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 Ruth Korotcoff, an inspiring, passionate member of the Gallagher Bassett family.

Ruth Korotcoff was appointed to the role of General Manager – South Australian Workers’ Compensation in 2019. Ruth is highly experienced in claims and customer service and leads GB’s South Australian Operation.

Ruth was nominated by a colleague, who is inspired by the way she passionately leads people and her ability to acknowledge everyone’s critical role within the business. Ruth leads by example, actively looking out for everyone’s best interest and is always willing to help team members out.

Ruth is an experienced senior executive with proven leadership and achievement of business results in complex and large operational results. Ruth is proficient in enacting workplace solutions though engagement with senior executives, business leaders and internal and external stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes, specifically in the arena of improved culture, operational efficiencies, change management and driving customer-centricity.

Team members across the South Australian operation have commented on the positive cultural shift that Ruth initiated and her ability to empower those around her. In her short time at GB, Ruth has gone above and beyond to demonstrate The Gallagher Way.

We recently sat down with Ruth to talk about her career, journey and learn more about her.

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

After being in the personal insurance industry for more than 20 years and moving to a totally new industry (telecommunications) I personally felt was an achievement- even though I’ve come back to insurance.

Being successful in a new industry and establishing new teams to be high performers was something I hold dear. I set up several teams offshore and across Australia. Building relationships with those teams despite the distance was something I’m very proud of. I also take a great deal of excitement when I see talent in the business and I personally take it upon myself to foster that talent – I have a real sense of achievement when I see those people shine and become recognised by others for how amazing they are.

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?

To be honest, it isn’t about the industry but the people you work with. The difference is what you are doing each day and the level of contribution you are making.

As an example, I’ve been involved in CTP for a decade in various roles from the regulator to the insurer. The value and the contribution you can make to the reduction of road trauma is very humbling.

The same goes for workers compensation. I love speaking to potential new employees at our Assessment Centres they are all embarking on a potential career with GB and in the workers' compensation industry. There is so much in front of them to be excited about. Sharing with them my career journey gives them some sort of idea of what they can do and what opportunities may exist.

Whether they are male or female – makes no difference.

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

The compassionate, loyal and dedicated staff.

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

As I mentioned, I’m passionate about developing talent and providing career progression. Our business allows this to occur – in fact, it is critical to our success.

Being able to champion the Flexible Work Options pilot in Adelaide was fantastic. This has been so important to so many diverse people who all need it for varying reasons – family, childcare, sporting or elderly parents. It is saying to our staff that we respect and understand what other components of their lives are important.

Who is your inspiration or role model?

I know this is cliché but my mum. She is 83 years old and I truly respect her level of intellect and passion for life. She is a woman before her time. She is incredibly active with clubs, speaking engagements, voluntary work – and is an incredible grandmother to her six grandchildren. She has an amazing capacity for diverse literature, world movies, history and politics. She recently lobbied for the legalisation of euthanasia. I can only aspire to lead a life half as full as hers.