Mentorship, Networks, and Growth: Reflections on a Global Career

Letter to my Younger Self

Dear Eric,

You are about to embark on a journey that will take you far from home – across continents, cultures, and countless new experiences. If I could offer you some guidance from the future, here’s what I would want you to know.

First, embrace the unknown. When you land in Singapore, everything will feel unfamiliar. Don’t shy away from it – lean in. The ability to adapt quickly and remain open to new ways of working will become one of your greatest strengths. Every new environment is an opportunity to learn, not just about business, but about yourself.

You’ll soon discover that success in reinsurance is not just about technical expertise. It’s about people. The relationships you build will shape your career in ways you can’t yet imagine. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards; it’s about genuine curiosity and generosity. Take the time to listen, to ask questions, and to offer your help. These connections will become your support system, your sounding board, and sometimes, your lifeline.

Mentorship will play a pivotal role in your journey. For example, in South Korea, you’ll face cultural shocks and technical challenges that will test your humility. Seek out those who have walked the path before you. Their guidance will help you navigate uncertainty and grow in confidence. Remember, a mentor is not just someone with a senior title, but someone who listens, challenges, and inspires you. Be proactive – don’t wait for mentorship to find you. Ask for advice, share your aspirations, and be honest about your challenges. Most people are willing to help if they see your commitment to learning.

As you move from market to market – Japan, Australia, India, Canada, and beyond – you’ll learn that every place has its own rhythm. Listen before you lead. In Australia, you’ll build strong bonds by facing challenges together. In India, you’ll learn from local experts that curiosity and humility are essential, no matter how much you think you know. In Canada, you’ll adapt your approach to a broker-driven market, learning to negotiate and collaborate in new ways.

Leadership is tested in times of crisis – like during the pandemic, when you’ll realise the limits of virtual collaboration - from your home in Singapore - and the enduring value of human connection.

Eventually, you’ll find yourself in Switzerland, leading specialty lines with a global perspective. By then, you’ll have transitioned from mentee to mentor. This is a humbling shift. Remember: your role as a mentor is not to provide all the answers, but to help others find their own. Encourage questions, foster open dialogue, and share your own missteps as well as your successes.

As Executive Sponsor of the Young Professionals Network in Zurich, you’ll see first-hand the power of creating a space where curiosity, ambition, and collaboration thrive. Get involved in these networks early – they will broaden your horizons and help you see possibilities beyond your immediate role.

Finally, be patient with yourself. Careers are not linear. There will be moments of doubt, times when progress feels slow, and decisions that seem daunting. In those moments, lean on your mentors and your network. Growth often happens in the spaces between milestones.

So, step boldly into the unknown. Invest in relationships, seek guidance without hesitation, and when the time comes, be the mentor you once needed. Your journey will be richer for it – and so will the journeys of those who follow.

Warm regards,
Eric

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