I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for a position on the RIBO Council. With over 8 years of dedicated experience in the insurance industry, my passion for the work I do drives me to seek a role where I can contribute actively to the betterment of our profession and community.

Reflecting on the attributes that have been identified as valuable for serving on the RIBO Council, I am confident in my ability to meet and exceed these criteria:

Leadership Skills: Throughout my journey as a broker, I have continually honed my leadership abilities by guiding both teams and clients toward shared goals. I believe that leadership is not merely about directing, but about empowering others to thrive. I have a track record of successfully navigating challenges and guiding others. I love being a resource for my team, my family, colleagues, friends – basically anyone that will listen! In my role as a senior manager at KASE Insurance I have helped train and motivate many people over the years and I hope to continue on this path.

Strategic Thinking: The industry's dynamic nature demands constant adaptation and foresight. With my years of experience, I have cultivated a keen understanding of market trends, regulatory shifts, and emerging opportunities. My ability to strategize and make informed decisions in the face of evolving circumstances aligns with the essence of strategic thinking. In my more recent role as Commercial Marketing Manager, I am responsible for placing all new business for the brokerage. As such, I am constantly staying informed of changing trends and determining the best fit so that our clients are satisfied, and well protected.

Communication and Ability to Influence: A significant facet of my role revolves around clear communication and influencing decisions. My communication style is rooted in clarity and conciseness. I understand that the intricacies of the insurance world can be overwhelming for clients and colleagues alike. Through my interactions, I have consistently been able to break down complex concepts into understandable terms, ensuring that everyone involved is on the same page. This approach fosters transparency, trust, and collaboration, ultimately contributing to more successful outcomes. Influence is not about imposing one's will, but about presenting compelling arguments backed by sound reasoning. I have successfully harnessed my communication skills to influence decisions that are in the best interest of both my clients and my team. Whether it's negotiating terms with underwriters, advocating for a particular approach in client solutions, or rallying support for innovative initiatives, my ability to articulate well-reasoned perspectives has proven effective in driving positive change.

Fiduciary Responsibility: The foundation of our industry lies in the trust we build with our clients. I consider my fiduciary responsibility not just a duty, but a guiding principle. My ethical conduct, transparent financial practices, and dedicated client management exemplify my unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility.

Commitment to Active Participation: With an unshakable love for the work I do, I have consistently engaged in industry events, pursued continuous education, and remained active in discussions that shape our profession. I am on the board for Insurance Brokers of Toronto Region, and I am an instructor with the IBAO, teaching CAIB 2 virtually. In addition to this, I am a member of the Seneca Polytechnic’s Program Advisory Committee, as a broker representative. My 8-year journey is a testament to my unwavering dedication to active participation, and my resolve to contribute significantly is stronger than ever.

In conclusion, I am wholeheartedly excited about the prospect of serving on the RIBO Council. My journey as a broker has equipped me with the experience, skills, and enthusiasm necessary to contribute effectively and meaningfully. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with fellow industry members, fostering growth, transparency, and excellence in all facets of our profession.

Executive Leadership:
My 8 years of experience in insurance have equipped me with valuable leadership skills. I have demonstrated the ability to guide teams and clients toward common goals, fostering an environment of collaboration and motivation. My leadership philosophy revolves around empowering others, and I am dedicated to facilitating effective leadership within the Council to drive productive discussions and decisive actions, all while looking out for the best interests of our clients.

Brokerage Operations:
Working for a newer brokerage like KASE Insurance, I have gained hands-on experience in various aspects of operations, from client relationship management to policy underwriting. My in-depth understanding of brokerage operations positions me to provide practical insights during discussions, ensuring the Council's decisions are grounded in the realities of our profession. I have had to wear many hats during my time at KASE and this has allowed me to learn tremendous amounts about how a brokerage runs.

Governance and Policy:
I have actively engaged in industry discussions, staying informed about the regulatory landscape and policy changes that impact our field. My experience in navigating compliance issues and upholding ethical standards will contribute to the Council's ability to provide informed oversight and guidance on governance matters.

Finance and Audit:
While I am not a financial expert, I have a strong foundation in understanding financial concepts and the importance of transparent financial practices. My appreciation for sound financial management will enable me to actively participate in discussions related to financial oversight and audit procedures.

Professional Self-Regulation:
Having upheld fiduciary responsibilities throughout my career, I am well-versed in the principles of professional self-regulation. I value the importance of maintaining ethical conduct and promoting the highest standards of professionalism. My commitment to these values aligns with the Council's role in fostering a culture of accountability.

Business Acumen and Management:
My experience as a broker has required a keen sense of business acumen, involving decision-making that balances client needs, market trends, and profitability. This experience translates to my ability to contribute to discussions about strategic decision-making and business management within the Council.

Strategic Planning:
Navigating the industry's evolving landscape has honed my strategic thinking abilities. I can contribute by offering insights into anticipating industry trends, potential challenges, and opportunities. Collaboratively, we can develop strategies that position our profession for sustained success.

In conclusion, while no individual can encompass all the diverse skills required by the Council, my cumulative experience, commitment to professionalism, and dedication to industry excellence align with the collective skills needed. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of collaborating with fellow Council members to foster rich discussions, meaningful guidance, and knowledgeable collaboration that benefits our profession as a whole.

In my role as Commercial Marketing Manager at KASE Insurance, my primary goal is to drive new business growth and increase revenue for our company's insurance products and services. Building key relationships with insurance markets is at the core of what I do, and staying up-to-date with market trends is essential.

I make it my mission to remain informed about the latest developments and regulations in the insurance industry. This means diligently tracking changes in the competitive landscape, keeping an eye on new insurance products and services, and staying updated on emerging technologies that impact our field.

One of my key responsibilities is to develop deep insurance product knowledge and gain a thorough understanding of different carriers' offerings, comparing them to our competitors. This involves working closely with underwriters and product development teams to gain an in-depth knowledge of insurance products. I also invest a substantial amount of my time in professional development initiatives, as I believe in the power of ongoing learning and networking within the insurance industry. Attending industry seminars, taking courses, obtaining certifications, and joining professional organizations are all integral to my commitment to continuous growth.

I'm proud to have achieved my CIP (Chartered Insurance Professional) and CAIB (Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker) certifications, and I'm actively working towards furthering my knowledge by pursuing my FCIP (Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional) designation. These certifications not only enhance my expertise but also signify my dedication to excellence within the field.

In addition to my pursuit of knowledge, I also serve as an instructor with the IBAO (Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario), where I teach students CAIB 2. It's been incredibly rewarding to receive excellent feedback from my students and contribute to the education and development of future insurance professionals.

Beyond teaching, I am actively engaged in various industry organizations and initiatives. I proudly serve on the Board of the Insurance Brokers of Toronto Region (IBTR), where I work diligently to promote the broker channel and actively participate in industry events. Additionally, I am a part of the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) at Seneca College. On this committee, my focus is to collaborate with fellow industry professionals to brainstorm creative solutions that encourage more students to pursue careers as brokers, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of our profession.

I have had the privilege of being invited to speak at classes at Humber College, sharing my experiences as a broker and marketing manager. Furthermore, I have participated in panel discussions at prestigious events such as the IBAO Convention and most recently moderated a panel at The Specialty Insurance Summit in April 2023. These opportunities to share insights and engage with industry peers have been both fulfilling and enlightening.

I have also been nominated for Insurance Broker of the Year at the IBC Awards in 2023, and I am extremely grateful for the recognition.

My dedication to the industry hasn't gone unnoticed, as I have been honored with nominations from my peers. In 2022, I was nominated for the Young Insurance Professionals of Toronto (YIPT) award, with the title of YIPT of the Year. Additionally, I received a nomination for the Young Achiever of the Year award at the Insurance Business of Canada Awards in the same year. These acknowledgments motivate me to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence within the insurance sector and to further contribute to its growth and development.

Beyond my qualifications, I have a profound personal drive to contribute to the RIBO Council and champion diversity within our industry. I firmly believe that our Council should reflect the rich diversity of the professionals it represents. By participating as a member, I aspire to serve as an advocate for greater inclusivity and gender diversity within our ranks. My presence as a South Asian woman on the Council would not only amplify underrepresented voices but also inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in insurance and brokerage.

My aspiration to be part of the Council stems from a deep-seated commitment to ensuring that our profession continues to evolve, embracing the strengths of diversity and innovation. I am dedicated to working collaboratively with my colleagues to drive positive change, shape policies that are inclusive, and promote an industry that celebrates the unique perspectives that diversity brings.

In summary, my desire to be a part of the Council goes beyond personal and professional goals. It is about advancing our industry into an era where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated, and where all voices have a seat at the table. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this vision and lead by example.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.