Speakers

Adam Spencer was completing a PhD in Pure Mathematics when he won the national Triple J Raw Comedy championship in 1996. A television/radio career beckoned and Adam completed 15 years as one of Australia’s most respected radio commentators across Triple J and ABC 702. The inaugural Ambassador for Science and Mathematics at the University of Sydney Adam is a celebrated author of seven popular mathematics books, and has forged a reputation as one of Australia’s wittiest and most engaging event MCs and keynote speakers, specialising in artificial intelligence, cyber security and a host of geeky topics.

In early 2013, Sam Bloom’s dream life turned into a nightmare when on holiday in Thailand she unknowingly leant against a rotten balcony railing, falling through it and crashing six metres onto the concrete below. She was lucky to be alive and had suffered immense trauma including damage to her spinal cord that left her paralysed.

After a gruelling rehabilitation process, Sam was left bereft as she faced a new and foreign life in a wheelchair. All seemed lost until the day her son found an injured baby magpie that the family took in and named ‘Penguin’. Sam had no idea that this would be the start of a powerful journey of healing for both of them.

Sam and Penguin’s remarkable bond and extraordinary story of parallel recovery was captured through the lens by Sam’s husband, acclaimed photographer Cameron Bloom.

The images formed the basis for the international bestselling book Penguin Bloom: The odd little bird who saved a family, a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive.

Their powerful story inspired a Hollywood movie of the same name, starring Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln. Released in January 2021, Penguin Bloom became an immediate hit, taking #1 at the Australian box office and trending on Netflix in North America and across Europe.

Robert co-founded Steadfast and has over 52 years’ experience in the insurance industry. He was voted the second most influential person in insurance by Insurance News and was awarded the ACORD Rainmaker Award in 2014. Robert is a Qualified Practising Insurance Broker, a Fellow of NIBA, a Senior Associate of ANZIIF, a Certified Insurance Professional and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Robert is the Chairman of the ACORD Board and is also a Director of not-for-profit organisation KidsXpress.

Robert Kelly co-founded Steadfast in 1996 to provide insurance-related quality advice and service, leading the company to become the largest general insurance broker network and underwriting agency group in Australia and New Zealand and an ASX 100 listed company. 

In 2022 Robert received the prestigious award of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Tim Mathieson joined Steadfast Group in 2015 and has over 25 year’s industry experience, most recently as CEO of QIB Group, one of the largest insurance broking groups in Australasia. He was previously Head of Broker Network at Steadfast and prior to this held several leadership roles with QBE Insurance which he joined as a graduate in 1998. He holds an MBA, Master of Insurance and Risk Management, and Bachelor of Commerce. He is an ANZIIF Fellow, AICD Graduate and director of more than 20 companies, including the Steadfast Foundation.

Samantha has 30 years' experience in the insurance industry including 25 years at Steadfast. She was COO from 2016 - 2023, directing and managing operational activities of the organisation and ensuring the implementation of the overall strategy.

Samantha was promoted in April 2023 to the new role of CEO – International and is responsible for planning and executing the company’s international strategy. Samantha is a Board Director of Steadfast companies in the US, UK, and Supervisory Board of global network UnisonSteadfast.

Nick joined Steadfast 11 years ago, and currently oversees the strategic direction, operational excellence, and growth initiatives for the Steadfast broker networks across the Asia-Pacific region. With a career spanning over three decades in the insurance and financial services industry, Nick brings a wealth of experience in managing complex networks, enhancing carrier relationships, and delivering exceptional service to brokers. Nick is also President of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA).

Kasun is the General Manager for the Australian Network, Broker, Risk & Insurer Services at Steadfast. In this role, he leads teams dedicated to enhancing our value proposition for the Steadfast network and insurers, ensuring greater alignment across our service offerings. Prior to joining Steadfast, Kasun served as a Strategic Execution Manager in the Office of the CEO at AIG and Aon, where he held various roles in operations and strategy.

Former world number 4 tennis player, Jelena Dokic embodies resilience and triumph.

Her awe-inspiring journey on the court includes making the semi-finals of Wimbledon at 17 years of age and being a doubles Grand Slam finalist at 18. Yet, beyond the spotlight, she endured adversity, including abuse from her father for 15 years. This trauma shadowed her success, affecting her mental health.

At 22, she faced a breaking point, but chose resilience. Dokic emerged as a survivor, determined not just to survive but to thrive. Her story, shared in bestselling books Unbreakable and Fearless, and her number 1 documentary The Jelena Dokic Story, which was named 2025 Feature Documentary Production of the Year at the Screen Producers Australia Awards and Logie winning, showcases her journey from victim, survivor to thriver.

Today, she inspires as a TEDx presenter and commentator, 2-time bestselling author, a living testament to the human spirit's resilience.

Nasir Sobhani, widely known as The Streets Barber, is a humanitarian, speaker, and advocate for mental health and community connection. Through free haircuts for individuals experiencing homelessness and disadvantage, he restores dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging—one person at a time.

Nasir’s journey from addiction to sobriety shaped his philosophy: service is not just kindness but a pathway to personal and collective growth. Barbering became his calling, offering him a way to uplift those society often overlooks. Each haircut is more than a gesture; it’s a moment of connection, listening, and affirmation of worth.

Globally recognized for his work, Nasir was featured in the Kenneth Cole Courageous Class Campaign, which celebrates individuals who have overcome significant challenges to inspire and uplift others. Beyond haircuts, he uses social media to share the stories of those he meets, amplifying marginalised voices and fostering empathy in the broader community. His ability to create spaces of connection and inspire others to see the humanity in every individual is at the heart of his mission.  

Born in Japan to a Persian family and later raised in Canada, before moving to Australia a decade ago, Nasir’s diverse upbringing and belief in the Baha’i Faith instils in him a deep commitment to breaking down prejudice and fostering unity. He champions the belief that service transcends differences, uniting people through shared humanity.

Nasir Sobhani’s story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion. By dedicating his life to fostering connection and dignity, he stands as testament to the power of service as a pathway to building stronger communities and living a life of purpose.

Stuart Byars is an experienced Australian insurance executive currently serving as Head of Intermediated at Hollard Insurance, where he is responsible for Hollard's underwriting agencies and broker partners across Australia and New Zealand. He has a deep background in the industry, including co-founding a number of Underwriting Agencies and prior to that, he has held senior Operational and finance leadership roles with major firms such as Gallaghers, AIG, and Suncorp. Known for his entrepreneurial approach and commercial acumen, Stuart brings extensive strategic and market experience to his leadership in the intermediated insurance sector.

Col was appointed I to his role in 2018.  He has been with NTI for 21 years and during that time has managed state-based sales teams, led and participated in a number of NTI’s acquisitions. His key responsibilities include the management of all key broker partnerships, development of market and platforms strategies and delivery of service to the broker market.  He holds two management diplomas.

Ben Church is the General Manager, Broker Distribution for Allianz, bringing more than a decade of experience across national distribution, broker partnerships, and product strategy. He has held senior leadership roles spanning New South Wales and Victoria, consistently driving sustainable growth and strengthening intermediary relationships. His background in underwriting, portfolio strategy, and sales leadership gives him a broad, practical understanding of the commercial insurance market. He is passionate about meaningful risk solutions, the digitisation of insurance, and elevating the broker experience through technology and collaboration.

Mike has been with NTI for over 25 years and currently leads commercial distribution and industry associations for this specialist insurer. He has extensive experience across insurance, transport, and industry representation. Mike is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders as well as the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance & Finance and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.   He is a Councillor with the Australian Logistics Council and the Australian Trucking Association.  In addition to this, he is a director and current Chair of the Underwriting Agencies Council.

Haydn Greentree is Executive Manager of the new Vero Specialty Lines. Having 12 years of experience at Vero across a range of underwriting and portfolio roles, Haydn understands that brokers have clients facing increasingly unique and complex risk needs and is excited to bring Vero Specialty Lines as a solution to these evolving needs. "Our products will be developed with the customer at the centre of our propositions, ensuring tailored solutions that meet their unique needs and provide long-term value".

Adam Jacobs is the Co-Founder of THE ICONIC - Australia’s largest online fashion retailer, and the Co-Founder of Hatch - a new venture whose mission is for all people to find meaning in work.

Adam is interested in how technology is changing our societies and aims to build global tech companies that positively influence our future.

Adam started his career in strategy consulting with BCG and PwC (in Sydney and Copenhagen) before founding THE ICONIC in 2011 on the premise of customer experience and Hatch in 2018 on the premise of great teams. 

Adam studied Philosophy and Business at the University of Sydney and Boston University. In 2014, Adam was awarded the Young Executive of the Year by CEO Magazine’s annual awards. In 2018, Hatch was selected as a Top 20 Business of Tomorrow by Westpac. In 2022, Adam was awarded Sydney University’s Alumni Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Chris Kokalevski is an accomplished insurance executive with nearly two decades of experience in corporate insurance, underwriting, and broker relationship management. As Executive Manager – Broker Partnerships at Vero Insurance, Chris leads national strategies for key intermediary groups, driving growth, compliance, and strategic alignment across the broker channel.

Known for his commercial acumen and people-first leadership, Chris has consistently exceeded growth targets, built high-performing teams, and strengthened executive-level partnerships. His career spans senior roles at QBE Insurance and Vero, where he has delivered impactful results through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence.

Jacqui is the Chief Technology and Transformation Officer for Zurich Australia & New Zealand, driving organisation-wide technological solutions and advancing ways of working, including enterprise agile. With over 20 years in financial services, she previously led Zurich’s Retail Life Insurance and held senior roles at Allianz Retire+, IRESS, and Macquarie Group, specialising in product innovation and client experience. Jacqui’s academic background spans law, economics, business, and technology, with advanced studies from the University of Sydney, University of NSW, and Stanford University. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Annelisa currently serves as Senior Relationship Manager for Steadfast, Chubb’s largest key broker relationship in Australia and New Zealand. In this capacity, she leads the national partnership, drives strategic growth, and oversees key deliverables for a portfolio exceeding $620 million in gross written premium (GWP).

Annelisa’s insurance career began in 1999 at a large international insurer, where she held a variety of roles in Claims, International Placement, and Distribution. She further expanded her expertise as an insurance broker in a regional office, gaining valuable insights into client needs and market dynamics. Since joining Chubb in 2014, Annelisa has held several Distribution roles, consistently demonstrating exceptional communication skills, professionalism, and a highly motivated approach.

Her broad experience across leading insurers and broking has provided Annelisa with a comprehensive understanding of the insurance landscape and a versatile skill set. She is recognized for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and proven ability to deliver successful outcomes for Chubb and its stakeholders. Annelisa thrives in challenging, fast-paced environments and is committed to continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and delivering tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

She is passionate about driving business growth and was appointed in March 2026 as co-Chair of the Chubb Junior Board, whilst also holding the position of Chair of the Chubb Wellbeing Committee, dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture.

Karen Spear is a strategic and commercial senior leader with over two decades of experience driving customer experience, strategy, innovation, and transformation for leading organisations such as Woolworths, Qantas, Deloitte, News Corp, and Employment Hero. Renowned for her passion and results-driven approach, Karen excels at developing and executing customer-led strategies that deliver tangible business outcomes.

With deep expertise in B2B customer needs across financial services, media, loyalty, and technology, Karen has built customer-centric cultures and led cross-functional teams to implement innovative solutions that optimise customer journeys and create seamless, engaging experiences. Her leadership spans direct and intermediated business models, and she is adept at managing complex transformation programs, leveraging data and insights, and fostering continuous improvement.

Karen is an active industry contributor, serving as an Advisory Board Member and Chairperson for The Customer Show, regular conference presenter and as a judge for both local and international CX Awards.

Ryan Starkey is an Executive Manager in AI Solutions at Quantium, helping organisations move from AI curiosity to AI capability through strategy, training, and implementation. He works across financial services and professional services, specialising in actuarial pricing and AI transformation, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.

Wayne Tower has 25 years of experience within the Australian commercial banking & insurance premium funding industries. As the Chief Executive Officer of IQumulate, Wayne leads a growing team of over 70 highly experienced professionals and is responsible for driving growth and profitability to meet strategic commercial objectives.

Luke leads Allianz Australia’s General Insurance claims team, covering Commercial, Motor, and Property. With 12 years leading claims teams and current chair of the ANZIIF Claims Advisory Board, Luke is focused on delivering continuous improvement to claim experiences for brokers and their clients, tech enabled but led by speed of response and service with Care.