Give to Gain: Leadership, Support and Opportunity

An Interview with Michelle Klobas - Chief Commercial Officer

When you think about IWE, what does “give to gain” represent in practice?

For me, “give to gain” is about showing up with openness, sharing knowledge, supporting others and creating opportunities for the people around us to grow. Throughout my career in personal injury, I have both experienced and witnessed how powerful it can be when someone takes the time to share their experience or encourage you to step forward. Often it is those moments of belief and support that give people the confidence to take the next step in their career. When we support each other in this way, we build stronger teams, achieve better outcomes for the people we help, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and able to contribute.

What role do leaders play in creating an environment where women feel supported to grow and succeed in their careers?

Leaders play a critical role in shaping the environment around them. Creating a culture where women feel supported to grow means fostering trust, encouraging diverse perspectives and actively creating opportunities for women to step into leadership. It is about recognising potential, supporting ideas and making sure women feel confident that their voice matters. When leaders champion inclusion and support growth, they help create workplaces where women can thrive and where organisations benefit from the full breadth of talent and perspective.

Can you share a time when someone supported or encouraged you in your career? 

One of the things I value most in my career is the people who have believed in my potential and encouraged me to step forward. Early in my leadership journey, a senior leader encouraged me to take on a role that felt like a real stretch at the time. Their confidence in me gave me the courage to back myself. That experience has stayed with me because it reinforced how important it is to recognise potential in others and create opportunities for people to grow. Sometimes a small moment of encouragement can have a lasting impact.

What would you say to other women about the value of contributing their voice, expertise, and leadership to healthcare?

Healthcare, for me, has always been about people. It is about supporting individuals through difficult moments and helping them recover, return to work and rebuild their lives. We are in a very privileged position to support people and their families during what can often be a very challenging time.

When different perspectives help shape healthcare, the way we deliver care becomes stronger and more responsive to the needs of the people we support. Women bring valuable expertise, insight and leadership that can make a real difference in how we support individuals, workplaces and communities.

My advice to other women would be to trust your experience and the value of what you bring. Never hesitate to share your insights or step forward into leadership opportunities. Your voice matters, and when women contribute their perspective and leadership, it helps shape a stronger and more inclusive future for healthcare.