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What inspires you the most about the insurance broking profession? What inspires me most about our profession is the impact that we can have on our clients’ lives. Having been through multiple catastrophic events in recent years, it’s the ability to help our clients, often through some of their most vulnerable moments. I love that every day is a chance to learn something new, a different challenge to tackle. There is a huge amount of reward in knowing that you have made a meaningful impact on others’ lives. I’m also inspired by the new generation of brokers coming into the industry. Our team is full of young entrants into the industry, and I find it rewarding to see them develop their skills and grow every day. “The brokers who thrive will be the ones who stay curious, adapt quickly, and never lose sight of the human side of what we do.” What does becoming a finalist of the 2025 Broker of the Year mean to you? At this stage in my career, becoming a finalist gives me a great sense of purpose. From starting as a junior doing filing in the summer, completing various studies, developing my technical and soft skills, managing claims during catastrophic weather events and most recently stepping into leadership and watching our team grow, I’ve hit a stage in my career where I have started thinking about legacy to the industry. To be nominated for this prestigious award is affirming, however, if I were to win, it would be an honour to continue a legacy of driving professionalism, diversity and inclusion.
of an insurance broker will become more skilled, relevant and valued. As technology and AI continue transforming the industry in commoditising the micro-SME end of the market and creating more efficiencies in routine tasks, shifts in client expectations will drive further emphasis on value in broker expertise and advice. The days of transaction facilitators are numbered. With clients placing higher value on specialist skills and deeper insights driven by data and analytics, insurance brokers will be strategic advisors and a crucial partner in integrated risk strategy discussions and financial resilience. Let’s not forget the human connection. This will be the differentiator for best practice and success as it re-enforces building relationships, trust and authenticity while understanding clients, their afflictions and their aspirations. This is an exciting time to be in the insurance broking profession! What inspires you the most about the insurance broking profession? I read an article some years ago where insurance brokers were ranked one of the nation’s least trusted professions, lumped in with industries plagued with scepticism. This perception misses the heart of what we do. The reality is, every day I help educate and advocate for my clients, building trust, providing clarity and empowering them to make informed decisions with confidence. I’m a facilitator and an enabler to helping create possibilities for my clients, and at times, their only lifeline in facilitating protection to keep operating their business. With insights, advice and facilitating the right protection, they can take bold risks, invest in their future, push the boundaries of innovation and focus on building something great. Additionally, we have amazing young talent coming through this industry. Their curiosity and ambition inspire me to stay informed, continuously refine my expertise and foster a culture of lifelong learning and mentoring. What does becoming a finalist of the 2025 Broker of the Year mean to you? It is an immense honour to be recognised among such high calibre individuals within our industry through the NIBA platform and I am truly humbled as it has allowed me to pause and reflect on the path that led me here. From the challenges that shaped my resilience, to the guidance from mentors who inspired me, and the trust and partnership of my clients that have made this achievement possible. This recognition reinforces my responsibility to advocate for the value of brokers in our changing landscape. To continue amplifying impactful conversations while mentoring our next-generation brokers to champion
professionalism, trust and integrity through meaningful connections, so our industry continues to evolve with purpose. Regardless of the outcome, I’ll continue to strive to mentor others, promote ethical standards and contribute to a legacy of excellence for our clients and the industry. “We have amazing young talent coming through this industry. Their curiosity and ambition inspire me to stay informed, continuously refine my expertise and foster a culture of lifelong learning and mentoring”
QLD Finalist
DANIEL BERRY, DUDGEON BERRY INSURANCE GROUP
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
I was 16 at the time. I had just finished high school and was looking to earn some extra money over the summer. I was also working as a Team Leader at the local Hungry Jacks in Lismore, but that wasn’t something long-term for me. I picked up a role doing some filing over the summer, and that gradually led to taking on more tasks as well as completing my Tier 2 & Tier 1 studies which I could use to apply for new roles as I had planned to relocate to Queensland. What do you think the insurance broking profession will look like in the future? I believe the insurance broking profession will be more dynamic, technology-driven and client-focused than ever. As the world evolves with emerging risks like cyber, climate change and global volatility, clients will be looking to us for advice. The use of AI and automation will greatly improve efficiency in our service capabilities and will remove a lot of the administrative burdens that we currently face, however, that will mean we can focus on the core of what we do, which is being a trusted advisor to our clients and guiding them through uncertain times. The brokers who thrive will be the ones who stay curious, adapt quickly, and never lose sight of the human side of what we do.
QLD Finalist
KATE GREAVES, GOLDSWORTHY GENERAL INSURANCE SERVICES
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession? I began working in our third-generation family business in early 2004 while completing my Early Childhood teaching degree. It soon became clear that my passion lay within the business,
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