues and clients to the best of my ability”.
Morgan Scarffe is a team leader in our Isle of Man office. Morgan is responsible for 11 staff across our commercial department, with her team spread across all three islands.
Some members of Morgan’s team are either new to insurance or have primarily had only Personal Insurance experience, and she has performed the role of mentor to all of these rising stars with such positivity, enthusiasm and class. Morgan is about to head onto maternity leave (huge congratulations, Morgan) and yet she has continued to focus on helping her colleagues in her last days in the office, to make sure they have what they need while she is on her leave.
What would you say to women looking to embark on a career in insurance? What advice would you give?
“Having a career in insurance is an exciting and rewarding adventure, with tons of opportunities to grow and make a difference. I've been in the industry since I was 19, and I've seen just how many different paths you can take. For women thinking about a career in insurance, I'd say embrace every learning opportunity, because things are always changing in insurance. Don't be afraid to share your unique ideas and skills and most importantly, trust in your abilities”.
Elysia Gillease is a Claims Supervisor and Team Manager in our Guernsey office.
She’s highly respected by clients, insurance partners and colleagues alike and her positive attitude is infectious. She meets every challenge with a positive attitude and a smile on her face, juggling a busy workload and family life (with two young children) as well as being a Mental Health First Aider and helping to deliver much of our employee sports and social, charity and wellbeing activity.
What motivates you professionally and why?
“I think my two little girls motivate me the most. I want them to grow up knowing they can have a family (if they wish) and a successful career; it doesn’t have to be one or the other. They also inspire me to advocate for workplaces to be more inclusive and provide equal opportunities to succeed”.