Insurance – Generation i Leaders of the Pack Luncheon

The ‘Generation i Leaders of the Pack Luncheon’ was held in Perth on the 8th November.  This was a great event for younger insurance professionals, or those new to the insurance industry, to gain some insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist in insurance, and financial services more broadly.  I was there to share some stories and offer some potential options for career development, along with Andrew Clarke (State Manager, Aon Risk Services Australia), Chet Richardson (Manager – Claims, CGU Insurance), Don McKenzie (Managing Director, Stream), Glen Walker (Technical Claims Manager, RAC Insurance) and Ward Dedman (General Manager, EBM Insurance Brokers).  Hats off to my old employers, QBE, and to Vero for sponsoring the ‘Gen i’ function, and to the ‘Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance’ (ANZIIF) for scheduling these varied events.  All future events for WA, and those available nationally, can be accessed at www.theinstitute.com.au.  It was great to speak to over 40 young professionals from across Perth, and listen to some of their concerns.  The three most popular questions I was asked related to how necessary it was to work internationally in order to further your career, whether or not people should spend time within one business or move on regularly, and what to do if you don’t feel you’re being recognised in your current role – so I’ve decided to specifically cover these three issues in future ‘Risk Profiles’ with representatives of an Insurer and a Broker.