Jacqueline, this year marks the 10th global partner conference, what were you doing ten years ago?
 

• I was working at Crystal & Company in the USA, where I was actually managing the International Practice for large multinational clients and for incoming business, mostly from Europe. Crystal & Company joined Brokerslink as their USA broker in 2009 and attended that first global conference in Hong Kong.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned over the past ten years?
 

• Not to be afraid of the future. Crazy ideas and impossible challenges are supposed to be embraced and not escaped from. From experience, I know that reality is less perilous than what our fears usually make us believe.    

You took on the role of CEO in February, what has been your stand-out moment?
 

• At RIMS in San Antonio, when I shared the Brokerslink vision, and the objectives and roadmap that I have defined with the Board and our partners & affiliates.

Where do you see Brokerslink in ten years’ time?
 

• Ten years from now, I see Brokerslink as a globally integrated broker with a highly effective central team that supports the business development of all our members on a daily basis. The company will have created strong equity for each of their shareholders, and our partners and affiliates will have expanded their footprint in their local market thanks to Brokerslink’s resources and expertise.     

You travel a lot across the global Brokerslink network – what has been your highlight so far?
 

• In the last few months I have been across Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America and Africa. That’s an awful lot of flights, delays and lost luggage, but the one thing I really enjoyed is seeing the commitment of our partners and affiliates.  I relish the common thought process along with their unique mix of humility, pride and professionalism. I’m still fond of my recent business experience with my Asian colleagues; tasting one of the best French wines in Hong Kong!

What are you most looking forward to about the conference?
 

• The launch of our new IT platform. I’m very excited because these new technical capabilities have been designed to support our business innovation. We will bring lots of added value services to our brokers who will be able to easily identify resources and expertise across the community. They will also have access to a catalogue of carefully selected products and services. I believe it will be a ‘wow’ moment for the group.