The Broker of the Year awards are proudly partnered by CGU
“Trust is built in those moments when we deliver on our promises. That’s why a lot of my clients haven’t left me in 25 years.”
technology is reshaping how we deliver it. The industry will need to focus on innovation and on building deeper client relationships to stay relevant and ready for what’s ahead. What does being a trusted adviser mean to you beyond the transaction, and how does that expertise show up when things get difficult for a client? Being a trusted adviser goes far beyond placing a policy. At the end of the day, we’re giving clients a piece of paper — and it needs to respond when things go wrong. That’s why we have a responsibility to get it right from the start. For me, it means truly understanding a client’s needs, risks and goals, and providing tailored solutions that give them genuine peace of mind. It means being proactive, transparent and always acting in their best interests. When things become difficult — whether it’s a claim or a complex situation — that’s when our expertise really comes into play. It’s about guiding clients through the process, advocating for them and making sure they feel supported every step of the way. Trust is built in those moments when we deliver on our promises. That’s why a lot of my clients haven’t left me in 25 years. What does becoming a finalist of the 2026 Broker of the Year mean to you? Becoming a finalist is an incredible honour and a moment of reflection on the journey I’ve taken in this industry. It’s recognition of the hard work, dedication and passion I’ve poured into helping clients protect what matters most. For me, it’s not just about the title. It’s about showing my children that anything you put your mind to, you can achieve. I remind them of this every morning, and they say it back before they start their day — and being named a finalist is proof that it’s true. This recognition also speaks to the collaboration and support I’ve received from colleagues, mentors and clients along the way. It’s a reminder of why I love what I do: building trust, solving problems and making a real difference in people’s lives.
Jodi Sharman, Gallagher VIC/TAS State Finalist
Lois Walters, Stone Lane Broking & Risk Advisory VIC/TAS State Finalist
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
After finishing Year 12, I went straight into a Registered Training Organisation, which helped me land a traineeship in office administration at an insurance brokerage called LBA. That’s where my journey in insurance broking really began. I started out in the claims department, which taught me a great deal about supporting clients through difficult times. From there I moved into domestic insurance and business package work, which gave me a broader understanding of the different types of cover people and businesses need. Those early experiences gave me a solid foundation and showed me how important it is to help clients protect what matters most. It was a great way to start my career, and it’s what sparked my passion for insurance broking and risk management. What’s the biggest challenge you think the profession needs to be ready for in the near future? I think one of the biggest challenges is keeping pace with the changing nature of risk — particularly around climate and technology. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, insurers and brokers alike will need to find better ways to help clients protect their assets while managing the financial impact of those events. At the same time, cyber threats are growing as businesses rely more heavily on digital systems. Offering stronger cyber solutions and staying ahead of emerging risks will be increasingly important. There’s also the challenge of meeting rising client expectations — people want more personalised, transparent service, and
As a young woman looking for a rewarding career, I stumbled into the insurance industry entirely by chance. When I finished high school, I wanted to be a police officer — and after being advised to get some life experience before applying, I jumped onto Seek and found a receptionist role at Sear & Associates Insurance Brokers. Truth be told, at 18 and fresh out of school, I had no idea what insurance broking was. Before long I began helping Shane Brady with his portfolio of clients, and we never looked back. I progressed from Assistant Account Executive to Account Executive and then to Account Manager. After ten years at Sear, I moved across to Stone Lane, where I am now General Manager and business partner alongside Shane. I’m so grateful to the police officer who told me to get some life experience — because honestly, I’ve learnt so much from this industry and have never looked back. What’s the biggest challenge you think the profession needs to be ready for in the near future? I think the ever-changing world around us is a challenge we will all face for years to come. We need to help clients navigate an increasingly volatile environment — one shaped by geopolitical conflict, supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty, cyber threats and the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. To remain relevant as brokers, we need to understand these emerging risks and their impact on the insurance landscape, and translate that understanding into practical advice and guidance for our clients. Those who can make sense of these changes and
NIBA .COM.AU / 31
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software