NIBA / Special Feature
you give to clients, too – highly curious individuals are 30% more likely to recall information, and cultivating this mindset is strongly linked to higher job satisfaction, better problem solving and improved mental health. “A curious mind is a great attribute to have, and a great advantage for a broker and their business,” says Klipin. “Being able to see risks from a different angle, ask new questions and always wondering ‘why’ and ‘what if’ help brokers create a strong and differentiated business that delivers exceptional service for their clients.”
to passing on experience, building judgement and keeping people engaged, especially younger professionals who want momentum and meaning in their careers. These foundations help ensure brokers remain confident and capable as risk continues to change.” Where to find the brokers of tomorrow? As the role of the insurance broker becomes more diverse, new skills are required to complement the traditional broker skill set. And, with an aging workforce seeing experience and knowledge exiting the sector, there’s a growing imperative to look outside of traditional recruitment channels. “We’re increasingly seeing brokers look to non-traditional fields, such as STEM, finance and consulting when recruiting,” says Klipin.
“In our Ready or Reacting? research, 67% of respondents said workforces changes were likely to impact the broking profession, so it’s a key area for brokers to be proactive in.” As well as recruiting from different spheres, the environment on offer has to be competitive too – for example, flexible work models, inclusive and dynamic cultures and competitive compensation packages are increasingly important, while digital presence and engagement is also vital to connect with and appeal to younger demographics. Shanks believes that education has a key role to play here, too, creating a more visible inroad into the sector and enabling insurance to be a career by design, rather than by accident, and the profession’s ability to help build resilience in society should be keenly focused on.
Shanks agrees that a culture of lifelong learning is essential.
“Structured on-the-job training, mentoring, and clear career pathways are critical
ANZIIF REALISES THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS CONTINUOUS APPROACH TO LEARNING, AND HAS MOVED FROM A QUALIFICATION ONLY MODEL TO ONE THAT SUPPORTS CONTINUOUS LEARNING ACROSS AN ENTIRE CAREER. Shanks says, “Our content now goes well beyond core technical skills to cover the breadth of emerging risks, like cyber, climate and catastrophe, AI, automation, and HOW ANZIIF IS REIMAGINING EDUCATION
increasing regulatory complexity. At the same time, we’ve placed much greater emphasis on professional judgement, ethics, communication and resilience, those ‘human skills’ that are essential to the diverse and evolving broker role.” The organisation has also changed how education is delivered, with more flexible, digital and modular options that fit alongside full-time work. “This approach is especially important for regional brokers and time‑poor professionals, and reflects what we have seen change over the past few years: access to learning is a key driver of retention, particularly for younger professionals.”
54 / INSURANCE ADVISER APRIL/MAY 2026
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