We speak to Insurance industry icons who have been there, done that and seen the movie to find out what worked for them and what challenges they faced. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in learning from the best and seeking to enhance their careers.
“Corporations don’t give back like your friends and family do. Looking after yourself makes you a better professional.”Having forged a successful career as CEO of a number of Insurance businesses, Gary Seymour is the epitome of consistent advancement due to education, diligence and hard work. His advice is sought by many Organisations which is evidenced by his seat on a number of Insurance Boards.
10/12/21 • 44:43
“I’m convinced in 5 to 10 years time, Blockchain (technology) is going to be very much a part of normal (insurance) transaction processes”Dallas Booth’s commitment to Australian Insurance Brokers has been exemplary. We discuss the future of Broking as well as new horizons such as BlockChain technology with Dallas on the eve of his departure from NIBA.
10/20/21 • 45:23
“You’ve got to put yourself forward to take opportunities. You can’t sit back and wait for people to ask!”Shaun discusses the Authorised Representative landscape and what it took for him to transition from a global role with QBE to leading one of the most successful Authorised Representative groups in Australia.
10/27/21 • 40:46
“There is literally a job in insurance for any single person who has a tertiary qualification.”As the first in her family to obtain a formal qualification, Prue Willsford lives and breathes education. In this podcast Prue also discusses taking risks, backing yourself in and the part men can play in assisting women to develop their careers.
11/3/21 • 43:19
“Getting more forethought into how you prepare for the future, not how you protect the past is particularly important!”The Managing Director of Blue Zebra, Colin Fagen, speaks about his life in the corporate sphere before venturing into the great unknown – that of creating his own business. He discusses the anxious uncertainty following his public departure from a major insurer and how forced change created significant opportunities for him.
11/10/21 • 39:34
“What surprised me was the number of senior executives that have just lost their way, that had lost connection with their sense of compassion and their caring nature. By hardening their hearts what I saw was unnecessary diminishment and disempowerment of really brilliant humans.”As the creator of the Centre for Self Fidelity, Cassandra Goodman assists employers and employees to: Remember and reconnect to their essential nature, Restore their trust in their goodness, uniqueness, worthiness and connectedness and Activate more of their potential by cultivating trust in themselves. In this podcast, Cassandra shares her insights into how and why she does what she does!How to find Cassandra:https://self-fidelity.com/the-centre-for-self-fidelity/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-goodman/To buy the book log onto https://cassandragoodman.com/self-fidelity/type and type code FRIEND to get free postage
11/17/21 • 43:14
“Insurance and Banking are the basis of all progress (modern) mankind has ever made anywhere and at anytime and to be part of it is a pretty big buzz!”The General Manager of the Underwriting Agencies Council, Mr William Legge discusses how selling publications along the east coast delivered him to the doorstep of the insurance profession. In this podcast, he also shares with us his learnings from doing business in the South East Asian markets and how that influenced his attitude to insurance business back home in Australia.
11/25/21 • 44:42
“There’s an interesting correlation between childhood trauma and the ability to be strong and resilient later in life!”From living in constant fear and danger all her teenage life to backing herself in developing businesses in overseas destinations, Joan Fitzpatrick speaks about the challenges she has faced and how they have impacted her business life. A huge advocate of equality in all its forms, be it religion, colour, sex or any other form of ‘ism, Joan shares with us the key aspects that have contributed to her success and longevity in the profession.
12/1/21 • 50:38
“You can’t move forward in your career if people don’t respect you and people want to be led by you and people believe in you.”Damien Coates believes that “we’ve got to keep challenging and stretching ourselves because society in every fabric is changing and we’ve got to make sure we keep up with it.” And he should know. Apart from his role as CEO for Dual Asia Pacific, Damien discusses the impact of mental health on his life as well as the personal impact of having been front and centre of the third largest corporate fraud in Australia’s history. His views are unabashedly honest and forthright as he talks about the non-negotiables of hard work, personal betrayal and the three pillars of managing his own mental health to, as he puts it, “keep the dam under control”.LINKS:https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/https://www.beyondblue.org.au/https://www.lifeline.org.au/
12/8/21 • 53:44
“There is a level of reward you get that’s greater than anything else when you can truly go home knowing you have helped someone or made their life just that little bit easier.”Steven Manning, the CEO of the LMI Group, has some big shoes to fill. In this podcast, Steve discusses the challenges and benefits of having Professor Allan Manning as his father and inspirational guide, the benefits of being in a family business and his global expansion plans for LMI. He has some great advice for others who are seeking to establish their own footprint in the profession and how important family is to achieving any business aspirations. Steven firmly believes that “if you decide to make this industry your career, it offers a fantastic opportunity.”
12/15/21 • 33:32
This podcast is extraordinary listening for those who are looking for inspiration in balancing family and career and what you need to consider in managing both.“It is constant learning and development in ourselves as individuals that keeps us relevant.”Highlighting the importance of education and technical training, Stella Pruscino explains why that has helped her achieve significant success in the Broking space. She also discusses the challenges of being a single mother of two young children whilst building a career, the value of mentors and having open and honest communications to enhance knowledge. Stella speaks about the voluntary positions she has held and why they are so important to her including her involvement with the female entrepreneur group, https://www.headsoverheels.com.au/.
1/12/22 • 37:42
“If you’re not conversant with moving into the digital age, then you should get out of this Industry.”Robert Kelly opens up about life before Steadfast and the watershed moments that led him to the general insurance profession. He shares with us his passion for learning and why that is so important for anyone seeking to progress in their business careers.In his inimitable way, the MD and CEO of the Steadfast Group explain what has driven him over the years and what continues to drive him to this day. He speaks about those who influenced his personal life and career and why those influences were so important to him.
1/19/22 • 43:30
“The key is that you keep up to date and relevant. The other thing(s) are that you’re enquiring and more importantly, that you’re reinventing yourself!”Veronica Grigg the President of Crawford Asia has the knowledge and experience that has transcended multiple industries and Countries. In this podcast, she shares with us how she managed to propel her career to the levels she did including where and how she devoted her energies as well as the impacts on her personal life as a single parent of a young child.Veronica’s career diversity has encompassed working on rural properties, artificial insemination on farms, consulting to financial services businesses, being an employee of a major Insurer and dealing with Claims at an executive level. Her lived experiences has meant that she is able to understand and empathise because as Veronica puts it, “Nothing comes in an organised kit for you just to assemble”.
1/27/22 • 47:40
“I’m really impressed with the younger, new entrants to the Industry. I think they’ve got a great thirst for knowledge.”A dyslexic, high school dropout, Dr Allan Manning is now one of the most technically knowledgeable and highly sought after influential insurance persons of our times. Having attended most major catastrophes throughout Australia including the Queensland floods, the Victorian bushfires and the Port Arthur massacre, Dr Manning is exceptionally well placed to comment on what we, as a profession are doing well and where we need to improve. That said, in this podcast, he also shares with us the personal impact of attending such devastating tragedies and the joys and challenges of running a family business.
2/2/22 • 37:08
“There’s no one out there advocating for all the stuff you can learn (in insurance) whether it be risk, underwriting, actuarial, HR, compliance and you can do all of that through one Insurer if you really want to.”Angela Fitzpatrick loves claims. In her words, it is ‘where the rubber hits the road’ and the point at which you can make a real difference in people’s lives. Over her career, she has stuck to the philosophy of ‘take a risk and find a good mentor.’ Angela shares with us how she has managed to do just that and create a successful career whilst navigating the challenges of raising a family, being true to her personal integrity and not settling for second best even when the chips were down.
2/9/22 • 40:20
“Without a doubt, the most valuable thing you can be armed with in (business) life is a half a dozen really good questions!”How does a scientist with an environmental focus transition into leading one of Australia’s major Cluster Groups? Richard Crawford, CEO of Community Broker Network (CBN) discusses his varied career progression including the challenges he encountered in running his own SME business. In this podcast, he provides sage advice for leaders and aspiring leaders and the core attributes that are important in empowering people and developing careers.One of Richard’s key mantras is that we should all be encouraged to ‘create a space for others to step into to grow and thrive!’Richard also references: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/immunity-to-change.htm
2/16/22 • 56:44
“We have to be innovative and create really great solutions and stay on the front foot, but we can’t lose sight of the things that really matter on a day to day basis and high service is going to matter!”Many people work overseas but very few have the fortitude to back themselves in to take on roles for which they have had no formal training or experience. Janelle Greene the Chief Customer Officer for NTI has done just that in her early career. Janelle’s unshakeable belief that she will be able to master any role provided she is surrounded by the right people is an inspirational account of how teamwork and varying skillsets within a team creates success. Janelle is a living example of the fact that taking risks and seeking challenges outside your comfort zone can pay off if you are prepared to put in the work and commit to learning and bettering yourself.
2/23/22 • 36:08
Claims people are…the most critical part of the insurance process where clients get to test the strength and the relevance of the money they’re spending in making sure they are properly insured.David Wyner is the ex-President, Chairman and Board Member of NIBA and one of those rare individuals who has worked for one Insurance Organisation for over 20 years. In this podcast, he discusses loyalty, learnings and how the profession has changed over the 40 years he has been involved in it.His views on Authorised Representatives as a very real opportunity in the profession and gaining equity in business were forged from his personal experiences – both good and bad. Key Takeaways:• Product development, Customer service and Public speaking can set you apart• Good Claims personnel are highly respected and in high demand• Claims people are the most critical part of the insurance process• Dealing with stress and pressure is critical in our industry• Keeping Customers happy and doing the right thing is a common aim across all insurance sectors• Having a purpose and making a difference is key• Bad culture = Bad business• Reversion to personal service is the future
3/2/22 • 36:14
“I realised that I had done everything for everyone else and got a lot of personal satisfaction. But what was I doing for society?”As a multi-potentialite entrepreneur, Clim Pacheco has a history of reinventing himself and his business life. His career (apart from his Senior Executive role at ANZIIF), has spanned that of an Author, Engineer, Educator; Privatisation and rationalisation of Victoria’s Train, Tram and Bus, V/Line infrastructure; Leadership coach and mentor and student at Harvard. His model for business life includes Earning: Learning: Giving and he believes that 3+1+1=10 is the ideal life work model. Listen to his podcast to find out why and find out how he is using mentoring, messaging and thought leadership to reduce unemployment and under-employment!Links:https://businesstransformationsolutions.com/profile/https://booksonlineaustralia.com.au/shop/dare-to-be-different/
3/9/22 • 60:02
“I’ve had some life challenges and whilst I don’t think they’ve changed me, I would definitely have to say that they’ve shaped me!”Very few people commence with an Organisation in 1987 and 35 years later are more passionate and driven than they were back then. Maria Parry the COO of QIB Group is just such an individual! In fact, she says that, “(after) getting into the insurance industry, I have to say I’ve never been disappointed”.A process and procedures driven leader, she set her business and life goals at the age of 16 and has rarely deviated from what she saw as her future. That’s not to say Maria has not faced challenges along the way – her major one being serious life-threatening health issues not once but twice in the last 15 years.Maria is a strong believer in and proof that a positive attitude really is everything.
3/16/22 • 35:42
“It’s about knowing what to do, doing what you say, being authentic, working hard and asking for help when you need it. What’s hard about that?”From her corporate life in broadcasting, telecommunications and financial services sectors to establishing her own successful advisory practice, Jenni Smith has some fascinating insights that she shares with us in this podcast. Jenni also discusses women in business, diversity and inclusion, the opportunities in the insurance sector and her mantra of ‘giving it a crack’. Having dropped out of school when she was younger, listening to Jenni speak, you can’t help but be impressed by her tenacity and resilience to improve her knowledge and by default, her value to any organisation that she is a part of.
3/23/22 • 34:32
“The (insurance) industry has always given me a different perspective, a wider perspective – you get an experience that makes you think differently about the world.”Listening to stories told by his Grandfather and Father about their travels with the armed services sealed Nick Kirk’s fate as an incurable global explorer. His belief that you “don’t get big rewards without taking big risks” and his desire to have “an interesting life” has propelled Nick to work in many locales including UK, Belgium, Holland, Vietnam and Australia. The epitome of the quiet achiever, Nick has transformed businesses globally and spearheaded the establishment of Calliden Insurance in Australia. His candid account of his business experiences and their personal impact is fascinating.
3/30/22 • 41:44
“Never be afraid to take a step backwards to move forward!”Jacqueline (Jaqi) Rennie is a true example of someone with enormous drive and can hand on heart say ‘been there, done that’! Commencing business life as a florist, she took up nursing, became a fitness instructor, managed an airline (on weekends) and completed an undergraduate degree in Law as well as a Masters in Law. In her own words, Jaqi has said, “Whilst many of these roles were enjoyable, some were not and trying to succeed as a female, particularly during the 90s had many challenges – to say the least.” She is the Managing Director of Austbrokers Trade Credit and has been since 2009.
4/4/22 • 47:12
“We will be the same person we are today in 5 years time except for the people that we meet and the books we read. Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think!”David McKinnis (Ex Community Broker Network) has some unique views on his business life’s work and what is really important in developing a career. For example, he comments that “If you’re going to be in a Role for a while, you need to be doing something extra, something different, do the hard tasks – then you will be recognised.” A firm believer in taking personal responsibility for self-development, David advocates that “success leaves clues” and that speaking with successful people can be the key to enhancing your achievements by finding out their secrets to success.
4/13/22 • 44:40
“I had no idea that I would find such an opportunity to build relationships, travel the world, understand different industries and for me to develop skills.”Educated as a Plant Biologist, Simon Weaver has had quite the journey having chosen to relocate from the UK to Hong Kong and now settling in Australia. In this podcast, Simon candidly discusses the attributes that have seen him head-hunted by a number of high profile businesses throughout the world. A self-proclaimed advocate of making sure he did not have a rigid career plan, he believes that “you can afford a few side steps, you can afford a few mis-steps and you can even afford a change of direction as long as you’re willing to (embrace) diverse experiences.”Simon is also a firm believer in transparency with Clients particularly when it comes to broker remuneration as it is, in his opinion, critical to enabling Brokers to articulate their value to Clients.
4/20/22 • 45:44
"We (the insurance profession) might get it right 98% of the time, but the 2% we get wrong, we get really wrong!"Belinda Scott believes it is a privilege to hold insured’s hands through troubled times but she is critical of our increasing habit of sitting behind a computer and send emails. She believes work enjoyment is a direct result of getting to really know clients, finding common interests with them, learning from them and creating relationships. In her words, “I can’t make insurance ‘sexy’. If you want to enjoy your job,…get out and (get to) know your Clients.” That client focus has enabled her to create an extraordinarily success insurance brokerage.Take-aways:Embrace the chaosGo easy on yourselfYour word is your word – stand by your morals and your ethicsCommunicate, communicate, communicate!Have a growth mindset – if you think you know everything, you’re not going to add value!
4/27/22 • 46:10
“The secret to any career is to be curious. Ask lots of questions because it’s the question you don’t ask that is the most important question!”Doron Grossman is of the firm belief that the insurance industry does not come with a prescribed handbook and his view that we are neglecting our responsibility to the younger generation entering the profession has been forged by his experience of over 40 years in many countries including Australia, Hungary, Singapore and Hong Kong. A man of action, he is of the opinion that physical activity generates mental activity however each brilliant idea is nothing without the desire, ability and commitment to execute. In this podcast, he urges us to make decisions bearing in mind one key fact - that we are in the people business not the insurance business.Takeaways:Things you learn through your career are skills you will useLeave the industry a better industry for the contributions you make in your careerBe clear as to what you want to achieve and what your aspirational goals areEducation is a non-negotiableDon’t underestimate the innate qualities that make you you.
5/4/22 • 38:38
"Having that nerve to keep persisting and taking the knockbacks has helped me a lot!"Bob Dodd the COO of Arteva Funding has become an integral part of the insurance community through his actions and activities in insurance premium funding. Brought up in a highly successful musical family, he shares with us the why and how he created a career in financial services. His recurring message of developing resilience has never been more important than it is currently and his thoughts on trust and the responsibilities of leadership will resonate with many of us.
5/11/22 • 41:58
“Find the opportunity to challenge yourself and look for things that are outside your comfort zone.”A staunch advocate for Women in Leadership, Simone Dossetor discusses how we need to rethink leadership and why the insurance profession should be leading the actions in diversity and inclusion as well as climate change and environmental challenges.She is of the opinion that there is no reason we should have a gender imbalance and that women, in particular, need to be lifelong learners with a growth mindset of challenging oneself.Simone also speaks about difficult decisions in larger Organisations and the transparency required to communicate those messages to staff – and Simone should know as she presided over turbulent times in previous roles exacerbated by the fact that those were in the public environment.
5/18/22 • 43:44
“You can’t do anything without a personality and a relationship and a sales mentality.”The classic story from mail person to CEO is what Tony Walker, CEO of PSC Network Partners has reflected upon in this podcast.His passionate commitment to relationship-driven outcomes is very apparent in the outlooks he shares with us. Tony speaks of missed opportunities, being allowed to do your job, working with good people and job satisfaction – all tempered by the belief that ‘(insurance) business done online is not insurance’.
5/25/22 • 29:32
