Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
“My HR journey has been defined by the belief that empowering individuals within organisations ignites a ripple effect of success, transforming not just workplaces but entire communities,” says Jessica Bilston-Gourley, founder of Positive HR.
As a leader in HR consulting, the founder prides herself in offering targeted solutions to meet the unique needs of clients. Established in 2018 with a focus on small to medium-sized businesses, Positive HR assists clients in outsourcing a variety of needs including recruitment, performance management, and leadership and development.
While Bilston-Gourley takes her clients seriously, she also makes sure to inject a generous serving of energy and positivity into her work. This is reflected by Positive HR’s signature pink branding – which she hopes will challenge the status quo of what HR companies can look like.
“I recall when I was in one of my first HR roles and employees would say, ‘Oh gosh, you must be in trouble if you are going to see HR.’ I have been driven by a commitment to challenge stereotypes and how people perceive and understand what HR is today.”
Bilston-Gourley’s personable approach to business reflects wider industry shifts that have placed increased emphasis on employee wellbeing.
“Our part of the industry has witnessed a notable shift towards a more human-centric and innovative approach to HR solutions,” says the founder.
“The demand for flexible and personalised HR solutions has surged, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of employee engagement, and creating positive work environments. Businesses are increasingly recognising the need to invest in their people to build resilient, sustainable and forward-thinking organisations.”
Driven by personal commitment and a passion for redefining standards in HR excellence, founding Positive HR remains one of Bilston-Gourley’s proudest career accomplishments. As a sole parent, starting the company provided the founder with work-life balance flexibility.
Today, the success of Positive HR has become a testament to Bilston-Gourley’s ability to innovate and turn challenges into opportunities. Neither of which would be possible without her collaborative and purpose-driven leadership style.
“Collaboration is a key aspect of my role,” says the founder. “I believe in building strong partnerships with both clients and employees, recognising that effective HR is a collective effort.”
For Bilston-Gourley, client partnerships also mean committing to pro-bono work. Offering three openings a year, the founder donates her services to clients with strong goals and a dedication to social responsibility.
“Community engagement is not just a commitment at Positive HR, it is a principle,” shares the founder. “It embodies our belief that a thriving community is built on collaboration, shared knowledge, and a commitment to uplifting one another.”
Whether it’s demonstrating adaptability or fostering inclusivity, for Bilston-Gourley, leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and development.
“I have always embraced the philosophy that great HR transcends traditional roles – it’s about architecting environments where every employee thrives. I will continue to seek feedback, reflect on my experiences and be willing to adapt my leadership style to meet the evolving needs of the HR sector, Positive HR employees, and our clients.”
Eclat, 141 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East VIC
0404 922 125
jessica@positivehr.com.au
linkedin.com/in/jessicabilston
positivehr.com.au
Jessica Bilston-Gourley
Founder and Director
Positive HR
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“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2013–2017
2017–2018
2018–present
2019–present
2020–present
Early career HR positions
2013–
2017
HR Business Partner at Dräger
2017: Top 5 HR Professionals on LinkedIn
2017–
2018
Founder and Director at Positive HR
2021: Whitehorse Young Business Leader of the Year
2022: AusMumpreneur Silver Award Best Service Business
2018–
present
Director/Founder at eXculture
2019–
present
Chief People Officer at Australian Military Bank
2020–
present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
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