Fiona Andrews, HR director for PIB Group, fell into the world of insurance. But over 40 years later she feels lucky to have worked in the industry and has enjoyed every minute.
In the early days however, only a handful of other women would be present at industry meetings, the others often holding administrative or support roles. So as a technical claims handler, Andrews was frequently one of only a few females with insurance expertise in the room.
“It was rare to be in that environment back then, but this has changed hugely over the years,” Andrews tells Insurance Business. “I have seen the ratio’s balance out in every aspect.”
Thanks to a level of self-confidence inherited from her parents and having a strong female manager as a role model early on who ‘led by example’, Andrews feels she has not faced obstacles to her career from male counterparts. However, while she acknowledges the glass ceiling may exist in some parts of the industry, she personally has not experienced any issues. Instead, Andrews focused on advancement by finding sponsors to back and champion her.
“I had a natural tendency to be able to manage upwards, so I was always astute at picking the people that I thought were the decision makers, who might be able to help me develop my career.” However, she had to win that attention and respect, by demonstrating “utmost integrity”.
“If you say you are going to do something, you have got to do it. If you say you are going to deliver something you have got to deliver it. Over a period of time you demonstrate credibility,” said Andrews.
It’s not a case of an instant win, an instant promotion, however, but of compounding successes.
“You build a body of activity and work that [decision makers] can then rely on, so they will come back to you. People will start to gravitate towards those who have delivered against the agenda.”
Andrews’ career development often occurred organically. For example, taking up a promotion in her first ‘head office’ role led to more project driven and strategic responsibilities. Later on, her move into HR followed naturally on from a position where she had developed underwriting and claims capability for a global insurer, which meant taking a more strategic and future outlook.
“I enjoy seeing talent develop and reach their full potential,” she says. “There is still much to do to encourage women to develop their careers and close the ‘parent gap.”
But it is Andrews’ business management background, and comprehensive understanding of the insurance industry which she believes has contributed towards her ongoing success.
