What inspired you to pursue your career in insurance/broking?  

 
Insurance broking totally aligns with my passion for helping people and making a meaningful impact. The thought of being able to protect someone’s livelihood or business and provide them with peace of mind is a great feeling. Networking, socialising, and building genuine relationships have always been a key attraction in any role I’ve taken on. I find it rewarding knowing I have the relationship to provide clients with the best possible customer service experience. It’s about ensuring clients feel valued. 

I’ve always loved a challenge, and insurance has provided me with the perfect path to develop my expertise, expand my knowledge, and grow both personally and professionally. It satisfies my want for continuous learning while pushing me to step outside my comfort zone. Every day in this industry is different, and that’s what keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do. 

Can you share a key milestone or achievement in your career?  

Moving to Australia in my forties and being tasked with researching the potential for setting up a travel insurance comparison website and product for a UK-based company was a challenge. But what stood out most for me is not just the work itself, but the milestones I achieved along the way. Taking on this project alone meant stepping completely out of my comfort zone, going back to study to obtain my Tier 1 qualification, and successfully applying for our Australian Financial Services Licence. 

The sense of accomplishment I felt after reaching those goals was so rewarding, it wasn’t just about ticking boxes; it was about proving to myself what I was capable of and knowing I had the resilience and determination to succeed.  

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your career, and how did you overcome them?  

Insurance broking has long been a male-dominated industry, and throughout my career, I’ve faced moments where my ability to lead or handle complex negotiations was questioned due to preconceived ideas. Instead of letting these assumptions define me, I leaned on my core values. Through perseverance, I earned respect and showed the value of diversity in leadership, opening doors not just for myself but for others as well. 

On a personal level, growing my career while raising two young children was one of the greatest challenges I’ve faced. Balancing quality time with them, ensuring they thrived in their social and sporting pursuits, and still advancing in my professional life pushed me to my limits. These experiences taught me the impact of persistence, advocating for myself, and the value of creating opportunities that motivate others. 

By staying true to my values, I’ve not only overcome obstacles but also contributed to meaningful change in the teams I’ve been part of. Today, I do take great pride in mentoring others and fostering an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to succeed. These challenges have helped shape the leader I am today and continue to feed my passion for growth, and helping others thrive in their own journeys. 

What skills or traits do you think are essential for success in this industry?  

Good and Effective Communication - Never underestimate the power of your voice. Speak up, share your ideas and don’t be afraid to contribute.  

Resilience and Adaptability – Life in both this industry and personally can present challenges, but I’ve learned that nothing is too big to face, especially when you can lean on the incredible support of colleagues, family, and friends. This lesson has become even more real to me through recent experiences, and it’s taught me the strength that comes from perseverance and community. 

Commitment to Excellence - The pride I feel when delivering exceptional customer service or supporting my team and colleagues is something I can’t put into words. It’s not just about doing a job to me, it’s about going above and beyond for the people you work with and the company you represent.  

What advice would you give to other women starting their careers in insurance or business?  

Always approach your career with confidence, determination, and commitment.  Your journey matters and you have the power to shape the industry for the better. 

Who is a woman that has inspired you, and why?  

There are a few people who inspire me deeply, but I want to highlight two in particular: 

Personal Inspiration: My Sister 

My sister has been an incredible source of strength and inspiration, not just for me but for my daughters as well. She redefines the meaning of resilience. At 52, she faced the unimaginable, losing her one true love of over 30 years to brain cancer. My two wonderful nephews, just 15 and 19 at the time, were of course also deeply affected. Watching her navigate through this heartbreak while continuing to run her business and support her boys through such a traumatic loss has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. She has shown me and my daughters what it means to be strong, resilient, and courageous, even in life’s darkest moments. Her strength reminds me that even when life feels unbearable, it’s possible to rise, rebuild, and continue to thrive. 

Career Inspiration: Rabia Siddique 

From a professional perspective, Rabia Siddique stands out as a beacon of courage and resilience. I was fortunate to hear her speak at a convention a few years ago, and her story left a lasting impression on me. Rabia’s life journey is a testament to facing adversity head-on, standing firm in the face of injustice, and embracing authenticity in all aspects of life. Her courage and integrity remind me that even one person’s determination can make a profound difference. She inspires me to use my voice, rise above challenges, and stay true to my values, no matter the obstacles. 

These two women, in their unique ways, have shaped the way I view resilience, courage, and authenticity, both in my personal life and professional journey. Their examples push me to strive for strength, integrity, and positive impact every day. 

How do you balance your career with other aspects of your life?  

I quickly came to realise that balancing career and life is not about perfection. Setting boundaries whilst focusing on priorities enabled me to take time for myself and my family.  It’s a process that I found has led to me feeling greater fulfillment and longer-term success.  

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?  

To me, International Women’s Day is so much more than just a celebration, it’s a powerful movement that calls for action and inspires change. It’s a reminder that when women are empowered, they uplift not only themselves but everyone around them, creating a ripple effect of strength and progress.  

How can businesses like Knightcorp support gender equality and women in the workplace?  

Supporting gender equality isn’t just about meeting a benchmark or ticking a box, it’s about building a workplace where everyone feels seen, genuinely supported, and fully empowered to reach their potential. Every woman should feel they belong within an environment where they can grow and be celebrated for the unique value they bring.