Spotlight on…is an initiative of WICI (Women in Credit Insurance) aiming at highlighting females and male allies working in the Trade Credit Insurance business. Every month, a new interview article will be published on ICISA website.
This month in the spotlight is Harkomal Thandi, Account Manager at Brown & Brown Trade Credit.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in this sector, and how have you overcome them?
Early in my career, one of the biggest challenges was finding my confidence and making sure my voice was heard in environments where women were often underrepresented. Over time, I realised that being well-prepared, building strong expertise, and consistently delivering results helped build credibility and confidence. I’ve also learned the importance of supporting and championing other women in the industry, helping create a more inclusive environment for future generations.
What are the biggest obstacles to career growth in our industry?
One of the biggest obstacles can often be our own self-doubt. It’s easy to wait until you feel completely ready before stepping into a new opportunity, but growth rarely works that way. Trade credit insurance offers a wide range of career paths, and progression often comes from putting yourself forward, expanding your network, and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. Mentorship and exposure to different areas of the industry can also make a huge difference.
What advice would you give to young women/people aspiring to leadership roles in trade credit insurance?
Be curious, be confident, and don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities that challenge you. Trade credit insurance is very much a relationship-driven industry. Technical knowledge is important, but so are communication skills, resilience, and the ability to build trust. Keep learning, seek out experiences that broaden your perspective, and remember that you don’t need to have all the answers before taking the next step. Growth often happens when you’re slightly outside your comfort zone.
Have you had mentors or sponsors who influenced your career?
Absolutely. I’ve been fortunate to work with some exceptional leaders throughout my career who have supported and influenced my development. Interestingly, many of them have been women, and seeing them succeed in senior roles has been both inspiring and empowering. Some have acted as mentors, sharing advice, guidance, and their own experiences, while others have been sponsors who actively advocated for me and opened doors to new opportunities. Their support has played a huge role in my career journey and reinforced the importance of helping others succeed too. It’s something I feel strongly about, and I hope I can have the same positive impact on others that they’ve had on me.
How do you maintain resilience and work-life balance in a demanding leadership role?
For me, resilience comes from recognising that setbacks and challenges are a normal part of any career and focusing on what I can learn from them. Maintaining balance is about setting boundaries, prioritising what’s important, and making time for the things that help you recharge. That means spending quality time with family and friends, staying active, and occasionally taking a step back to gain perspective. When you look after your own wellbeing, you’re in a much better position to perform at your best for your team.
