By: Georgette Virgo
Joseph Tanus Chubatte, also known as Joseph Chubatte, is a self-made entrepreneur whose 30-year journey in the insurance brokerage industry highlights resilience, vision, and determination. As the co-founder of more than 12 companies across the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) region, Mr. Chubatte has built a legacy that spans insurance, consultancy, trade, gold, and e-commerce.
In an interview with Economic Insider, Mr. Chubatte offers a glimpse of some of the pivotal moments in his career, highlighting stories of struggle, growth, and innovation that have informed his business philosophy. He also opens up about the lessons learned from setbacks and how these experiences fueled his drive to succeed.
An Interview with Mr. Joseph Chubatte
Mr. Joseph Chubatte, you started your career at the young age of 12. What motivated you to begin working at such an early age?
Answer: At 12, I was driven to start working primarily due to an intense curiosity and a desire to make something of my own. Additionally, there was an element of necessity; contributing to my family’s income was necessary.
This combination of personal interest and external circumstances motivated me to enter the working world early. It was a challenging yet rewarding beginning that taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, lessons that have been invaluable throughout my career.
What made you choose the insurance industry as your career path?
Answer: I chose the insurance industry because it’s essential—everyone needs insurance, making it a practical and impactful field. It combines problem-solving with the ability to help people manage risks directly.
How did your experience in Cyprus, where you became a lead salesperson for a timeshare company, influence your future career decisions?
Answer: My experience in Cyprus shaped my future career decisions. Working as a lead salesperson for a timeshare company amidst such a turbulent period taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability. I faced economic instability directly and saw how quickly circumstances can change. This taught me to navigate uncertainty strategically. I developed a mindset focused on adaptability and planning.
This experience honed my skills in crisis management and helped me understand the value of preparedness—qualities that are incredibly pertinent to the insurance industry. Communicating effectively and empathetically became crucial as I dealt with customers from diverse backgrounds facing their challenges.
It solidified my interest in roles that require an understanding of risk management and the ability to think on one’s feet. That ultimately guided me in my transition into insurance.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your early days as a door-to-door insurance broker? What prompted your transition into becoming a freelance insurance broker?
Answer: In my early days as a door-to-door insurance broker, I mainly struggled to build trust and handle frequent rejections. I transitioned to a freelance broker for more autonomy and to offer my clients a broader range of tailored insurance options, enhancing my ability to meet their specific needs.
Why did you relocate to Abu Dhabi in 2006, and how different was the business environment there?
Answer: I relocated to Abu Dhabi in 2006 primarily because of the war in Lebanon. The ongoing instability made it challenging to maintain an everyday life and conduct business. Moving to Abu Dhabi offered a stable environment in which to rebuild and grow personally and professionally.
The business environment in Abu Dhabi was quite different—it was more structured and had a rapidly growing economy. This presented new opportunities and a need for diverse insurance solutions, which matched my aptitude and desire to innovate the industry well. The transition was a significant change but ultimately provided a safer and more prosperous setting for my family and career.
At Al Dhafra Insurance Company PSJ, you became a business development manager and assistant general manager in just two years. How do these two roles differ? How did you adjust to the role change?
Answer: As business development manager at Al Dhafra Insurance Company PSJ, I focused on expanding our client base and driving sales strategies. When I became assistant general manager, my responsibilities widened to managing overall operations and strategic planning for the company.
Adjusting to this change meant shifting from a sales-driven role to a broader management and leadership position, requiring a deeper understanding of the business and enhanced leadership skills to guide the company’s direction and growth.
Mr. Joseph Chubatte, what inspired you to establish Capital Shield Insurance Brokers LLC despite having a secured position? What were your biggest fears, and how did you overcome them?
Answer: I founded Capital Shield Insurance Brokers LLC in 2010 to offer personalized, innovative insurance solutions. Despite the security of my previous job, the desire to create something aligned with my vision was stronger.
My biggest fears were leaving a stable job and the initial uncertainties of starting a new business. I overcame these by relying on detailed market research, using my industry experience, and focusing on exceptional client service to differentiate us from competitors.
How did you work on gaining the trust of your first clients in your new, small insurance brokerage firm?
Answer: I emphasized exceptional customer service and robust after-sales support to build trust with our first clients at the brokerage. I engaged closely with clients, verifying they understood exactly how our products could benefit them and always being accessible to answer their questions.
Your company manages billions in insured assets today. What was the turning point that led to this scale of growth? How do you maintain service quality while managing such significant growth?
Answer: The turning point for our growth came when we secured several large corporate accounts, dramatically increasing our insured assets and bolstering our market presence. This success allowed us to expand our offerings and footprint.
To maintain high service quality during this expansion, I focused on building a strong team that aligns with our core principles. We’ve invested in attracting skilled professionals who are committed to our standards of excellence. Sticking to our foundational principles and continuously enhancing our processes and technology certifies that our service quality keeps pace with our growth.
What prompted the decision to rebrand as Abu Dhabi Insurance Brokers in 2022?
How do you maintain company culture and values while expanding across different territories?
Answer: Rebranding Abu Dhabi Insurance Brokers in 2022 was driven by a desire to strengthen our identity with a name that reflects our roots and commitment to the region. This change aimed to enhance our visibility and connection with local markets, aligning our brand closely with our geographical focus and growth strategies.
We emphasize consistent training and communication to maintain our company culture and values while expanding across territories. We make certain that every new team member, regardless of location, understands and embraces our core values from day one. Our regular internal updates and workshops help reinforce our principles and practices, building a unified culture beyond geographical boundaries.
What are your biggest challenges as an entrepreneur and running multiple businesses and endeavors?
Answer: One of the biggest challenges I have faced in the insurance brokerage industry has been handling the complexities of expanding and managing multiple ventures across different markets. Common issues such as intense competition, maintaining operational efficiency, and meeting diverse client expectations have always been part of the journey.
However, a challenging situation occurred when I attempted to expand my business into Iraq. While pursuing this expansion, I encountered individuals who tried to blackmail me. When I refused to comply with their unethical demands, they carried out their threats, spreading false and damaging narratives to defame my reputation in the media.
Despite the immense personal and professional toll, I stood firm in my principles, pursued legal action in Iraq and Lebanon, and ultimately achieved justice when these individuals were convicted and sentenced to jail.
This experience resulted in the stoppage of my operations in Iraq. It was a stark reminder of the challenges of standing up for integrity, and it strengthened my resolve as a leader committed to ethical practices.
After 30 years in the industry, what aspects of insurance brokerage still excite you?
Answer: After 30 years in the industry, I am excited to secure new clients, retain established ones, and mentor the latest generation of professionals. Each new client brings a unique challenge and an opportunity to develop bespoke solutions while maintaining long-term relationships, which confirms our ongoing value.
Additionally, guiding the next generation energizes me as I share the knowledge and values that have shaped my career, helping to contribute to the ongoing growth and evolution of the industry.
Mr. Joseph Chubatte, looking back at your journey from a 12-year-old worker to a business titan, what is the greatest lesson you learned?
Looking back at my journey from a 12-year-old worker to where I am today, the greatest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of dreaming big and embracing resilience. Being committed, staying genuine and honest in all dealings, and never giving up are fundamental.
Each rejection, every “no,” has been a step closer to a “yes,” teaching me that perseverance is key to success. These principles have shaped my career and guided me in building meaningful relationships and a lasting business.
A Leader’s Key to Success
Mr. Joseph Chubatte’s story reminds us that success is not a straight path but a journey defined by resilience, adaptability, and commitment to one’s vision. From his early days knocking on doors to building one of the UAE’s leading insurance brokerage firms, the founder believes that challenges are not setbacks but opportunities to grow stronger.
His ability to start small, embrace changes, and persevere through adversity has shaped his career and become an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in the MENA region and beyond.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a professional advisor before making any financial or business decisions.
Published by Stephanie M.
