SPOTLIGHT / Meet the state finalists of the 2026 Young Broker of the Year Awards
or pricing trends that inform placement decisions. That said, the human side will always be needed for nuance: interpreting tricky policy wording, negotiating with underwriters on unusual risks, supporting clients emotionally through a claim. I still answer every client call and email personally, because relationships and trust matter. Face-to-face meetings, empathy and the judgement to know when a client needs advocacy are not things that can be automated. The best outcome is technology that backs us up — making us more efficient so we can do the parts of broking that require real human care. 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 managing a reputable broking practice that balances strong technical skill with genuine care for clients and staff. I want to be someone who mentors others, brings new people into the industry properly, and keeps service front and centre while using technology well. Right now, I'm building that foundation. I serve on the Young Professionals SA committee, mentor junior members within the industry and have put in place KPI-driven processes to make my business scalable. It's about steady, responsible growth — learning, mentoring and doing the operational groundwork so I can expand and give others the opportunities I was given. What does becoming a finalist of the 2026 Young Broker of the Year mean to you? Being shortlisted means a great deal personally and professionally. It recognises the long hours of hands-on broking, the administrative and financial work that comes with running a small business, and the effort I put into mentoring and community engagement. This isn't just about me — it's about the clients who trust me, the mentors who guided me and the people I try to support in the industry. That recognition helps build credibility with clients and insurers, opens doors for partnerships and gives my mentees something tangible to aim for. Above all, it is a validation of the service- first approach I try to live every day, and a reminder to keep giving back.
Thomas Lawrie, Astute Insurance Services SA/NT State Finalist
Allysa Richards, Gallagher SA/NT State Finalist
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
Like many brokers, I didn't set out with a lifelong plan to work in insurance. I started as a broking assistant in 2010, straight out of school, and quickly discovered that the profession combined everything I enjoy: problem-solving, relationship building and helping people navigate uncertainty. What kept me in broking was seeing the real impact of the work. Insurance is often viewed as a product, but for clients it's much more than that — it's their livelihood, their home, their business or the future they've worked hard to build. Being able to guide clients through risk, advocate on their behalf and help them make informed decisions is incredibly rewarding. Working in the Northern Territory has also shaped my perspective. Our clients face unique challenges, and every day brings something different. The diversity of people, industries and risks has accelerated my learning and reinforced the value a trusted broker can bring to a client's life and business. Sixteen years later, that purpose is still what motivates me every day. 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 have enormous potential to improve efficiency across the insurance industry — automating administrative tasks, assisting with data analysis, identifying trends and freeing brokers from repetitive processes. I already see opportunities for technology to help prepare submissions, analyse information and streamline servicing activities. Used well, it allows us to spend less time on administration and more time understanding clients' needs. What will always require a human touch is trust, judgement and advocacy. Clients don't call their broker because they need someone to process information — they call when they need advice, reassurance or someone to stand beside them during a difficult situation. Understanding a client's
I was fortunate enough to be exposed to the industry from a young age so conversations about policies and the requirements of adequately protecting customers were a normal part of home life. That early exposure made broking feel like a natural fit, and I started working in the industry in 2015. I built the practical side of my knowledge through mentorship and on-the-job experience, while also completing formal qualifications — a Certificate IV in General Insurance and the Diploma of Insurance Broking. Those mentors showed me how to combine technical accuracy with client service, which is part of what led me to launch my own Authorised Representative practice nearly two years ago. From day one I've focused on end-to-end service: new business, renewals, claims and underwriter negotiations, as well as all the back-office work that keeps a small business running. It's been a combination of hands-on learning, formal study and leaning on good people in the industry — and that combination is how I approach being a broker today. 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? Tech and AI are well suited to the more monotonous and repetitive parts of the role — data entry, policy comparisons, quote generation. They speed things up, reduce mistakes and free brokers to focus on the parts of the job that require genuine skill. Analytics can also flag hidden exposures
“I want to be someone who mentors others, brings new people into the industry the right way, and keeps service front and centre while using technology smartly.”
24 / INSURANCE ADVISER JUNE/JULY 2026
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