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.

Tania Bishop joined Gallagher Bassett over two and a half years ago as our Human Resource Partner for South Australia. She has spent over twenty years working in Human Resources, working from the ground up in HR Administrative roles to HR Leadership positions.

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

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

I believe that it is very important to have an International Women’s Day as it provides women with the wonderful opportunity to get recognised for the great work they are doing. I do want to acknowledge that we have a lot of great male leaders as well, however we still need to develop female leaders in businesses and to promote them.

What’s it like working at GB?

Throughout my career at GB, I have been provided with multiple opportunities to move and grow within the organisation. GB has always encouraged and pushed me to achieve my career goals.

There is a wonderful culture here at GB and I really enjoy working with the people here. In terms of my role, I enjoy working with the leadership team and supporting and challenging them to think differently and to become aware that Human Recourses can help our business to operate more effectively.

Were there any challenges you have had to confront?

The biggest challenge I have had to deal with career wise was taking a step back after having children. This of course was completely my choice, as I chose to take a year off with each of my children and only returning on a part-time basis to ensure a better work/life balance.

It was important that I kept abreast with ‘best practice’ HR during this period to ensure that my skill set was maintained when I was ready to come back to full-time employment. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment while working at GB?

The accomplishment I am most proud of is driving cultural initiatives in South Australia through our Pulse Survey, ensuing Focus Groups and Action Plans, and delivering positive change in the business unit.  As a result of this, we have also been able to introduce some initiatives that have been adopted on a National basis. 

Who has been the biggest influence of your success?

There was a really wonderful Human Resources Director that I worked for at Parsons Brinckerhoff. I really admired her and her leadership style. She was a knowledgeable, humble and inclusive leader that really engaged with her team.  She was also really aware of people’s strengths and allowed us to utilise these strengths to grow and develop.

Tania Bishop - Human Resource Partner