#NIBA2020: Fit for the future

Leadership futurist, Gihan Perera spoke to #NIBA2020 delegates about getting fit for the future; to understand, plan, and create the world we want to see.

Perera said, “COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in so many ways, but – for better or worse – we’ll mostly go back to the way things were when this is over. But some of those changes will stay with us forever.”

“All of us across the world are currently all navigating the same storm but in our own individual boats in our own ways.”

He stressed the importance that active learning and thoughtful decision-making can play in the future success of companies. With many real-life examples, pop culture reference and management anecdotes, Perera really brought home the importance of scenario planning and including a wider range of perspectives to lead effectively in uncertain times.

“Scan wider, observe trends unrelated to you, gain a broader perspective and then narrow in on the path you are going take. But always plan for a course of action when something unexpected happens,” Perera said.

Interacting with the delegates during the session peppered with challenging quizzes, he reminded them to not aim for perfection but for agility and effective decision-making that will make them fit for the future.

He said, “You get to pick the problem you want to solve for your clients. It should start with creating solutions that enhance customer value, and then work backwards to how you design and develop those solutions in your organisation.”

His advice to insurance brokers is, “Don’t wait for things to line up, start before you’re ready to make decisions that benefit you.”

Perera concluded by reminding the delegates, “It is disruption when it happens to you and innovation when you do it yourself.”