SPOTLIGHT / Meet the state finalists of the 2025 Young Broker of the Year Awards
NSW/ACT Finalist
NSW/ACT Finalist
BAILEY IVES, NETWORK INSURANCE GROUP
CLAIRE FINCH, AON
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession? Insurance was in my blood. I was raised in a family of insurance professionals. Given my family’s involvement in the industry, I quickly took to the calling of a career in broking. Working across various client industries gave me an early appreciation for the role brokers play in protecting clients. After about 5 years in the UK market, I moved to Australia, driven by a desire to broaden my horizons and grow as a leader. I’ve since deepened my involvement in the industry within the Australian market working at a boutique brokerage at first and moving across to a mid-tier and now large brokerage. My desire to succeed is driven by my passion for helping clients navigate risk with confidence. I was drawn to insurance due to family ties but stay for the daily challenges and long-term positive impact I can achieve for clients. What is the most important lesson you have learnt in your career so far? Nearly all issues have a solution; you just need to be methodical and solutions- focused. As a leader of a team of brokers, when a team member is facing challenges with a client, the key to success is to give the broker a framework to assess the issues, gather the information, and manage relationships and issues at the same time. The key message I frequently remind myself of is that I don’t have all the answers to all issues. However, with a positive outlook, critical mind, and some degree of empathy, I have been able to build a system which helps myself, my team members and my clients overcome challenging issues. By taking this approach, I can communicate effectively, and build trust amongst peers, team members and clients alike.
What are some of the attributes essential to be a good broker? A good broker listens more than they speak, brings calm to the complexity and always puts the client’s needs at the centre of focus. As a broker, you need to be strategic, responsive, and commercially aware. That said, the classic commercial skills are not the whole picture and you also need soft skills such as empathy, adaptivity and the ability to build lasting relationships. Technical knowledge matters, but trust and follow- through are what set a good broker apart from the field. What does becoming a finalist of the 2025 Young Broker of the Year mean to you? I am deeply honoured to be shortlisted as a finalist. Being a finalist is a reflection of the support I’ve had from clients, mentors, and my team. I’m incredibly grateful to be recognized alongside other talented industry peers. For me, it’s a reminder of why I show up every day: to raise the standard, challenge the norm, and make this industry a more innovative and inclusive place for the next generation of brokers. I hope my journey within the insurance broking profession has a positive influence on my peers and is an example to the next generation of brokers that this industry can be incredibly fulfilling when done with passion and purpose.
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession? My journey into insurance broking began with early exposure to the industry. My father worked as an Underwriter throughout his career, so insurance was always part of my life. Watching the professional opportunities offered to him sparked my interest from a young age. After completing my school studies, I applied for a broking role and was shortly afterwards fortunate enough to be mentored by very passionate & experienced professionals. Their support and guidance helped shape my understanding of the industry and ignited a strong passion for building a successful career in insurance broking. What is the most important lesson you have learnt in your career so far? Throughout my career, I’ve learned many valuable lessons that have shaped the broker I am today. One of the most important is the power of asking the right question and taking the time to truly understand a client’s business, their needs, and goals is essential to providing meaningful solutions. I’ve also learned that honesty and transparency are non- negotiable. Clients place a great deal of trust in us, and it’s our responsibility to always act in their best interest. Building strong relationships has been another key lesson, insurance is not just about policies, it’s also about people. Communication plays a vital role in this and being able to clearly explain complex concepts in a way clients can understand makes a big difference. What are some of the attributes essential to be a good broker? To be a great broker, several key attributes are essential. Honesty and transparency form the foundation of strong client relationships, trust is everything in our profession. Taking
“A good broker listens more than they speak, brings calm to the complexity and always puts the client’s needs at the centre of focus"
22 / INSURANCE ADVISER JUNE/JULY 2025
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