Three and a half years ago, I joined Gallagher Re and made a career move that completely changed my path.
Before joining the FAC team, I worked in recruitment. Insurance was a completely new industry for me, and I had no previous experience in reinsurance. When the opportunity came up to join Gallagher Re, I went through a couple of interviews, and felt it was the right fit.
One of the things that stood out immediately was the people. I really got along with the individuals interviewing me, and I remember thinking that if these were the people I'd be working with, then the wider team couldn't be far off. That instinct turned out to be right.
Building Experience from Every Angle
When I first joined, I worked in a hybrid role that combined broking responsibilities with technical work. I had the opportunity to learn from two managers, one focused on the broking side and another on the technical side.
Over time, I transitioned more into the technical side of the business, building my experience and knowledge of reinsurance contracts, documentation, and post-binding processes.
What has helped me most is the exposure to different people and different ways of working. Since joining, I've had the opportunity to work alongside a variety of brokers, managers, and colleagues across the business. I've been lucky enough to see a lot of different sides of Gallagher Re and understand how different people approach their work.
Why Relationships Matter as Much as Technical Knowledge
Although my role is now more technical, I've always tried to maintain the relationships I built with clients and underwriters. I still meet regularly with underwriters and travel to meet clients, including trips to Dublin. Those experiences have helped me understand client needs first-hand and see how technical expertise supports better outcomes.
One thing I've learned is that success in this industry isn't just about technical knowledge.
I think the majority of this industry is really being able to speak to someone that you've never met before and just have a normal conversation. The ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and understand people's needs is incredibly important."
Learning Faster Through Different Experiences
Looking back, one of the biggest drivers of my development has been the variety of experiences available within the FAC team. I've worked with different managers, collaborated with brokers at different levels, and gained exposure to multiple areas of the business. That variety has accelerated my learning and helped me develop professionally much faster.
Having leaders who take the time to teach you the right way of doing things makes a huge difference. I've been fortunate to work with managers who have invested in my growth and helped me build confidence across both the technical and commercial sides of the business.
Everyone is approachable, supportive, and willing to help each other. People take the work seriously when it matters, but they also create an environment where you can ask questions, learn, and enjoy being part of the team.
Opportunities That Keep Growing
What has kept me at Gallagher Re is the opportunity. The company is large enough to offer a huge range of experiences, career paths, and development opportunities. Whether you're just starting out or looking to build expertise in a specialist area, there are countless ways to grow.
Once you've built a solid foundation, you can branch out, explore different lines of business, and develop your career in directions you may not have originally considered.
For me, Gallagher Re has been a place where I could start something completely new, develop valuable skills, and continue finding new opportunities for growth. And with the FAC team growing the way it is, we're expanding our capabilities, bringing in new talent, and creating opportunities for people who want to be part of a growing area of the market. I believe there's never been a better time to be part of the journey.
Role of Upskilling in My Role
When we adopted iCIMS, a new system, I saw an opportunity to expand my understanding of its functions beyond just operations. I volunteered for additional training to gain insights from the perspectives of recruiters, hiring managers, and Talent Acquisition leaders. This not only helped me resolve stakeholder questions more effectively but also empowered me to contribute at a higher level within my team.
Keeping up with new technologies, best practices, and industry trends has been crucial in helping me bring my best to the table. I’ve learned that staying ahead allows me to offer innovative solutions, streamline processes, and ultimately be a reliable resource for my team.
