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, eight women were selected to be profiled for 2019, 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. Click here to read interviews from last year's inductees.

Nicole was nominated as an inspiring female leader by her colleagues, who feel that her work ethic, communication style, and her desire to work for the best possible outcome for GB, make her a true and inspiring leader. From her work coordinating and organising of the Senior Planning Forum and Blueprint, to getting the Comcare account up and running, Nicole sets an example for others to follow with her strong work ethic and ability to engage all levels of the organisation. Her colleagues feel she is an absolute pleasure to work with and a true leader with outstanding commitment and drive.

We sat down with Nicole to talk about her career, her journey, and why she believes International Women’s Day is important.

When did you join GB and in what role?

I joined GB in 2002 as part of the Victorian WorkCover start up. I joined the team as a Claims Administrator (CA), which involved basic administration work.

What has been your journey to get to your current position?

Having been with GB for almost 17 years I have worked in numerous roles across several teams.

From the CA role, I moved into claims processing and then case management.

I then moved into the local customer service team as a Customer Service Supervisor. After a few years, I felt I needed a change and wanted to gain leadership experience within an operational team, so I moved into a claims Team Leader role. I then took on the role of Team Manager. From there I moved over to a local communications role.

Stepping out of claims into a local communications role was the best career decision I have ever made, it was the stepping stone to my current role of National Communications Manager, which I commenced in 2012.

Over the last 6 years my role has evolved into a highly valued position within the business.
My time at GB has also seen me grow as a person, from being a young 20 year old living at home with my parents to being a wife and a mother to two beautiful children, Willow 4 and Marley 2.

What does your current role involve?

Along with Stephanie Raven who I job share with, our role is to understand and interpret key messages across the business and provide advice on how best to engage and communicate these messages to internal staff.

We are also responsible for the development, delivery and execution of our national internal communications strategy.

Was it hard to break into the male-dominated industry of insurance?

Sometimes it’s difficult to navigate intimidation, but I believe this is relevant to both men and woman.

Were there any challenges you have had to confront? How did you overcome these challenges?

Thinking back over the last 17 years two key challenges come to mind:

The first was having to overcome the perceptions associated with being a young manager.

Being young and looking even younger, it was challenging to be taken seriously, in particular with clients. To gain creditability and overcome this challenge I fueled myself with knowledge, and prepared, prepared, prepared, for every single meeting!

My second biggest challenge has been to always believe in myself and have confidence in my ability. I overcame this challenge by finding what fits for me; you’re not going to click with every person or every role, but find the right team and job for you. Once you feel like you’re in that supportive environment, you will grow and exceed in whatever you do.

How has GB supported you and your career?

GB has given me opportunities to grow my career from a temporary Claims Assistant to a National Communications Manager. They have been flexible and accommodating.

What is the driving force behind everything you do? What keeps you motivated?

My team and my family.

I love what I do and I love my team. Knowing my team support me unconditionally gives me the confidence to perform at my best.

Secondly, I want to be a good role model for my two young children; someone that my daughter looks up to, I want her to know from a young age that gender sets no boundaries.

Who has been the biggest influence of your success?

My manager Drew Spilsbury has been a massive influence, I can honestly say he has been one of the most amazing managers I have ever had. He empowers, supports and values every team member and is one of the most genuine people I have ever met.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It means promoting equality for women.

I love that GB are doing these profiles, and I’m really appreciative of being selected as one of GB’s most inspiring women for 2019. It’s lovely to be recognised, and it’s great that GB is promoting diversity.

I’d also like to congratulate all the other women who are being profiled and who were selected as inspiring female leaders. I feel blessed to work with a company that recognises me in such a way.

IWD theme for 2019 is #BalanceforBetter. What does this mean for you?

Everything in moderation. I think this theme resonates with me as a working mother. I need to balance my life of being a mother but also feel fulfilled in my career. I need to make sure I give my best in both parts of my life, without sacrificing one for the other.

I also think balance is key to optimism our mental and physical health.

Who is a woman that inspires you the most and why?

There is no one specific woman that inspires me. I love seeing women supporting each other in the workplace.

But I would like to mention my sister Stacey who also works at GB. When it comes to career she is the proof that it doesn’t matter what gender you are, hard work, dedication and confidence pays off.

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

It can be challenging but definitely rewarding. Have confidence and back yourself.

What advice would you give to others on how they can best support women in their careers?

Equality – don’t judge us for being women, judge us on the quality of our work.