About Me

From counsellor to insurance broker

Today, I'm an insurance broker. But before moving into insurance, I studied counselling and psychology in Hong Kong and worked as a school counsellor in both primary and secondary schools, supporting students with special needs.

When I first moved to Vancouver, I wasn't quite ready to return to counselling. The work requires a great deal of emotional energy, and I needed time to settle into a new country and find my footing.

Little did I know that I'd eventually find another way to put my background to use.

An unexpected start

My journey into insurance began with something pretty ordinary: buying a used car.

I found a car through Marketplace and visited an office to arrange the transfer. At the time, I knew very little about insurance. Naturally, I was cautious and wanted to make sure I understood what I was signing up for.

As I spoke with the broker who helped me through the process, we got along well. At one point, he jokingly said, "You've got a knack for this. Have you ever thought about working in insurance?"

I was still figuring out my career path in Canada, so I thought, why not give it a try? Insurance was something everyone needed to understand, and the knowledge would be useful even if I eventually moved into another field.

And just like that, I found myself in a new industry.

Finding my place in insurance

At first, I didn't think much of the job. I was pleasantly surprised, though, by how different the experience was from what I'd expected.

I wasn't interested in hard-selling. Instead, I could focus on helping people with the insurance needs they came in with, answering their questions and guiding them through the process.

Then something interesting happened. At gatherings with friends, I'd find myself surrounded by questions about insurance.

How can I get the coverage I need without paying for things I don't? What should I do in this situation? Would my policy cover that?

People were genuinely interested in understanding their options. I found it rewarding to help untangle their questions and make something complicated feel manageable.

Taking responsibility on my shoulders

Eventually, I started answering insurance questions in different community groups.

Initially, it was simply a way to meet people and lend a hand. Whenever a question came up, I'd jump in if I thought I could help.

Over time, those conversations led to client relationships, and many clients began referring their friends and family to me.

That's when I started to appreciate the responsibility that comes with this work. People aren't just looking for a price or a policy. They need accurate information, thoughtful guidance and someone who takes their questions seriously.

Sometimes I'm a little shy when clients compliment my service. To me, listening carefully, explaining things clearly and following through are simply the standard every broker should meet.

Still, those experiences have reminded me that the small things matter. A clear explanation, a timely response or a little extra patience can make a real difference to a client's experience.

I've never been particularly good at promoting myself, and I've always preferred genuine conversations to hard-selling. But as time goes by, I've come to see the role of a broker differently. It's not just about arranging insurance. It's about being someone people can turn to when they need help understanding their options.

Most of my clients have come through referrals and word of mouth. That trust means a great deal to me, and it's something I want to keep earning.

My commitment to clients

Every now and then, I still wonder whether I'll return to counselling one day. But insurance has become more than just a job. Over time, I've built relationships with clients, and I take those relationships, and my career, seriously.

I do earn commission when I arrange insurance for clients, and I believe that makes transparency and trust especially important.

I want clients to feel comfortable asking questions, raising concerns and reaching out when something changes. If I make a mistake, I'll take responsibility and work to put it right.

I can't promise that every situation will have a simple answer, but I can promise to approach your questions with care, honesty and a willingness to help.

More than a policy

I'm grateful to every client who has trusted me with their insurance needs.

One of the things I enjoy most about this work is getting to know the people behind the policies. Every conversation offers a glimpse into someone's life, plans and priorities.

To me, that's what makes this work meaningful.

Insurance may bring us together, but the trust we build along the way is what makes the relationship valuable.