“Being LGBTQ+ and being successful in this industry go hand in hand”
Mark Osborne, Commercial Account Manager at Gallagher, on what inspired him to set up a new Link chapter in Northern Ireland, his vision for the chapter, and how his industry experience shapes his approach to diversity and inclusion.
When I first started my career, I didn’t often see people like me in senior roles. That lack of visibility made it difficult to picture my own path. There were times when I kept my sexuality to myself, not because I didn’t want to be open, but because I wasn’t sure how it would be received.
I look back now and realise how important visibility and allyship really are. As my career progressed, I met colleagues and leaders who supported me in genuine, thoughtful ways. They created space for me to be myself and that changed everything. It showed me how much confidence can grow in an environment where people feel accepted and respected.
Why set up a new Link chapter in Northern Ireland?
That’s why I want others to have that same sense of belonging early in their careers, and to see that being LGBTQ+ and being successful in this industry absolutely go hand in hand. The Northern Irish insurance industry is smaller and more close-knit than in London. People know each other, support each other, and want to see the industry succeed together.
Because of that, we have a real opportunity to create something meaningful that reflects who we are. Conversations around inclusion and LGBTQ+ visibility are still evolving, but there’s a real appetite for progress. That’s what excites me about Link NI. It’s a chance to help build a culture where everyone feels like they belong, can be their true self, and have every opportunity to succeed.
While London already has large, well-established networks, we have the advantage of being able to shape ours from the ground up and make it truly reflective of our local culture and community. For me, Link NI is about building something that feels personal to Northern Ireland, where people feel connected and inspired to drive positive change.
Inspiration and motivation
One morning over coffee it struck me there weren’t any LGBTQ+ insurance networks here. That felt like a gap, and I wanted to help create a space where people could come together, support one another and feel seen.
What started as a simple post on LinkedIn turned into messages and calls from people who felt exactly the same, like Michelle Donaldson, Graeme Moore, Jonathan Calvert, and others. Very quickly, the idea of Link Northern Ireland took shape – thanks in part to a great positive response from Link co-chairs Maurice and Maxim. I knew we were onto something that could really make a difference.
I’ve been lucky to work with so many talented people and to lead teams where collaboration and individuality have been encouraged. When people feel comfortable being themselves, they do their best work, and I’ve seen that first-hand.
Being part of the Inclusion and Diversity committees at Gallagher has given me the chance to help shape initiatives that really mean something, from Pride celebrations to recruitment projects and policy reviews. I’ve seen how small changes can create a big impact when they’re done with genuine intention.
Vision for Link Northern Ireland
Representation matters, and when you see someone like you thriving, it gives you the confidence to believe that you can too. I hope Link NI becomes a space where LGBTQ+ professionals, graduates, and allies can meet others who understand what it’s like to be part of this community in our industry.
I’d love to see Link NI not only supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues but also encouraging allies, leaders, and organisations to play an active part. Inclusion benefits everyone, and I want to see that mindset grow here.
If we can help even one person feel more comfortable at work, or spark one company to think differently about inclusion, then we’ll already have achieved something worthwhile. Over time, I hope Link NI becomes a lasting part of the local insurance landscape.
I want Link NI to be known as an active network that brings people together, hosting events where professionals can meet, share ideas, and start meaningful conversations about inclusion. I’d love to see members from all parts of the industry getting involved, from new graduates to senior leaders.
Looking ahead five years, I see Link NI as a well-established community that plays a real role in shaping our industry. A network that helps develop future leaders, builds partnerships between businesses, and supports real change in workplace culture. Success to me will be when inclusion isn’t something we have to work hard to encourage but something that’s just part of everyday life in insurance.
How to get involved
If you work in or around the insurance industry and you’re thinking about joining or supporting the network, please do. It doesn’t matter if you identify as LGBTQ+ or as an ally, everyone has a place here.
Link NI is about connection, support, and progress. It’s about understanding that we’re stronger when we work together. This is your chance to be part of something that brings people together, where you can meet others who share your experiences, or learn from perspectives different from your own.
If you’re interested, come along to Link Northern Ireland’s launch event on 26th November
