Kerrie Lawrence, recently promoted to Principal, National Broker Partner, started her insurance journey with NZI 26 years ago, after making what in her words was a brave and bold move.
“I was 25 when I applied for my first insurance role which I didn’t get! The hiring manager mentioned someone else had just resigned, so there might be another position available soon. Out of nowhere, I heard myself offering to come in for a couple of weeks to learn while the person was still there, so I had some experience up my sleeve for when the role was advertised. That impressed the hiring manager so much that three weeks later, I got the job.
“That decision kick started my career, and it was probably the best thing I ever did. I was brave and put myself out there – the rest is history.”
Since then, Kerrie has had roles in areas across NZI including domestic, accounts, commercial underwriting, sales and underwriting, change management, business operations, and most recently as Regional Manager for the Southern region.
What Kerrie loves the most about her role is being there for her team, brokers and our community, getting out and about, and focusing on achieving the best possible customer outcomes. For Kerrie, it’s all about leading from the heart.
“A big part of what I do is supporting my team, so they are empowered to do their jobs well, to be confident in having good conversations with their brokers, and that they feel understood and cared for. They are fronting up and trading on a day-to-day basis and are doing everything they can to get the best outcomes for brokers and customers.”
Kerrie’s beginnings and leadership spirit
Kerrie was born in Timaru and lived in Palmerston North for most of her life before moving to Christchurch ten years ago. Throughout Kerrie’s life, there have been a few defining moments that upon reflection, she believes lit a spark for a life-long passion for leadership and caring for others.
“I come from a single parent family, and back in the early 80s my dad was the single parent –something that was somewhat unheard of at that time. My dad raised four young children, and me being the oldest sister – I was about ten – took up a mother-type leadership role, looking after my siblings. I think they would probably describe me as the bossy one in our household while growing up.
“My dad moved the family to Oamaru when I was about 14 for better family support and I finished high school there. Even though I was at Waitaki Girls for a short time, I was made a prefect during my last year. I was pleasantly surprised to be nominated into this role but looking back now and reflecting on my life’s journey, it makes more sense.”
When Kerrie was 22, she was sponsored to attend Outward Bound and completed a 21-day course, which took her out of her comfort zone and challenged her to be the best version of herself.
“We were put through extreme challenges where we had to work together, supporting each other through some physically and mentally challenging days. I also left my 2-year-old son with family during this time and completed my first ever half marathon. Both were hard at the time, but I consider them to be significant achievements.
“It was a great life experience. I learned a lot about myself then and it taught me resilience, and that I can do anything if I set my mind to it.”
A life of passion
Being in the industry for 26 years speaks volumes about how fulfilling it is. For Kerrie, the role of insurance aligns perfectly with her passion for people, leading and supporting others.
“I love the part we play in our community. We understand the importance of being there when customers need us the most and that relationships are important when it comes to business insurance. That’s why we have local people on the ground, move around the regions and make the effort to go to most (if not all) towns, no matter how long the drive is!
“At every opportunity, I’ve been visiting brokers across the Southern region which is incredibly rewarding. It’s great to be connecting face to face and meeting new people – it gives me a huge amount of energy and it’s why I love doing what I do.”
Kerrie has met a lot of people throughout the years and the friendships made are for life.
“Having good relationships is based on trust and is about truly caring for your team, brokers and others. That’s why I’m excited about my new role as Principal, National Broker Partner, where I now work across all regions in Aotearoa, and I get to continue to focus on what matters the most – our people, our brokers and customers – and making sure we are doing the best we can for them.”
If you don’t spot Kerrie around the regions or going out for walks or coffee with friends, she’s likely to be following her granddaughter’s afterschool and sporting activities. Kerrie doesn’t just travel for work, one of her favourite things to do is going on adventures and travelling with her many friends.
Kerrie’s advice for those starting their insurance journey is to work hard and be patient. “Nothing will come on a silver platter. You’ve got to get out there, build your personal brand, be brave and show what you can do, and the opportunities will come your way.”
Kerrie and her granddaughter Bella
Kerrie and her partner Trent at the Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.
