SPOTLIGHT / Meet the state finalists of the 2026 Young Broker of the Year Awards
undoubtedly reshape how brokers work, giving clients greater access to information and streamlining processes. But the human touch will always be essential. Brokers will always be needed to cut through the noise, interpret complex information and offer personalised advice. Our ability to empathise, build trust and provide tailored solutions is something no technology can replicate. Young brokers are inheriting the profession at a pivotal moment. What kind of broker do you want to be in ten years, and what are you doing now to get there? In ten years, I want to be a broker known for combining strong technical expertise with genuine, trusted advice — someone clients turn to not just for insurance placement, but for guidance as their businesses evolve. We're at a point where AI is accelerating rapidly, and I already use it in my day-to-day work to improve productivity and free up time from routine tasks. My clients are on that same journey, whether they're embracing it yet or not. To prepare, I'm building deep technical knowledge while staying adaptable — using new tools, improving processes and prioritising relationships. Because while technology will reshape how we work, it won't replace the need for judgement, advocacy and human connection. What does becoming a finalist of the 2026 Young Broker of the Year mean to you? Becoming a finalist is both an honour and a moment of reflection. It represents recognition not just of where I am today, but of the journey that shaped how I approach broking — with a strong foundation in claims, a commitment to doing things properly, and a genuine sense of responsibility to clients. For me, this isn't about having "made it" — it's about being on the right path. It reinforces the values I try to bring to my role every day: integrity, empathy and accountability. It also motivates me to keep improving. There is always more to learn, particularly as our industry evolves, and I see this as encouragement to keep building my technical capability, strengthening client relationships and contributing positively to the profession over the long term.
WA State Finalist
WA State Finalist
Michelle Foord, Gallagher
Louise McCormick, Grace Insurance
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
Most people enter the insurance industry through personal connections or by actively seeking a role. For me, it was my mum — she asked if I wanted a position at her workplace, mostly to make sure I stayed occupied as a teenager. I started as a Claims Administrator at Sovereign Insurance, New Zealand's leading life insurer at the time. Fresh out of high school, I put my plans to study architecture on hold, taking what I thought would be a gap year. It turned into a career change. Working in the Disability Claims Team alongside passionate colleagues taught me the importance of empathy, resilience and making a genuine difference in clients' lives during difficult times. That experience sparked my passion for the industry and set me on the path to where I am now. Tech and AI is reshaping how brokers work. Where do you see it adding value and what do you think will always need the human touch? AI is here to stay — much like the evolution from telegrams to faxes to phones to mobile technology. In our industry, it's important to embrace these changes and explore how they can enhance the way we serve clients. I recall working on a digitisation project eight years ago where we proposed a live claims tracker and monthly declarations via app. At the time, it seemed too ambitious. Today, with AI, such innovations are becoming the norm. AI will
Much like many of my colleagues, my path into broking was unexpected. My previous roles had centred on finance, insurance and compliance, and my journey into broking began when a Sydney-based finance brokerage approached me to help establish an insurance arm of their business. With my background, I was tasked with helping create the processes and procedures needed to launch a successful brokerage — developing the sales process, claims procedures, compliance frameworks and training registers, and building referral partner networks. I was involved at every stage, from the ground up. While I didn't initially come from a sales background, I quickly discovered a passion for broking and how it let me combine my love of problem-solving with direct client service. Tech and AI is reshaping how brokers work. Where do you see it adding value and what do you think will always need the human touch? Technology and AI provide brokers with valuable tools that allow us to service our clients better than ever before. Automating tasks such as debtor reminders, wage declarations and proposal form follow-ups frees up time that brokers can direct towards supporting clients. Technology also plays an important role in tackling underinsurance. Tools such as BI calculators and valuation reports help brokers and clients make more informed decisions and ensure businesses are adequately protected. That said, clients will always need the human touch. Broking is much more than placing a policy: it's about building relationships, understanding
"For me, this isn't about having "made it" — it's about being on the right path. It reinforces the values I try to bring to my role every day: integrity, empathy and accountability."
22 / INSURANCE ADVISER JUNE/JULY 2026
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