The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2 - 22

Only a month into the job and Suzanne has an already
impressive list of achievements-proving by not only her words,
but action that she is a strong representative of the IBAO from
coast to coast. To date, she has represented IBAO at the Insurance
Brokers Association of Manitoba Convention, Insurance Brokers
Association of Alberta Convention, Insurance Brokers Association
of NWO Conference, SGI Broker Convention and IBAC's Hill
Day-and that was in thirty days, we can't wait to see where the
next 335 will take her.
colleagues. Some of the very best people I know I've met through
my work in the industry. They make the hard days easier. "
Isn't that the truth.
It's clear that Suzanne, along with the IBAO and the Board of
Directors are ready to make change, deliver action and have fun
while doing it.
Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down
A LOOK BACK & INTO THE FUTURE
SUZANNE'S FAVOURITES
Having watched the industry change and evolve over three
decades, Suzanne gave her prediction on what the industry will
look like 50 years from now.
" The independent broker channel will be alive and well,
especially as risks become more complex. That, and, if I consider
how much has changed in just my time in the industry, I wonder if
we'll be insuring personal spacecraft, or builders' risks on Mars...
but that's a conversation for another time. "
Experience is just one of the many impressive, Presidential
qualities Suzanne brings to the table. Despite all the knowledge
she's gained, there isn't much she'd pass on to her 20-year-old self.
" I don't spend a lot of time looking back, but I wish I had known
better how to advocate for myself. I wish I'd known how to seek
a mentor and formalize that process, so I got the most out of
it. Mistakes could have been avoided, but those mistakes also
brought me to where I am in my career and for that, I wouldn't
trade them. No regrets! "
Well said.
A devoted mentor, Suzanne prides herself on knowledge sharing
and making connections with rising talent in the insurance
industry, crediting her passion for mentorship and coaching
to Rodney Hancock-someone who set a great example of the
impact you can make on someone's career.
" While I have never had a formal mentor, there have been many
who have influenced me. Rodney stands out though. Rodney was
there for me at the beginning when he taught the property part
of the Basic Broker Course, he supported me as President of my
local affiliate and wrote a letter of recommendation when we won
Affiliate of the year. He was supportive of me when I stepped into
the territory director role-I remember him telling me that it was
often a thankless job, but then there he was offering his thanks. He
always had a kind word and good advice. I've missed seeing him
in the crowd knowing he was cheering me on these last couple of
years.
" Now I love teaching, I love coaching and mentoring new
brokers. I love the people side of this business from customers to
Favourite piece of advice for brokers?
Be curious, make connections, collaborate. We are a
diverse group serving a diverse population. Embrace
that.
Favourite song?
Hardest question there is! Zombie by the Cranberries is
definitely top 5.
Favourite summer drink?
Prosecco
Favourite industry event?
Convention!
Favourite part of the gig?
Teaching, coaching and mentoring new brokers. I enjoy
a good debate about coverage and markets and anything
else industry related. Mostly I love the people. Some of
the very best people I know I've met through my work
in the industry. They make the hard days easier and the
good days even better!
22
The Ontario Broker
The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2
