At HFG, we’re proud to celebrate the women shaping the recruitment and insurance industries. In this special edition of ‘My Time at HFG’, we’re highlighting the journeys of women in recruitment, exploring their experiences, career growth, and what it’s like to work in our dynamic, fast-paced industry.
For our second interview, we sit down with Rhianne Winnall, who joined HFG’s Actuarial team in London in 2021. Rhianne shares her insights into the world of recruitment, the challenges she’s overcome, and her advice for women looking to succeed in the industry.
The Journey
What was your career path before joining HFG?
Before HFG, I was a student studying Biomedical Science.
What inspired you to work in recruitment / insurance?
I had a few friends within the industry and always wanted to be in a people-facing role. When I looked into the industry more I was inspired by the dynamic nature of recruitment and the ability to make a tangible impact on careers.
What were your first impressions of the industry?
My first impressions of the industry were varied because I noticed it differs massively company by company. When I initially joined HFG, I was apprehensive but soon realised what a collaborative and supportive environment it was.
Career Growth & Challenges
How has your role evolved at HFG?
Over the past three years at HFG, my role has grown significantly. I started with a focus on one aspect of recruitment but have since progressed to a consultant role, where I now manage both the candidate and client sides of the recruitment process. This has given me the opportunity to build strong relationships, understand the needs of both parties, and play a key role in successful placements.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is that I meet new people every day, whether they are candidates looking for their next opportunity or clients searching for the right talent. This constant interaction keeps my role varied and allows me to expand my network within the insurance and actuarial space. Beyond recruitment, I have also taken on event planning responsibilities, such as organising a Women in Actuarial networking event with my colleague Ishi.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in recruitment or insurance?
Like many women in recruitment and insurance, I have encountered challenges, particularly in navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry. While I have been fortunate to have great support from colleagues like Will and Jake from starting at HFG, I have also seen firsthand the lack of representation and networking opportunities for women in actuarial roles.
This realisation was a key reason why my colleague Ishi and I took the initiative to organize the Women in Actuarial networking event. We recognised a gap in events tailored to female actuaries and wanted to create a space for them to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Taking on this project while managing my growing responsibilities as a consultant was a challenge, but one that reinforced my ability to lead, network, and drive positive change.
What’s been your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far has been successfully bringing the Women in Actuarial networking event to life with my colleague Ishi. Planning the event was a huge responsibility, as it involved everything from identifying the need to coordinating logistics and securing engagement from key industry professionals.
Not only did we receive amazing feedback from those who attended, but we also heard from many people who couldn’t make it but still reached out to express their appreciation and interest. Seeing the impact it had—providing women with valuable networking opportunities and meaningful conversations—was incredibly rewarding. This experience not only reinforced my passion for building communities and advocating inclusivity but also highlighted my ability to take initiative and drive change within the industry.
Advice for Women in Recruitment & Insurance
What advice would you give to women starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to be proactive and take ownership of your growth. The recruitment and insurance industries can be fast-paced and sometimes male-dominated, so it’s important to speak up, take on challenges, and build your confidence early on. Surround yourself with a strong support network—I’ve been lucky to have an amazing team, who have supported me throughout my journey. Find mentors, whether male or female, who will advocate for you, provide guidance, and help you navigate the industry.
Also, don’t be afraid to create your own opportunities. When my colleague Ishi and I realized there was a lack of networking events for female actuaries, we took the initiative to organise one ourselves. The positive response showed us that if you see a gap, you can be the one to fill it. Finally, believe in your value and don’t hesitate to put yourself forward for opportunities. Whether it’s networking, client meetings, or leadership roles, your voice matters, and you bring a unique perspective that is needed in the industry.
What skills are most important for success?
• Relationship Building – Whether working with candidates or clients, forming genuine connections is key. Success in recruitment and insurance comes from earning trust, understanding needs, and maintaining strong professional relationships over time.
• Communication & Listening – Being able to articulate ideas clearly and truly listen to others is essential. Whether negotiating a placement or planning an industry event, effective communication ensures you can connect with the right people and create meaningful opportunities.
• Adaptability – Recruitment is fast-paced, and things don’t always go as planned. Being able to handle setbacks, learn from challenges, and stay adaptable is crucial for long-term success.
• Confidence & Self-Advocacy – It’s important to believe in your value and speak up. Whether you’re leading a meeting, pitching to a client, or organising an event, having the confidence to put yourself forward opens doors and builds credibility.
Do you have a female mentor or role model who inspired you?
When I first started at HFG, there weren’t many women at the company, and I knew how important it was to find guidance from someone who had navigated the industry successfully. So, I took the initiative to approach Katie, one of the Associate Directors, and asked her for a coffee.
She was incredibly supportive, offering valuable advice and guidance that helped me find my footing in areas that I was yet to cover. Seeing her success and leadership within the company has been something I truly look up to. Her willingness to share her experiences and offer mentorship at that time showed me the importance of supporting and uplifting other women in the industry—something I now aim to do as well.
What’s Next?
What changes do you hope to see for women in insurance and recruitment?
I hope to see greater representation of women in leadership roles across both insurance and recruitment. While progress is being made, there is still work to do in ensuring that women have the same opportunities for career advancement and that leadership teams are more diverse.
Another key change I’d love to see is more networking and mentorship opportunities for women. I would love to see more spaces where women can connect, share experiences, and support one another . Finally, I hope companies continue to actively promote inclusive cultures, where women feel encouraged to speak up, take on new challenges, and thrive in their roles.
How does HFG support diversity and inclusion?
HFG actively supports diversity and inclusion by investing in initiatives that create opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry. A great example of this is how HFG funded the Women in Actuarial networking event that my colleague Ishi and I organised.
Beyond this, HFG has also hosted Women in Insurance events, further demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and empowering women in the industry. These initiatives help create spaces where women can connect, share experiences, and gain career support, reinforcing HFG’s dedication to building a more diverse and equitable workplace. HFG is making a real impact by not only supporting these conversations but also actively funding and facilitating them, helping to promote diversity within recruitment, insurance, and actuarial fields.
What are your goals for the next stage of your career?
As I continue to grow at HFG, my main goal is to continue to progress within the company, taking on more responsibility and further establishing myself as a trusted consultant within the insurance and actuarial space. I want to continue building strong relationships and expanding my network.
I’m also passionate about driving diversity and inclusion, so I hope to organise more industry events that create meaningful opportunities for underrepresented groups. Ultimately, I aim to continue progressing in my career, take on bigger projects, and make a lasting impact—whether that’s through recruitment, mentorship, or industry-wide initiatives.
