Taela Bloemers
Follow Taela on LinkedIn, and Austbrokers Coast to Coast.
Tell us about yourself and your business
So, you know how most people don’t understand insurance or find it fun? Well, that’s where I come in! I’m an Insurance Broker. A Risk Advisor. A Problem Solver. I’m also a Mum, a Wife and very dedicated to my career. I help business owners save time, energy and money by protecting their business & assets from the unexpected and planning for the predictable. I’m passionate about showing other women you can have it all; motherhood and a career.
The Austbrokers Coast to Coast team has 30+ years of experience in the insurance business, over 100 years of combined expertise, and is the most awarded insurance brokerage in Australia. Our team has been recognised for awards both collectively (for the last 5 years running) and as individuals. We are a team of insurance-loving experts who really care about you and your business. Insurance is our thing, so it doesn’t have to be yours!
You can find out more about Austbrokers Coast to Coast at abc2c.com.au
What was the journey that brought you to your current role?
As a relatively new mum, I returned to work 4 months postpartum in Q1 2020, because I want my daughter to watch me become CEO one day. Over the last decade, I have been the receptionist, the banker, the processor, the claims administrator, the retail/SME specialist, and for the last 5 years I have managed commercial/mid-market businesses. I made a promise to my boss to drive growth in the company and help keep our team on target. I love insurance and am always looking for new creative ways to grow, educate consumers and make insurance fun. Right now, I continue to strive and develop, working towards managing corporate accounts and a leadership position.
What’s behind your success?
- Having support is essential. You can’t take on every problem in the world (I’ve tried, believe me). At work, I am blessed to have my boss Dale Hansen. And at home, I am lucky my husband, Nick supports me & my career ambitions 100%
- Really knowing your ‘Why’
- Continuous education – know your products
- Finding a Mentor to help guide you
- Re-evaluating goals frequently, (if they don’t scare you they’re not big enough)!
- Surrounding yourself with people who are positive & passionate about what they do (and what you do too!)
What’s a mistake you’ve made that you’ll never make again?
To stop sprinkling “sorry’s”. It took me a long time to get off the apology train. The perception that women say sorry too often is out there, and it makes us appear smaller and timider than we really are. There are necessary sorry’s, but I’m talking about the unnecessary sorry’s. Cutting out apologetic language (or at least reducing) is worth the effort.
What’s the one secret about your field or industry you wish everyone knew?
Being in the insurance industry is AWESOME (no, really!). Not enough people know this. What other industry can you experience a variety of occupations and have the opportunity to connect with people Worldwide?
What are your predictions for the industry for the next few years?
The industry is already moving away from the stereotypical ‘stale, pale and male’ vibe. More women are finding the confidence to be noticed and more Gen Z are finding out what our industry has to offer. I am amongst a number of Insurance Brokers who are also working hard together to show how valuable advice is versus price – making insurance faster, easier, understandable, and more trustworthy. Goodbye direct-market, hello brokers!
What’s your main goal for the year ahead?
To keep climbing the ladder and become a recognised face in our industry. To help my colleagues succeed and progress & be the best Insurance Broker to my clients.
Follow Taela on LinkedIn, and Austbrokers Coast to Coast.
