In our industry, sharing perspectives and knowledge is crucial. So, we were thrilled to welcome brokers to the recent Allianz Broker Training Series 2024. Here, they could earn CIP points while hearing from luminaries from the insurance world and beyond.
Held between 1 to 3 October, the “Ready to care for tomorrow” series attracted more than 3,000 attendees, both in-person in Sydney and online.
The event kicked off with a lively panel moderated by our long-standing MC, Matt Church. The panellists included Ben Church (Allianz Australia’s General Manager Broker Distribution), Andy Doran (General Manager Underwriting), and Alison Brough (General Manager Agencies).
The panel discussed the growing role of brokers. “Especially here in Australia with our increasing number of catastrophic events, the value of advocacy between the end customer and their broker is clear,” pointed out Ben.
Andy noted the benefits of Allianz’s new state-based underwriting service model. “It means brokers can build a rapport with an underwriter. You get the same person and a small cohort… because ultimately, this is a people business.”
Alison stressed the importance of two-way communication. “Our job is to listen to insights from the market and act on them,” she said. “For example, in the cyber space, we hear from brokers about how cyber insurance has been difficult to sell. So, our cyber agency Coalition has been active in that education space, so customers understand that risk.”
Leadership lessons from the 2019/2020 bushfire season
Day one continued with guest speaker Shane Fitzsimmons, former NSW Royal Fire Services Commissioner, presenting on leadership and resilience. “Leadership isn’t just for people in charge – it’s a responsibility and trait in us all,” he said. “And vulnerability and authenticity are key. Good leadership isn’t about creating a façade of perfection – it’s about surrounding ourselves with people who make up for and complement our own limitations.”
As for resilience – especially in the context of natural disasters? “I think of resilience as not about bouncing back to normal, but about going forward through experiences to the other side, wiser and stronger, together.”
Day two featured local and global market updates from economist Nicki Hutley, and thought leadership from Matt Church.
Day three opened with a powerful story about innovation and sustainability from Good Citizens founders Nik and Harry Robinson. Kath Koschel then shared mental health and wellbeing insights with her own account of how ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and a huge thanks to all our engaging, energising, and inspiring speakers.
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (“Allianz”). Information contained in this article is accurate as at 4 November 2024 and may be subject to change. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way. Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
