Statement of personal achievement

Example 11 – Gavin Gold, Pin: 007007G

Overview

In 1997 I retired from the services of one of the “big three” Insurance Companies in Nigeria as Chief Executive/Vice Chairman.

I did not realise that I could still be found useful in the private sector of the Nigerian Economy until I was invited between 1999 and 2001 to serve on the boards of some viable organisations as a Non-Executive Director and in some others as a Chairman.

It has been my ultimate aim to become a Fellow of the CII London since 1968 when I passed two Fellowship subjects out of six on the old syllabus. I sat for the remaining four subjects at different times but unfortunately I did not pass the examinations. For this reason I felt disappointed and discouraged to continue with the examinations.

However, when in the year 2001 I learnt that the CII would accept my MBA Degree as a major achievement to be able to gain Fellowship status, I perceived the circumstance as an opportunity for me to be able to embark on the new Fellowship programme. This information did not only rekindle my hope but also made me feel confident that I would be able to complete the programme within a short time frame.

Fellowship Plan

Although I have been a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) since 1988, I was still keen to enroll on the Fellowship programme that would lead me to attain the Fellowship status of the CII London which is internationally recognised and also assist me further in the development of my management skills.

Incidentally, the council of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria appointed me a Chief Examiner for Insurance Marketing just immediately after I embarked on the Fellowship programme. This I considered a challenge and opportunity to further improve my academic knowledge of Insurance Marketing in its entire ramification. Also in 2003, the CIIN, appointed me Chairman, Fellowship Assessment Committee and inspired me further to be able to forge ahead with my Fellowship programme, especially realising that four out of the six members of the Committee are Fellows of the CII London by examination. In this circumstance my Fellowship plan has in no small measure assisted me in matching my personal goals with the expectations of the CIIN.

Changes to Fellowship Plan

Some of my friends and colleagues advised against my pursuing the programme as they felt the Fellowship qualification would be of no value to any employer since I am no longer responsible to any employer and moreover, I am over 60 years old. Despite all their advice and persuasion, I continued with the programme. Unfortunately I discovered that my eyes had been afflicted with a disease called “Cataract” and for this reason, I had to suspend the programme for a while and felt partially discouraged to continue. Eventually, I had the cataract removed surgically and continued with the programme. The increased responsibilities in the office and those at the Institute coupled with my illness have been responsible for the delay in the completion of the programme.

Key learning points

The Fellowship programme generally has enabled me to increase my knowledge of insurance and other businesses in the financial services industry such as Banking, Stock Broking and Mortgage Financing etc. Of particular note, is the importance of Business Ethics issues in the Fellowship programme. My successful completion of this aspect of the programme has benefited me a great deal as it has had an impact on my role as an Insurance and Management Consultant. I now have a better understanding of the Business Ethical issues and an analytical approach to decision making.

Key skills and knowledge acquired

In the course of the programme, I discovered that one of my weaknesses was procrastination and I have developed time management skills which have now turned my weakness into a strength. I am now able to manage my time more efficiently with determination to get many important issues resolved within a reasonable time frame. I feel my leadership and communication skills have improved as I speak confidently at meetings and proffer possible solutions especially when taking decisions on sensitive business issues. My colleagues on the boards and management have openly acknowledged these qualities in me. The completion of my CPD records has exposed me to most of the activities of the Institute, which has been beneficial to me as well as the Institute that has always been making use of my services.

Intentions for the future

I will continue to study further to improve my skills especially in the areas of Business Management and Information Technology. To this end, I have acquired a modern Personal Computer with which I train myself on the use of the Internet. My new Consultancy firm ABC has been re-organised to train young managers on management techniques and information technology. As a Principal Consultant, I intend to render advisory services to Chief Executives on the on-going reforms on the Recapitalisation and Consolidation of Insurance Companies in Nigeria. It is also my intention to pursue a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Corporate Governance in the future.

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