We are incredibly proud to share that two of our senior leaders have been recognised in the Insurance Business Asia-Pacific Elite Women 2026 list, one of the most prestigious acknowledgements of female leadership in the insurance industry across the region.
This year, 70 women across Asia, Australia and New Zealand were named from a field of nominees assessed on leadership impact, influence, innovation and commitment to progress. To have two leaders recognised from our organisation is something we don’t take lightly.
A Big Moment for a Small but Mighty Team
We are a collection of businesses spanning insurance, underwriting, SaaS and premium funding and we turned 40 last year. For a team of just over 40 people, having two leaders named on a list of this calibre is, frankly, a big deal. And we’re going to own that.
Rebecca: Driving Strategy and Technical Excellence
Rebecca, our Chief Insurance Officer, has been instrumental in shaping the technical and strategic heart of our business. She brings deep insurance expertise and a forward-thinking approach to everything she touches and her seat on the Women in Insurance board reflects a commitment to the industry that extends well beyond our four walls.
Kate: Building a Culture Designed to Thrive
Kate, our Chief People Officer, joined with a rich background in diversity, equity and inclusion and has been a driving force behind building a workforce that is genuinely designed to thrive. Not by accident but by design.
Transforming the Business from the Inside Out
What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is what it represents about the way these two leaders have worked together. Over the past year, Rebecca and Kate have collaborated to reshape how our organisation operates from the inside out by building the team by design and redesigning team structures, shifting the focus from presence to output, embedding a values-driven culture, and overhauling the systems our people use every day.
The Results Speak for Themselves
The results speak for themselves: employee turnover reduced by 80%.
Read that again. Eighty percent.
In an era where talent retention is one of the greatest challenges facing businesses of every size, that number is extraordinary and it didn’t happen by chance. It happened because two leaders decided that engagement, culture and people-first thinking weren’t soft initiatives. They were a business strategy.
Building the Future of Work
As we look ahead, our focus continues to evolve. We are actively exploring how AI and emerging technologies can be integrated into our workforce ecosystem in ways that support our people to stay engaged, energised and not overwhelmed. The future of work is something we’re building intentionally, not reacting to.
Looking Ahead with Pride
We are proud of Rebecca and Kate. We are proud of the team that surrounds them. And we are proud to be the kind of organisation, at 40 years young, that still has the appetite to do things differently.
Congratulations to all 70 Elite Women recognised across Asia-Pacific this year. You can read the full report via Insurance Business Asia-Pacific.
As a valued client of East West Insurance Brokers, you’re supported by a team of experts who bring more than just insurance knowledge to the table; they also have passions, hobbies, and aspirations that make them who they are. Get to know the people dedicated to looking after you and your business.
Rawinia Lim Head of Claims
Rawinia manages complex claims, ensures smooth coordination with insurers, and handle escalations when needed.
Rawinia enjoys walking her dog and unwinding at home. She’s keen to explore pottery as a new hobby, and her travel wish list includes Greece, Thailand, and a return trip to Ireland.
Alicia Newell Executive Assistant
Alicia manages staff policies and supports Insurance Advisors to deliver exceptional services to our clients.
When not at work, you’ll find her at the gym or out enjoying meals, gardening, or taking her kelpie on adventures. She hopes to explore pottery and has Canada at the top of her travel list to see her favourite comedian and experience the wilderness
Shreya Sharma Marketing Manager
Shreya oversees the marketing team and leads all aspects of marketing for the business.
Outside of work, you’ll find her gardening, hiking, or experimenting with new recipes. She’s keen to explore creative pursuits like pottery or textured canvas art, with South Africa currently at the top of her travel wish list.
See what our team are loving this quarter
Jamie Olivers Gnarly Madras Lamb Traybake
Ingredients
2kg Lamb Shoulder (Bone In)
180g Madras Curry Paste
250g Yellow Split Peas
3 Red Onions
4 Tomatoes
1 Potato
6cm Ginger
1 bulb of Garlic
15g Coriander
12 Cloves
Method
1. Score the lamb and season with salt and pepper. 2. Rub with half the curry paste. 3. Place yellow split peas in a deep roasting tray with all the other ingredients along with the remaining curry paste. 4. Stir in 1.2L of boiling water and sit the lamb on top. 5. Tightly cover with tin foil and roast at 170 degrees for 4.5 hours. 6. Remove foil, baste with the tray juices.
Cyber risk is one of the most common threats for Australian businesses. It can disrupt operations and cause serious losses.
To help businesses, the Australian Government released the Essential Eight. This is a set of eight practical cybersecurity strategies. They are designed to help businesses get back to trading quickly after a cyber incident.
Essential Eight Cybersecurity Strategies
The Essential Eight encourages businesses to:
1.Keep software up to date: Regularly update your operating systems and applications to close security gaps.
2. Control access: Only allow authorised staff to make important system changes. Remove access when staff leave.
3. Use strong passwords and MFA: Strong passwords plus multi-factor authentication (MFA) add an extra layer of protection.
4. Limit risky programs: Block or restrict applications and macros that are commonly used to spread malware.
5. Back up data often: Make frequent, secure backups. Test them to make sure you can restore data quickly.
6.Protect against phishing and unsafe sites: Reduce risk from malicious emails and dangerous websites.
7.Have a simple response plan: Know what steps to take and who to contact if something goes wrong.
8. Educate your staff: .Use monthly updates from the Essential Eight team to keep staff aware of the latest cyber threats.
Why Cyber Risk Management Matters
Insurers now look closely at cyber risk management when deciding coverage, premiums, and claims for Australian businesses. Businesses that follow frameworks like the Essential Eight are better prepared if a claim occurs.
Demonstrating these controls can also help negotiate stronger coverage or lower premiums.
What You Should Do?
If you’re reviewing your insurance or risk management, now is a good time to consider how the Essential Eight cybersecurity strategies could be implemented in your business. Contact your broker to discuss these controls in detail.
Mary-Anne has been a client of East West Insurance Brokers for 20 years and we have had the privilege to watch her business evolve from when she owned childcare centres and after-school care facilities to her present business, EPEC Education.
Tell us more about your business.
EPEC Education is a Registered Training Organisation that provides accredited training and professional development to those interested in contributing to the Early Childhood Education community.
EPEC’s training covers all aspects of the care of children with special focus on identifying and preventing child abuse.
What inspired you to start your business?
As a former Approved Provider of a range of early childhood services, I was hoping I could make a positive contribution in this space.
As a former University teacher, I believed the combination of both my theoretical and hands-on industry knowledge would make a positive contribution to the industry.
What’s the most rewarding part of running your business?
Supporting educators and other personnel to be more caring and compassionate in their interactions with the children in their care.
What do you wish you knew starting out?
That it takes a long time to develop the fundamentals of a business, and that there is always a solution to 99% of business problems.
What was your biggest challenge, and your solution?
Coming to terms with all the changing technologies. The best way to overcome these challenges is to stay acutely on top of new technologies and all the details of changing legislation.
What’s your favourite success story?
One of my proudest moments from my business journey is staying true to my belief in the importance of inclusive and compassionate care of all children.
What’s your one big goal for your business in the next year?
In accordance with EPEC’s commitment to the early childhood sector, it is starting to make moves into the recruitment sector and aims to develop this as another department of its business in 2026.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Exercising on the beach, connecting with nature and recovering from the challenges of the previous week.
What advice would you give to other business owners?
To be successful in business you need to have plenty of strength and courage. Staying the course is about mental toughness and resilience above all else.
Where can people find you to connect or support your business?
For small business owners, work is more than just work. It is your livelihood. So when something unexpected stops you from working, the stress can be huge. This is where strong insurance claims support makes a real difference.
One of our clients in the commercial cleaning industry experienced this when their work vehicle was damaged in an accident. With jobs booked and bills to pay, being off the road was not just inconvenient. It caused real financial pressure.
The client had a Downtime benefit in their insurance policy, also known as business downtime insurance. This benefit is designed to provide income support while a vehicle is being repaired. After the breakdown, the client lodged a claim and received a repair quote that was below their insurance excess. They decided to pay for the repair privately to avoid the excess.
Partway through the repair, the mechanic found more damage. The new quote was now higher than the insurance excess. Because of this, the client chose to have the repair covered by insurance instead.
The insurer approved the repair costs. However, they declined the Downtime benefit. They relied on a policy exclusion because the first repairs had been done privately.
Our role
Our claims team stepped in to provide dedicated insurance claims support during this stressful time. We reviewed the situation and challenged the insurer’s decision. We explained that:
Any reasonable person would have made the same choice
The client acted in good faith and did not try to mislead
The insurer suffered no additional financial loss from the client going ahead with repairs
We kept the client informed at every step. We reassured them and handled the discussions with the insurer so they could focus on running their business. This is an example of strong insurance broker claims advocacy in action.
The outcome
Because of our team’s experience and persistence, the insurer agreed to pay the maximum Downtime benefit under the client’s business downtimeinsurance. The client received the income support they needed during a difficult period. This reduced financial pressure and helped them return to work with confidence.
Key takeaways:
This claim shows why working with an insurance broker matters:
Policy wording is not always final, and insurers must follow a fair claims process
Experienced claims support can challenge insurer decisions
Brokers provide insurance broker claims advocacy in complex situations
You don’t have to navigate claims alone
Insurance is about being there when it counts and we’re proud to stand beside our clients when they need it most.
Artificial Intelligence in business is now part of everyday operations. It helps with admin tasks, data analysis, and customer service. It can also help write messages and emails. AI is a useful tool for saving time and improving efficiency.
For many businesses, using AI is no longer a choice. It is becoming necessary to stay competitive. But every new tool brings new risks, therefore, it is important to understand these risks before relying on AI.
Understanding AI
A simple way to think about AI is to compare it to your home. A robot vacuum or dishwasher can save you time. But they only work well if the space is set up properly. If there are items on the floor, blocked pipes, or the machine is too full, problems can happen.
AI works in the same way.
The more AI is used in your business, the more important it is to control how it is used. You will need to manage what it can access and who is responsible for it.
Without clear rules and controls, businesses may face challenges. Effective AI risk management can help reduce:
Data privacy and confidentiality breaches
Cyber attacks or system failures
Incorrect results or false information
Intellectual property or copyright problems
Legal or regulatory issues
The Role of Business Insurance for AI
From an insurance point of view, protection must keep up with new technology.
Many insurance policies do not clearly cover AI-related problems. This is common when data, cyber risk, or professional advice is involved. Just as you protect your home and contents, you should also protect your business. This means checking your insurance regularly and making sure your coverage matches how your business uses technology, including AI.
Keeping Business Efficient and Protected
AI can make running your business easier and faster. The key is to set it up properly and ensure you have the right protection in place.
If your business is starting to use new technology or is expanding its use of AI, now is the time to talk to your broker. A review of your risk management and insurance cover, including AI risk management strategies will help make sure your protection grows with your business.
When arranging insurance for a commercial property, many owners make a common mistake: using the purchase price as the sum insured.
On the surface, it feels logical. If that’s what you paid for the property, surely that’s what it’s worth? However, the purchase price doesn’t always reflect the actual cost of rebuilding.
Purchase Price vs. Rebuild Value
It’s important to understand the difference between the purchase price and rebuild value when it comes time to insuring your property. Yes, both relate to what your property is worth, but they represent and serve very different things.
Purchase Price
The purchase price of a property represents the total amount paid to acquire it on the market. It’s affected by several factors, which include:
The value of the land.
The property’s location and market demand.
Broader economic conditions at the time of purchase.
None of these is relevant to an insurer if your building is damaged or destroyed. Insurance is about replacing the structure itself, not the land it sits on.
Rebuild Value
The sum insured is generally expected to reflect the full replacement value of the building, which includes:
Demolition and debris removal.
Professional fees (engineers, architects, surveyors).
Current labour and material costs.
Compliance upgrades (to meet today’s building codes).
What’s the difference?
The key difference between purchase price and rebuild value lies in what each represents. The purchase price reflects the property’s market value, including the land, location, and broader economic factors, while the rebuild value focuses solely on the cost to reconstruct the building if it were damaged or destroyed. This includes demolition, debris removal, professional fees, materials, labour, and any upgrades needed to meet current building codes. In short, insurance covers the cost to rebuild, not the market price you paid.
The cost of getting it wrong
If your sum insured is based on the purchase price rather than a professional valuation, you risk being underinsured. And underinsurance doesn’t just affect you in the event of a total loss. It can also reduce your payout even in the case of a partial claim. For example:
A property was purchased for $2 million, but the actual rebuild cost is $3 million
The sum insured is set at $2 million (instead of $3 million).
A fire causes $600,000 worth of damage
Because the building was underinsured by one-third, the insurer may pay only two-thirds of the claim (about $400,000)
This could leave you, the owner, with $200,000 out of pocket expenses even though the damage wasn’t a total loss.
Why professional property valuations matter
Construction costs in Australia have surged in recent years, driven by shortages of materials and skilled labour. Without a proper valuation, it’s easy to underestimate the cost of rebuilding today compared to when you purchased the property. A professional building valuation gives you:
Confidence that your sums insured are accurate
Protection from co-insurance penalties
Peace of mind that your biggest asset is covered correctly
It’s best to arrange a professional building valuation every few years and review your insurance sums annually. That way, your cover keeps pace with any changes to your property, as well as rising rebuild costs and inflation.
Avoid underinsurance with proper valuation
The purchase price reflects market conditions, not rebuilding costs. Having a commercial property is already a significant investment, and underinsurance can create unexpected financial strain during claims. To safeguard your investment, arrange a professional building valuation and review it regularly. That way, your insurance truly reflects today’s replacement costs, not yesterday’s market value.
When it comes to protecting your assets and ensuring the sums are properly accounted for, a Broker would be a huge help. If you want advice or are interested in learning about available options for commercial property coverage, reach out to East West Insurance Brokers today.
When you think of business insurance, you probably imagine it kicking in after a total disaster, like a fire that levels your building or a car that’s completely written off. But what many business and property owners don’t realise is that even if your loss is only partial, being underinsured can leave you with serious financial strain. Shortfalls in coverage can hurt so you need to be prepared before it’s too late.
What Is Underinsurance?
Underinsurance happens when the sum insured on your policy is less than the true replacement or repair cost of your asset. In other words, you’re insured for less than what it would actually cost to rebuild, repair, or replace. It’s surprisingly common especially with the rising construction costs and inflation. So, if you’re not regularly reviewing your cover, this can also leave you underinsured and underprepared.
The 80% Co-Insurance Rule in Australia
In Australia, most commercial property and business insurance policies include a co-insurance (or average) clause set at 80% of the asset’s replacement value.
What this means:
If you insure your asset for at least 80% of its true value, the insurer will generally pay the full amount of any loss (up to the sum insured).
If you insure for less than 80%, the insurer can reduce the claim proportionally even if the loss is only partial.
Example:
True Building Value: $1,000,000
Minimum Cover Required (80%): $800,000
Insurance Purchased: $600,000 (60% of true value)
Loss: $200,000
Claim Calculation: (Sum Insured / Minimum Required) X Loss
Example of a claim calculation.
That would be [($600,000 / $800,000) X $200,000] $150,000 paid. Even though the damage was only partial, you’d be $50,000 out of pocket because of underinsurance.
The real-world Impact of underinsurance
Unexpected repair bills – You may have to fund a large portion of repairs yourself.
Cash flow pressure – Reduced payouts can strain your business finances.
Delayed recovery – With less money to repair or replace assets, recovery takes longer.
Business risk – In some cases, underinsurance can threaten not just your return to business, but also your overall ability to keep operating.
How to avoid underinsurance
Get regular valuations – Ensure your building, plant, and equipment values reflect today’s replacement costs.
Factor in inflation – Materials and labour costs rise quickly; your insurance should keep pace.
Review sums insured annually – Don’t just renew “as is” each year.
Work with an Insurance Broker – They understand co-insurance clauses and can explain how it will affect you.
Insurance should offer peace of mind, not unpleasant surprises
You take out insurance for security, not for shock and disappointment. But if your cover is less than 80% of the true replacement value, even a partial loss can leave you with a reduced payout.
So, don’t take the risk. Review your business insurance cover with a Broker. They can even recommend professional valuers to ensure your sums insured are accurate to help you avoid the risk of underinsurance.
If you’d like the support, the team at East West Insurance Brokers is ready to help you perform a review and make sure you’re properly protected.
As Australia moves toward a greener future, the plumbing industry sees a quiet revolution. Environmental regulations are tightening, and more homeowners and businesses are actively seeking sustainable options. For plumbers, this shift presents a golden opportunity that can help them stand out in a competitive market and command premium rates —specialisation in eco-friendly plumbing services
Why Go Green?
Sustainability isn’t just a trend. It’s becoming the new standard as more people turn to greener alternatives. From reducing water waste to lowering energy bills, eco-conscious clients prioritise long-term savings and environmental impact. By positioning yourself as a specialist, you can build trust and long-term relationships with these value-driven customers and get ahead of the game.
Niche areas you can explore
While general plumbing services will always be in demand, specialising can open doors to higher-paying jobs and less competition. Consider niche areas to improve your competitive advantage:
Rainwater tank installations
Given Australia’s variable climate and increasing water restrictions, rainwater harvesting has become more valuable than ever. Installing rainwater tanks for purposes such as garden irrigation, toilet flushing, or laundry usage helps clients reduce their reliance on mains water and lower their water bills.
Greywater systems
Homeowners increasingly seek innovative ways to reuse water from showers, sinks, and laundry. As water conservation becomes more important, there is a growing demand for plumbers who can integrate greywater systems and water-efficient fixtures into homes and businesses. Greywater systems provide an eco-friendly solution that helps households reduce their water usage. By specialising in installing and maintaining these systems, you position yourself as a forward-thinking plumber who can offer both environmental and economic benefits while ensuring compliance with local council regulations.
Energy-efficient systems
With rising energy costs and sustainability at the forefront of Australians’ minds, more Australians are investing in energy-efficient hot water systems. Solar hot water, heat pump systems, and instantaneous gas units are all in high demand. By becoming an expert in these technologies, you can offer high-value services backed by federal and state incentives, making your offerings more attractive and financially accessible to clients.
Backflow prevention testing
To protect drinking water supplies, backflow prevention devices are legally required in many commercial and industrial settings. Certified plumbers who offer testing, maintenance, and compliance reporting can secure ongoing contracts with commercial clients. This niche provides a reliable, repeat-business stream and sets you apart as a compliance-focused professional.
Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) Servicing
TMVs are critical in healthcare and hospitality settings to ensure safe water temperatures. Regular inspection and maintenance are required to meet safety standards. Specialising in TMV servicing provides access to a regulated market with potential for more repeat business.
Drainage & pipe relining
Compared to traditional pipe replacement, pipe relining offers a cost-effective, no-dig solution. Investing in modern equipment and training allows you to provide efficient solutions for blocked or damaged drains, appealing to homeowners and businesses.
Gas fitting services
Gas fitting is a consistently in-demand service in Australia and with proper licensing, you can handle various jobs from appliance installations to leak detection. Expanding into gas work can massively increase your earnings and service offerings.
The business advantage for sole traders
Specialisation means more than just offering a service—it’s about becoming known for it. When you focus on one or two key areas, marketing becomes easier, and referrals come faster. Plus, clients are often willing to pay more for someone with proven expertise in the solution they need You also reduce price-based competition, improve efficiency through repeated processes, and gain more profound knowledge in your chosen field—all of which help your bottom line.
Ready to Make the Shift?
If you’re thinking about expanding your plumbing business, consider how you can incorporate eco-friendly plumbing solutions into your service offering. Start with the systems you’re already familiar with, then upskill and work to get certifications to build credibility. As demand grows and sustainability becomes the norm, those who specialise early will be in a prime position to grow their business and make a lasting impact. Being an Australian sole trader plumber can be challenging at times, but it also offers incredible freedom and direct rewards. As your own boss, you have the flexibility to set your own hours, within certain limits. However, this also means that the success of your business is closely linked to your hard work and skills. To continue thriving in the plumbing industry, it’s important to embrace opportunities and invest in yourself.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day for 2025, the theme Accelerate Action encourages us to move beyond conversation and drive real, tangible change. With women’s rights and contributions in the spotlight, now is the time to refocus on achieving true workplace equity. Women bring immense talent, capability, and innovation to the workforce.
At East West Group, we believe in recognising capability, talent, and contributions— shaping our work environment and manoeuvring our work practices to provide the necessary support for these talents to thrive. “Where I was previously struggling to hit monthly targets due to a different culture, I am now exceeding them and the only real (and this is a large factor) change is the environment.,” says Sam, Insurance Advisor.
Today, we highlight three incredible women—Amanda, Erin, and Sam—who have not only carved successful careers at East West Group but have also been supported in ways that enabled them to flourish. Their stories reflect the impact of inclusive policies, leadership support, and a commitment to equity in action.
Personal Stories & Growth
Amanda: Embracing Every Opportunity
Amanda’s journey at East West Group began as a receptionist with no prior experience in insurance. Through a willingness to take on challenges and an environment that encouraged learning, she progressed through various roles before finding her place in underwriting. “My journey started a long way from where I am now! I came to the East West Group as a receptionist with no experience in the insurance industry,” Amanda recalls. “Every step of the way, the staff and management have been incredibly supportive, with no question too silly (and there were a lot of questions!).”
Amanda found that the support she received helped her navigate challenges and overcome self-doubt. “I have always had a little imposter syndrome not coming from an insurance background,” she shares. “One particular instance that recently impacted me was in a meeting discussing one of our products. I mentioned a particular trend I had been seeing, and the immediate flow-on from that saw the creation of a new product. It was a great feeling being part of something from the ground up!”
She also values the organisation’s flexibility, which has allowed her to balance her career and personal responsibilities. “I have recently moved to a compacted working week, which has been very impactful in creating a balance in working and personal responsibilities. There was open discussion in relation to how this would work, and the move to this model was seamless.”
Amanda believes that the inclusive nature of East West Group has made all the difference. “Gender has not been a barrier within EWG, with the same opportunities being afforded to both male and female staff, and in fact, the majority of the senior roles are held by women,” she says proudly.
Erin: From Support to Leadership
Erin’s career began as a part-time Broker Assistant while managing the responsibilities of being a mother to two young children. “I came to EWG almost eight years ago as a new mum of two, looking for a job with the least responsibility possible,” Erin explains. “I settled in nicely three days a week as a Broker Assistant to one senior broker. This quickly expanded to looking after a number of brokers and taking on various tasks, including training and compliance.”
She recalls how she initially struggled with self-confidence as she transitioned into leadership roles. “Moving from support into operations—I was not confident at all!” Erin admits. “I’ve always felt that I’ve flourished in the background and was generally happy to stay behind the scenes. But now, I impact more than one part of our business operations, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Her leadership journey was further accelerated by her participation in the Aspire Women Leaders Program, fully funded and supported by East West Group. “I almost didn’t apply for the Aspire program, but my manager at the time encouraged me to give it a crack—what’s the worst that could happen?” she recalls. “I was stunned when I was selected, and that pesky imposter voice started nattering in my mind.”
The program provided Erin with invaluable insights into leadership. “The program was educational and at times confronting—pushing us outside our comfort zones so we could develop our leadership skills and be the best version of ourselves. The best part? Knowing that my participation was seen as a company investment, not an inconvenience.”
East West Group’s support made all the difference. “The most meaningful support was knowing that my team would cover my duties while I was away—I didn’t need to log on after hours to catch up on the tasks I missed whilst in the program. Meetings were moved, deadlines adjusted, and my involvement was only ever treated as an opportunity, not an inconvenience.”
Sam: The Power of an Inclusive Environment
Sam joined East West Group after feeling stalled in her career elsewhere. “After reaching seven years within insurance, I personally felt stalled and was looking for a role where I could push myself out of my comfort zone and continue to learn along the way,” she says. “That was definitely East West!”
She immediately noticed the team’s support. “There is never a moment where you feel like an island,” she says. “From daily casual chats with the COO about how we’re tracking to conversations with Greg about monthly results and issues we’re facing—everyone cheers each other on.”
Sam also benefited from flexibility when her partner was made redundant, allowing her to balance work and personal responsibilities seamlessly. “What was a period of transition for our family as he reskilled into his new role meant that I needed to take time away to do the school runs and work from home more than normal,” she shares. “The leadership team and the broking team I sit within were very supportive during this time.”
Sam also has two daughters who she hopes ‘find their East West in whichever industry they work within’, highlighting the importance or working to support, not only current generations of women in the workforce, but also working to support future generations.
She also emphasises the importance of representation in leadership. “Being able to look up to the next rung or even sideways and see so many people similar to myself—a working parent with commitments to family, friends, etc.—achieving targets in an open way, is inspiring. It reassures me that the next step isn’t unattainable.”
Support and Policies at East West Group
At East West Group, we believe that equity is not just about policies—it’s about how those policies translate into real experiences for employees such as Amanda, Erin and Sam. The most impactful frameworks include:
Being open to flexible work arrangements: Whether it’s compacted workweeks, adjusted schedules for school drop-offs, or remote work opportunities, flexibility is a consideration to ensure we are giving our best to our team so they can be their best.
Outcome-Based Performance: We focus on results, so a trust-based model allows employees—especially working parents—to excel professionally while managing personal responsibilities.
Fair & Equitable Pay Structures: Regular benchmarking and position reviews ensure transparency and fairness, addressing gender pay gaps and promoting equity.
Overcoming Challenges & Accelerating Action at East West Group
While progress has been made, challenges remain within our industry.
Breaking Gender Bias: Historically, insurance has been a male-dominated industry, with brokers being men and support staff primarily women. Erin recalls sitting in a licensing exam where she was one of only three women in a room of 25. “Clients have sometimes preferred dealing with male brokers,” she notes. “But at East West Group, I’ve always felt that being a woman is an advantage.
Building an Accessible Workforce: The key to breaking systemic barriers is shifting perspective. Organisations must ask themselves: Is our workforce truly accessible? Or are we prioritising traditional practices over attracting and retaining top talent? At East West Group, we constantly challenge outdated thinking, ensuring our frameworks evolve to create opportunities for all.
The Role of Self-Awareness and Transparency: Transparency, feedback, and openness to new ways of working are essential in driving continued progress. Businesses must actively listen, assess, and refine their structures to foster long-term equity.
Looking Forward: A Call to Action
International Women’s Day is more than a celebration—it’s a call to push boundaries and drive change. At East West Group, we are committed to continuous improvement, not just in policies but in actions that make a difference for our teams and for our clients.
The experiences of Amanda, Erin, and Sam are proof that when organisations are open to flexibility, mentorship, and genuine inclusivity, not only women thrive- it’s a benefit for all.
As workplaces, we must remain adaptable, and proactive in accelerating action toward gender equality.
As Erin wisely states “people flourish where they feel safe to do so. Do what you say you are going to do. Communicate if you can’t.”
This International Women’s Day let’s not just talk about change—let’s accelerate it.
