RSA Insurance, one of Canada’s top property and casualty insurers, recently hosted its annual “Making Partner Program,” a weeklong executive education program intended to enhance the skills and knowledge base of preeminent brokers who are on track to become senior managers in their respective organizations.
As part of this endeavor, 20 leaders are hand selected by RSA to attend comprehensive training at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
The program revolves around 10 pivotal business themes which are imparted through a combination of academic coursework, classroom discussion, hands-on exercises, and extensive interaction with the program’s distinguished faculty.
In fact, it is this very interface with distinguished faculty that many brokers consider to be an exemplary feature of the Making Partners initiative.
“Part of what makes this program stand out is the quality of faculty and session leaders, most of whom were world-class faculty members and practitioners in the field, and they all wanted to see us succeed,” said Jeff Jones, vice president, Jones & Associates Insurance. “We had several session leaders who presented to us and a few days later we could engage with them at breakfast meetings – they would come in early just to meet with us and clarify any questions we had or discuss the topic further.”
As a result, participants of the program find that they are able to bring their newly developed expertise back to their places of business, and actively use it to advance organizational goals.
“For me, personally, there was one session that was extremely valuable to me called ‘Building Customer Value.’ It explored the science behind why customers make decisions and what we can do to turn those around,” said Jennifer Lowrey, branch manager, Vancouver Island Insurance Centres.
In addition to more effectively serving clients, Lowrey found that she is now better prepared to serve at the helm of her company.
“There was also one called ‘Transformational Leadership’ that demonstrated how leaders can change the culture of their organizations through simple steps, which provided a lot of ‘Aha!’ moments for me,” she said.
Finally, the program is distinctive the way it provides ongoing training and support to alumni, as part of its commitment to lifelong learning.
“I love that as an alumnus, I have access to award-winning teachers and consultants through the ‘Queen’s By Your Side’ promise,” said Jones. “If I ever need to discuss ideas or brainstorm solutions to any issues I may have, they will be there, whether that’s tomorrow or in five years.”
