International Women’s Day is a United Nations–sanctioned global holiday that aims to celebrate women’s contributions to society and raise awareness to the areas of society that need to improve to reach gender equality. At No.1 Media we use it as way to amplify women’s voices and however you choose to celebrate it, we are here to listen and learn. This week we are spotlighting some of Irelands most beloved businesswomen and entrepreneurs.
Each year has an official theme, but unofficially, many people use it as a day to remember all the women that have made an impact in their lives through sharing International Women’s Day quotes, thoughtful messages, and more. Right now, we are all apart so what better way to bring us together than engage some of our favourite most vibrant women in an interview.
What does IWD mean to you?
It is such a good opportunity to reflect and celebrate the positive changes that have happened to create equality! Celebrating the power of women!
What does your role entail?
Having recently been appointed as a Director of Campion Insurance, I head up the commercial division for the Munster region, leading a team of business development executives and growing our client portfolio.
What have been some of the biggest struggles and triumphs as a woman in business?
The insurance industry is very male dominated and has been for years therefore as a young woman there are always struggles.
Some of the struggles throughout my career have been getting my voice heard and being taken seriously!
Triumphs have included being promoted to a Regional Manager and becoming a director of Campion Insurance!
What skills are important to have in your sector?
As a broker we speak to various insurance companies on behalf of our clients, so negotiations skills are key!
We are faced with difficult and complex issues to solve for our clients every day in Insurance and we require an extremely high level of problem-solving skills to combat these in the most effective way.
I may have left this for the last however I feel customer service is the most important. We want our clients to trust us as we aim to provide the best possible service.
What are the current challenges for women in your sector?
In all honesty I would consider Campion Insurance as a place of equal opportunity. We have many women in leadership roles.
What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
Describe the 3 characteristics about yourself that you believe led to your success in business.
Drive – I pride myself on working extremely hard to make sure things get done! I am not afraid to get stuck in!
Integrity – I think honesty is the best policy in every sense of the word!
Passionate – Along with being driven I have a lot of passion for what I do. It is a family business which makes me want to work 100 times harder.
What woman has positively impacted/inspired you in your career, and what is one lesson she taught you?
Margaret Campion who is the co-founder and Senior Director and Company Secretary of Campion Insurance. Margaret also happens to be my mother! She has thought me a great deal through my whole life and I’ve aspired to be as successful as her throughout! She has instilled the drive and passion that I have and I wouldn’t be the confident young woman I am today without her guidance!
Ann Keogh is the Head of HR, Compliance and Claims, she is a trick of all trades! She started with Campion’s as the PA to the CEO and is now head of 3 departments! Such an admirable woman! She taught me to always be yourself and to work hard. Hard work pays off!
What do you do on a regular basis to celebrate your woman self?
There is nothing better that some self-care!! Glass of wine and a boxset with a face mask! (Lockdown limits a gal these days!!)
What is a daily or weekly ritual you have that contributes to your ongoing success?
Never put off till tomorrow what I can get done today.
What is something interesting you are currently working on? Personal or professional
In Campion’s we recently completed the 100 miles for February for the Mater which we raised over €11,000. This really inspired me, and I really enjoyed doing it! So much so I have decided to do the couch to 5K for the month of March! I have not run in a long time so I am really looking forward to getting stuck in! Lockdown is helping the motivation level I find it a great way to just unwind after a long day!
