Empowering Voices: Spotlight on Women Speakers from SpeakEasy with WiRE
An Interview with Heval Polat
by Monica Tan | November 2024
Being part of the "SpeakEasy with WiRE" initiative represents an opportunity to contribute to a platform that amplifies the voices of women in the reinsurance industry. This initiative aligns with my commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated.
Heval Polat
Managing Director Operations Asia and Regional Head of Multinational Asia
Allianz Commercial Singapore
About Heval
A director of multi-country operations with over a decade of experience in Property-Casualty Insurance, in Multinational Programmes, Operations, Underwriting and Finance. Drives a multinational operational vision and execution of operations strategy across the spectrum of Property-Casualty insurance products. Creates cohesion and synergy between regional COO functions in line with global strategy. Drives the improvement and expansion of Allianz Commercial reputation in the chosen markets as leader for multinational business. Extensively qualified, including BSc. Industrial Engineering, an MBA (TUM), MA Economics & Finance, INSEAD Leadership Communication, PRINCE2® Project Manager and Cert CII.
01
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly contributed to your growth as a leader in the (re)insurance industry?
A pivotal moment in my career was when I was given the opportunity to lead a high-stakes project that involved launching a new Reinsurance Branch in India. This project required close collaboration with various departments and stakeholders, making it a significant challenge. Successfully leading this initiative not only enhanced my technical and managerial skills but also reinforced my confidence as a leader. It demonstrated the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and effective communication in achieving impactful results.
02
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the reinsurance industry, and how have you overcome them to achieve success?
The challenges I have faced are not so much about being a woman in insurance industry, but rather being a mother of two young children while managing a demanding career. Managing business trips with having little ones at home, dealing with sleepless nights due to their illnesses or disrupted sleep patterns, and not having sufficient "me time" despite having a support system have been significant hurdles. To navigate these challenges, I relied on meticulous time management, a strong support network, and setting clear boundaries to ensure that I can fulfill my roles both at home and at work effectively.
03
How do you manage the demands of a successful career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and what advice would you offer to others striving to do the same?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a demanding career requires intentional effort and prioritization. I set clear boundaries between work and personal time, ensuring that I dedicate quality time to my family and personal interests. Time management and delegation are crucial; I prioritize tasks and empower my team to take ownership of their responsibilities. My advice to others is to recognize the importance of self-care and not hesitate to ask for help. It's essential to create a support system, both professionally and personally, that allows you to thrive in all areas of your life.
04
What does being a part of the “SpeakEasy with WiRE” initiative mean to you?
Being part of the "SpeakEasy with WiRE" initiative represents an opportunity to contribute to a platform that amplifies the voices of women in the reinsurance industry. This initiative aligns with my commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated. It allows me to share my experiences, learn from others, and collectively work towards breaking down barriers that women face in our industry.
05
What does diversity and equity mean to you in a practical sense?
To me, diversity and equity mean ensuring everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, regardless of their background. This involves fair hiring practices, mentorship for underrepresented groups, and fostering an inclusive culture where diverse voices are respected. By embracing diversity and equity, we drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and build a resilient industry. As the co-executive sponsor for Allianz GRACE, our ethnic diversity network, I actively promote cultural diversity in Singapore. We work to create an inclusive environment where ethnic diversity is celebrated and leveraged as a strength for innovation and collaboration.
Join us in this transformative journey
We invite women professionals in (re)insurance to be part of this inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiative by joining our database and share their voices. Whether you are an experienced speaker or looking to take the stage for the first time, SpeakEasy with WiRE offers support and opportunities to amplify your impact.​
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Together, let’s SpeakEasy with WiRE and amplify the voices of women in the (re)insurance industry.