SPOTLIGHT / Meet the state finalists of the 2025 Young Broker of the Year Awards
WA Finalist
SA/NT Finalist
What are some of the attributes essential to be a good broker? I believe the best brokers lead with honesty and transparency. Clients trust us to protect their businesses, and that trust is built on clarity and consistency. There’s no value in pretending to know everything, if you’re unsure, it’s always better to be upfront and seek support than risk poor outcomes. Strong communication is also essential. Whether speaking with a client or an insurer, being able to explain things clearly and professionally goes a long way. But it’s not just about clarity, it’s about helping clients feel informed and confident. That educational role certainly sets great brokers apart. Resilience is equally important, not just staying calm under pressure, but responding positively when things don’t go to plan. There will be setbacks, but how you handle them matters. A good broker stays composed, learns from the experience, and communicates openly. That mindset builds long-term trust, credibility, and confidence. What does becoming a finalist of the 2025 Young Broker of the Year mean to you? Being a finalist is a huge honour and something I’m incredibly proud of. It represents recognition not just of my work as a broker, but also of my broader contributions to the industry, through my work with NIBA in WA and the Convention Committee, as well as promoting and supporting younger professionals where I can. Knowing that those efforts have made a positive impact is deeply rewarding. It also reinforces the value of getting involved beyond day-to-day broking, whether it’s running events, promoting the profession to young people, or supporting others in their journey. It tells me I’m on the right path and motivates me to keep growing, contributing, and helping others see what’s possible in this profession. I hope my journey shows other young professionals that with commitment and passion, there’s so much you can achieve in this industry, and I want to continue promoting that to the best of my ability. “I hope my journey shows other young professionals that with commitment and passion, there’s so much you can achieve in this industry, and I want to continue promoting that to the best of my ability.”
JOSHUA CLAYFIELD, STAR INSURANCE SOLUTIONS
TOM WHEELER, LOCKTON COMPANIES AUSTRALIA
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession? I didn’t plan to end up in insurance, I fell into it. I moved to Brisbane in 2011 and had an interview scheduled with AAMI on the same day the floods hit. Instead, I ended up working in Suncorp’s Contact Centre, and that’s where my interest in insurance really began. Before moving back to the NT, I saw a job advertised with an international brokerage in Darwin. I had no idea what insurance broking involved, but decided to give it a go. What I found was something that finally held my attention, no two days were the same, and I loved being able to make a real difference for my clients. From that point on, I knew I had more than a job, I had a career. What is the most important lesson you have learnt in your career so far? I’ve learnt a lot of lessons over the years, some more painfully than others. One that’s stuck with me is the importance of relationships, not just with clients, but with insurers. There’s a large rhetoric about how client relationships are the cornerstone of broking, and they absolutely are, however, without strong relationships with insurers, you’re limited in what you can deliver for your clients. It’s all about balance. In today’s world, where so much of the work has shifted to online platforms and automation, it’s easy to lose that human connection with underwriters. But in my experience, it’s those insurer relationships that often make the difference between a good outcome and a great one. What are some of the attributes essential to be a good broker? To be a good broker, I think curiosity, resilience, and strong communication skills are essential. You need to be genuinely curious, about your clients’ businesses, the risks they face, and the solutions available in the market. Without
I fell into insurance unexpectedly. I was working a variety of different jobs, from forklifts to police stations and was unsure of my long-term direction. One night, I was out for dinner when I met someone who had just started their broking firm. They mentioned they’d recently hired another young professional who was doing well and looking to expand. Seeing someone close to my age doing well really inspired me. I reached out the next day, and that conversation changed everything. I started as in a broker support role at 18 and quickly became hooked by the opportunities this industry offers. Since then, I’ve gained experience across different types of brokerages, from a start-up to a suburban firm, and now for the past four years, at an international company. That variety has given me a broad perspective and reinforced just how dynamic and rewarding a career in broking can be. What is the most important lesson you have learnt in your career so far? One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is the importance of self-awareness, especially around how you’re perceived by others. Insurance is a relationship-driven industry, and how you show up matters just as much as what you know. Being transparent in your communication, consistent in your actions, and humble enough to ask for help when needed builds trust not only with clients, but also with colleagues and the market. Over time, I’ve realised that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Being honest about your limits and willing to learn earns more respect than trying to push through for the sake of appearances. That mindset has also helped me better understand others, whether it’s an underwriter under pressure or a client facing a stressful claim. People remember how you made them feel, and showing up with empathy, reliability, and integrity has been key for me so far.
28 / INSURANCE ADVISER JUNE/JULY 2025
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