Personal Journey and Motivation
The opportunity to transform businesses, develop talent, and create value for key stakeholders has been the driving force behind my career aspirations. I enjoy challenges and hence chose to work in multiple industries and across markets and geographies. My career started with Philips India in CE, forayed into FMCG with ITC Ltd, and later transitioned to the financial industry, working with Banks such as HSBC, Bank of America, HDFC Bank, Standard Chartered, and Centurion Bank. With the privatization of Life Insurance in India, I took up the challenge and joined the industry where there were opportunities to drive change and make financial protection more accessible to the public.
Significant Accomplishments as a Business Leader
Throughout my career, I was fortunate to work with the best of leaders, cross-functional colleagues, and teams which helped me achieve significant milestones, contributing to the organization and individual success as a business leader. In addition to setting up business and driving transformation, it is developing and grooming people that has been most satisfying. Working across markets and cultures, I had the opportunity to mentor and groom talent, many of whom were recognized on prestigious regional platforms, a testimony to the dedication to seeing talent prosper. Some other highlights include leading exponential growth in Manulife Vietnam, repositioning the JV in the Philippines, catapulting Centurion Bank among the top 4 Banks on Life Insurance new business premium production in India, and transforming Union Assurance as among the fastest-growing Life Insurer, bancassurance market leader, and digital leader in Sri Lanka.
Leadership Style and Approach to Driving Growth and Success
It is important to believe in empowering team members, providing them with the latitude to operate without micro-managing. Having facilitated platforms and inculcating a culture where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn and encourage the generation of innovative ideas, my leadership style can be described as transformative and collaborative. Effective communication is a cornerstone of effective leadership. I strive to maintain high engagement across all levels of the organization, ensuring that everyone has a voice. Another crucial aspect is the focus on people grooming. I believe in identifying and nurturing talent within the organization, providing them with the necessary guidance and opportunities for growth.
Unique Strategies and Initiatives for Differentiation
During my tenure at Union Assurance, we were able to introduce a striking new identity for Union Assurance, ushering the beginning of the Company’s strategic transformation. The reimagined brand heralded a new positioning for Union Assurance, transcending from being a mere financial provider to being positioned as a partner for life. We disrupted the industry with the launch of the first in market AI-backed digital self-servicing app, Clicklife, that engages and empowers our customers and distributors. We made history securing global rank as the first Life Insurer in Sri Lanka to produce 300 MDRT qualifiers. In addition, we were able to implement paperless operations, 100% online submissions and e-policies. Union Assurance is also the only life insurer to launch the e-MER and digital medical records system, aimed to profoundly elevate the customer experience.
Staying Informed and Contributing to Success as a Business Leader
Our industry is ever-evolving, and hence it is critical to believe in the philosophy of ‘sharpening the saw’, continuously unlearning, learning, and relearning. It is crucial to stay grounded, connected, and engaged with people to understand the business context and make informed decisions. Also, as an Executive Committee member of the local industry body IASL and other international associations and platforms, there is access to a network of industry experts and thought leaders, facilitating knowledge sharing and staying updated with global best practices. Additionally, participating in conferences and industry events, browsing global journals, articles, and research publications provide valuable insights.
Future Aspirations as a Business Leader
It is most satisfying to lead new market entry, transform challenging businesses across the region, and be part of new-age digital initiatives that help simplify customer propositions, adding value to key stakeholders. I earnestly believe in demystifying insurance, making insurance accessible and affordable to all by making it simple and easy. By simplifying complex concepts and adopting innovative approaches and digitizing the customer journey, we can bridge the gap between insurance and the common person. This transformative mindset enables me to drive growth, expand into untapped markets, and groom talent that can navigate the ever-changing landscape of the insurance industry.
