PROFESSIONALISM / NIBA Mentoring Program
Celebrating the success of the
2023 NIBA Mentoring Program 2023 marked the 15th edition of the NIBA Mentoring Program, and it featured an exciting development – for the first time, the program was conducted simultaneously in five different states with a record number of participants. Hear from three mentees about their experience of participating in the program this year. How did you first hear about the NIBA Mentoring Program? The Mentoring Program came highly recommended by my senior managers at the time of this year’s performance appraisal. The key offerings from the program encouraged me to join, as that could help me in achieving my 12-month professional development goal at my current workplace BAC Insurance Brokers.
“The NIBA Mentoring Program gave my selfconfidence a massive boost”
What did you want to achieve through the program? I came into the program looking to learn new skills in handling complex claims including dispute resolution, along with learning communication/leadership skills, understanding different personalities and to adjust accordingly. Also, I wanted to learn techniques in ‘managing up’ to assist our executive management appropriately and efficiently. How was your experience of being a mentee in this year’s program? Every single week, I learned new things that helped build my confidence and knowledge to help me perform to my best ability in my role at BAC. During the course of the program, my mentor helped me realise that I was working towards my goals already and my professional knowledge was actually quite advanced, but it was my own confidence and self-doubt which was holding me back from excelling in my field. What has the NIBA Mentoring Program given you? Someone who has been in your shoes before will be able to help you in identifying your goals, provide you with guidance and materials on how to handle a complex situation, help to make you realise the things you are doing correctly or areas where you need improvement, provide constructive criticism, and also encourage you to take a step ahead to achieve success. The NIBA Mentoring Program gave my self-confidence a massive boost. The webinars and workshops we attended helped put a lot of things in perspective for me which brought a positive change in my attitude, works ethic and performance at work. My mentor Gemma, who was my biggest supporter, is now a lifelong friend that I will always be grateful for. I also made new contacts from the program which will help me in future as well.
42 / INSURANCE ADVISER DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024
MENTEE Shruti Shah Senior Claims Consultant, Claims and Advisory BAC Insurance Brokers
