Building Teams, Driving Growth: Zac Isfjord Named an Insurance Business Canada Rising Star
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Western Financial Group is proud to announce that Zac Isfjord, Director, Commercial Sales, has been named one of Insurance Business Canada's Rising Stars, a prestigious designation recognizing outstanding insurance professionals under the age of 35 who are helping shape the future of the industry. The annual program highlights emerging leaders from across Canada who demonstrate exceptional performance, leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the insurance profession. Candidates are evaluated based on their accomplishments, career progression, contributions to the industry and recommendations from senior leaders.
For Zac, the recognition reflects both professional success and a passion for building high-performing teams. Since leading Western's expansion into Kitchener, Ontario, he has played a key role in driving growth while fostering a culture of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.
In just one year, Zac successfully recruited and onboarded 20 sales professionals, building a strong foundation for Western's continued growth in Ontario. His leadership helped establish a thriving office that has exceeded expectations and positioned the organization for further expansion.
Colleagues and leaders at Western describe Zac as a strategic thinker with a strong ability to identify opportunities, develop talent and inspire those around him. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of the Kitchener office and has helped advance Western's growth ambitions in one of the company's key markets.
Known for his commitment to mentoring and supporting others, Zac has earned a reputation as a collaborative and approachable leader who consistently embodies Western's values of truthfulness, value, fairness and loyalty. His ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients alike has contributed to a positive workplace culture and a highly engaged team.
Beyond business performance, Zac has also contributed to initiatives that strengthen Western's workplace culture. Among his accomplishments, he played a role in supporting Western's award winning diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, helping advance meaningful work that benefits employees, customers and communities.
Those who have worked closely with Zac point to his resilience, curiosity and drive as key factors behind his success. His willingness to embrace challenges, continuously learn and pursue new opportunities has enabled him to make a significant impact early in his career while positioning him for continued growth as a leader in the insurance industry.
As the insurance industry continues to evolve, young leaders like Zac are helping shape its future through innovation, adaptability and a people-first approach. His recognition as an Insurance Business Canada Rising Star reflects not only what he has accomplished so far, but also the contributions he is expected to make in the years ahead.
Congratulations, Zac, on this well-deserved recognition.
Q&A with Zac Isfjord
What attracted you to a career in the insurance industry, and what has kept you motivated?
I didn’t grow up thinking I’d work in insurance. What attracted me was the opportunity to solve real problems for business owners and build long-term relationships. Every business has a story, and being able to help protect what someone has spent years building is incredibly rewarding.
What has kept me motivated is the people. Whether it’s helping a client navigate a difficult situation or seeing someone on my team develop confidence and succeed in their career, those moments are what make the work meaningful.
Insurance is constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to learn. That combination of continuous learning, relationship building and the opportunity to make a real impact is what continues to motivate me every day.
You built and grew a successful team in Kitchener in a short amount of time. What have you learned about leadership and developing future insurance professionals?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about creating an environment where people can do their best work.
I believe in hiring great people, giving them the tools and support they need, and then trusting them to succeed. That means setting clear expectations, having honest conversations, celebrating wins, and treating mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than reasons to criticize.
I’ve also learned that everyone develops differently. The best leaders take the time to understand what motivates each individual instead of trying to lead everyone the same way.
If you invest in people, genuinely care about their success and challenge them to keep improving, great business results usually follow.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the insurance industry and the opportunities it offers for young professionals?
I think we’re entering one of the most exciting periods our industry has seen in decades.
Technology and AI are changing how we work, but they aren’t replacing the need for trusted advisors. If anything, they’re allowing us to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time helping clients solve complex problems and build stronger relationships.
For young professionals, that creates tremendous opportunity. The industry offers meaningful careers, the chance to learn from experienced leaders and the ability to make a real impact on businesses and communities.
My advice is to stay curious, embrace change and never stop investing in your own growth. The people who combine strong relationships with a willingness to adapt will help shape the future of our industry.
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