The insurance industry hasn’t always been the most appealing to young professionals – however, in recent years, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in attitudes.
Now, a growing number of ambitious up-and-comers are recognising insurance – and subsequently broking – as an industry which can offer an incredibly rewarding career.
Among them, is Laura Billington – a team leader and account executive with Gallagher. Since entering the industry as a sales consultant in 2011, Billington has worked hard to differentiate herself and has been recognised for the effort.
This year, Billington was selected as a stand-out member of the team and has been given the opportunity to take part in the brokerage’s inaugural Rising Stars program – an initiative which aims to equip promising young talent with the skills required to fast-track their career.
“Rising Stars has helped me in a number of ways, I’ve built an incredible network of support across Gallagher nationally and I’ve found friends in people that I’d never have normally met,” Billington told Insurance Business. “I can certainly say that meeting this support network, and working on my own development led to me moving into a leadership role this year.”
Of course, earning a spot on the program takes a significant amount of skill and discretionary effort – and Billington’s name was put forward by her manager after she helped strengthen Gallagher’s relationship with the Nursery & Garden Industry Association in a “rather groovy” way.
“I recognised that there was a small nursery portfolio within the branch back in 2016 and I worked alongside the broker in charge of the account to familiarise myself with the policies and the client base,” Billington explained.
The following year, after inheriting the book when the broker moved to a different role, Billington presented to the industry board and Gallagher was appointed the preferred broker of the NGIQ.
When asked how she cemented such a strong relationship with the industry, Billington said members understand she shared a passion and understanding of their businesses.
“I sit on their boards, support and attend their expos, wander through muddy fields with them, buy (too many of!) their products and speak at their branch meetings, I’m an advocate for their industry and will even be there at 5am on their monthly trade days with a hot coffee,” she said.
“My clients trust that I speak their language and that I’ll have their backs, that I’m open and honest with them and that I can simplify the somewhat daunting experience of obtaining an insurance.”
For other young insurance brokers who want to set themselves apart, Billington pointed to continuous self-education as the vehicle.
“I think it’s really important to support and educate yourself. It’s OK to be vocal about your leadership aspirations and goals and try to always work towards them,” she said. “Even if it’s just five minutes a day of guiding someone, reading an article, working on yourself then it’s time well spent.”
In addition to self-improvement, Billington said young brokers can look to others in the industry – and even outside of the industry – for advice and guidance.
“Find yourself a mentor or a range of mentors; they don’t have to work alongside you, they can be someone who inspires and supports you to be the best version of yourself,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of Jackii Howe and branch manager Andrea Davey. It is thanks to them that I am in this position.”
