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 Paula Creedy, a committed, challenge seeking member of the Gallagher Bassett family.

Paula joined GB in 2014 as a Claims Practices Manager – GI and SI and has worked her way up to the role of Operational Excellence Manager, International. In her current role, Paula supports the growth, ensure consistency and gain efficiencies of scale in the business.

Paula was nominated by her colleagues who are inspired by the way she leads by example, takes ownership of opportunities and initiatives and her ability to call out issues within or outside of her span of control. Being highly motivated and committed to taking on challenges, Paula seeks to drive improvements across the business, thereby providing significant value and support to team members and clients alike.

Paula has had a positive cultural impact on her team, using fact-based analysis is able to provide valuable insights into operations. She is a true leader in the sense that she always brings solutions to the table and swiftly mobilises the necessary stakeholders to lead to a resolution. Paula strives to stick to her commitments, making her a reliable and trustworthy asset for GB.

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

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

I began my career in wholesale banking as a foreign exchange dealer moving into the insurance industry in 2009 where I started in out in contact centre sales.

Do you have a standout career highlight?

My career highlight would have been increasing bank revenue by $5m/year by making a small alteration to correct their exchange rate calculation.

Why do you recommend our industry for the next generation of women entering the workforce?

One of the great things about the insurance industry is the wide variety of roles and career paths available, as well as the breadth of opportunity. This has enabled me to explore different aspects of the industry throughout my tenure.

I recommend this industry for the next generation as I believe it will be able to provide ongoing opportunities for career progression well into the future.

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

The people.

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

My role provides me with a high level of variety. In any given week I can be involved in anything from helping operational business units improve performance and efficiency to claims platform specification and design.

Who is your inspiration or role model?

Michelle Obama. I’m currently reading her book “Becoming”.

What does equality mean to you?

Equality to me means equal opportunity and recognition regardless of race, gender or orientation.

I am committed to increasing the level of representation of women in senior positions by encouraging young women to pursue excellence in their chosen field.