Every International Women’s Day, GB recognises and celebrates the accomplishments of the inspiring women we work with. This year, we asked our people to nominate an inspiring female leader that they work with, and we were overwhelmed with dozens of very worthy nominations. After a tough process, nine women were selected to be profiled for 2020, based on their amazing accomplishments over the past 12 months.

All of the women featured in these interviews will represent GB at the Women in Insurance Leadership Summit in August.

Meet Dianne (Di) Ferreira, a supportive, inspiring member of the Gallagher Bassett family.

Di joined GB twelve months ago in the role of Team Manager – Payments and came into her role with lots of enthusiasm and eagerness.

Di was nominated by her colleagues, who are inspired by her strong leadership, support and sincerity in her role leading a team at GB. In her twelve months in the business, she has been motivated to lead by example and drive a positive work culture. Her strong leadership has improved her team’s engagement and morale.

Di exhibits The Gallagher Way in her role, supporting new managers, with her colleagues saying that they would like to imitate what she has created amongst her team. She has proactively gone out of her way to reach out to new and up and coming leaders within the business, offering her time to help nurture and support their development.

She is always looking for ways to help others and always brings new ideas to the business. In her team, Di is never afraid to have a courageous conversation and is always looking for ways to build the culture of the branch. By actively providing feedback that’s respectful and polite, Di supports her team members to reach their full potential.

We recently sat down with Di to find out more about her:

What is your high-level career path?

My end goal is to be a leader of leaders, to be able to coach/mentor new and or upcoming leaders in having quality conversations with teams and peers, to identify and work on development opportunities with people to succeed.

What motivates or drives your passion for the insurance/risk management industry? Why do you recommend our industry for the next generation of women entering the workforce?

Getting people back to work after an injury is really important and personal and I feel thankful that I get to contribute to someone else’s health and recovery.

This is a great industry for women either entering the workforce or returning to it at a later stage, it is a great business for you to make your own choice to either have a career at GB or to use the experience as a stepping stone to your own career.

There are so many opportunities for everyone, with the flexible work options available I feel really supported to have a great work/life balance.

What do you like most about Gallagher Bassett in five words or less?

What we do for people

How is Gallagher Bassett is helping you face your future with confidence?

I have the full support of my leaders in this business and feel really respected on all levels. I get to have a say in all decisions for myself and my team.

I get to drive my own career and know that I am supported in doing so.

Who is your inspiration or role model?

Jacinda Ardern – What a leader. She is a great influencer for women everywhere.

What does equality mean to you?

Equality is a way of life for me, treating people respectfully regardless. I am an advocate for anyone to follow their dreams. If you are able, then you should.

I am lucky enough to be treated equally in my workplaces and in my personal life. I encourage equality in my team and family, I give everyone opportunities as they arise. I think it’s important to celebrate everyone’s achievements.