How long have you been in the workers compensation industry? 
37 years.

How did you get into the industry? 
When I was 19, I was working as an apprentice panel beater. It was a dirty and tough job with little scope for the future. One day I thought “there must be something better than this”. My sister’s boyfriend, now husband, was working in general insurance and suggested I look at getting into this industry. He organised for me to meet with an employment agency who organised an interview with a workers compensation claims administration agent. I was successful in my first interview and the rest is history.  

What do you love about being a consultant? 
Working with people and building long term relationships. I have worked with clients in many different industries, and I am their trusted adviser.  

Tell us about a rewarding experience you’ve had with a client. 
There have been many rewarding experiences with clients through long term consultancy programs that I believe, helped reduce premiums for my clients. My most rewarding experience has probably been when a workers compensation agent introduced me to one of their larger employers who were also one of their worst performing. The client appointed me to manage their workers compensation program and through my claims management strategies, I was able to turn their performance around and significantly reduce the premiums. To have an agent seek my assistance for one of their employers was very rewarding.  

Who do you follow in the AFL?  
I am a Sydney Swans supporter having followed them since the age of 5 when they were known as South Melbourne. I remained loyal to the Swans when they moved to Sydney in 1982 and remain loyal to this day. 

Any pets? 
I have two dogs. Sadie and Gary. Sadie is a female Labradoodle. She is 5 years old and beautiful. Gary is the newest addition to our family. He is a 7 month old Labrador and is a handful but he’s awesome.