The best way to predict the future is to create it - it’s this mentality that has led me to build several solution and technology led businesses within New Zealand’s insurance industry.Ten years ago, I founded Modern Insurance with the goal of creating a client-centric insurance brokerage that would help me explore the needs and challenges of the personal insurance market. As the business grew, I was exposed to the fundamental inefficiencies and outdated processes that underpin an industry that struggles to put their clients first. I recognised a change was needed, but quickly realised it would need to come from an agile, innovative and tech focused business; uninhabited by the red tape of big corporates and willing to push back on the ‘this is how we’ve always done it’ mentality so thoroughly entrenched within the insurance industry.Thus, Cactus and Blanket were born.Cactus is a commercial insurance brokerage proving tool, vehicle and liability cover to New Zealand tradies, while Blanket offers domestic insurance to everyday New Zealanders looking for comprehensive, affordable cover. An integrated digital platform, painstaking created from scratch, underpins both businesses – not only making the purchasing process easier for the client, but also streamlining the onboarding process for the advisor. In an industry that is traditionally controlled by the big insurers, I wanted to create a more client-centric approach to insurance. Through utilising technology we’ve removed the paper work and jargon to provide solutions that are easily understood and accessed by the everyday New Zealander.I am passionate about innovation and pushing boundaries. It’s what drives me – finding technology led solutions to problems that defy industry norms. All businesses should be driven to constantly evolve, and I enjoy continuing to challenge and push capabilities within my industry and my own businesses.