Fidelity Life says its Adviser edge programme is seeing advisers reporting “transformational growth, strategic clarity, and renewed purpose in their businesses”.
Now in its second year, the programme is designed to support the professional development of risk advisers.
The insurer says its Adviser edge continues to challenge and elevate adviser thinking, highlighting the inaugural five-day Adviser edge Study tour – “…a high-impact experience for select advice master participants.”
The tour took 19 advisers to Melbourne and Sydney for immersive learning on leadership, AI, business strategy and digital transformation.
Fidelity Life CEO Campbell Mitchell and Chief Commercial Officer Bronwyn Kirwan also attended the tour.
Mitchell says Adviser edge is more than professional development “…it’s a powerful driver of business transformation and personal growth. The study tour gave advisers the space to invest in themselves – immersing in fresh ideas, bold conversations, and shared learning.”
He adds that “…exposure to global perspectives and international thought leaders added depth to the experience, helping advisers see advice through a wider lens and return with practical insights to strengthen their practices.”
Kirwan says that what started as a bold idea has become a transformative experience.
“The calibre of thinking and ambition we saw on this tour was exceptional. We’re proud to see advisers backing themselves and their businesses, unlocking new opportunities and challenging their thinking in ways that will shape the future of advice.”
Michelle Doyle, Head of Solutions and lead director of Adviser edge notes the feedback has been “phenomenal”.
…We’re now actively working with lenders and progressing acquisitions, with a clear goal to build a 100-strong nationwide team by the end of 2027…
The insurer provided comments from four advisers who took part in the programme, including Craig Kura, CEO at Total Life who says it gave him the clarity to accelerate his firm’s national growth strategy.
“We’re now actively working with lenders and progressing acquisitions, with a clear goal to build a 100-strong nationwide team by the end of 2027.
“The connections and opportunities have been invaluable. They’ve helped us drive real progress with the right guidance at the right time. The Advice masters programme didn’t just validate our vision; it equipped us with the tools to make it real.”
Meanwhile, Kylie Connor, Director of Mainland Insurance, says the programme was a defining moment for their business.
“It pushed us to reassess our financial position, which unlocked new borrowing capacity. That gave us the ability to acquire client books and significantly improve both cash-flow and profitability.
“But the most powerful shift was in mindset. With support from expert facilitators, I started to think more like a business owner. It’s helped me to consider the needs of the business more holistically and understand how my decisions can lead to stronger, more sustainable outcomes for our customers.”
The study tour
Josh Cuttance, Financial Adviser – Share says the study tour was a game-changer in how his firm thinks about operational efficiency.
…The international insights and peer conversations reinforced that strong systems aren’t just helpful; they’re essential for sustainable growth…
“It helped me pinpoint the key processes needed to run a high-performing advice practice and deliver a better client experience. The international insights and peer conversations reinforced that strong systems aren’t just helpful; they’re essential for sustainable growth.”
Johny Winstone, Managing Director of Centastone says the study tour broadened his company’s thinking beyond the New Zealand market “…connecting us with leading advisers and international reference points that are shaping our future strategy.
“The programme has helped us move faster, think bigger, and build a more resilient, future-ready advice business.”
Fidelity Life says as advisers continue to apply what they’ve learned, the programme is delivering measurable business outcomes.
“With 20 advisers having completed the 2024 Advice masters programme and 28 currently progressing through the 2025 cohort, all participants have reported increased business confidence.”
Click here for more information on the programme.
Middle row: Phil Robinson, Dave Jochem, Karl Moran, Craig Kura, Josh Cuttance, Aaron Baker, Joseph Gregory.
Back row: John Penberthy, Kathy Pascoe, Craig Wagstaff (Head of Individual Life), Mark Penberthy, Kylie Connor, Tony Dench (Programme Director).