BII: Take Ownership Of Career Development
Women were urged to take ownership of their own career development in order to achieve their aspirations during a lunch and learn organized to find solutions to issues preventing women succeeding in the re/insurance sector.
That was one of the key messages delivered by Kathleen Faries, Head of TMR Bermuda, and Fiona Luck, a long-time industry Executive who has been recently appointed to the Lloyds Franchise Board, at the first of a series of events organised held earlier this week by the Bermuda Insurance Institute [BII] to promote women’s professional development.
Ms Faries and Ms Luck spoke about ‘What We Wish We Had Known….’ and drew on their extensive experience in the re/insurance industry to give the attendees advice on how to prosper.
They highlighted the need to create an overarching life motto as a constant guide, to be adaptable as change was now a constant factor in careers and to make sure women surrounded themselves with smart people.
“Own your own career development,” added Ms Luck. “The organisations you work for may not know what your aspirations are. We have all the skills, all the training, strong emotional intelligence, but we are not always confidant enough. You will feel nervous about things but get the confidence to just give it a shot.
“We know we can do things just as well as men, but sometimes we have to prove it, so get your qualifications, stay current by knowing what is happening in the industry and what people are doing.”
Ms Faries told the audience at the event at O’Hara House: “Do not be afraid to think about how you are doing. Do a performance check on yourself and think about how you can continue to develop yourself.
“And do not be afraid to fail, do not be afraid of taking risks. It is how you react to failure that matters.”
Malcolm Butterfield, the BII’s CEO, said he was planning a year-long series of events on women’s professional development and some top speakers, including men, are being lined up.
“I want to thank BF&M and TMR for sponsoring the first event which was extremely well received. Kathleen and Fiona are a formidable double act and I think many women in the room found their advice quite inspirational.”
The next women’s series event is being planned for Tuesday, July 10.
