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 Kye Brown, a passionate and strategic member of the GB family. 

Kye started working within the insurance industry in 2006 in a variety of roles within Workers’ Compensation. Kye is passionate about Workplace Health & Safety and employee wellbeing; bringing strong business acumen, governance practices and strategic thinking to her role at GB. She joined our organisation in our Darwin office last year and in the short time that Kye has been with us, her positive impact has been felt.

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

Why do you recommend our industry for the next generation of women entering the workforce?
This industry offers so many diverse roles that you may not know even exist until you start somewhere. There is so much room for people to expand their careers and for organisations to grow as the needs of the industry change over time.

What motivates or drives your passion for the insurance/risk management industry?
I’ve been lucky enough to develop a career and valuable skills whilst working in the industry and have worked with some amazing people over the years. Find courage in yourself to speak up and show people your value, you never know what kind of opportunities this may bring.

What do you like most about Gallagher Bassett in five words or less?
People focused and fun culture.

Describe how Gallagher Bassett is helping you face your future with confidence. 
I’ve only been in my role with GB since later 2020, but already I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk to our executive team about operational performance, and to be part of the wider Self Insurance leadership team. I’ve been able to expand my business acumen and learn from the great people we work with. I feel supported in making my own decisions and comfortable to speak up when I need assistance.

Who is your inspiration or role model?
The role model I always think about when asked is a leader I had when I worked with a large employer. I learnt so much from him about how important it is to develop your team as individuals and to have their backs when mistakes happen, and the importance of developing a culture of trust. I gained a lot from watching his interactions with employees and managers, and feel I changed some of the ways I approach situations because of this influence.

What does equality mean to you? And/or what is your commitment to helping forge women’s equality?
Equality is about giving everyone the same opportunities to develop and achieve their goals, regardless of their gender or background. The insurance/risk industry has seen a shift from the once stereotyped male dominated industry to having strong female leaders in influential positions. I am excited to see a greater gender balance across executive and board positions in the future, and have personal goals aligned to these positions for myself.

I feel one of my strengths is recognising and promoting the achievements of others, exposing them and their work to senior managers. Some people need someone else to speak up for them as they haven’t yet built the courage to do it themselves. It’s important to do this with their consent so as not to make them uncomfortable, but also to recognise their value.