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
Cayla Carrillo is an advisor and brand manager at AgencyCFO™. In 2024, she’ll celebrate her 10-year anniversary in insurance. At 28, she’s still young but wise beyond her years, representing the ideal future of the industry – a resolute worker with high ideals married to tech savvy.
To its credit, AgencyCFO™ has embraced her exceptional worldview. “I’ve often brought fresh ideas to my roles in areas such as sales strategy, pipeline management, social media, podcasting, and new technology,” she says. “Much of the branding and advancements you see today for the AgencyCFO™ program has been improved from my unique perspective.”
She’s been sharpening her outlook since getting into the industry at 19, leveraging her critical thinking skills to accelerate her advance upwards. “Being a critical thinker with the ability to problem solve has enabled me to be a high performer from the start,” she says. “Looking back, I’m grateful to have had teachers and professors that helped me hone my critical thinking skills before entering any career field. Those closest to me know that I don’t like the word ‘no.’ I’m a firm believer in the saying ‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ The start of my career was tough, and problem-solving my way through any obstacle has helped me get ahead.”
Throughout, she has strived to live a life based on authenticity. However, often being the youngest person in the room has led her to struggle at times with “imposter syndrome” – essentially doubting oneself and one’s abilities.
“Overcoming the feeling of ‘imposter syndrome’ is a mindset shift that takes frequent practice,” she explains. “I lean into the guidance of my mentors and remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help or ask for a second review.
“When you acknowledge the feeling and remove the assumption that everyone knows what they’re doing, you realize that it’s not just you. It also helps to surround yourself with peers who want to see you succeed and build you up. Insurance is a very ‘human’ industry, and it’s necessary to have people who are much wiser than you to help overcome any challenges that come your way.”
As far as self-improvement goes, she’s also concentrating on strengthening her financial acumen and emotional intelligence. She prides herself on her ability to make those around her feel safe with her expertise, especially her industry partners.
“My secret to achieving results and being effective is to rally the team,” she says. “There is a lot of power in working together even if tasks are at an individual level. A team player who can foster connectedness and encourage optimism is someone who everyone wants on their side.”
Working for a progressive company like AgencyCFO™, Carrillo has learned to push herself out of her comfort zone. In doing so, she has unlocked aptitudes that she never knew she had.
In the meantime, Carrillo feels humbled to win a Rising Star award. “Winning this award means those closest to me felt confident to advocate for my achievement,” she says. “Through their advocacy, accomplished industry professionals chose my story to highlight this year. This is the ultimate achievement and validation that she’s in the right place.”
PO Box 195, Clinton, NY 13323
315 292 2996
Cayla@agencycfo.com
linkedin.com/in/caylacarrillo
agencycfo.com
Cayla Carrillo
Advisor
AgencyCFO™
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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
2014
2015
2017
2020
2021
Obtained personal lines license and started working at Allstate Insurance
2014
Hired as an intern at Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy, a large firm in upstate New York
2015
Hired as manager of relationship development at Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy
2017
Started as Advisor with AgencyCFO™ (formerly known as RD Advisory Group)
2020
Promoted at AgencyCFO™ to directly offer CFO services.
2021
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.”