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.

Sophie Potter joined Gallagher Bassett in November 2012 as a Learning & Development Specialist working in GB's South Australian operation. Sophie's hands on approach and focus on quality and detail has seen her career progress. Sophie played a key role in the start-up of GB's new Northern Territory operation and she now leads GB's Northern Territory claims teams.

In this role Sophie manages the eligibility hub, return to work hub and transitional hub/return to independence hub for all GB's Territory services. She also manage a team of staff in Alice Springs and Katherine. Her team provide a behavioural and mobile case management framework for Northern Territory government agencies.

We sat down to talk to Sophie about her experiences working in the insurance industry.

Do you think it’s important to have an International Women’s Day?

Absolutely! I am a big advocate for women in business and I think women do really well when we support each other. It is really great to see women holding positions in our senior executive group and in other areas of the business. That really happens at GB. Everyone supports each other and women have equal opportunity.

What advice would you give to women who are considering pursuing a career within the insurance industry?

If you are dedicated to your industry and put the effort in, you’ll be rewarded. I would recommend to seek out any opportunity you can and put your hand up for projects, put yourself out there and take the jump!

What’s it like working at GB?

GB has a great culture and family feel. I am really excited to be a part of the Northern Territory team and to be managing the workers’ compensation claims on behalf of the Northern Territory government. I am so excited about where GB is going, what we’re achieving and going to bring to the Northern Territory.

How have you been supported in your career?

GB has supported and encouraged me to achieve my career goals. I have felt particularly supported when GB gave me the flexibly to work remotely. It is realty great that they trust me to work on my own and have a career while being with my family - not many employers do that. This is such a breath of fresh air for women who want to have a family but do not want to lose their identity and their career they have worked so hard in building.

I can’t thank GB enough for the opportunities they have provided me. I have had multiple opportunities in many different states around Australia that has taught me a lot about myself, my career and I what I would like to achieve in life.

Were there any challenges you have had to confront?

Plenty. My biggest internal challenge was my first move interstate with GB. My technical ability was well regarded in South Australia. It was a challenge going into a new operation and having to work hard to show that I knew my stuff and that I was here to assist and build a better business unit.

I am thankful for all of my career challenges as I learnt so much about what I can achieve and these challenges have really set me up in my career now that I look back on them.

How did you overcome these challenges?

Just being resilient and breaking down barriers through communication. This was a real learning curve for me; I had to think about other people’s roles and their agenda’s. I guess it is about influencing people in a positive way. At the end of the day, your knowledge, behaviour and persistence comes through.

Sophie Potter – Northern Territory Team Manager