The Australian insurance industry has been seeing more women rising to the top or excelling in their careers over the years. For example, Sparke Helmore Lawyers (Sparke Helmore) partner Gillian Davidson, who recently made it to Insurance Business Australia's Hot List 2022, has served a range of management roles in her stay in the firm for more than 23 years, earning several awards along the way.
An Insurance Business Elite Woman in Insurance for 2021, Davidson made it to this year's 50 Hot Listers for driving vital change in insurance through various leadership roles at Sparke Helmore, such as senior partner and national head of liability, personal injury, property, product, subrogated recoveries, and royal commissions. She also served as a practice group and service leader in the firm, a member of its board, and the chair of its diversity and inclusion advisory committee.
So how did Davidson's leadership roles stand out and drive vital change in the firm and the industry? Well, it seems this Hot Lister knows some secrets to strong leadership: humility and authenticity.
In an interview with Insurance Business, Davidson said: “I've kind of just been myself” when it comes to staying authentic.
Meanwhile, when it comes to remaining humble, she said: “It is not a passive humility – it's actually open humility, which means being engaged, empathizing, wanting to know about people, wanting to know about clients, wanting to know about industries, and not assuming – particularly as a lawyer – that you know everything.”
She added that focusing on her clients further helped her remain humble even after being recognised in the industry over the years, stating: “I'm nothing without my clients. And the only way you build sustainable, long, healthy relationships with clients is if you know them, if you understand their strengths, and if you respond to them in ways that reflect their needs. What do they need? How can I help them? What solutions do you need?”
You can find out more about her leadership skills and the rest of the insurance journey by checking out the Hot List 2022 report.
