Written by: Griffiths & Armour on: 08 Mar 2020
International Women’s Day – Q&A with Tanya Winstanley
To mark #InternationalWomensDay, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, we caught up with our very own Tanya Winstanley, Professional Risks Director at Griffiths & Armour.
So Tanya, lets start by telling us a bit about your role at Griffiths & Armour…
My role is a real mixed bag. First and foremost, I look after clients who operate in quite complex sectors including, Architects, Consulting Engineers and Project Managers within the construction industry. This involves managing our clients expectations and being a main point of contact, delivering presentations, holding discussions on a wide range of risk management and insurance topics and of course negotiations with insurers. In line with this, I get involved in many of our international enquiries and queries through our role within the Assurex Global network. One particular challenging aspect of my current role which is finding solutions for our Approved Inspector clients – this involves liaising with the government and trade bodies on some of the big challenges facing this sector. Since my return from maternity leave in 2018 following the birth of my third child, my role has developed in a different direction as well, and I am now taking the lead on delivering the digital transformation of our Professional Risks division. This is currently involving two significant IT projects, one of which is called ‘PIworks’, which is our online proposal form and renewal system, due for launch in the next couple of weeks, as well an exciting project that involves the use of Artificial Intelligence.
The role is certainly keeping you busy! but how did you find yourself developing a successful career in the insurance sector?
I did a degree in Latin American Studies at Liverpool University. It’s not insurance related at all, but I was keen to stay in Liverpool at the end of my studies and applied for various graduate level roles – I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do but was determined it would involve travelling the world. I had an interview at G&A, and the job was offered – so I took it! I have been lucky in recent years to do some very interesting overseas trips as part of my Assurex Global responsibilities & various client management roles.
If you could pin point one thing that you enjoy most about your role, what would it be?
Every single day is different – I can never anticipate what a day will bring, and that keeps it fresh and interesting. I’m also lucky to work with some great people – both colleagues and clients.
So, we know what you enjoy most, but what would you say is the most rewarding part of your job?
There are so many rewarding aspects of the role but I have to say the stand out one for me is working through problems and finding solutions in often very challenging circumstances, especially when the issues are industry wide and you get the opportunity to deliver a solution that is unique for the client. Making those solutions work and seeing real benefits being delivered for my clients and colleagues alike has to be the most satisfying part of the job for me.
You’ve told us quite a lot about your working life, but what does Tanya Winstansley like to do outside work? Any hobbies or interests?
Well, I’m a mum of three girls aged 10, 8 and 2, so they keep me pretty busy! I am a bit of an OCR (Obstacle Course Race) addict and am looking forward to doing another run later this spring, Born Survivor – a 10km obstacle event, as well as my 4th Tough Mudder later in the year.
Mum of three girls, Director and getting covered in mud across 10km obstacle courses. We’re seriously impressed! Let’s finish by asking what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never stop learning and growing.
It could be all too easy, particularly when you’ve been in a job, industry or organisation for a long time & specialise in one area, to get complacent, and think you know most of the answers to most of the questions. That piece of advice reminds me that you can never know it all, you have to be able to adapt and continue to learn, develop and grow, both in your job and as a person.
