2025 Underwriters of the Year | Feliesha Beckett, Entertainment Underwriter, Intact Insurance

Since joining the industry in 2011, Feliesha Beckett has built a dynamic career based in deep underwriting expertise, empathy, and robust broker relationships.

She started as a personal lines broker before moving into commercial property underwriting and worked her way up to specializing in her current role, Entertainment Underwriter, at Intact, where she thrives on high-speed decision-making, creativity, and collaboration.

She completed her CIP designation and earned diplomas in both Business Insurance and Marketing from Seneca Polytechnic.

A mother of two, Beckett enjoys staying active in the gym, reading, and spending time with her family.

“I’m truly honoured and grateful for the recognition and glad my efforts have made a positive impact,” Beckett says of the recognition by McCAM Insurance Brokers, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers.

Q: What’s key to a great working relationship between underwriter and broker, and why is this more important than ever?


“Responsiveness, transparency, and trust. Connecting regularly — whether in person, on a call, or virtually — is crucial. It ensures the business of insurance stays people-focused. With so many external pressures, strong broker relationships and collaboration help us navigate challenges together and meet customers’ needs.”

Q: Why did you become an underwriter, and what do you love most about your role?


“I was referred to Intact by a friend and challenged myself by transitioning from personal lines brokering into commercial underwriting. That naturally led me to specialty solutions, where I found my niche in entertainment. I love formulating creative solutions, collaborating with brokers, and working as part of a team. Every day is different, and that fast-paced energy is what drives me.”

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for underwriters today, and how can they overcome it?


“In entertainment underwriting, the pace is relentless. Clients want immediate answers, often with little time for negotiation. That means underwriters must assess complex risks quickly and decisively. The key to managing that is preparation, a deep understanding of your product, and strong internal alignment so you can make quick decisions with confidence.”

Q: What’s one opportunity underwriters should focus more on?


“Building stronger broker relationships. As technology evolves, personal interaction is more valuable than ever. Being available, consistent, and responsive helps position you as the go-to for new business.”

Q: Given that talent shortages remain a challenge, what would you say to encourage more people to join the insurance industry?


“This industry is full of opportunity. No matter your background, there’s a path that fits. It offers job stability, continuous learning, and career growth.”

Q: How do you see AI and technology impacting underwriting?


“Positively. Automation helps remove routine tasks so underwriters can focus on analysis and decision-making. As technology evolves, it will continue to make us more efficient and elevate our ability to handle complex accounts.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“Risk assessment, strategic planning, communication, and emotional intelligence. Leaders need to balance technical expertise with people skills — that means, motivating teams, managing conflict, and building trust. The underwriter-broker relationship is a great training ground for this. It teaches you how to collaborate, manage expectations, and tailor solutions, and it’s also important for market intel and identifying opportunities for growth — all skills that are essential for leadership.”

Q: Canada continues to suffer pressures like natural catastrophes, auto theft, fraud, and tariff impacts. How can brokers and underwriters better collaborate to help Canadian consumers manage risk?


“Shared transparency and accountability. We need to combine efforts to educate insureds, share knowledge, and develop proactive risk mitigation strategies. When we align, we help clients make better decisions, reduce losses, and create better outcomes for everyone involved.”

The Canadian Broker Network Underwriter of the Year awards is a flagship program that CBN has been running on behalf of its members for over a decade. The program is exclusive to CBN in partnership with Canadian Underwriter magazine. The categories allow for each of our member firms, at their option, to select one commercial lines underwriter winner and one personal lines underwriter winner from a primary market, as well as a commercial underwriter from an MGA. The criteria includes underwriting excellence and risk knowledge; prompt and effective responsiveness back to CBN members; writing business that satisfies clients’ needs while creating a win-win for the broker and the insurer; a positive, helpful attitude; and investing time to develop trusting relationships with brokers.

Full list of 2025 Underwriter of the Year Award Recipients