1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?

I think that IWD gives a point in time to celebrate the achievements of everyone who has made strides, big or small, in giving women the confidence and tools to put themselves on par with men.

2. Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the insurance industry? Do you think insurance is an inclusive industry?

There are always challenges in any work environment. Over time I have experienced various roadblocks in my career, being a woman may have had a part to play but I tend not to dwell on it. My driver has always been to do the best job I can, to challenge where I think challenge is needed and if there is a roadblock, I find another route to achieve what I want to.

The insurance industry is getting better at being inclusive but still has a lot to do. Remote working was something that would not have happened pre-Covid on the scale it is now and it has caused people to shift and adapt from traditional thinking and practices. This change in thinking will create opportunities for women to work better around families and to excel.

3. What do you think could be done to improve opportunities for women in the insurance and technology sectors?

There’s always room for improvement for everyone but I think that we as women need to be proactive and be more ready to put ourselves in situations that challenge us and not be afraid to have a go - hopefully you succeed, but failure is a teacher as well.

4. What is the most important message you would like to send to young women thinking about their careers?

Be as good as you can be at what you do and keep focussing on your goals and adapting as you see opportunities. Remember to have fun in what you’re doing.

5. Can you tell us about a role model who has inspired you over your career?

I don’t really have a role model as such. I tend to take aspects of people who I come into contact with or read about.  I think I get more from people I come into contact with because there is time to observe and talk with that person - they’re more real and relevant.

For more information, read our article on improving representation of women in insurance.