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.

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.

COVID-19 has brought many changes and challenges. How have you supported other colleagues during these unprecedented times?

One fun way that my colleagues and I have supported each other is through a friendly competition that promotes better health and wellbeing for the Australian team. During this competition, everyone tracks their steps throughout the day and at the end of each month whoever has the most steps wins a cool prize. Additionally, my colleagues and I often participate in virtual team-bonding activities to get to know each other better and to alleviate stress that can be caused by the challenges of COVID-19.

What has been the greatest learning or advice that you have received throughout your career journey at Willis Towers Watson?

Always ask questions. Whether it’s to get assistance on projects or simply to get clarification, always ask if you have a question: this will only lead to more knowledge and growth. Another piece of advice that I have been given is to remember to take time to myself because it can be easy to get carried away with work. The focus on the health and wellbeing of its colleagues is truly something I love about Willis Towers Watson.

What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of your role at Willis Towers Watson?

As l came from retail, there was a lot for me to learn going into Risk Management. Since starting at Willis Towers Watson, I have developed tremendously. From company-wide training modules to individual training sessions with my colleagues, I have been provided the tools that I need to thrive and succeed.

What’s been one of your most exciting projects to date?

While I have been part of many great projects, the data projects that I have worked on for clients have been the most exciting for me. To see the level of work I can do in a short period of time and see how it meets clients’ needs is very satisfying.

How would you describe the culture at Willis Towers Watson?

In three words, the Willis Towers Watson culture is: positive, collaborative and exciting. To know that we are focused on supporting our clients, all while ensuring a team-oriented and fun-spirited environment is very fulfilling. Every day I have the pleasure of working with individuals who are passionate about their work and strive to ensure that the company values are maintained.

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.

Can you tell us about your career journey at Willis Towers Watson?

I first joined Willis Towers Watson in 2010 as a contractor working three days per week, a year after having my first child. The company had just completed a merger and I was responsible for integrating Human Resource (HR) policies across Europe. When my contract was almost up, a maternity cover opportunity arose within the HR Business Partner team and I was fortunate to remain with the company longer. Not long after, I then fell pregnant unexpectedly with my second child. During my maternity leave I kept in close contact with Willis Towers Watson, before returning four days per week as a contractor on an HR Operations project. My career took off from there as I then became a permanent colleague and established the Willis Towers Watson Global Recruitment Operations team. This opportunity provided me with a building block to think more strategically about recruitment, build global frameworks and governance, and to look for continuous improvement opportunities. I worked on some incredible global projects, including another merger and some large system implementations. Now, as Global Head of Talent Acquisition for Willis Towers Watson, I am very inspired to further shape the future talent goals within the company.

How do you meet the diverse hiring needs of the company?

Willis Towers Watson decided to re-establish its Talent Acquisition function as a global Center of Expertise, so I am working to build the company’s recruitment function to meet the diverse hiring needs of the organization. Alongside this, Willis Towers Watson is expanding its entry level programs, investing in more recruitment tools and technology, and redefining its operating model which includes better articulation of the hiring manager and recruiter responsibilities throughout the hiring process. Willis Towers Watson never stops striving to be a more inclusive employer. We acknowledge that we operate in some industries that are not as diverse as we would like, but that does not stop our ambition to diversify our workforce. In many cases, if diverse talent is not available at the senior leadership level, then we look at how we can bring diverse talent in at the entry level to train and develop our future leaders. In addition, we have a whole host of inclusion networks around the world and many incredible initiatives that those groups have pioneered. One of our most successful initiatives is a return-to-work program.

How important is employee engagement?

Willis Towers Watson is incredibly supportive, caring, and respectful of its colleagues’ needs. Of course, pay and benefits are important, but wellbeing and care programs can be a major differentiator between employers, and I believe this certainly positions Willis Towers Watson as a magnet for talent. An organization can use all the tools in the book to position their brand with buzzwords and on-trend terminology, but to make a real difference the most successful brands are those that are described by the employees. I think authentic stories about what it is really like to work for an organization make the most impact and resonate with prospective hires. At Willis Towers Watson, we have an incredibly flexible, supportive, and agile approach to work. There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing a self-shot video by a colleague showcasing their working day and being real about how they balance their deliverables with their home life.

What is Willis Towers Watson’s stance on work flexibility?

Willis Towers Watson has been a long-term advocate for flexible, agile working and many of its employees are used to flexing their working patterns pre-Covid. Willis Towers Watson’s flexible working culture has continued post the pandemic with various options to support working from home, hot desking in an office environment, or blend an alternative form of working.

In what ways has Willis Towers Watson demonstrated its support for its employees?

What has really humbled me is the vaccination programs that Willis Towers Watson has supported and rolled out across countries that have not had access to sufficient medical care. In addition, there are dependent care programs, employee helplines and a wide variety of wellbeing resources and support on place for our employees. I believe this exemplifies the organization as more than solely an employer, but truly demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting and treating the individual needs of its employees. Attraction and hiring are two of our key levers for change and this is where my team can really influence others and make a difference. For example, Willis Towers Watson provides more than just the typical maternity or parental policies. There is real support for parents, care givers, and women who return-to-work, take for example our mentor schemes and impressive return-to-work help and resources. Alongside that support, there is a strong desire from the company to ensure that women are supported in their career aspirations, regardless of their career breaks.
I speak from personal experience; It would be very challenging to undertake the global scope of my role if I wasn’t able to flex my work around my family life and further responsibilities. Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with colleagues who respect my situation, many of whom have not had young families to juggle. At the same time, I can actively support my team members. For example, one of my team is part of a ‘SHE Leads’ program that provides timely career coaching to aspiring female leaders.

What can you say is Willis Towers Watson’s stance on pay equity?

As part of its practices at Willis Towers Watson, there is a consistent focus on pay equity and transparency. Even when the UK Government suspended mandatory employer reporting on the 2019 gender pay gap due to the pandemic, Willis Towers Watson actively chose to submit their UK gender pay gap report. Employer policies, procedures, resources, and support are extensive at this highly progressive company.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking our dog, a very energetic Hungarian Vizsla, for long walks on the countryside. I also enjoy cooking for friends and family, especially a Sunday roast. During the pandemic, I discovered the Peloton exercise bike and I’m now truly hooked, so I try to squeeze in a ride between my meetings. Additionally, when I get an opportunity on the weekend, I enjoy going to Tottenham Hotspur matches with my husband and children.

Can you tell us about your 20-year career journey at Willis Towers Watson?

I joined Willis Towers Watson 20 years ago as an actuarial analyst graduate in London. Almost five years later, in 2006, I was relocated to our expanding office in Atlanta where I joined the Health & Benefits team. Here, I coupled the move to a new country with a change in specialty. This change of scenery, both on a professional and geographical level, led me to quickly realize the value and importance of my analytical and project management skills, as we had to work on a variety of projects with clients from across the globe. Over time, this meant that I ended up frequently stepping outside of the actuarial world and was exposed to other business functions which positively impacted my personal and professional life.

In 2015, a new position was created: associate client relationship director. This is when I decided to embrace the opportunity and venture into the client management world. Six years have passed since then and I am currently a senior director within this business area. Looking back, little did I know that Willis Towers Watson was the company where I would (literally) grow up in and call home almost 20 years later.

What does it mean to be a part of Willis Towers Watson’s Multicultural Inclusion Network (MCIN)?

The MCIN is an incredible colleague-led group that relentlessly works to highlight Willis Towers Watson’s diverse teams and talent. I’m originally from Trinidad and Tobago, so being part of a network that has introduced me to colleagues with similar Caribbean backgrounds has been one of the highlights of my career. I am very proud to be part of this group as it fosters comradery, connection and inclusion which in turn makes us feel comfortable in bringing our true and best selves to work.

Why do you think it is key to have diverse leaders within an organization?

Diversity has always been the status quo for me. Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago and having a diverse ethnic background myself, I’ve been able to witness how diversity in leadership brings diversity in thought and problem solving. This is particularly important for us as a company, as we’re always looking for new ways to innovate in order to provide the best solutions to our clients’ needs.

As a leader I’m always working towards supporting diverse talent and encouraging colleagues to advance their career. That’s why I am also part of the COBALT (Creating Opportunities for Black and LatinX Talent) program and a local co-leader of the Workplace Leadership Group whose mission is to create an inclusive work environment and enhance the overall colleague experience within the company.

How have the Willis Towers Watson culture and values help you adapt to working in different locations and business areas?

Over the past 20 years, I’ve been given the opportunity to work in two different countries and continents. This has enabled me to experience Willis Towers Watson’s unwavering commitment towards delivering excellent work and supporting colleagues’ growth.

When I first moved to the United States and joined the Health & Benefits function, I didn’t have a background in this area, much less in the North America region as I had only worked in Trinidad & Tobago and London before. However, I was incredibly motivated and inspired when my fellow colleagues, managers and leaders shared their knowledge and invested time in my development. This continues to encourage me to keep stepping out of my comfort zone in order to continue growing.

Willis Towers Watson has supported me throughout the various phases of my personal life to date: as a new hire, a newlywed and a new parent working part-time for a period and then returning to full-time. Seeing how the company and my colleagues flexed around my professional growth, ambitions and changing personal circumstances throughout the years, made me realize that this is more than just a company – it is a place where individuals are equipped to become the best, most authentic version of themselves.

What has been your greatest learning or piece of advice that you have received throughout your career journey at Willis Towers Watson?

There are two things that have stayed with me: the first is to ‘be authentic’ which for me is keeping things simple. I am a firm believer that if you can’t say it simply, you don’t understand it well enough. The second is to ‘embrace change’. Embrace the opportunities that present themselves even though you may think they are outside of your comfort zone.

What advice would you give to people (or colleagues), particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, looking to progress their career?

There is a place for you here. We have numerous and incredible Inclusion Networks such as the COBALT group, the Black Colleague Connection club, the Gender Equity Network, the Women’s Leadership Development Program or ‘Out@WTW’ (which is part of our LGBT+ Inclusion Network) that will help you feel comfortable in bringing your true to self to work.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

How long have you worked at Willis Towers Watson?

I recently celebrated my first year at Willis Towers Watson.

What are you responsible for at Willis Towers Watson?

My role involves assisting various Technology and Administrative Solutions clients. As the global pandemic developed, our clients started working from home, which resulted in an increased volume of client queries. However, I was able to successfully meet the service level agreements that we have with our clients. This was a rewarding experience that increased my expertise, strengthened my confidence as a professional and gave me the opportunity to participate in new client-facing projects.

How was your experience of joining Willis Towers Watson as a speech and hearing-impaired colleague?

Joining a new company can be overwhelming and this is especially true when you are differently-abled. Being speech and hearing-impaired, I’ve always been apprehensive about communicating with new colleagues.

On my first day at Willis Towers Watson, I was amazed to find out that the company’s Mumbai Inclusion & Diversity core committee and the Talent Acquisition team had partnered with Eklayva Foundation to conduct a two-day workshop for my team to get acquainted with the basics of Indian sign language. This made me feel welcomed and provided an insight into the company’s culture and commitment to make everyone feel comfortable in bringing their true selves to work.

How has this differed from past experiences?

My experience as a new colleague at Willis Towers Watson was completely different from what I’ve encountered in the past. In other organizations, I would sometimes struggle to communicate with other colleagues. My former team members and I would type out messages in order to have conversations with each other which was very time-consuming.

The fact that a few Willis Towers Watson colleagues already knew sign language made it easy to not only coordinate tasks but also strike a conversation, express myself, and build healthy relationships.

How did Willis Towers Watson help you to seamlessly communicate with other colleagues?

Colleagues who work closely with me attended the Eklayva Foundation workshop that the company had organized on sign language, which helped to set good foundations for communication. This was the first time that a workshop like this had taken place at Willis Towers Watson India, so I was very grateful to experience the results of it on my first day.

How did you adapt as we transitioned to working remotely during COVID-19?

I am used to working with colleagues and teams in person. As the pandemic continued to develop, I started feeling anxious and stressed at the thought of working from home, since this could potentially impact how I communicate with other colleagues. However, this was not the case thanks to Willis Towers Watson’s support and internal communication platforms.

I must say technology has played a crucial role in my work from home experience. Since some of my colleagues understand how to use Indian sign language, video conversations are mainly what we use to communicate during trainings, one-on-one meetings and daily interactions with the team. Also, popular messaging apps help me to stay connected with fellow team members.

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

I am extremely thankful to my colleagues, Asha and Rajiv, for always being there for me and making my experience so fruitful. I also appreciate the technical support and workshop on sign language organized by the company that has made communication seamless and effective.

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

I love to work across the different areas at Willis Towers Watson and my team has always guided me to excel in every task. The company culture and the values leave no stone unturned to make every colleague feel appreciated, I truly respect this.

I also appreciate the fact that Willis Towers Watson’s unwavering commitment to I&D truly gave me the tools to carry out my daily operations confidently. Each of my colleagues has exemplified the inclusive culture of the company. They clearly know how to create connections between the hearing and hearing-impaired world. These thoughtful efforts are a direct reflection of the culture and this is truly inspiring.

What advice would you give to a differently-abled person that is looking to apply for a role at Willis Towers Watson?

I would encourage them to join an organization like Willis Towers Watson in order to experience the all-inclusive culture that connects colleagues and creates an environment where they can reach their full potential.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

How long have you worked at Willis Towers Watson?

I’ve been at Willis Towers Watson for just over two months.

What are you responsible for at Willis Towers Watson?

My team is responsible for ensuring the timely detection, triage and appropriate escalation of security events that might affect the availability, confidentiality and integrity of Willis Towers Watson’s data and systems.

How did you find the virtual recruitment process?

It started with one of our recruiters reaching out via LinkedIn who told me that Willis Towers Watson was looking for a Head of Global Security Operations based in the Philippines. Although I wasn’t looking to change jobs, the recruiter’s friendly and professional approach, along with Willis Towers Watson’s good reputation and culture, made me look into the opportunity and apply.

What did you like most about the recruitment process?

I was impressed with the level of detail and effort that recruiters put in to make me feel comfortable and ensure that the process ran smoothly. For example, I received timely and detailed communication about my interview schedule, interviewers’ names and technological specifications (since all the interviews took place virtually due to the lockdown).

I was also very pleased with the fact that my recruiter reached out regularly to let me know about the status of my application and next steps.

What would you recommend to a candidate who’s preparing for an online interview at Willis Towers Watson?

When you are invited to an online interview, you need to make sure that technology will be on your side. This means planning ahead:

• If your internet connection is stronger at certain times of the day, see if you can arrange your interview during that period, while bearing in mind the time zone of your interviewer(s)
• Check you have installed the required conference call software – this also includes checking that your audio and camera are working. Remember to pick a quiet, private place where you won’t be interrupted
• Join the interview a couple of minutes early – that way you’ll be able to check that everything is working and relax into your interview

Starting a new job can be a stressful experience. Did you have any concerns about starting a new role virtually?

I cannot deny the fact that sometimes starting a new job can be a bit stressful, particularly because we’re still adapting to the ‘new normal’. However, I was still very excited and enthusiastic. I was concerned about how teamwork and collaboration might be affected by starting a new role virtually. While I don’t think we can replace the benefit of interacting live in person, technology has empowered me and my colleagues to stay connected through video calls.

How do you stay connected with your team and other colleagues?

With the current situation, we have had to get creative about staying connected online. While normally team building activities with colleagues is something typically done in person, we have moved this to the virtual sphere. As well as being present on team catch ups and organizing one to one sessions with my colleagues, we have built a Microsoft Teams group where we share some of what we do outside of work hours. This has proven to be a great tool to find out about my colleagues’ hobbies and interests outside of work!

How was your first day and week at Willis Towers Watson?

The local HR and IT team managed to safely send to my home all the necessary equipment ahead of my first day. I also received a welcome package from the company with some helpful guides on how to get started and with some important contact information.

During my first week I focused on introducing myself to my team and to other colleagues around the globe. My manager was also very helpful and involved me in meetings that helped me dive into the work and understand our main priorities and projects. Even though I’m quite new within the company, what I love the most about working here is the opportunity we’re given to collaborate with different teams and meet colleagues from different business segments and parts of the world. These first couple of months have been exciting, different, and full of positive experiences. I’m looking forward to what the future will bring for me and my colleagues at Willis Towers Watson.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

This year, the HR Rising Star Award recipient is Talent Advisor for Talent & Rewards, Anna Stonelake. Anna shares her experience on finding out that she had won and her insights on working at Willis Towers Watson.

What was your initial reaction to hearing you were nominated for and won the award?

It was a very surreal moment and one I will never forget! Our Chief Administrative Officer and Head of HR, Anne Bodnar, invited me to an online meeting to share the great news. I wasn’t aware I had been nominated (as this is the process for the HR Rising Star Award) so it took a few minutes to sink in. I felt very overwhelmed, humbled and honored that I had been recognized by my fellow colleagues. Since winning the award I’ve learned from different teams across Willis Towers Watson what a positive and inspiring impact Gail had on the colleagues she worked with, I am so glad her memory and legacy continues to be honored through this yearly award.

What are your interests or hobbies outside of work? Have you developed any new hobbies or interests since the onset of COVID-19?

I have two young children (four and six years-old) so they keep me very busy, but when I am not running around trying to keep them out of mischief, I enjoy renovating our house. It was built in 1903 and it hadn’t been touched for 30-40 years when we bought it six years ago. It has been a labor of love (and stress) ever since, but we are nearly there, just the garden to finish now!

Since the onset of COVID-19, I have a newfound appreciation for the outdoors. My family and I are lucky to live in a village with lots of countryside on our doorstep. My local gym has been shut on and off for most of 2020, and to counter this I now enjoy running three times a week and walking in the local woods at the weekend with the family. It’s surprising how sticks, mud, bikes and puddles can keep children entertained for hours, and fresh air really does help to clear your mind.

How has Willis Towers Watson supported you in unlocking potential in your career and development?

Since I joined Willis Towers Watson just over two years ago, I have been given opportunities to get involved in lots of different projects and initiatives across HR. I feel lucky to have such supportive colleagues to bounce ideas off, discuss challenges with and ask for advice. I have always been encouraged to try and improve the way we add value to the businesses we support and believe having this freedom and encouragement to think creatively has really helped me grow as a professional.

Gail E. McKee impacted the lives of many colleagues. Is there someone who has had an impact on your career, and can you describe how they have influenced your career growth?

It is very difficult to choose one colleague, within our HR function there are lots of strong female leaders based all around the world that inspire me. I have noticed over time that all have very similar leadership values: a strong work ethic, compassion, pragmatism, fairness and a positive energy which is very compelling.

If I had to choose one colleague, it would be our Global Talent Business Leader for Talent & Rewards and member of the Willis Towers Watson Global Inclusion & Diversity council, Suzanne McAndrew. Suzanne is a very inspiring leader and colleague. Her leadership style is open, positive, creative and direct, and through our interactions and partnership she inspires me to be a better version of myself professionally. I am always thankful for her feedback and insight.

I am also a strong believer that your support system outside of work impacts how you perform professionally. To that degree I think my husband has been amazing at supporting me to focus on my career and in helping me balance my personal and family commitments, especially in the past six months.

What do you think it takes to succeed in Human Resources at Willis Towers Watson?

Willis Towers Watson offers fantastic HR career opportunities if you have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, curiosity to learn, confidence and energy to question/challenge the status quo constructively. You also need to be a strong team player; in my experience you will not be successful if you try to do everything yourself, particularly when there are so many HR colleagues with a wealth of experience that you can reach out to for help and advice. The support network within Willis Towers Watson’s HR teams is fantastic, but you need to put the effort in to build your own network and always be willing to help one another out.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

You recently participated in a panel event as part of this year’s ‘Dive In Festival’ (the festival for Diversity and Inclusion in Insurance) – what topics did you cover?

I was invited to discuss Willis Towers Watson’s approach to Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) in Germany, particularly on the topic of equal and fair pay from the following teams’ perspectives:

• Human Resources
• Leadership
• I&D Council
• International governance, which provide cross-organizational guidelines to embed fair pay best practice
• Works Council, which oversee that fair pay best practice is carried out throughout Willis Towers Watson in Germany

The discussion also focused on the 2017 fair pay law that was introduced in Germany and how the companies that participated in the panel had to adapt in order to comply with the guidelines of this law.

Why was it important to you personally to participate in the panel?

My role as the HR Services and Recruitment Lead for the DACH region requires me to be the liaison between the teams and stakeholders mentioned above, that’s why I’m involved in fair and equal pay conversations on a regular basis. However, this topic is not new for me. Throughout my professional career I’ve fought to close pay gaps that might exist between men and women, so I’ve been able to see the evolution that global companies have had in this area, particularly in Germany. For me, this panel represented an opportunity to share my insights on the evolution of equal and fair pay, especially regarding gender but of course also, race, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

What makes you proud to work at Willis Towers Watson?

One of the things that makes me a proud Willis Towers Watson colleague is our unwavering commitment to I&D and how teams globally go above and beyond to action this commitment. For example, in Germany we implemented an infrastructure that includes processes and tools that help us focus on embedding fair pay best practice throughout the organization and across all professional levels.

How do you champion Willis Towers Watson’s values?

By always upholding Willis Towers Watson’s I&D commitment in all my HR functions and responsibilities. This has made me live our values to the fullest with a focus on:

• Promoting teamwork
• Being a client-focused colleague; HR and the business have the same overall goals
• Strengthening our reputation as an equitable employer of choice
• Respecting other colleagues’ ideas, contributions and personality

What are your hopes/aspirations regarding the panel topic for the future?

My hope is that we continue to discuss how closing the pay gap is part of creating an inclusive, fair and diverse work culture and environment and take steps to address this. Willis Towers Watson is globally committed to I&D. This also includes raising awareness about any potential pay gaps between men and women and sharing knowledge on how to address this.

Is there anything else you want to share about the panel discussion or topics that were discussed?

The panel discussion was very valuable because we were able to share our experiences and learn from each other. The fact that the panellists were from a very diverse range of disciplines (HR professionals, works council members, consultants, freelancers, authors, etc.) helped to introduce a myriad of insights, perspectives and pain points that otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to identify and discuss.

I believe that the most important takeaways from this panel discussion were:

1. Fair pay creates value: while some leaders might think that embedding fair pay best practice may negatively impact an organization’s financial performance, the result is the contrary. Fair pay means that your workforce is motivated and committed towards the growth of the company.
2. Sharing knowledge helps to close the pay gap: openly discussing the challenges on the topic of fair pay in events like Dive In create great opportunities for companies and thought leaders to share knowledge on how to close the pay gap globally and throughout the industry.

We must focus on creating more opportunities to exchange ideas, insights and approaches to make fair pay the common practice!

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