Spotlight on…is an initiative of WICI (Women in Credit Insurance) aiming at highlighting females working in the Trade Credit Insurance business and supporters of diversity in the industry. Every month, a new interview article will be published on ICISA website.
This month in the spotlight we have Ben Handley from WTW. Ben is currently working at WTW as Director, Regional Leader, The North, Wales and the Midlands. This is a role Ben started in January this year, having previously been Head of CGS account management at Coface. Prior to that Ben held various roles at Allianz Trade (Euler Hermes) including a spell in Hong Kong as Regional Distribution Director. Ben has joined WTW, as part of their continued commitment to cement their position as a global leader in trade credit broking, with an increased presence across the UK. Ben now lives near Manchester with his family and is actively involved in his children’s rugby and cricket clubs.
1. What was your main motivation to support / endorse WICI?
Diversity and equality in the workplace is something that should happen naturally but unfortunately it doesn’t.
Groups like WICI are key, not only to raising awareness of the challenges faced but also to provide fantastic role models to people both inside and outside of our industry.
I believe supporting WICI, and similar groups, is something we have a responsibility to do to continue to drive the move to equality.
2. Why do you believe in gender diversity in TCI?
I’m raising 2 young children, one boy and one girl and I want them to both have the same opportunities in life. I live in hope that they are the first generation that this may be their reality, but there is still al lot of work to be done!
Unless we continue to focus on gender diversity then the “be who you see” motivation can easily drift – we must be role models in the way we act and provide role models for children to aspire to be.
3. What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?
Keeping up with change! This isn’t necessarily just the change within our own industry, which is a huge consideration in itself. It’s about the world around us, be that the impact of a changing world on our teams, our future hires or our clients. As leaders we have to adapt to the needs of all and while we have to have rules and boundaries, we need to create an environment that works for all within these!
4. What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt during your career?
Every day is a school day. No matter how long you’ve been working in an industry there’s always something new to learn. I’ve been fortunate to have 2 successful careers in my life – one in the motor industry and one in TCI. In both cases the key to success was learning from people around me and developing from what I saw. These lessons can come from anybody you interact with, a throw away comment from your kids, the “stupid” question (they never are stupid questions) from a new joiner, the great leaders you work with, the terrible leaders you work for!
5. What are the biggest obstacles to career growth in our industry?
Our industry faces a challenge of growth full stop! If we don’t grow as an industry, then by default the career opportunities don’t grow and in real terms shrink as we get more technology. As an industry we must look at new ways to bring businesses on board, I strongly believe this isn’t about diluting the product we currently have by “improving” the structures but by actually innovating and finding ways to make the product desirable to a wider market. If we get the industry growing then the career opportunities will grow as well
6. What do you do to ensure that you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
Self reflection, or often self criticism! I’m definitely guilty of over thinking things but this is typically more in terms of reviewing what I’ve done and what I could have done better. I’m also a big fan of podcasts and TED talks so I will use those to learn and of course pass the time on the commute!
7. What is your favourite part of your job?
People! I love being in front of clients, always have. Even the toughest meetings will have positives. Relationship building is so important in what we do and face to face meetings are key to that
Of course, it’s not just the clients I love being part of and leading teams, creating a great team environment is such a win for everyone involved! A collaborative team can achieve so much more than a group of talented individuals.
8. How did you get to where you are today?
Hard work and a bit of luck is the easy answer here!
To be serious though there’s a few things I reflect on that have really helped me. I’m definitely thankful to the support of friends, family and particularly my Wife. We’ve been together 26 years this year and she has always been a voice of reason and often challenge a long the way. She also left a very senior job when we moved to Hong Kong, a big sacrifice for either half of a relationship to do for the others job! She’s since set up 2 incredible successful businesses, so it worked out to be a good decision!
The other thing is self-belief, for a long time I was guilty of imposter syndrome but after my redundancy in 2008 a good friend was helping me prep for interviews. He talked me through the importance of self-awareness and having the belief that you’re the right person for a role and the other person will be “lucky” to have you. It’s a balance not to be arrogant but self-belief allows me to be calm and give the best version of myself!
9. What helps you to unwind/destress?
For all I moan about my social life being basically a taxi between my children’s sports! I do get a lot of pleasure from watching them compete on the Rugby field, swimming pool or cricket pitch and it definitely allows me to switch off from work!
