Author: Gerthi Flores
Serving businesses across Quebec and Ontario, she brings together technical expertise, strategic thinking and a client-first mindset to deliver meaningful solutions. Since joining Gallagher in 2020, Gerthi has built strong relationships founded on trust, collaboration and a genuine commitment to helping clients succeed.
In one sentence, what do you do at Gallagher — and who do you do it for?
I provide customized risk management and insurance solutions to aviation businesses and private aircraft owners, helping them protect their assets, operations and long-term objectives.
What does a day in the life look like for you?
A typical day involves assessing client needs and priorities with my team, collaborating with brokers across Gallagher's global network and developing tailored risk management and insurance solutions to address complex challenges for our aviation clients.
What part of your work do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy finding innovative risk management and insurance solutions that help our aviation clients operate with greater confidence and peace of mind.
What's one practical step you'd suggest to a client in your space right now?
Bring your broker into contract discussions early, as they can help assess insurance implications, identify potential exposures and ensure risk transfer provisions are both practical and insurable.
What's one trend in your specialty that clients may not be paying enough attention to yet?
One trend aviation clients may not be paying enough attention to is the growing overlap between cyber risk and aviation risk, as operational technology and aircraft systems become increasingly connected.
What's one thing business leaders should better understand about risk in your area?
One thing business leaders should better understand is that aviation insurance isn't just about transferring risk; it's about demonstrating risk quality. The stronger your safety culture, training, operational controls and proactive risk management practices, the more insurance capacity, coverage options, pricing flexibility and long-term insurer support you are likely to attract.
What makes this area of insurance particularly complex or misunderstood?
Aviation insurance is often misunderstood because it's not just about the aircraft or the product manufactured; it's about the entire risk ecosystem surrounding the operation, from people and processes to technology, contracts and external factors that can affect aviation worldwide.
Was insurance always the plan, or did your career path take a few turns?
Insurance was not part of my original plan. Like many people, I wasn't exposed to the industry during my studies. After graduating from HEC Montréal with a specialization in Financial Markets, I started my career in banking. While I enjoyed the financial aspect of the work, I was looking for something more dynamic and relationship-driven. At the same time, I had always been fascinated by aviation, so I was naturally drawn to opportunities connected to that industry.
That opportunity came when I joined the industry as a trainee in aviation insurance. I quickly obtained my license and discovered an industry that combines technical expertise, problem-solving and a passion for helping clients manage complex risks. Within a couple of years, I knew I'd found my career path and have never looked back.
How has your role evolved over time?
When I first joined Gallagher, I was the only person dedicated to this specialty within my department. As the business has grown, my responsibilities have expanded beyond growing the business, managing client relationships and developing risk management solutions. Today, I'm also helping build our aviation expertise by training and mentoring others to specialize in aviation insurance. It has been rewarding to contribute not only to our clients' success but also to our team's growth and development.
Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career so far?
The person who's had the biggest influence on my career is my dad. From an early age, he instilled in me the values of accountability, preparation and excellence. He always encouraged me to think ahead and be ready for the unexpected. One lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career is his advice: "If you come with a problem, come with a solution."
He also believed that knowledge is both power and privilege, and he taught me never to miss an opportunity to learn, grow or develop a new skill. Those principles continue to guide me today and have played a significant role in shaping both my professional mindset and my approach to leadership.
How do you keep developing your skills?
I believe continuous learning is essential in our industry, especially given the evolving nature of aviation risks, insurance markets, regulations and emerging technologies. I regularly stay informed through industry publications, market updates and insurer briefings, while also learning from collaboration with colleagues and specialists across Gallagher's global network.
In addition, I seek opportunities to expand my expertise through professional development, client interactions and challenging projects that expose me to new risks and solutions.
What makes your team a great one to work on?
What makes our team great to work with is the combination of specialized expertise, collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence. Our team structure, comprising a Director, an Account Manager and a Technical Assistant, all dedicated to aviation, allows us to support every aspect of the client experience.
What motivates you when work gets challenging?
What motivates me most when work gets challenging is the opportunity to find solutions and make a meaningful difference for our clients. I'm also motivated by the responsibility of supporting my team and contributing to the growth of our aviation practice. Challenges are often opportunities to learn, improve, create value and see the positive impact of our work on our clients.
The Gallagher Way tenet #20 says, "We run to problems — not away from them." What does "run to problems" look like in a real scenario for your team?
That is exactly how we tackle challenges — we don't delay; we address them and find solutions. We focus on finding a path forward!
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
What I am most proud of is the growth I've experienced throughout my career. From a 24-year-old with little knowledge of the insurance industry to an experienced broker working alongside some of the world's leading aviation companies. The journey has challenged me to continuously learn, adapt and push myself beyond my comfort zone. Looking back, I'm proud not only of what I've accomplished but of the professional I have become along the way.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career?
Dive in and learn everything that's in front of you. Ask questions, and don't be afraid to challenge the answers. Anticipate what could go wrong and think proactively about solutions. Everyone you meet has something to teach you, and no matter where you are in your career, there will always be something new to learn. If you remain open to learning, you'll continue to grow.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Running is one of my favorite activities. For me, it's both a physical challenge and a form of meditation. I enjoy the discipline it requires and the sense of accomplishment that comes from continually pushing my limits, whether by improving my pace or tackling longer distances.
Coffee, tea or something else entirely?
One cup of coffee in the morning and the rest of the time only water. When I want a treat, it's a glass full of ice, a wedge of lime and a Diet Coke!
