Falvey’s Danielle Lawrence and Tammy McCrohan were selected to attend the 2024 Lloyd’s Broker Academy in London from October 13-18. This annual program, aimed at fostering professional growth and deepening the expertise of insurance brokers, featured 64 guest speakers from the Lloyd’s market, 2 hosts from Lloyd’s corporation, 5 after-hours networking events and much more. With 37 brokers from the U.S. and 7 from Canada, the Academy was filled with diverse talent, united by a passion for learning and a drive to excel in the insurance industry. In this interview, Danielle and Tammy share their key takeaways from the academy.
Q: What were your thoughts on being selected for the academy?
Danielle: “I was very honored and excited to be selected. It felt like recognition of my hard work and commitment. I saw this as a great opportunity to expand my knowledge and grow professionally.”
Tammy: “I didn’t realize I was even being considered for the Broker Academy, so it was a complete shock, but I feel honored to have been selected to attend and represent Falvey Insurance Group.”
Q: What were the most memorable moments or key takeaways from your experience?
Danielle: “A key takeaway was gaining more insight into the global nature of the industry and how interconnected we all are. The focus on collaboration and innovation really stood out, as both are crucial to addressing the challenges and opportunities in today’s insurance environment.”
Tammy: “The tour of Lloyd’s building itself. There is so much history preserved there, and it was impressive to see it first-hand. Also to be in “The Box”, which we’ve all heard so much here in cargo, was quite an experience. It was great to see how everyday business is run at Lloyds.”
Q: What did you learn at the academy that you can apply to your day-to-day role?
Danielle: “I gained a deeper understanding of Lloyd’s marketplace and the importance of building strong and trusted relationships with both underwriters and brokers. This is applicable to my role, where developing relationships and maintaining clear, effective communication are essential for success.”
Tammy: It was good to be reminded that business is best done face to face rather than remote; I feel it helps develop and enhance the relationship between broker and underwriter.
Q: What advice would you give to someone hoping to attend the academy in the future?
Danielle: “My advice would be to go in with an open mind and make the most of this unique opportunity. Be engaged in networking as it’s not just about what you learn, but also who you meet. These connections could be incredibly valuable in the future.”
Tammy: “Go…you won’t regret it! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and completely worth it!”
Falvey Insurance Group‘s commitment to professional development is evident in its support for programs like this, which empower employees to grow and excel in their roles. By investing in opportunities that deepen industry knowledge, build strategic relationships, and encourage innovation, Falvey ensures its team is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the global insurance market and continue delivering exceptional service. This dedication to continuous learning reflects Falvey’s long-term vision of cultivating talent that will shape the future of the insurance industry.
