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What might the profession look like for young brokers starting their career in 2035? By 2035, broking will be almost unrecognisable compared to when I started. I think there will be more consolidation and larger brokerages than privately owned brokerages. Technology and automation will take care of the repetitive tasks (certificates, lodgements, compliance reporting etc), so brokers can focus on what can’t be automated: relationships, tailored, client-specific advice, risk assessment and advocacy. Weather events, cyber threats, and new intangible risks will dominate, meaning brokers will need to be trusted advisors who can translate complex exposures into clear solutions. Relationships will be absolutely crucial to staying relevant. In a world where data and products are commoditised, genuine human connection, negotiation skills and deep market knowledge will be the differentiators. Young brokers who invest early in building strong, long-term partnerships with clients, underwriters and peers will be best placed to thrive and shape the future of our profession. What is your broking philosophy or mantra? My philosophy is simple: negotiate like it’s my own money on the line. Insurance can often feel abstract to clients, but for me it’s deeply personal. When I approach an insurer, analyse coverage options or advocate on a claim, I picture myself in the client’s position and ask: would this wording, premium or settlement satisfy me if it were my own livelihood at risk? That mindset drives me to interrogate exclusions, fight for broader terms, and push for fairer premiums and faster resolutions. It also fosters genuine trust: clients know I’m not just comparing products; I’m protecting their world as if it were mine. By negotiating as though I have “skin in the game,” I deliver the diligence, creativity and empathy that set truly exceptional brokers apart. As a young broker, what are some of things about the profession you enjoy that others outside might not know about? One of the things I love most is the variety - no two days are the same. From sitting down with a local builder to working on a complex Industrial Special Risk policy, every client has a story and unique challenges. I enjoy uncovering the detail that makes each risk different, and then crafting solutions that fit. I also enjoy the advocacy side… negotiating with underwriters, pushing back on unfair exclusions, and then seeing the relief in a client’s face when a claim is paid. There’s also a sense
of community: brokers are connectors, whether it’s helping a client recover after a fire or introducing them to another professional. That human side of broking is incredibly rewarding. How are technology and automation transforming broking today? Technology is reshaping broking right now, for better or for worse. When done right, automation provides the ability to lift the burden of repetitive work such as issuing certificates and claims tracking, freeing brokers to focus on strategic advice and deeper client relationships. Digital placement platforms are becoming the norm, enabling greater speed, transparency and global market access. But technology isn’t replacing brokers… it’s enhancing us. Our true value lies in interpreting data, providing context and advocating when clients face uncertainty. The most exciting part is how technology elevates the profession: it allows young brokers to build relationships earlier, develop negotiation skills and deliver genuine advice. Yet we must also acknowledge the challenges. Automated systems can sometimes restrict underwriting appetite, erode true risk consideration, and replace it with blanket occupational or batch outcomes that may not apply in every situation, making it harder to place risks that slightly fall outside the box. Balancing efficiency with underwriting nuance will be critical to ensuring technology remains a tool for empowerment rather than a barrier to coverage. If you were to be crowned the national Young Broker of the Year winner, what would that recognition mean to you? Being crowned the national Young Broker of the Year would be an extraordinary honour and a defining moment in my career. It would represent recognition not only of my own dedication, but also of the support of my colleagues, mentors and clients who have trusted me to protect what matters most to them. For me, the award would affirm that high standards, ethical practices, and genuine client advocacy are still front and centre in our rapidly evolving industry. It would also create a platform to inspire and mentor other young brokers, showing them that with hard work, resilience and curiosity they can shape the future of our profession. Finally, it would reinforce my commitment to lifting the standard of service, driving innovation and giving back to the communities we serve, ensuring that this recognition becomes a springboard for positive impact, not just a personal milestone.
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