Every International Women’s Day, GB recognises and celebrates the accomplishments of the inspiring women we work with. This year we asked our GB fam to nominate an inspiring woman that they work with, and we were overwhelmed with many worthy nominations. After a tough process, nine women were selected to be profiled for 2021, based on their amazing leadership and accomplishments over the past 12 months.

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

Meet Jolanta Jones, an inspiring and supportive member of the Gallagher Bassett family. 

Jolanta joined GB in 2017 as an Eligibility Manager within our Darwin office, and was promoted into a Team Leader position within the workers’ compensation team. In 2020 December, Jolanta relocated to Brisbane and joined the General Insurance team as a Team Leader for Shared Operational Support service.

This is the second time that Jolanta has received this honour, and she is the first and only women at GB to make the Inspiring Women Leaders list twice, in 2019 and 2021. This year Jolanta was nominated by a colleague who is influenced by her positivity and optimism as she supports her team to perform at their best. She is the type of leader that earns respect and whom people are inspired to follow; improving morale and a positive culture at GB.

Through the challenges of the pandemic, Jolanta has remained a positive influence on everyone around her. Jolanta lives The Gallagher Way.

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

What drives your passion for the insurance industry?
The insurance industry is a great alignment to my personality: outcomes-driven and fast-paced. I've seen many women be supported and succeed in this industry. I think it's critical to the future of insurance that women are well represented as we anticipate an increased demand for people who are equally driven to deliver results and customer care.

What does equality mean to you?
I have been lucky to be surrounded by strong women throughout my entire life. I believe you can empower a woman just by encouraging her and complimenting her work. You never know, but that day might be the day when she’s ready to throw in the towel and give up. We’ve all had that unexpected feedback that’s allowed us to push through the hard times.

Equality for me is making sure people are given equal opportunities and are accepted for their differences. It’s important for me to set an example for my daughter and to show the next generation that we should support each other and celebrate our success- regardless of gender, culture or sexual orientation.

What do you like most about Gallagher in five words or less?
Supportive and flexible.

Describe how Gallagher Bassett is helping you face your future with confidence
I am proud to be a part of the GB family, as it empowers women, not just during International Women’s Day, but at every stage of their career. GB has been the most supportive company I have ever worked for. We have a great company culture and lots of opportunities to grow.

Who is your inspiration or role model?
I follow people I can relate to, depending on where I’m at in my journey. During the pandemic I found inspiration in Jacinda Arden (Prime Minister of New Zealand) and Edwina Dunn (founder of The Female Lead campaign).