Women in Focus: Susan Wright

From apprentices and team leaders to divisional leaders and Executive Committee members, we wanted to showcase some of our great talent but also highlight the diverse range of opportunities and specialist areas a career at Gallagher can offer. Today, we’re proud to introduce you to Susan Wright.

Tell us about your role at Gallagher

I am the interim Managing Partner of Alesco Property, Casualty and Special Risks

What was your very first job and what did that teach you?

I worked at Boots the chemist from the age of 15 and 3 months! Remember to always comfortable shoes!

Did you have a childhood career ambition — and are you prepared to share it?

To be a doctor and fix my Dad’s bad back

How did you come to work in risk management & insurance: choice or chance?

Chance – answered an advert in the South London Press for an Underwriting Assistant at Lloyd’s of London

What excites you most about the industry?

Seeing the desire of young people to come into the industry, which will only survive with the continued refreshing of the workforce

What has been your career highlight so far?

The one that is around the corner… never look back, only forwards unless it is remembering people!

What one piece of advice would you give to your younger self / What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Do not allow personal insults to cause you to retaliate – you are a better person than that. Never discuss your salary with anyone other than your boss!

The insurance industry as a whole continues to face the challenge of an under-representation of women at senior level — what do you believe could help ‘move the dial’?

Continue to fight for all people to have “choice” and “opportunity”.

Describe what you like most about Gallagher in 5 words….

Integrity, family, individual, innovative, team

What do you see as the industry’s greatest challenge?

Ensuring that we don’t lose the value of people as technology increases its profile and perceived importance…. We are still a people business!

Which three inspirational famous people — past & present — would you invite to a strategic offsite to devise a plan to overcome that challenge, and why?

Steve Jobs – an innovator, but more importantly someone who people wanted to work for; Mo Mowlam – her negotiation and mediation skills would be a great asset to any organisation; Sir Dave Brailsford– his “1% improvement methodology” equally using both people and technology would be an excellent insight.

And finally, tell us something about you which people might be surprised to learn

I have several tattoos that mean a great deal to me!