The insurance industry has made significant strides in gender diversity, but as Katrina Shanks (pictured), CEO of ANZIIF, pointed out, change has been slow - too slow. Events like the Women in Insurance Summit in Auckland offer a vital space to keep the momentum going, bringing together industry leaders and professionals for important discussions on leadership, resilience, and the future of insurance.
Shanks will be a panellist in a session discussing emerging market and industry trends, which will cover how factors like inflation, climate change, and ESG will affect the insurance space.
She is particularly looking forward to a critical conversation on natural disaster preparedness, a topic that has taken centre stage in recent years.
"This topic has been a significant focus over the past few years, especially considering the scale and frequency that catastrophic events have been occurring, globally," she explained.
From the devastating 2022 floods in Australia to Auckland’s own flooding events, to the more recent LA wildfires – disasters are becoming more frequent and severe.
"It is crucial that we learn how to navigate catastrophic events such as these, in order to mitigate their effects and protect our communities from the financial and emotional toll they bring,” Shanks said.
Beyond the technical discussions, the Summit is also a chance to reflect on how the industry is changing for women. Shanks acknowledged the progress made - government-funded parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and equality targets have opened more doors - but she’s candid about the pace of change.
"Over my career, change has been slow – too slow,” she said. “To see significant change at speed you need a movement led by someone who has passion and drive. Ultimately this puts enough pressure on the government to make wide-sweeping legislative changes."
For women in the industry, these policy shifts make a tangible difference. Women are often expected to take on the ‘caregiver’ role in families, which can have a knock-on effect on their career growth. However, Shanks notes that government-funded parental leave and flexible work arrangements have been “incredibly effective” in supporting women through their careers.
“These policies help to redistribute those responsibilities more equitably between parents, giving women the opportunity to focus on cultivating their professional lives after having children,” she explained.
Of course, attending an event like this isn’t just about listening—it’s about making connections that can help shape careers. Shanks’ advice for attendees? Keep it simple. "My number one tip for attendees is to be yourself. Approach events like these with authenticity. Come with an open mind and heart, ready to connect with each other."
She also encourages building relationships with peers who are at a similar career stage. "This allows you to grow alongside each other, learn from each other and support one another,” she said.
With a lineup of influential speakers and crucial discussions on industry challenges, the Women in Insurance Summit is a much-anticipated annual event for Auckland’s insurance industry.
To find out more and secure your spot, click here.
