Every International Women’s Day GB recognises and celebrates the accomplishments of the inspiring women we work with. All of the women featured in these interviews will represent GB at the Women in Insurance Leadership summit in May. Click here to read interviews from last year’s inductees.
Andrea Nelson joined Gallagher Bassett over five years ago as a Case Manager and has progressed into both Account Management and Team Leader positions before being promoted to GB’s National Operations Manager- Personal Injury in October last year.
In her current role, Andrea is responsible for the performance and development of all personal injury claims teams ensuring consistent, efficient and timely delivery of service, ensuring compliance to industry regulations, policies and guidelines and developing and maintaining relationships with management, work teams and customers.
We sat down to talk to Andrea about her career, the challenges she has faced and what keeps her motivated in the insurance industry.
What has been your journey to get to your current position?
I started work in the insurance industry over 24 years ago and have worked in a number of positions for various organisations since then. My career has developed through hands on experience and on the job training in addition to interacting and being mentored by business leaders. From early on, I would identify which role or area of the business I would like to move in to and after building both my skillset and confidence, I’d take the next step.
Was it hard to break into what has historically been a male dominated industry?
No, I don’t see the insurance industry as being male dominant. At a case management and team leader level, particularly at GB, the majority of our team is female.
What is the driving force behind everything you do? What keeps you motivated?
My main motivation comes from wanting to be the best in the industry, but also the people, my colleagues and our clients.
Who has been the biggest influence of your success?
My friends, family and colleagues have always supported and believed in me so they have all been key influencers in my success.
Do you think it’s important to have an International Women’s Day? Why?
Yes. I think International Women’s Day brings into focus the great work women are doing in business. It’s also important to celebrate the strength and versatility women bring to business.
Who is a woman that inspires you the most and why?
I don’t have one particular woman that inspires me as I work with a number of successful ladies who go above and beyond on a daily basis. Any businesswoman who shows passion and commitment to their work and what they want to achieve inspires me. I come across a lot of different women who all have different things to offer and so I try and take inspiration from each of them.
What advice would you give to women who are considering pursuing a career within the insurance industry?
Learn as much as you can from the ground up, have can-do attitude, be solution focused, have confidence and back yourself.
What’s it like working at GB?
There is a lot that I enjoy about working here, but the people, our great company culture and the support we receive and show each other would be amongst the most enjoyable. I also like that we are a company that embraces change.
Has GB supported you and your career?
GB has been an incredible support throughout my career with the provision of a number of leadership opportunities that allowed me to really step up and outside of my comfort zone. These opportunities have allowed me to grow into being the leader I am today. At GB we believe our people are our strength and I have always felt that I have been backed to take risks and make decisions.
