Tackling Self-Doubt And Learning A New Skill

This may be a long read, but in order to understand the impact that working for Willis Towers Watson has had on me, it’s probably best to start with a bit of a background.

Before joining Willis Towers Watson I had been out of employment for some years. Being a person who is on the autistic spectrum, as well as a long-time sufferer of anxiety and depression, I had always held a somewhat bleak outlook about my future. I’d shy away from social interactions or anything that I considered myself to be incapable of dealing with, which meant I spent a lot of time at home alone. For too long I just accepted my issues and resigned myself to feeling like my life was stagnant and would not become any more than it was.

However, I eventually concluded that fighting against my own issues was essentially fighting against a part of myself, so I began to change my way of thinking to one where I could work with my problems instead of trying to avoid or ignore them. I initially decided that a job involving working from home could be an ideal fit as I could still be productive even when having difficult days, which would see me not wanting to go out and face that big scary world that lay beyond my one bedroom flat in Ipswich.

I began to make use of my free time to start learning IT skills with the help of whatever free internet materials I could find. It was hard and frustrating work, but over time I improved, and my confidence grew so that I felt ready to apply for a role that would let me build on the basics I had learned.

A New Challenge: Applying For Jobs

I had previously signed up to several job websites and one day received an email update which included a listing for an apprenticeship at Willis Towers Watson. I didn’t think there was a chance anything would come of this, but eventually I decided to apply and completed the online aptitude test. “This is pointless, it won’t happen,” I told myself.

But days later I’d receive a call from Jolie, a recruiter at Willis Towers Watson. As expected, she was interested in the gap in my work experience, but we also talked about what I’d been doing in my free time and how I’d been trying to learn new skills in an effort to make myself more employable.

We also talked at length about my interests, hobbies, and even about my issues and how they affected me (something I always found difficult but in this instance, it was surprisingly easy; Jolie was a good listener, kind, encouraging and made me feel really comfortable). Jolie took the time to get to know more about me as a person and not just what was on the CV in front of her. She spoke with me at length for some time before saying that she was aware of another possible position in another team that might suit me better and would speak to the hiring manager about a possible interview. It didn’t take long until I received an email confirming this and providing all the details.

Conquering Interview Nerves

Fast forward to the day of interview.

I almost didn’t go! I spent well over an hour at home arguing with myself because my clothes didn’t fit as well as I might like, my hair wouldn’t stay quite the right way and telling myself a hundred different reasons why it just wasn’t meant for me.

However, I decided that regardless of the outcome this would still be a learning experience and I could at least ask for feedback on why I hadn’t been offered the role.

I wasn’t as nervous as normal in the interview. The people interviewing me were really friendly, open and wanted to get to know more about me, my hobbies, interests and the conversation seemed to flow really well. They also took the time to make sure I was comfortable and happy to go ahead. I was able to remain calm and answer all the questions well; I made an effort to make regular eye contact and engage in conversation rather than using the typical question and response style most interviews take.

I left feeling like the interview had gone really well, but didn’t think I had a chance to actually get the role: I kept telling myself not to get too excited because there was bound to be someone with more experience, more qualifications, or that little something extra… That is up until that evening when I received a call from Jolie asking me how I was and how the interview went and, to my surprise, tell me I GOT THE ROLE!

My Willis Towers Watson

I began working at Willis Towers Watson in September 2018 and I’ve seen myself grow from strength to strength. The support and encouragement of my team (Cloud Enablement), my buddy (Jackie Hay) and other colleagues, plus the general culture embraced by the company has not only made me feel welcome, comfortable and engaged, but has also enabled me to grow.

I have learned technical skills and picked up knowledge from my apprenticeship and other team members. I’ve learned to deal with challenges and obstacles in a different way and have grown in confidence. What’s more, my role has not only seen me regularly leaving the house, but travelling to London (which I’d avoided for some years) and even leaving the country. This was big for me!

The team are always happy to take the time to help with my learning and development: whether that be stepping back and giving me space or getting involved and hands on, even giving me opportunities to expand my learning outside of the apprenticeship.

More Than Colleagues

Even with the above, the biggest impact has been on a more personal level. The rewards have also flowed over into my life in general and I feel like I am now on the road to becoming the person I was meant to be, which I can only attribute that to Willis Towers Watson. Particularly the Cloud Programme Director (Karen McDonagh-Reynolds) and Cloud Delivery Lead (Adrienne Hipkin) who are a constant source of support, encouragement and praise and to the Head of Cloud Engineering (Stuart Wright) who has sought to challenge me outside of my role in learning more technical skills and expanding my capabilities. These are people (amongst many others) whom I have come to think of not only as colleagues but also as good friends and have changed my entire outlook for the better.

So, that is my story which I wanted to share to let others know what life is like at Willis Towers Watson, to say thank you to those who supported me and to inspire other people who are thinking of applying. It goes without saying that I would definitely recommend anyone considering a role here, as I didn’t just gain a job or an apprenticeship, but also a part of myself.

If you would like to learn more about Inclusion and Diversity at Willis Towers Watson, you can find out more here or you can take a look at our current roles here.

Cloud Program Team: Myself, Adrienne Hipkin (Cloud Delivery Lead) & Karen McDonagh Reynolds (Program Director)

Could you tell us about your career journey before your break? What led you to decide to take a break?

Born in Mumbai, my parents raised my two sisters and me in a modest home. I am married to a wonderful supporting husband and have a naughty two-year-old. Before taking a break, I worked as a manager and had 12 years of experience in the technology space.

I took a career break in 2020 when my daughter was born. I wanted to dedicate enough time to care for her through her initial years of life and felt that wouldn’t be possible with a full-time job.

Was the decision to take a break a difficult choice? What motivated you to return to work?

Yes, it was a difficult choice as I was a hardworking professional who aspired to build a very successful career in technology and always voluntarily picked up complicated coding modules to work on. After some time into my break, I missed that side of my life and was motivated to reconnect with the professional world again.   

Can you tell us about your career relaunch at WTW? What challenges did you face since your return and how has WTW supported you through this transition?

I started my job search towards the end of my maternity break. Companies were hesitant assuming I wouldn’t be able to go that extra mile or stretch beyond regular hours with a newborn but WTW was different.

The interview was very conversational and candid. I was honest about my situation and the interviewers were fully understanding and supportive. Sometimes, all you need is a chance to prove your potential and WTW gave me just that! It took a little while to adjust to getting back to work and spending time away from my child but WTW supported me through this transition both personally and professionally.

How does WTW support and help you balance your personal and professional life?

My colleagues and manager understand that work is important, but family is too. They are extremely supportive and have a rational mindset. Whenever I have needed time off, I have always been honest, and my team has had my back.

The flexibility of being able to work from home has added so much more room to watch my daughter grow up. I get to see my daughter as she wanders off into my office space every now and then!

How would you describe the culture at WTW?

From my time spent here, the first thing that comes to mind is the colleague-centric environment. From everyday conversations to the bigger initiatives the company takes; it shows that people here care about their peers and the company cares deeply about its colleagues.

What advice would you give someone considering a career with WTW?

Change can be scary sometimes. But most changes stop being scary as soon you take that first step. So, if you think that the change will eventually make you happy, then go take that first step!

I have always believed that it’s the value you add to the organization that truly makes a difference and WTW gives you that opportunity to build and prove your potential through the work you do.

To learn more about Career 2.0 and how you can benefit from this program click here.

Tell us about the challenges you’ve had to overcome during your career journey.

When I was first starting my career, I had no experience and a stutter that spoke louder than my resume. I had recruiters telling me that people would think I was mentally challenged, and interviewers telling me that the people I’d communicate with would chew me up. I faced many obstacles, and it took three years to finally secure a job after college; that then presented an entirely new struggle of communicating with coworkers and clients.

Luckily, I’ve been blessed to work with some amazing people throughout my career that have supported my stutter and always stepped in when necessary to help get the job done. The challenges never really stop, but I’ve grown stronger and more confident in my abilities to face them in my journey.

What was it that made you choose WTW as your employer of choice?

On World Autism Awareness Day, I was scrolling on LinkedIn and I saw a post from WTW highlighting neurodiverse employees. A lot of companies say they are inclusive and diverse, but to me, it comes across more in the sense of hope and charity rather than it being put into practice. When I saw WTW putting action to their words, I was impressed. Then when I joined, within the first week I attended a Black Colleague Connection meeting. It was the first time in my career that I could not count the number of Black people in a company on both hands, and it was a safe space. I loved that. WTW is diverse and inclusive, which means everything to a Black woman who stutters.

What does it mean to you personally, to work for WTW?

It means I’m part of a company that cares, puts action behind their words, and has integrity. Those are the three things that would describe me as well, so I’m right at home.

How have you been welcomed and supported by your colleagues at WTW thus far?

My colleagues are extremely helpful and have ensured that I feel comfortable in the transition and supported. I haven’t been this excited to work for a company since I got my first job after trying for three years.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to apply to WTW, but might be hesitant?

If you don’t try, the answer will always be no. And you should never be the one to tell yourself no. Never count yourself out. This is an environment of excellence and learning. There is room for anyone who wants that.

Can you tell us about your start at Willis Towers Watson?

I originally decided to apply because I wanted to start my career at a well-known international company. I was looking for a place where I could utilize my skill set and continue to grow and develop. As a millennial, I know that there are often the fears of not developing and getting stuck in one position once you start a new role: my experience at Willis Towers Watson has been nothing like that! Knowing that I have the opportunity to develop and explore career options has brought me to where I am today. I decided to share my story because I could not be happier with the time I have spent here so far.

What do you like best about working at Willis Towers Watson?

Like many people my age, I want to feel challenged in my daily work. While I love that Willis Towers Watson continues to give me challenges and opportunities, everyone is also very supportive. My colleagues are always there to support me through challenges and any learning lessons I may go through.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I hope to continue to grow and develop and be able to help other colleagues do the same. I aspire to grow to the level of the amazing, experienced colleagues that we have in the Lisbon Service Center.

Based on your experience, what would you say to someone considering employment with Willis Towers Watson?

I really appreciate everything I have learned and the continuous opportunities I have been given along my journey at Willis Towers Watson. One aspect that has specifically made the biggest impression on me are the efforts the company makes when it comes to inclusion and diversity. It really makes an impact and it is changing colleagues’ lives for the better. If you are someone who wants to be a part of a diverse and multicultural organization, as I was, this is the company for you.

Risk Management Analyst, Gautami Kamath, shares her experience on finding out she had been chosen to become part of the High Performers Club and how this has encouraged her to continue growing as a professional at Willis Towers Watson.

Where are you based?

I am based in Mumbai, India.

How long have you worked at Willis Towers Watson?

I’ve been at Willis Towers Watson for over six years.

What are you responsible for at Willis Towers Watson?

I am responsible for training the Know Your Client Team in performing quality checks and enhancing the due diligence of financial crime sanctions.

How would you describe your experience working at Willis Towers Watson?

My journey at Willis Towers Watson has been a growth story ever since I started. Every day has brought a new opportunity to learn and grow as a professional.

What is your proudest achievement since joining Willis Towers Watson?

In 2020 I became part of Willis Towers Watson’s High Performers Club, which recognizes colleagues in India that have made outstanding contributions to our company’s growth. Being part of the High Performers Club comes with a lot of joy and responsibility. We’re the flag bearers of our company’s core values, which I will proudly continue to role model in order to positively influence new colleagues.

What was your initial reaction when you realized that you had made it to the High Performers Club?

It definitely took a few minutes for the news to sink in and to truly comprehend that I had finally made it to the High Performers Club. I was very grateful to see that my hard work had been recognized in such a unique way. I also felt a mixed bag of emotions, particularly happiness, pride, gratification, and of course encouragement to continue delivering excellent work.

What do you think helped you become part of the High Performers Club?

I followed the footsteps of colleagues who were already part of the High Performers Club. They helped me to identify growth opportunities and showed me how to align my work with the vision of Willis Towers Watson.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?

My parents! They have supported and inspired me to stay on my toes and make the most of opportunities at first sight. I am also grateful to my mentors at Willis Towers Watson. They have guided and coached me so that I’m able to excel at my responsibilities.

Would you like to share any positive feedback that you have received at Willis Towers Watson?

I felt incredibly honored when one of my senior colleagues commended my excellent work and out-of-the-box thinking. I’ve also received feedback from fellow colleagues praising my collaborative ways of working.

What is your favorite part about working for Willis Towers Watson?

The healthy, collaborative, and transparent work culture at Willis Towers Watson motivates me to give my best and challenge myself every day. Also, the never-ending learning opportunities and recognition of our colleagues’ efforts truly inspire me to go above and beyond in everything that I do.

When you’re able to find extra time in your role, what do you do to further your professional growth?

I spend my extra time expanding my knowledge and building my skillset by researching about the latest regulatory guidelines on anti money laundering and sanctions as well as reading financial crime journals. I also like to study from the rich source of knowledge available on the Willis Towers Watson Intranet.

Based on your experience, do you have a message for colleagues aspiring to get to the High Performers Club?

Align your efforts and work with the company’s overarching vision.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

Tell us about your role at WTW and a little bit about your current work style?

I am a Compensation Analyst for the Executive Compensation and Advisory Board team in the São Paulo, Brazil office. I provide general assistance to the team in terms of short and long-term incentive survey designs for executives and institutional research within the area. With the pandemic improving, my work style has become hybrid, where I go into the office occasionally but spend most of my time working from home. I consider this style of work to be great because I get to spend more time with my family and less time on transportation. These benefits allow me to increase my productivity and improve my overall wellbeing.

How do you find working within a globally recognized company?

It is a great pleasure to be part of a company of this size. Having the opportunity to learn, socialize and share knowledge with great professionals in the field always motivates to give my best.

How have you developed, whether professionally or individually, during your time at WTW?

I’ve been at WTW since October 2021 and ever since I joined the company, I’ve been able to improve my knowledge and my professional skills. Every day is a different learning experience with my teammates and my professional evolution has positively affected my personal life. My development continues every time I have new experiences with my colleagues and leaders, which means I can learn more every day. WTW provides us with the tools necessary to increase our intellectual capital and here in Brazil, I was able to take a Compensation Practices course that helped in my development as well.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had at WTW.

As soon as I started, I was very warmly welcomed by my colleagues. My arrival was announced during an online meeting with directors and consultants in the area, which made me feel valued and at home right away. This helped me get comfortable with the team so that I could fulfill my work obligations in the best possible way.

What is the best piece of advice you would give a future WTW candidate?

Make the effort and dedication to be part of this company. Here you will be respected, you will have autonomy in the workplace, and you will be part of a company recognized worldwide for the quality of its delivery and its colleagues.

What is your role at WTW?

As a technology leader at WTW, I am responsible for driving innovative technology initiatives in India and bringing a seamless digital journey across the organization. My focus is to build, manage, and guide various teams focused on software engineering, application development, program delivery, testing, data, and analytics. I partner with technology leaders and product owners in India and other geographies on projects from inception to completion, to ensure success and deliver great outcomes.

Tell us about your personal journey as a woman in the technology industry.

I started my journey just like any other aspiring techie – one among many who were fascinated by its magic. As I moved ahead, I realized that many women were giving up on their careers too soon because they did not have enough support from their peers. Over the years, I have been presented with many equal opportunities. However, in the early days of my career, achieving certain goals as a woman seemed difficult due to a lack of inclusivity in the workplace. Since noticing this, I have always raised my voice and stood strong for what I believe in; to ensure a feeling of security and a sense of belonging for all. My past experiences are what make me so proud of the welcoming and inclusive culture at WTW. Unlike my previous employers, these values are embedded in everything we do. I believe that without supportive environments, organizations risk the loss of potential leaders.

How has WTW made you feel empowered throughout your career?

WTW has been like a cup of freshly brewed coffee. In the last two years, I have been empowered to make the right choices for myself and my team, leading to better service delivery. The trust my team has offered and the support I have received from my peers and leaders have helped bring out the best in me. The culture of collaboration, equal opportunities, and inclusivity has made me comfortable to request help when needed and ask questions. I consider myself fortunate to work for an organization that has such a great culture, and this has helped me broaden my thought process.

Describe the culture within the tech team at WTW.

Our team is driven by the One WTW principle – “When you get one of us, you get all of us”. We strive to break down barriers, advocate idea sharing and best practices, and motivate ourselves and each other to build capabilities for better business outcomes. WTW’s culture, reinforced by its values and principles, enables us to be as diverse yet as unified as possible. We advocate for a positive and supportive work environment that brings out the best in us and fosters an innovative and digital outlook.

Having close to twenty years of experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring tech joiners?

Technology is like magic! It’s in everything that we do. So those who aspire to be in this industry will experience this magic firsthand. I urge all technology aspirants to have faith in themselves, take risks, fail fast, learn, and recover. You will always have a choice to go with the flow or try and make a positive difference. Your choices will help to build a world that will be relevant for us and future generations.

What was it like when you were growing up?

I grew up in the 60s in a small town in Oklahoma. Ever since I was aware of the world, I thought there was something unfinished about me; something was missing. As a child I could not accept that I was a girl – I was as tomboy as they come. Tomboys were expected to grow out of their boyish stage, but I never did. It wasn’t a stage for me, it was a reality. Small town customs told me being different was bad and, in that atmosphere, I didn’t realize acceptance was possible. I was so sheltered by my family that I didn’t know what homosexuality was until I was a teenager.

What challenges have you faced throughout your journey?

I thought I was just weird for not behaving like other girls my age, not realizing I was only parroting the social mores of the era. It didn’t occur to me that I might be one of those ‘different’ people. I always found reasons for not identifying myself as such because I was influenced by the prejudice of others. I didn’t mind being female exactly, but I had a hard time identifying with that gender. When I eventually married and had children – bowing to the pressure of social expectations – I was a good parent and loved my children, but I was a frankly unhappy spouse. Several years after the divorce I developed breast cancer, had surgery, and finally saw in the mirror what I always thought was right for me – not physically male, not automatically female, but the physical representation of male instinct and female intuition. I came to realize I was a Two-Spirit who glided fluidly between genders and hid my boyish proclivity for the sake of social order. I never should have had to hide it at all.

How have things changed for you over time?

The days of “he’s queer” or “she must be a dyke” are not entirely behind us now but the atmosphere and circumstances are so much more accepting than they used to be. People are finally beginning to understand that no one asks to be different, and no one should be punished for discovering that they are. When I first onboarded at WTW five years ago, I was asked what pronouns I preferred. I had never been given such an inclusive option before in any workplace, and I was delighted! Given the option at last, I originally preferred he/his/him but over time I realized that as a Two-Spirit, they/their was the more accurate. I think like a man, I laugh like a woman, and I express myself as a human being. I have worth. I have a right to claim that worth. We all do.

How has WTW made you feel welcomed to bring your true self to work every day?

I joined the WTW LGBT+ community and have never felt anything but welcomed at work. My colleagues make an effort to call me he/him or they/their, and even apologize if they slip up and use she/her. This is very kind of them, but I tell them that I am not offended as I accept both sides of my nature. The fact that they all try to make me comfortable means a great deal to me. I have never worked anywhere that is as inclusive as WTW is, and I have been working for many years in different occupations. In the WTW Denver office, a transwoman colleague told me she was a little hesitant before she first arrived at the office but realized on her first day that yes, she felt comfortable being her true self. Everywhere she looked, she saw things like little pride flags or rainbow-related items at workstations, bulletin boards with LGBT+ related event announcements – casual things at first glance, but they served to reassure her that she was in the right place.