COVER STORY / NIBA Awards
The Reset Button Both winners return to reflection, not as a soft concept, but as a professional discipline. James says even applying is valuable, because it forces you to step back and actually measure your own trajectory. “Even the process of applying is valuable,” he says. “It forces you to step back and assess your growth, your impact and your purpose within the industry.” And the experience expands your world. “The experience connects you with leaders, mentors and peers… passionate about the future of broking,” James says. “It expands your network in meaningful ways and exposes you to perspectives that challenge and elevate you.” Importantly, he keeps returning to the “why” behind pursuing it. “It is not about ego,” Still says. “It is about contributing to something bigger than your own business.” Caleb discusses the realities of the industry’s pace. “Our industry is fast paced, high demand,” Caleb says. “There is never not another task to kick off the next day.” “In that weekly, monthly, annual grind, we’re driven by meeting client and market demands,” he adds. Applying interrupts that autopilot.
What They’d Tell the 2026 Applicants Still’s advice is simple and direct. “Apply. Back yourself,” he says. He believes you gain value regardless of outcome. And the community is part of the reward. “The experience connects you with leaders, mentors and peers,” James says. “It expands your network in meaningful ways.” “If you are serious about professionalism, leadership and long-term impact, this award is worth pursuing,” James says. “It is about contributing to something bigger than your own business.” He promises the experience changes you in the best way. “You will walk away more confident, more connected and more committed to raising the bar,” James says. Caleb’s advice is practical, aimed at time-poor brokers who feel their calendar tightening just reading the nomination form. “The experience is highly rewarding,” he says. “You meet some amazing people, you listen and learn from them and are better for it.” He ends with a line that belongs on a sticky note above a desk. “If your cup is a bit full,” Caleb says, “tip a bit out and make some room to apply.” “You will walk away more confident, more connected and more committed to raising the bar.” JAMES STILL, 2025 YOUNG BROKER OF THE YEAR
with someone who is committed to excellence and continuous improvement.” And then he draws the line that matters in broking more than any trophy: trust. “In a profession built on trust,” James says,
“that recognition matters.” Internally, the shift is subtle.
“It has strengthened my commitment to mentor younger brokers and contribute to the industry beyond my own business,” he says. And he reframes the award as part of an ongoing journey. “The award is not the destination,” James says. “It is fuel to keep building, improving and providing service and expertise with the best version of yourself.” Caleb describes a similar ripple, beginning with surprise at how far the news travelled. “Definitely surprised by the reach,” Caleb says. “Many people extended congratulations from all over our industry.” “It’s rewarding when long-term clients hear or read about it,” Caleb adds. “Some feel like they win along with you I think.” Caleb appreciates peer recognition — but he’s unambiguous about what means the most. “It’s great to hear your industry peers say it’s well deserved,” he says, “but of course most proud when the clients say it!” There is attention from parts of the market that didn’t know you yesterday. “There are underwriters, insurers and agencies who I’ve not had significant dealing with previously who now know who you are,” he says, “and definitely pay closer attention to your phone calls and submissions.” That attention matters because it creates new relationships — and in broking, relationships are the real currency. “That on its own is highly valuable,” Caleb says. “Opening doors and commencing new relationships… and relationships are the daily commodity we trade!” “The award is not the destination. It is fuel to keep building, improving and providing service and expertise with the best version of yourself.” JAMES STILL, 2025 YOUNG BROKER OF THE YEAR
“Applying helps you to stop and remember why you do what you do.”
CALEB RICHARDS, 2025 BROKER OF THE YEAR
NIBA .COM.AU / 27
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