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 Shannon Magee, Trade Credit Claims Manager at TMHCC. Shannon has 8 years experience in Trade Credit Insurance and started her career as a Claims Technician at TMHCC. After 7 happy years, she took time out to travel the world and later spent a period working as a Trade Credit Broker. Shannon returned to lead the claims team at TMHCC in August 2025.
- What are the biggest obstacles to career growth in our industry?
A big obstacle to career growth in our industry is the lack of clear progression routes. Graduate programmes receive a lot of focus, but those individuals with 3–5 years’ experience often find it hard to see the next step, particularly when senior roles are held by long-standing employees. When progression isn’t visible, it can be challenging to stay motivated – and may cause promising people to leave for other industries.
- What advice would you give to young women/people aspiring to leadership roles in trade credit insurance?
Embrace every opportunity that comes your way – every training session, new responsibility, or challenge helps you grow. Every experience teaches you something valuable — even the ones you don’t enjoy will leave you with insights you can carry forward.
I would also say: don’t let your age hold you back. I am younger and have less experience than my fellow managers and it can sometimes feel intimidating and stir up feelings of imposter syndrome, but leadership isn’t about age — it’s about willingness to learn and confidence in what you bring to the table.
- Have you had mentors or sponsors who influenced your career?
Yes, I have been fortunate to have a great mentor during my time at TMHCC. Self-belief is essential, but we’re all human — so having someone in your corner who believes in you when you are doubting yourself, makes a huge difference. You can learn so much from someone else’s experience, and I like to surround myself with very experienced people. I hope I can be a good mentor to others in the future.
- What is the favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job is helping people. I really enjoy guiding policyholders/brokers through the claims process and showing them that it doesn’t need to be daunting. As a manager, I love supporting my team’s growth, building their confidence, and doing what I can to make their working lives better. I see myself more as a leader than a manager. We are all one team working together for one goal – to make our claims team the best in the industry.
- How do you maintain resilience and work-life balance in a demanding leadership role?
I am naturally a very positive, upbeat person, so even during tough periods I trust that I will find a way through – one way or another! As a new manager, maintaining work–life balance can sometimes be a challenge, but I make sure I give myself time to relax and re-charge.
