Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
Rachael Hirsch is a senior account manager at Stellar Insurance Brokers. She joined the firm in 2012 and has repeatedly been promoted, assuming her current role in July 2023.
Describing her rise, Hirsch says, “I am very fortunate to have support from the people around me to help challenge me, push me outside my comfort zone and continue to drive me to be more confident in myself.”
A key part of this development has been having access to strong professional mentors while also adopting a proactive approach to her career.
“I give a lot of credit to my mentors within Stellar who have shown me everything I know and taught me to always push for the best result for my client,” Hirsch says. “I am also very diligent and resilient, which has helped me grow, tackle obstacles and continue to give my best every day.”
One challenge that Hirsch has overcome, which has enabled her to be a Rising Star in the Australian insurance sector, is self-belief. This has evolved throughout her career as she has been able to deal with more complex matters and assume greater responsibility.
Hirsh says, “I struggle fiercely with imposter syndrome, which I am continually working towards overcoming, but I believe that confidence is very much a journey that evolves over time.”
Another element that has enabled her to develop professionally has been her commitment to networking within the broking community. She not only promotes the industry but also credits this cohesive environment.
“This industry would not survive without the people within it supporting each other,” says Hirsch. “One of the things I love most, particularly in Queensland, is that it’s not an industry that’s impacted by competition against one another; we all have the same intentions in mind.
“I am grateful to have built so many wonderful relationships within the industry between other brokers, insurers and business partners, which is so important within our role.”
The qualities that make Hirsch stand out are her dedication and passion for clients. She deals with their assets and accounts as if they were her own.
She says, “I do what I do to help protect my clients and all they have worked so hard to build; my attitude towards getting the job done is driven by this.”
Hirsch is open about crediting her mentors and the support of colleagues, and she is committed to replicating this for others in the industry. To this end, she is a member of the Council of Queensland Insurance Brokers (CQIB) Young Professionals Committee.
“I am so honoured to have been recognised as a Rising Star and would love to use this acknowledgement to invest more in the industry and bring more awareness to the opportunities it provides to upcoming young professionals, so they too can be acknowledged for their efforts in the future,” she says.
7/35 Ethel Street, Yeerongpilly, Qld 4105
1300 270 280
rachael.h@stellarinsurance.com.au
linkedin.com/in/rachael-hirsch-222140b1
stellarinsurance.com.au
Rachael Hirsch
Senior Account Manager
Stellar Insurance Brokers
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“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
2011
2012
2018
2021
2023
Commenced with Willis as a broker assistant
2011
Moved to Stellar Insurance Brokers (previously called Your Insurance Broker Brisbane) as an account executive assistant, supporting a portfolio of $400K income
2012
Transitioned into account manager, managing a portfolio of $450K (sole responsibility; no support)
2018
Finalist – Advisr Queensland Top Insurance Broker of the Year
2021
Become a senior account manager, servicing a portfolio of $750K with major accounts
Mentor in the Council of Queensland Insurance Brokers’ development program
2023
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”