Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
Michaela Muller’s journey in education epitomises a profound dedication to teaching and sustainability that traces back to her formative years. A lifelong passion for education ignited during her childhood and flourished when a Design and Technology teacher in Year 12 inspired her to pursue her love for creative design and share it with future students. After graduating from university in 2017, she was eager to start her career as a teacher in high school.
Michaela’s teaching career continued to evolve as she accepted the role of Design and Innovation Assistant Head of Department. During this time, she also adopted the role of the Leader of Sustainability at Hills Grammar, where she diligently integrated eco-conscious practices into her teaching, instilling in her students a sense of responsibility towards reducing their environmental footprint.
It was during this time that Michaela collaborated with CHEN, fostering a union between the community and school to safeguard and study native wildlife under the banner of “Project Change,” a platform for students to effect tangible improvements within their community. From here, she became a founding member of the Educators for Sustainability group in conjunction with Heads of Independent Co-Educational Schools (HICES) and was put forward by the HICES to host the inaugural Education for Sustainability EXPO and partake in the first Earth Shot Prize challenge.
Throughout 2023, her leadership extended to various educational spheres, including student wellbeing, curriculum development, technological access and professional learning for staff.
As the Acting Head of Design and Innovation at Hills Grammar, Michaela has excelled, consistently embracing new challenges and spearheading initiatives that drive positive change and innovation within the school community. Her unwavering commitment to educational excellence and sustainable practices underscores a career marked by growth, leadership and impactful achievements.
43 Kenthurst Road, Kenthurst 2156
029 654 2111
michaela.muller@hillsgrammar.nsw.edu.au
au.linkedin.com/school/hills-grammar
hillsgrammar.nsw.edu.au
Michaela Muller
Acting Head of Design and Innovation
Hills Grammar
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Bio
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Bio
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Bio
Milestones
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
2018
2019
2020
2022
2023
TAS Teacher at Marian Catholic College
TAS Teacher at Gilroy Catholic College
2018
TAS Teacher at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College
2019
Design and Innovation Teacher at Hills Grammar
2020
Leader of Sustainability and Assistant Head of Department Design and Innovation at Hills Grammar
2022
Acting Head of Design and Innovation at Hills Grammar
Founding member of Educators for Sustainability
2023
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
• Gold award for Magazine or Newspaper Advertisement
• Silver award for Promotional Email
• Silver award for Most Out-of-the-Box Idea
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying,” adds Phillips Topping.
“Marketing is a very busy space. The challenge is to keep it fresh and keep it new. There’s so much out there. You have to think about how to break through.”
Since joining the firm in 2015, Ryan Specialty has:
• completed 28 acquisitions
• launched 10 companies
“With each acquisition and de novo formation, a large branding component is involved,” says Phillips Topping.
Speaking on the importance of spotlighting marketing professionals, Phillips Topping says, “It’s imperative to shine a light on those who aren’t necessarily brokers or underwriters. There are so many different aspects of the industry. It’s nice to show all the great work that’s being done behind the scenes.”
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