Bertrand Rouault, our new business development director, took up his position on October 1, 2018. In addition to playing an active role in recruiting new brokerage firms, Mr. Rouault oversees the RCCAQ's training department. We wanted to find out more about this seasoned professional, who's been working in the insurance industry for close to 20 years!

You've been with the RCCAQ for a few months now. How do you see your role within the organization?

Since taking up my position back in October, I've been focused on boosting the membership numbers for brokerages of all sizes and business models. I'm also working to develop the training offer based on brokers' needs. For that reason, I've been arranging lots of meetings. When they're discussing their profession or the issues they're facing, whether now or in the future, brokers can provide us with key information for putting together a training offer that will prove useful to them in their day-to-day operations.

I feel very enthusiastic about promoting the common cause of defending our profession while enhancing our professional development offer.

What's the biggest motivating factor in your mandate with the RCCAQ?

At the RCCAQ, I've gotten to know a tightly-knit team totally dedicated to bringing the broker profession into the future. The team provides support to the board, which is focused on how the brokerage sector will be evolving. For me, the biggest motivating factor is pitching in with my colleagues as we take the profession to the next level.

You've been immersed in the sector for many years and you're very familiar with insurance brokers. What do you think is their biggest strength?

It's true, I've met a lot of brokers over the course of my career. Their signature quality is their entrepreneurial spirit, which is still just as lively despite all the upheavals affecting the industry. Plus they have a burning desire to find new ways of growing their business.

You're certainly not afraid to take on new challenges. What can you tell us about your team's projects in the coming months? How they will be of benefit to brokers?

We will be carrying out a number of innovative projects in the first half of 2019. One initial project that I really believe in is the training program entitled "Becoming an Intrapreneur". In partnership with the Damage Insurance Institute of Quebec (IADQ) and the Riverains Vocational Training Centre (CFPR), the RCCAQ will be offering interactive online training geared towards brokers specializing in commercial insurance. Upon completing this intensive program, made up of 12 courses, brokers will gain fresh insight into the realities facing their commercial clients, not to mention enhanced skills in the areas of marketing, sales, financial planning and digital tool management. This one-of-a-kind program will give participants an opportunity to boost their professional profile via a specialized attestation.

We are also working to update the Broker 101 module with a view to helping our members bring in the next generation of professionals. Plus we've boosted our training offer to include cannabis legalization in Canada and a cybersecurity course.

I will also continue to visit brokers during our tour of Quebec. I'm really looking forward to that aspect because I love meeting with motivated entrepreneurs who are dedicated to protecting Quebecers' financial security.

Do you have any questions for Bertrand Rouault? Please send him an email (brouault@rccaq.com)