Challenge things, be vulnerable, and learn from our mistakes
With a career spanning almost twenty-five years, Kim says she feels fortunate to have found her calling in insurance.
“I ended up falling into insurance and count myself very lucky that I did. I got my start as an Assistant Underwriter, supporting a team of Corporate Property Underwriters at a large firm. It didn’t take me long to decide to pursue a career in insurance. I met lots of great people and took advantage of any learning opportunities presented that would help broaden my knowledge and skills, and set me up for my future.”
Supporting career development
Looking back on her journey so far, Kim says self-advocacy has played a big part in getting her to where she is today as Head of Farm Underwriting at Allianz Commercial. Just as importantly, she believes it’s a leader’s role to support their team in developing the necessary skills to grow their careers and be the best at what they can do.
“Ultimately, my biggest champion has been me. As women we need to get out of our comfort zone and tell ourselves ‘I’ve got this’. Focusing on all the great things you bring to the table can really help you promote your brand and seize the opportunities in front of you.”
“I'm always looking for ways to develop myself, but just as importantly to support others in developing themselves. The best leaders empower their teams to be bold and create their own opportunities. I see leaders across Allianz doing this.
There are clear career pathways within each of our product divisions, and with the organisation on a transformation journey globally, we’re encouraged to challenge things, be vulnerable, and learn from our mistakes, which is refreshing.”
Equal opportunities for all
For Kim, Allianz’s commitment to gender equality and the support she’s received in growing her career has helped dispel the stereotype that the insurance industry is a ‘boys’ club’.
“Working in a male-dominated field, which insurance traditionally has been in the past, can seem daunting. However, I’ve been fortunate and have had some great mentors and trainers that have supported me along the way.”
“Allianz is committed to developing women by providing learning and career advancement opportunities. You can see this in action across our teams, and with more women taking up leadership roles. We also have Allianz NEO, our employee network group that’s all about gender equity. It's a forum that everyone can be a part of with a rewarding mentorship program championing women.”
Kim says Allianz’s approach to continuous learning and development is fundamental to the transformation journey the brand is currently on.
“We're a huge global brand, but we aspire to be bigger and better. Over the last few years, we’ve seen so much exciting change in our Commercial division and across the company, refreshing our teams, products and platforms. There’s a genuine appetite for everybody to learn and develop, no matter what level of the company you’re at. We’re in an exciting new era.”
We care about everything that makes you, you
Do you identify as LGBTQ+ or gender diverse? Would you like to discuss accessibility or workplace adjustments prior to applying? If you have any questions about working at Allianz, or if you'd like support with your application, we're here to help!
