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.

Meet Shelley Reynolds - Senior Legal Manager at Gallagher Bassett in SA.

Shelley has been nominated by colleagues for being an inspiring female leader, having garnered an enormous amount of respect by providing a high level of technical expertise in the business as well as on a wider scale. She has a considered approach under pressure and an ability to articulate her own thoughts, even when they may not be popular.

On multiple occasions, Shelley has put up her hand to lead roles that don't fit specifically into a particular branch, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and the willingness to go the extra mile. At times people challenge her decisions, yet she knowingly takes on the challenge to get a better outcome for the individuals and the business.

Shelley demonstrates integrity and growth in her leadership by reflecting often on her behaviors, and the behavior of others, as well as calling them out with her peers in order to learn and grow. This has helped foster a strong team dynamic with trusting relationships. She has also built excellent relationships with clients.

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

When did you join GB and in what role?

I joined six and a half years ago as a Team Manager, in the Dispute Resolution area.

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

I worked at another agency and then joined GB in the Team Manager role. I did that for 18 months, then moved into the Senior Legal Manager role and I’ve been in this role ever since.
The role has certainly shifted since then, and the responsibilities are more varied than they previously were.

What does your current role involve/roles and responsibilities?

Worker’s compensation legal advice and contract management and I’m also the escalation point for technical or legal advice.

SA introduced new legislation three years ago, so if there is any interpretation required as a result of new legislation, or significant cases testing the legislation, I’m responsible for them.

I also manage GB’s relationship with our external legal providers. Really, anything that I could influence or have an impact on, I like to get involved with.

I was recently involved in a process of identifying high-risk claims and looking at how we can better manage those claims and support our staff that are managing them. I enjoy doing things that aren’t strictly in my job description if it means improving things for our people, or our workers or clients.

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

For me, no. Maybe I’ve been lucky. At my previous employer, I had a very strong and sometimes controversial female manager. Whilst I didn’t always agree with her style, she did teach me that everyone can be heard. I’ve never felt any gender issues, I’ve always expected that my work would be enough, and so far that’s proved to be the case.

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

Not really, I’ve been fairly fortunate. I’ve probably had the same struggles as most people, for example, capacity - trying to fit everything in. I’m not good at saying no and have a tendency to overload myself, but that’s more of a personal challenge

How has GB supported you and your career?

GB has provided me with great opportunities. They have been amazing. I’ve been exposed to many and varied situations. GB has been open to me doing different things. If I identify something that I want to be involved in, they allow me to do it.

They’ve also pushed me to do things I wouldn’t normally do for myself. For example, last year I participated in GB’s Impact Leadership course because my manager encouraged me to apply for it. I never would have done that without him suggesting and encouraging me. And I’m so glad I did. I loved it, it was amazing!

GB has also trusted me, which is really important. I have a very autonomous role, but if I want to get involved in something else, I just go to my manager and tell him, and I get involved. I have always been heard. I often say that I’m lucky, but actually, I don’t think it is luck. I think that’s just the way we operate at GB.

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

I have a great sense of personal pride. My parents both had a very strong work ethic and this comes through to me. From a work perspective, I always want to do the best I can do and help wherever I can. I want GB to come out looking good in everything I do. I am loyal, I always like to do the best for where I am. I like to contribute positively and like to do things that will make someone feel better.

I have a lot of empathy. I can’t just walk past someone struggling, I need to get in and see if they’re okay and if there’s anything I can do. As a leadership group, we all need to be checking in on each other and each other’s staff. It’s not just the job of the direct manager to help their staff and sometimes it can actually be better for staff to speak to someone who is not their direct manager, who is a bit removed from their day to day work.

Who has been the biggest influence of your success?

As I’ve mentioned, my parents have such a strong work ethic, and this has been a critical foundation for me. I always turn up and do the best I can. My philosophy is that my job is to make my boss’s job easier. I want to work for a company with a good reputation and who does great things, and I want to contribute to that.

In terms of who has influenced my success, I pick and choose depending on what I’m doing. I am always reflecting on how others are doing things so that I can learn something for a specific situation.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

I think it’s really great, although to be honest I am slightly conflicted by it, as I have never felt that gender divide. But I do think it’s a great opportunity for women to continue to promote the cause, to celebrate each other, and for everyone to realize women have a lot to offer in the workplace.

I think we’re starting to see the balance shift in terms of the senior roles that women are moving into. IWD keeps that on the radar, and we keep ensuring that opportunities are available for women as well as men. It also reminds us that we should be looking out for each other and promoting women equally.

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

Balance in the workplace, in terms of gender equality. Who is in what roles. I am a firm believer in the right person in the right role, I don’t believe we should have a certain percentage of roles made up of each gender. But there needs to be some level of balance and we need to ensure that women are given the same opportunities as men.

I think it also relates to work-life balance, I think we all struggle with that and women tend to take on a lot. We need to find that balance and be provided with flexible options.

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

No one woman in particular inspires me. I love to see a woman doing a great thing. I look at it and learn from it.

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

Do it! There are always heaps of opportunities. Women generally don’t always do well with self-promotion. I recommend trying to do more of that; highlight a great piece of work you’ve done or ideas that you have. Don’t be scared to speak up.

Be yourself, get a good community and network around you, and get a mentor in the industry.

What advice would you give for how others can support women in their careers?

Support women - as they’re not so great at self-promotion. I am not big on black and white declarations generally, but it has been my experience that men are better at self-promotion, people tend to see men as more natural and agreeable. There is that stereotype that a woman with confidence will be seen as bitchy, whereas a man will be seen as confident. I do think that is still the case a lot these days.

Encourage women to be themselves, be a strong woman if you are a strong woman. Don’t hide that.

I also really think that women often benefit from mentors. Find someone who has been around the traps for a while and allow them to help you navigate things.