Austbrokers hosts inaugural executive education tour

Austbrokers, the AUB Group insurance broking network, has held its first international education tour as part of its ongoing network partner education development program. Focusing on leadership training, succession planning and business modelling for SMEs, the tour saw 80 executives, including network partners, insurers and risk services specialists, participate in a bespoke immersive program at the University of San Francisco.

Discussing the initiative, Nigel Thomas, Divisional Chief Executive, Austbrokers, said, “The provision of actionable insights and business tools is central to our ability to support both partner businesses and their clients alike. We are advocates of career-long education and training, and committed to investing in the professional development, management and sustainability of our partner businesses. We are delighted to have hosted our first international event of this scale, and to see so many partner businesses benefit from increased network collaboration”.

Peter Hanna, Director of Broking Operations at Austbrokers SPT, said “I’m sure any small or medium-sized business owner can relate to concerns around their business’s long-term future. I found it invaluable to not only receive direct training from the University of San Francisco Graduate School of Management in business design, succession and talent management, but also to participate in collaborative workshops with other Austbrokers business owners with the same goals and issues. It was amazing to see what we can do if we work together. I feel equipped to not only support my clients but to safeguard my business’s future”.

Over a series of talks, workshops and team-based competitions, participants developed their skills in business design and benchmarking, talent identification and development, performance management and long-term succession planning. The training was led by Rebecca Tower, Director of Executive Education & part-time Professor of the USF School of Management, and Associate Professor Thomas Maier, Enterprise and Project Management Consultant Design Thinking of the USF School of Management.

Timed to coincide with the annual AMS conference, the program was held in partnership with the University of San Francisco and sponsored by Johns Lyng Group and Austbrokers’ business partner Hunter Premium Funding.

Part of AUB Group, Austbrokers is a network of over 50 insurance broking businesses/brokerages, all subscribing to AUB Group’s unique ‘skin in the game’ partnership model.