Introducing Dana Clarkson

How did your career path steer you into the insurance industry?

It’s been my dream all my life of course, which is a lie- I wanted to be princess or a cat, or a cat princess. 

Early in my working career, I assessed claims and had to present my case to the board of a fund as to why a member should or shouldn’t be paid their claim. At the time I was young and working to make money to travel and buy handbags, not even entertaining the idea of a career. What I didn’t realise until a few years later, was the enormous impact that what we were doing had on claimants’ lives - people’s lives – it is a very real and personal connection.  I recall getting phone calls were we’d both cry with relief as I was being thanked for helping someone through one of the most difficult times of their lives, hearing they may not have made it through without this support, both financial and emotional– that stays with you!

So, as I moved on with my career in different roles within the superannuation industry, I would keep getting drawn back into and championing the insurance area. Being an emotional people person, I realised this is the zone for me.

Note- I have actual superheroes in my family (paramedics, police, and nurses) so I whilst we are nowhere in their league, we still make a difference in people’s lives.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your industry as a woman and how did you overcome them?

Ok, hold my wine… the sad truth is, there are too many to mention, but nothing that will shock any other woman reading this, and disgracefully I know a lot of this still occurs. 

From being called “love”; treated as the bimbo blonde; expected to be the minute taker or coffee girl, despite being the senior one in the room; not even being acknowledged as being in the room; to some really serious stuff that is way too heavy to get in to. 

As women, we face this stuff every day, in and out of work. I don’t think we ‘overcome’ anything, we just persevere by supporting each other, and if we continue to be brave and hold people accountable, we may one day see some real change. 

What do you enjoy the most about working at Zurich?

I love my client partners and feel so lucky that from the day I walked in the door, I was able to establish such strong bonds – that remain to this day, even with those who are no longer clients. 

I truly value working for a company and with a group of people who genuinely care about what they are doing and the reason we are here – for those in need. We always get a lot done and have a lot of fun doing it.

Zurich’s values also align with my own -  I am proud of what we are doing in the equality and environmental spaces.

What do you see as the biggest growth opportunities and challenges within the group insurance industry at this time?

Legislation and mergers – bring both challenges and opportunities. Personally, I think we need to keep focus on the intent of having insurance within super and stop trying to over complicate it. Ensuring members know what cover they have, what they can do with it and how, in the easiest and fastest possible way. 

Since the covid crisis, how has your life changed for the better?

Not being in lock down in Melbourne is a definite positive. I struggled with covid lockdowns, it was really lonely and the light at the end of the tunnel was difficult to see at times. Now life is super busy again and sometimes I find myself longing to be locked indoors with Alfred and a bottle of something French for 48 hours.

What does work-life balance mean to you? And have you achieved it?

It means having the flexibility to be able to balance what I need to do with what I want to do. It ebbs and flows. Just when I feel I have it, it slips away.  Right now, I think it’s great to have the flexibility to be able to work from home a couple of days a week, that makes a huge difference. 

How do you stay calm under pressure or in stressful situations?

This feels like a trick question …  I am a pillar of calm, with an exceptional poker face… the truth is, I have to work at not letting my emotions get the better of me at times. I try very hard to remember to breathe, go for a walk or do Pilates, reach out for help or a trusted ear.

Oddly, the more stressful the situation, the more my pragmatism takes over. Usually, a step back can defuse any situation and I can move quickly into “get stuff done” mode.  A sense of humour helps, with a strong dose of being able to laugh at myself. 

Do you have a mentor or someone who inspires you?

I have many, some don’t even know it! 

I am always inspired by anyone who is their authentic self, not who claims to be, but who really is, and I try to sneak into their orbit. 

From close mates to formal mentors, I feel very blessed to be surrounded by strong, amazing, supportive women (and men) who challenge me. Plus, they make me laugh - that’s so important. 

I also learn so much from those I’m lucky enough to mentor.   

Whilst I may not have that much in common with her, I try to live by this quote:

 “Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.” – Mother Teresa