2025 Underwriters of the Year | Noah Gladysz, Commercial Lines P&C Underwriter II, Intact Insurance

In just a few short years, Noah Gladysz has emerged as a rising star in the underwriting community. Since first joining Intact in 2022 as an underwriting summer intern, Gladysz has consistently advanced, graduating from Intact’s Commercial Lines Underwriting Academy to his current role as a Commercial Lines P&C Underwriter II.

Gladysz holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (with a concentration in Insurance and Risk Management) from Wilfrid Laurier University. He has also been actively involved in mentoring and ambassador roles to help encourage others to explore the P&C industry.

Outside of work, Gladysz loves spending time with his fiancée, Lola, hiking, and playing and coaching hockey.

Gladysz was ecstatic to learn of the recognition by McLean & Dickey Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “Building strong working relationships takes consistent effort from both parties. We strive to help people get through hard times and thrive in good times, so it’s great to know that the creative problem-solving we aim for in creating mutual wins is making a difference.”

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


“Communication and collaboration. We need to understand each other’s goals and speak honestly about any obstacles. The pressures from increasing client service demands and growing complexity in risks make strong relationships more important than ever.”

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


“I transitioned to the underwriting path during university after initially pursuing accounting. I’ve always loved numbers, but underwriting also brought in the relationship-building element I was missing. Today, that’s what I love most — working with brokers and maintaining those connections.”

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


“Balancing speed with thorough analysis. We’re expected to provide fast service, but that can sometimes come at the expense of careful assessment. It’s important to know what information is critical and when to collaborate with brokers or colleagues to maintain both speed and quality.”

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


“Education — especially educating brokers on what sets our offerings and value apart. Whether it’s a unique wording or a niche coverage extension, sharing that knowledge helps brokers match the right solutions to clients’ needs and keeps us top of mind.”

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


“This industry is fast-paced, social, and constantly evolving. P&C presents a unique space where nearly every single business, risk, or opportunity is unique. There’s always something to learn, and there are new opportunities to grow.”

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


“Technology is already improving efficiency and automating routine tasks. That means underwriters can focus on complex risks and portfolio management. But we also have to stay vigilant, especially with emerging risks like cyber, to ensure we’re not over-relying on tools that aren’t yet mature.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?

“Collaboration and proficiency in analytics and technology. Leaders must also be able to adapt to a changing industry environment.”

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?


“It starts with proactive solutions. Insurers can provide data insights and identify emerging trends, while brokers bring client-facing experience. If we share that information, educate consumers, and tailor our products to what’s really needed, everyone wins.”

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