Five Minutes With… Katie Stephenson Business Development Executive, Darwin, Arthur J. Gallagher

Katie Stephenson, Business Development Executive, Darwin, Arthur J. Gallagher and NT Treasurer/Joint Australasian Treasurer of YIPs Australia/NZ, talks about the challenges of the internet, the power of LinkedIn and her dog, Frankfurt.

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Why insurance?   
I tend to think why not! It is a career that is both professionally and personally rewarding; being a broker is quite the task – we help people build their dreams and then protect these realities. The responsibilities of the job have deepened my social awareness.

How would you sum up insurance brokers in three words? 
Bespoke problem solvers.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Do or do not. There is no try.

What’s the most important thing a broker can do to develop their business?
First and foremost, care for your existing client base. Put yourself in their shoes – understand their needs. When you exceed someone’s expectations, they will tell 10 of their friends. Word of mouth is the best referral/development tool. Secondly, introduce yourself with social media, particularly LinkedIn. It offers a great space to share knowledge and expand your network.

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever arranged cover for?
I’m not sure my example is strange, but when you are in the midst of a personal relationship breakdown (ie – Husband & Wife) the splitting of policies can be tricky when you’re in between communication (aka fights!).

If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?
I often volunteer (with my sausage dog, Frankfurt!) at the local aged care facilities in Darwin; it is sad to see these places struggling with workforce and funding. If I were PM for a day, I would offer more support to these entities, particularly for the younger generations that are housed within these facilities – it is no place for a younger person requiring palliative care.

What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry today?
The internet. A staggering 40% of consumers are researching their own insurance needs and solutions.

What has been the highlight of your career?
Young Professional Broker of the Year Runner-up for SA/NT 2015. What an experience that was!  

NRL, AFL, soccer or other?
There is only one football – NRL! Up the Storm!

If you could invite three people to dinner, dead or alive, and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Robin Williams, Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin.

Mr. Williams because laughter is the best medicine, and Marilyn and Dean because I love this era!  How wonderful it would be to hear the stories of the Rat Pack and the glamorous events in those times.

Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t in insurance, I would be…
Developing my own business in either personal organisation, or opening my own library café. Complete with board games! I love to cook and create. 
 

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