Turning 70 and reaching 40 years in the insolvency profession has given me a rare opportunity to pause and reflect on a career that’s felt more like a calling than a job.
Insolvency often carries a stigma, but those of us in the field know the truth: we are, more often than not, stress relievers. When clients walk through our doors burdened with uncertainty, our job is to provide calm, objective guidance. I’ve always found fulfilment in helping people regain control and clarity during difficult times—offering not just technical solutions, but real relief.
One of the reasons I’ve enjoyed this profession so much is because it’s inherently “live.” We’re not historians; we deal with the present and the future. Each engagement is dynamic and evolving, which keeps the work engaging and meaningful. That immediacy has always appealed to me, and it’s a big part of why this never really felt like work.
What’s kept me going for four decades isn’t just the work, though—it’s the people. Our team at HLB Mann Judd Insolvency WA has always been a source of inspiration. Watching our staff grow, both technically and personally, is one of the greatest rewards of my career. I take genuine pride in the culture we’ve built, where people can thrive professionally while being supported as individuals.
Of course, the industry has changed considerably since I first started. Compliance obligations have expanded significantly, which has unfortunately increased the cost base of the services we provide. While that presents its challenges, it’s also a reflection of a maturing and increasingly sophisticated regulatory environment—one that’s ultimately aimed at protecting the interests of all stakeholders.
Looking back, I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to help people, to work with incredible colleagues, and to be part of a profession that continues to challenge and motivate me every day.
To those starting out in the field, or even those considering it: if you want a career where you can make a genuine difference, work alongside great people, and constantly grow, you could do far worse than insolvency.
Here’s to the next chapter—whenever that may be and whatever that may hold.
– Kim Wallman
