2009 was the year Loren Greig’s passion for the insurance industry was ignited. Originally from New Plymouth, Loren made her way down to the windy capital city to begin her first role with NZI as sales support.
Since then, Loren has been thriving. Having a knack for supporting brokers and building great relationships, Loren has found success in a variety of broker-facing roles, eventually working her way up to her current role as Senior Business Development Manager for the Wellington region.
“Before joining NZI, I was working at a fast-food restaurant and was looking for opportunities to grow and build a career. Joining the industry has opened so many doors for me and I’m incredibly thankful for everything I’ve learned and for the great experiences I’ve had so far.
“What I enjoy most about my role is interacting with brokers, building great relationships and getting to know my brokers and their customers’ needs. I like being there for them and being their first point of contact when they need something sorted. I’m super passionate about that.”
Keeping passion for learning alive at NZI
In November 2021, Jeremy Bold (JB), a key member of the NZI team, sadly passed away. He was a close friend and colleague to many at NZI, and a well-respected member of the wider industry.
As a way of honouring his memory, NZI introduced the JB Outstanding Performance Award. The annual award is designed to recognise outstanding performance and to develop NZI’s emerging leaders – something JB was very passionate about – by awarding them with funds to go towards their professional development and matching them with an experienced mentor.
Loren was selected as this year’s recipient after being nominated for her collaborative approach, strong internal and external relationships, leading performance, and future-focused ideas.
“Winning the award was a real surprise and I feel humbled to have received it. It’s a great way to keep JB’s passion for learning alive amongst our teams. He was a very cool guy, admired by many in the industry, so it’s very touching to be the first award recipient.”
Receiving this award was extra special for Loren, as JB was instrumental in the launch of NZI’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Early Adopters Programme, which will see the company’s entire fleet transition to EV and hybrid vehicles. Loren was in fact NZI’s very first EV early adopter, choosing to swap her vehicle for an EV earlier than needed, and has been a strong internal sponsor ever since.
“I absolutely love my EV; I’ve been converted. Going electric is the best move and I’m excited to be part of our carbon reduction journey. I’m quite outspoken about the benefits – smoother rides, less road noise and easy home and public charging. I’d encourage everyone to give it a go.”
Insurance all around
Loren’s partner, Mark, is also in the insurance industry and works on the other side of the fence in a broking house.
“We understand each other’s worlds which is very nice, and this includes mutual understanding on our work priorities and how no day is the same.
“I’m always quick to pick up my phone rather than hiding behind emails, and I’m regularly out and about visiting local brokers face to face. That makes a real difference and it’s what I love.”
When she’s not working, Loren likes to go for scenic walks with her partner around different parts of the country – and they now have a new furry best friend to join them.
“We recently got a goldendoodle puppy – Bella – our little fluffy bundle of joy. She is five months old, and I love taking her out on our walks, even though it means we need to go a little slower at times. She’ll learn to keep up, I’m sure!”
Up for a challenge
Loren is the first to say yes to a new challenge. As a yearly tradition, she even sets herself a personal challenge to read a certain number of books. The number keeps getting bumped up each year as she beats her own goals and wants to further improve her record.
“Growing up I was into highland dancing for about 12 years and did that competitively for many years. I’m very competitive and I like winning (who doesn’t!) – that’s my motivation and what drives me to be good at what I do. I like to deliver.””
Winning the JB Outstanding Performance Award has given Loren the extra push she needed to keep growing her passion and pursuing her professional career.
“I’m very excited about having a mentor – I’ve never had one. I’m also looking forward to doing some further studies to complement my ANZIIF papers, as well as continuing to focus on what I love doing the most, which is supporting brokers and their customers.
“My team keeps telling me I need to move to a leader-type role because it would suit me, maybe I’ll have to start listening! This opportunity is going to help open more doors for me and give me greater direction on what I’d like to do next.”
