To celebrate International Women's Day 2023 and this years theme #EmbraceEquity, we have asked some of the fantastic Optio female leaders, to reflect upon their accomplishments, career path and give their thoughts on what the theme #EmbraceEquity really means to them.

Louisa Dewey, Marketing Manager

How did you get into your career?

Before starting university, I had some work experience at a Lloyd’s Broker and so from this experience, the insurance industry was on my mind when I graduated university with a 1^st Class. I started looking online and speaking to recruiters’ and came across the Marketing Assistant role t Optio which seemed like a perfect fit! When I joined, I was learning so much about branding, PR, websites, social media, design work and so on, and was loving it! Fast forward 3 years and I am now Optio’s Marketing Manager and responsible for the Marketing function, working with all Group companies including: Optio, Brockwell Capital, Northcourt Limited, Cove Programs, Optio Re MENA and Optio Europe.

This year’s international women’s day theme is #EmbraceEquity – what does this mean to you?

In a workplace, it means to be heard and appreciated from a gender-neutral lens. Acknowledging that as a female there are imbalances and barriers caused by bias or systematic structures, and getting everyone, male & female, to recognize this and embrace it.

YOU DO YOU! Find a workplace that accepts you for who you are and is willing to back you, grow with you, support you, value you and work with you!

Rida Siddique, Senior Claims Adjuster 

How did you get into your career?

I visited Lloyd's of London on a school trip and saw how the market worked, the traditional structure as well as the lack of diversity piqued my interest. This made me want to be part of a bigger movement having more female representation within the insurance world.

This year’s international women’s day theme is #EmbraceEquity – what does this mean to you?

Embracing equity is so important! As women we are made to believe in having equality with men and women however, equality can still leave a lot of women at a disadvantage, especially in the insurance world as it is so male dominated. Equal opportunities do not allow everyone to reach their full potential. Equity aims to ensure the fair treatment, access, equality of opportunity and advancement for everyone.

Be confident, be yourself and believe in yourself!

Cheneise Aggarwal, Finance Operations Analyst 

How did you get into your career?

I left school after Sixth Form and decided not to go to Uni and instead went straight into an accountancy firm and studied AAT independently outside of work. I stayed there for nearly 4 years and got my AAT Qualification. I then left the practice world and moved into Industry / the insurance world where I got a job at Miller Insurance Services LLP. I stayed at Miller again for nearly 4 years and then moved to Optio 😊.

Which women inspire you the most?

My Mum; the most selfless and strongest person I’ve ever met 😊

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t be scared of being the youngest / only girl in the room and don’t be afraid of making mistakes / asking questions. Embrace change, work hard, have fun and make the most of all the opportunities that come your way! Ps. Don’t sweat the small stuff!!

Paula Medcalf, HR Director 

Which women inspire you the most?

For me, its not about anyone famous but just all of those women, who still have the majority of childcare and household responsibilities, but who still go out there and smash it every day. And they use their nurturing skills to be a better person, a better employee, a better manager.

• It’s ok to have a bad day, lean into it but remember you have already survived 100% of your previous bad days, and you’ll get past this one too.
• Learn to control the things that you can control – you can’t control what other people say or do but you can control your actions and reactions.
• Above all, be kind – you never know what anyone else is going through.

What advice would you give to woman thinking of entering the insurance industry?

I feel that the Insurance Industry is really embracing change and equitable treatment of not just men and women, but all types of inclusivity, so this is a really good time to be getting into the Insurance sector and being part of that change. 

Olivia Murrell, Office Manager

How did you get into your career?  

After returning back to the UK from working in the UAE, I needed an exciting change that would challenge my skills and abilities. When I was approached by a recruiter with a role within the insurance industry, I was slightly apprehensive as I had no previous experience. However, after nearly 2 years at Optio, I have gained so much knowledge and have finally found a career path that I’m excited about!

This year’s international women’s day theme is #EmbraceEquity – what does this mean to you?

I think the theme this year of #EmbraceEquity in an industry like insurance is so important as it is such male dominated industry, so to be able to recognize and celebrate the hard working women around us is amazing 😊

What advice would you give to your younger self?  

To never be afraid to take new risks, to embrace new opportunities and to always be yourself!