Lynne Norledge | WTW
I joined the industry as a 16 year-old school leaver and have enjoyed a varied career over the past 40+ years. My current role is Head of Sales for WTW Networks, enabling me to set the tone for our proposition. The most challenging part of my career was having children in the late 80s and 90s. Part time or flexible work was unheard of, so I was forced to resign when pregnant with my second child. This meant I left the defined benefit pension scheme and when I returned to work (just three months later), I was only able to join the defined contribution pension scheme. As I approach retirement, I realise that this has had a significant impact in terms of pension income available to me.
My advice is to enjoy what you do, learn and grow at every opportunity
This perfectly illustrates the intersectionality of gender and age discrimination to which many women of my generation have been subjected. Thankfully much has changed in the intervening years and I am fortunate to now work for a great company where I feel valued and where my age and gender are no barrier to progression.
I am very proud of my career in insurance. My advice is to enjoy what you do, learn and grow at every opportunity, do not take no for an answer, and think about your retirement savings at an early age!
