Jennifer Baloun’s Post

“You are going to be running an insurance business. You will be competing with nine other insurance businesses.” - Paul Hewett, Director at MDA Training. This philosophy defines our approach at MDA Training, where we shape tomorrow’s workforce with experiential learning solutions that drive real impact. After the training, one participant shared: “Being here, I can say I’ve grown so much. It gives you confidence. You get to meet a broad variety of people.” Another added: “You are not sitting in the classroom writing down the work. You are collaborating with your group. It’s more engaging – I have more motivation to listen in and learn.” Looking to enhance your team’s learning and development? Reach out via our website, and we’d be delighted to organise a demonstration tailored to your needs. #MDATraining #learninganddevelopment

This week my team welcomed our brilliant new FM Apprentice, recruited through the wonderful Factory International Future 15 initiative. FM isn’t a sector that sounds exciting to younger people - I don’t think anyone dreams of being an FM when they’re young. It still has the reputation of being the old “Boilers, Bogs & Bins” side of a business, when actually it’s so much more. In recent years however, FM has been the quickest growing general business sector, and in many industries it’s a critical part of the senior management decision making process for funding models, insurance and sustainability, amongst others. When you think about it, FM is the most fundamental support function. Every single building user is our customer. Luckily organisations know this and FM teams are becoming better equipped, better trained, and more able to influence business direction. Peronally I’ve been involved heavily in the design of the wonderful building I get to manage (not just me - so many people within the team looking after the transition into being a year-round entity). There are a number of systems and elements that have my fingerprint on them - I can’t profess to be the expert in design of them all, but how we need that building to work is the bit I’ve been able to input. It shows that FM continues to grow as a function. What I’ve learned recently is that training and qualifications are slowly catching up to the increase in FM presence. When you recruit an apprentice, training and qualification are critical (and mandatory) parts of that. When we first mooted an apprentice in my team about 18 months ago, I couldn’t find a suitable training course anywhere local. Certainly nothing of a high enough quality. In the last few weeks as we’ve progressed recruitment of our apprentice, I’ve revisited my research and found a few vocational courses that match our aspiration. We’re lucky to have an existing relationship with a local College and our new apprentice enrols with them soon. We’ll combine that with a fairly standard package of training courses. What I’ve also realised is that I want us to be at the start of whatever this becomes. How do we recruit, train and develop the next generation of FMs? The answer, I believe, is to be at the start of it. So this week I started conversations with that college to find out what we can offer new FMs. How do we encourage people into the industry at a young age? How do we make it appeal? What experience can we give in-house to help? Most importantly how do we go about making sure that the industry best represents the communities within which we operate. To support that, one of my personal appraisal objectives is to make those early steps and join with our college partner. We’re working out how to do that and what we want to achieve exactly (did someone say SMART target?), but what I know is that we’re in it and making progress. It could be a fun year.

Celebrating Our Great Place to Work® Certification! 🌟 I’m excited to share that InsuranceMarket.ae™ has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work®! This recognition reflects our collective effort to build a workplace that truly values its people, prioritizes growth, and fosters a culture of collaboration. Why I’m Proud to Be Here: 🔹 Empowering Environment: Our leadership isn’t just about guiding the company—it’s about uplifting our team. We’re committed to making sure everyone feels heard, supported, and inspired to bring their best selves to work. 🔹 A Culture of Unity: We celebrate our diversity and work together as one. From our first day, it’s clear: we are not just colleagues but a team driven by shared goals, respect, and a genuine care for one another. 🔹 Endless Growth Potential: It’s not just about the work you do but the opportunities you have to evolve. From training to mentorship, InsuranceMarket.ae™ invests in helping each of us grow professionally and personally. Beyond the Numbers: This certification isn’t just a badge—it’s a reminder of what we stand for. It’s about creating a workplace where people are not just employees but an integral part of a journey toward excellence. Proud to be part of this fantastic team and excited for what’s ahead. If you’re looking for a place where you can truly thrive, InsuranceMarket.ae™ might just be the perfect fit. #GreatPlaceToWork #TeamSuccess #ProudCFO #JoinOurTeam

Ongoing productivity training aims to unlock potential and embark on a transformative journey to boost our insurance agents' careers. 🚀🌐💼

On the journey of continuous learning in the insurance world 🔑 Even after gaining valuable knowledge, Shannon is still in the apprentice phase – she recognizes that there's more to learn before she can reach her mom's journeyman level 💯 It's inspiring to see her growth under expert guidance, building upon her skills as a great agent. This multi-generational legacy highlights the dedication required to truly master the insurance craft. Drop a 🙌 if you've experienced a similar confidence glow-up through consistent effort! #LifelongLearning #AgentGrowth #InsuranceTips

📢 We’re really proud today to launch Konsileo Academy – our very own professional learning platform bringing together external courses and our own internal expertise. The Academy is hosted by Zing365, and will include insurer content and third-part CII accredited e-learning modules. It will also support the ongoing knowledge exchange amongst Konsileo’s expert brokers, formalised into three-month mentorship programmes led by individuals with specific expertise. Konsileo’s Allan Rhodes, head of organisational development, says: “What this isn’t is a tick-box exercise for meeting annual CPD requirement by sitting passively through training courses. We invite brokers to take the lead on their own learning journeys by defining and clarifying the challenges their facing, and the opportunities they want to take advantage of. “In turn, we know that an organisation that embraces constant learning will become stronger, which helps Konsileo deliver on its promise to clients to protect their business properly.” Read all about it here: https://lnkd.in/eA7FtyPZ #Konsileo #Brokerbility #Konsileoacademy #insurancebrokers #insurance #insurtech #learning #peertopeer #organisationaldevelopment

Welcome back to the WHY GAMTI Week! 😊 Today we learn more about our GAMTI Certification - the first of its kind in the Global Insurance, Assistance & Medical Transport Industry! The GAMTI Certification is more than just a credential; it's a symbol of excellence, a mark of dedication, and a testament to your commitment to staying ahead in your field. 💡 Rigorous Standards, Exceptional Education GAMTI Certification isn't handed out lightly; it's earned through rigorous coursework and assessments. Our comprehensive modules cover industry essentials, ensuring you have a deep understanding of your chosen area of expertise. 💡 Valid for Excellence, Renewed for Growth Once you've earned your GAMTI Certification, it's valid for two years, showcasing your dedication to continuous education. But it doesn't end there – periodic refresher courses keep you updated with the latest industry trends and best practices, ensuring your skills remain sharp. 💡 Professional Qualification, Confidence Assured Certification isn't just about a title; it's about proving your expertise and competence. With GAMTI Certification, you demonstrate to clients, employers, and colleagues that you have the knowledge and skills to excel in your profession, instilling confidence and trust. 💡 Measured Training, Tangible Outcomes Our certification offers measurable outcomes, providing clear benchmarks for assessing your knowledge and skills. It's a tangible way to showcase your capabilities and performance, setting you apart as a leader in your field. 💡 Open Doors to Opportunity Certification isn't just a badge; it's a gateway to new opportunities. Whether it's advancing in your current role, exploring new career prospects, or gaining recognition for your achievements, GAMTI Certification opens doors to endless possibilities. Want to learn more about our Individual and Corporate GAMTI Certifications? Reach out to us and get ready to receive your #GAMTICertified Logos! #GAMTI #RevolutionizeEducation #GAMTICertified

Only 1 month until Insurance Immersion! Join other mid-level managers, specialists and emerging leaders in our collaborative, virtual classroom April 16-19. You’ll gain a holistic view of the business, apply what you learn in small group activities, ask questions to clarify ideas, and get answers that relate to your role. https://lnkd.in/eBKgwB28 #LifeInsurance #ProfessionalDevelopment LOMA

You can stop reading if you have plenty of Account Managers ready to support your employee benefits clients in Q4. 🛑 For everyone else, whatcha doing to make this year better than last? A lot of teams white-knuckled their way through last year. Reflecting on my post yesterday... "A calm company is a choice." Today's talent decisions will impact the results your clients get in 2025. Firms that enter Q4 understaffed and under-resourced shouldn't be surprised at the consequences. Are you relying on key client service colleagues to train your staff in addition to their core responsibilities? Are you taking steps to make sure (new)er colleagues are team-ready by the real start of our benefits busy season on September 1st? Three of our cohorts graduate next week, so this week we started talking about their post-Academy action plan. If you've been wondering if training is worth the investment, here's a screenshot of a chat discussion about key themes they'll take with them. What tangible skills has your team strengthened since February? Could they go further, faster, to support your growth if you are intentional? Where could they be by September 1st? Nothing changes if nothing changes. Register by Friday, April 26th to get started in May. June is the final Account Manager Academy cohort this year. Day 18: Daily LinkedIn posts in April and May about how high-performing client service teams help insurance brokers grow. #letsgetreal GenuineShift We build client service teams to help insurance brokers grow. Clients hire you to be led.™ #insurancebrokers #insuranceindustry #womenininsurance #employeebenefits

Only 1 month until Insurance Immersion! Join other mid-level managers, specialists and emerging leaders in our collaborative, virtual classroom April 16-19. You’ll gain a holistic view of the business, apply what you learn in small group activities, ask questions to clarify ideas, and get answers that relate to your role. https://lnkd.in/gMs9wFaa #LifeInsurance #ProfessionalDevelopment LOMA