As we get closer to the deadline for submitting your application for one of the NGIN committee positions (Friday 13th August 2021), we spoke to two of our current committee members, to gain some insight on what being a key part of the NGIN committee has been like for them.
With just a couple more days left to apply, take your chance to get your application in today! - https://www.nginlondon.com/join-the-committee
Ryan Cooper – Head of Events
What has been your favourite NGIN memory?
There has been more than one memorable moment for me whilst being on the NGIN committee. It was always great to receive positive feedback upon completion of events held, as well as having the opportunity to meet new contacts throughout the insurance industry and getting increased exposure to different lines and opportunities. The Boat Party in 2019 was one of my best memories, and the recent mental health event that I worked on was another personal highlight for me.
Give us some insight into your role on the NGIN committee – what does a day look like for you?
What’s great if that your role and responsibilities on the committee can work around your work and personal life; there’s a great balance in that sense. I usually dedicate around 1 hour on a weekly basis towards core committee duties; this time is usually attributed to corresponding with the NGIN committee, engaging with clients & partners regarding upcoming events, sourcing speakers, drafting event invites, and liaising with venues – all of this helps to engage with the more creative part of the mind.
What are the biggest things you’ve learnt from working in this role on the NGIN committee?
Collaboration between parties and individuals across the insurance industry. How to successfully host an event from inception to finish, which includes the creativity of coming up with an event idea and obtaining buy-in. Wider insurance knowledge & contacts. Stay current and ahead with news and developments in the insurance sector. Assisted in personal career development. Improvement in public speaking and self-confidence. Developed increased planning and organising skills. Made some friends and contacts along the way who I will stay in touch with for the future.
Benjamin Hindson – Chairman
What has been your favourite NGIN memory?
It's impossible to pick a favourite memory during my time with NGIN. The thing I have enjoyed the most has been meeting some of the most interesting people in the insurance industry and seeing them grow and take on bigger challenges. I've been lucky enough to take part in some fantastic events and to be a voice for the next generation of the insurance industry on numerous platforms. I find it really inspiring working with our fantastic committee, advocates, sponsors, partners and members and love having conversations with people from all different parts of the industry. Some of the achievements I'm most proud of since becoming Chair have been integrating ASSET into our Apprentices by NGIN offering, becoming an Inclusion@Lloyd's Partner Network and keeping the networking going throughout the pandemic.
Give us some insight into your role on the NGIN committee – what does a day look like for you?
As Chair, I coordinate all the activities on the committee making sure that we are progressing against the goals that we collectively set at the start of the year and that everyone on the committee is happy and engaged with what we're up to. A typical day usually involves checking in with different members of committee to see how I can help them, meeting with our event sponsors and partners, thinking about the longer-term direction of the network and making connections between our different stakeholders. On days when we host events, I work closely with the team to ensure everything is prepared for the session, that our guest speakers are comfortable and prepared, and that we create a brilliant atmosphere for our members to attend. I really enjoy working with other companies, thinking about how we can deliver value to the emerging leader community and how we can reach more people in the industry.
What are the biggest things you’ve learnt from working in this role on the NGIN committee?
NGIN provided me with the opportunity to develop skills that would have taken me years to develop within my day-to-day job. I've learnt the importance of communication, being able to bring people together around a common purpose, and then coordinate everyone around that mission. One of the big things I struggle with is delegation and being on the NGIN committee really taught me to be a better delegator. One of the core values of NGIN is that growth is only possible together and so learning to work as a diverse team, with many other competing priorities, has been a great experience.
I've also learnt about so many of the fantastic initiatives to support insurance industry professionals across every strand of inclusion, many of which are run entirely by volunteers doing this on top of their main jobs. The industry has a long way to go, but there is so much passion for change, which makes me so excited about where the industry will be in the coming years. I've also come to appreciate the power of having a strong network of peers behind you and what can be achieved when people come together to share their ideas.
With just a couple more days left to apply, take your chance to get your application in today! - https://www.nginlondon.com/join-the-committee