Why insurance?
I like the fact that insurance is able to lift people up in their moment of loss and is able to provide the security in order for businesses to take risks, thus to innovate.
How would you sum up insurance brokers in three words?
Peace of mind.
How would you change the industry?
I would like to change the way transactions are being processed. Automation and moving on to the online platform is the future. Clients want more transparency and interaction in this platform.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
This one I got from my boss:
“Do not always go where the path may lead. Go where there is no path and leave a trail…”
What’s the most important thing a broker can do to develop their business?
For me, it is about finding what works best with the client and working around it to ensure the best service delivery is provided − may it be online/digital or actually sitting down with them with the physical documents to discuss their policy.
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever arranged cover for?
I had to put cover on a toy soldier collection for a gentleman who has been collecting them for over 40 years.
If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?
Improve the child care system. Being part of the company that is one of the leaders in providing child care insurance, we see flaws and issues that needs to be addressed.
What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry today?
The biggest challenge today is the direct insurance market. I strongly believe that insurance brokers are an integral part of the process. You can never put a real price on the right advice given - especially in an event of claim.
What has been the highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career so far is being part of the Elite Broker of the Year for three years in a row. To be part of this has been a great honour which recognizes the hard work done year in and year out.
Who in the business do you look up to, and why?
Allan Manning – he is the industry “guru”. Everyone follows his lead and everyone listens to his thoughts and opinions. He has been one of the leaders in shaping the insurance industry in Australia
Bunmi Ajayi – my boss and mentor of course. He has allowed me to develop and grow as a broker. [His instruction and guidance] has made me successful in what I do at Megalines Insurance in growing our portfolio and nurturing long lasting relationships with our clients. Also, now in turn being able to pass my knowledge to the new staff.
NRL, AFL, soccer or other?
Originally from the Philippines, and like all Filipinos, I am an avid basketball fan so NBA is what I follow especially the defending champions Cleveland Cavaliers and the real MVP Lebron James
If you could invite three people to dinner, dead or alive, and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Gordon Ramsay – I want to know his thoughts on food.
Warren Buffet – I want to pick his brains when it comes to finding the “next big thing” or the diamond in the rough. What makes them stand out from all the rest.
Chris Rock – we have to laugh after Gordon Ramsay gets angry about the food.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t in insurance, I would be…
A banker by trade as I was in the banking industry before crashing into insurance.
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