How Curiosity Helped Me Grow My Career at Gallagher Bassett

I’ve always been someone who likes to ask questions. When I was a kid, my family called me KIS, short for Katie’s Information Service, because I was always trying to learn as much as I could. That same curiosity is what guides me today in my work at Gallagher Bassett. It’s helped me grow, build confidence, and find new ways to support both candidates and my team.

Finding My Way by Asking Questions

When I joined Gallagher Bassett, I wanted to understand the claims world from every angle. I work in Talent Acquisition, and I believe that to help candidates find the right role, I need to know the business well. Learning both workers comp and liability wasn’t easy at first. I’d hear terms I didn’t understand, so I wrote them down and researched them later. Google became one of my closest tools.

Over time, I stopped feeling nervous about asking questions. If I didn’t know something, I asked. I remember a moment when a leader mentioned negligent security and habitability claims. I didn’t know what they were, and instead of letting it slide, I asked her to explain them. She walked me through the details, and I added everything to OneNote so I wouldn’t forget. From then on, I listened for those key words when screening candidates. Small steps like that helped me feel more confident and prepared.

Why I Enjoy Working Across Two Lines of Business

My role is a little different because I recruit for both workers comp and liability. That means every day brings something new. Some candidates apply to one line of business but actually have experience that fits better in another. Since I understand both areas, I can talk to them without passing them to someone else.

Business needs change all the time, and being able to pivot is really helpful. If workers comp hiring slows down but liability ramps up, I can switch gears. I like that flexibility and the chance to connect with different teams. It keeps me from getting too comfortable and pushes me to keep learning.

Skills That Help Me Do My Best Work

Working with a variety of teams and leaders has helped me stay sharp. Even when job titles are similar, each team works a little differently. I’ve had to problem solve, learn new technology, and stay organized. I enjoy digging into new tools and figuring out how they can make hiring smoother or faster.

As the needs of the business change, I’ve learned to negotiate, network, and build relationships from the very first call with a candidate. Being honest about what a role is and what someone can expect helps build trust. That trust matters, especially in a fast changing environment where roles and expectations can shift.

My Advice for Anyone Looking To Grow

If you want to explore new areas of the business, start by being curious. Talk to your manager and let them know what interests you. If you already know someone in that area, reach out. I know it can feel intimidating, but most people enjoy sharing what they know.

I love when people ask me about recruiting or claims. I could talk about it for hours. Helping someone understand the industry or improve their resume is one of the best parts of my job. Some of my favorite conversations happen with passive candidates who aren’t even sure what they want yet. Being able to support them and help them figure it out feels meaningful.