RGA Leaders of Tomorrow Spotlight: Ayodele Ayun, Head of Business Development, Custodian & Allied Insurance Ltd.

What did being named an RGA Leader of Tomorrow mean to you?
It was a great experience for me to be named RGA Leader of Tomorrow; it actually gives a sense of fulfillment and an attestation that my career efforts and strides are being recognized. In addition and more importantly, RGA LoT bequeaths on me more responsibility. As a leader you are also expected to be  a thought leader and proffer solutions to identified challenges within the industry or sector through innovative ideas. In Nigeria and most markets in Africa, one of the major insurance challenges we contend with is low penetration; it behooves on young professionals like myself to conceptualize and develop innovative ideas to address this long standing problem with the objective to turn the trend around. In essence it is a call to do more for the insurance profession and the society at large. 

How did participating in the LOT program contribute to your career development?
Participating in the LOT program did have significant positive impact on my career growth. The program accorded me the opportunity to be under the mentorship and tutelage of a seasoned and accomplished Global Business Executive.  The interesting engagements and discussions with my Mentor during the program exposed me to some core leadership skills and management techniques which are quite effective for me in executing tasks and job responsibilities.

More so, considering the spread and diversity of participants on the program, RGA LoT provided a platform for sharing of ideas, experience, peculiarities and emerging trends across the globe. A handful of these interesting learning points/trends I have been able to share with my team and already implementing.  The RGA LoT have positively impacted my career development and prepared me for higher leadership tasks.