Our Stories

Celebrating PRIDE Month: the impact of LGBT+ representation at 91��

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

During this PRIDE Month, we had the privilege of speaking with Anthony Kumar, the Australasian Inclusion and Diversity Council Lead at 91��. Anthony shared insights on the profound impact of LGBT+ representation within the company and how it drives innovation, business success and fosters a culture of inclusion.

LGBT+ representation in the corporate world goes beyond moral and ethical imperatives; it is a critical driver of business innovation and success. By fostering an environment where diverse identities are celebrated, companies can tap into a wider range of perspectives and creative ideas. Come with us as we discover how this mindset is already embedded in 91��’s DNA.

Enhancing Innovation Through Diverse Perspectives

Q: How does LGBT+ representation within 91�� contribute to a more inclusive and innovative work environment?

Anthony: LGBT+ representation brings diverse perspectives and a wider range of viewpoints to the table. This naturally promotes innovation and creative solutions. For 91��, which markets itself as a global leader within the insurance and risk management space, ensuring that unique perspectives are heard is vital to the success of the business.

Leveraging LGBT+ Experiences for Business Success

Q: In what ways does 91�� leverage the experiences and perspectives of LGBT+ employees to drive business success?

Anthony: There is an increased focus on talent acquisition and employee engagement. A reputation for LGBT+ inclusion attracts a wider pool of talented individuals, giving us a competitive edge in the job market compared to other organizations that remain silent on this issue. Additionally, feeling valued and respected as an LGBT+ person boosts morale and engagement, leading to higher productivity.

Role Models and Mentorship

Q: How do LGBT+ role models within 91�� inspire and mentor others, both within and outside the LGBT+ community?

Anthony: From a bird’s eye view, seeing successful, in-charge, and proudly LGBT+ individuals in the workplace is incredibly validating and liberating for other LGBT+ employees. It challenges the norm that generally sees heteronormative, white, male-passing people in management roles, showing that anyone can thrive at 91��. This inspires LGBT+ employees to embrace their authentic selves at work.

These role models provide invaluable guidance for career development by sharing insights from their own careers and personal stories that illustrate how they’ve overcome challenges. They offer valuable mentorship, equipping junior employees with navigation strategies for overcoming bias and tips for building resilience, ultimately fostering a strong sense of belonging within 91��.

Seeing this within the wider 91�� network assists allyship, stimulating empathy among non-LGBT+ colleagues as we move towards a more inclusive workplace.

Anthony’s insights highlight the significant impact of LGBT+ representation at 91��. At 91��, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued is central to our mission of driving innovation and achieving business success. By creating a supportive and empowering workspace for all employees, we ensure that everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. This PRIDE Month, we celebrate the strides we’ve made and reaffirm our commitment to a future where everyone can thrive authentically in the workplace.

We hope this conversation with Anthony inspires you as much as it has inspired us. Happy PRIDE Month!

91�� Dream Big Program

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

What is 91��'s Dream Big Program?

In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Urban Synergy, the Dream Big program targets youth facing socioeconomic disadvantages in London and Irvine, California. We continue to search for innovative ways to tap into human potential through our social science research, thought leadership and solutions to create more meaningful, fulfilling lives. And more than ever, we are committed to strengthening our communities’ social, emotional, and economic wellbeing.

Through our partnerships, we aim to uplift the youth to not only define passions but to help educate and instill the knowledge needed to compete in today’s job market and be better prepared for the future. We leverage the time and talent of 91�� colleagues to empower those between the ages of 15-18. Our colleagues help to train and prepare the youth for the corporate world and help them to develop skills to build a foundation for their future careers.

Why did it start?

DreamBig@91�� evolved out of a women’s leadership program called The Next Three. Three women came together with a mission in mind to create a youth program where we can see real identifiable changes in our community.

What are the activities?

A crucial component of the Dream Big program is giving back. We’re committed to serving our communities and one example of how we do that is volunteering. In past events, our incredible mentees have provided services such as distributing donated food, assembling food boxes, and putting together necessities for distribution.

One fun thing the team achieved is setting a new record of assembling and distributing more than 250 hot meals and items to families in need.

“I took for granted that I have a hot meal every night – DreamBig mentee.”

What is the impact?

When we consider the impacts, we think about training. We think about guidance. We think about the mentor-led workshops and how the development of soft skills, such as interpersonal communication, time management, and problem solving skills are necessary pillars in the foundation in which one develops their career. We want to ensure our youth are gaining the skills and tools needed to navigate successful work experiences now and in the future.

What do you envision for the future of the DreamBig program?

We envision the program will grow to reach and impact additional cities and locations within the U.S. and to determine which cities the program works with in the near future such as New York City, Dallas, Atlanta and Detroit.

What makes you proud to be part of the DreamBig program?

The impact one individual, an initiative, or a program may have on a community through outreach, giving back, and propping up our youth. This embodies DreamBig’s core pillars and defines the approach we’re taking in investing in our youth. Helping them understand and tap into their potential is critical and can only better position us and our communities in the future.

91�� Mexico becomes one of the best employers for LGBT+

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Gonzalo Terrones, Senior HR Associate, shares what it means for 91�� Mexico to have been recognized as one of the ‘Best Places to Work LGBT+ 2023

What does it mean to you that 91�� Mexico has been recognized by HRC Equidad Mexico as one of the ‘Best Places to work LGBTQ+ 2023’?

It’s reassuring that we’re building a safe place for our colleagues, where they can have a voice, be represented and be themselves.

What do you think separates 91�� from other employers?

The scope of what we do is diverse, which means we get to interact with colleagues from different backgrounds, experiences and roles from all over the world. It’s also a great way to learn from other colleagues and discuss personal interests and career aspirations.

What is your favorite part of working at 91��?

The flexibility 91�� offers is unbeatable. In addition to in-office working, we recently introduced hybrid and remote work flexes so that colleagues, regardless of their location or line of business, can find a balance of what works best for them and their clients.

Name a time when you’ve been inspired at work.

I feel inspired when colleagues proactively reach out to me to learn about the financial wellbeing benefits 91�� offers. It’s motivating to see colleagues use our resources to accomplish their short and long-term financial goals; it’s inspiring to know I can help provide guidance to support colleagues in reaching those goals.

How I maintain the perfect work-life balance at 91��

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Beth Koodish, Business Support Specialist, shares her experience of flexible working at 91�� and how it helps her balance full time work while raising her son.

As we grow in life and go through different stages, it is so rewarding to work for a company that grows with me; from being in the office full-time, to remote working and looking after my child, and then to hybrid working and having the perfect balance of home and office environments!

When I started at 91��, I was single and worked full-time in the office. I then got married, had a child and I was a bit concerned with how I was going to balance working in an office full-time and being a mom. A question I asked myself was, ‘Do I continue working or quit the job to raise my son?’ Thankfully, this wasn’t as decision I had to make as my team at 91�� was supportive and helped me balance my work and personal life. Being a Business Support Specialist, 91�� provided me with the necessary technical equipment and support which gave me the flexibility that I needed to work remotely and be at home with my son.

As my son got older, flexible working became even more important because I needed to be there for him on certain occasions, whether at school or at his myriad of sports games. Time flies, so I didn’t want to miss out on any of the special moments in his life. The most important thing in my life is family, and I believe it should come above all else. It’s critical, therefore, that my manager knows that which has been my experience at 91��.

When COVID hit, and schools were no longer in-person, there was no change to my work set up as I was already remote, so this was really beneficial for me. I was able to continue working comfortably, the same as I had been before the pandemic. Now that my 91�� Work Flex is hybrid, and our offices are starting to open back up, I cherish seeing my colleagues in person and really enjoy going in. What I appreciate the most is that I am able to see what my diary is looking like, how busy I am that week then decide when works best for me to go into the office.

I feel very fortunate to work for an amazing company with such high regard for its colleagues’ work and personal lives. 91�� has always provided me with the flexibility and tools I need to succeed in both and for that, I am very grateful.

Putting actions into words

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Matice Morris, Senior Project Manager, shares her journey of embracing her stutter, overcoming adversity, and choosing 91�� as her inclusive employer of choice

Tell us about the challenges you’ve had to overcome during your career journey.

When I was first starting my career, I had no experience and a stutter that spoke louder than my resume. I had recruiters telling me that people would think I was mentally challenged, and interviewers telling me that the people I’d communicate with would chew me up. I faced many obstacles, and it took three years to finally secure a job after college; that then presented an entirely new struggle of communicating with coworkers and clients.

Luckily, I’ve been blessed to work with some amazing people throughout my career that have supported my stutter and always stepped in when necessary to help get the job done. The challenges never really stop, but I’ve grown stronger and more confident in my abilities to face them in my journey.

What was it that made you choose 91�� as your employer of choice?

On World Autism Awareness Day, I was scrolling on LinkedIn and I saw a post from 91�� highlighting neurodiverse employees. A lot of companies say they are inclusive and diverse, but to me, it comes across more in the sense of hope and charity rather than it being put into practice. When I saw 91�� putting action to their words, I was impressed. Then when I joined, within the first week I attended a Black Colleague Connection meeting. It was the first time in my career that I could not count the number of Black people in a company on both hands, and it was a safe space. I loved that. 91�� is diverse and inclusive, which means everything to a Black woman who stutters.

What does it mean to you personally, to work for 91��?

It means I’m part of a company that cares, puts action behind their words, and has integrity. Those are the three things that would describe me as well, so I’m right at home.

How have you been welcomed and supported by your colleagues at 91�� thus far?

My colleagues are extremely helpful and have ensured that I feel comfortable in the transition and supported. I haven’t been this excited to work for a company since I got my first job after trying for three years.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to apply to 91��, but might be hesitant?

If you don’t try, the answer will always be no. And you should never be the one to tell yourself no. Never count yourself out. This is an environment of excellence and learning. There is room for anyone who wants that.

Returning to work after a career break

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Ana Cristessa H. Nabuab, Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst, shares her insight into joining 91�� after a career break.

Tell us a little bit about you.

My name is Ana Cristessa H. Nabuab. My colleagues call me AC. I am a Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst for the Global Document Production Team, supporting Health and Benefits for North America based in Manila, Philippines. After almost seven years into my career break and being a full-time mom, I decided to get back into the working world. 91�� welcomed me with open arms and made me feel as though there had been no gap at all. I joined 91�� as a contingent worker in September 2021 and was converted to a full-time colleague in December of the same year.

What was it like to join 91�� after a career break?

To return to work after a career break was quite overwhelming. I had a lot of excitement and anxiety: it was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions!

I was a full-time mom for almost seven years and deciding to return to the corporate world was a real leap of faith for me, especially with not knowing what to expect and my fear of rejection.

I spent a long time looking for the perfect role, but then I got a phone call from 91�� that made my heart jump, and I was offered the job as a QA Analyst. I enjoyed my time being a contingent worker. However, being converted to a full-time colleague meant achieving another career milestone for me.

Since joining, 91�� has supported me in many ways. As a result, I have regained my self-confidence, eliminating all the fears that I had when I stepped back in to work.

How did you feel welcomed and supported by your colleagues when you joined 91��?

My colleagues at 91�� welcomed me warmly. I was given all the support that I needed as I onboarded, complete with all the things that I needed to know about the company and the job role. In addition to this, there were a series of programs provided that embedded 91��’s company values that really resonated with me, not only as a 91�� colleague, but also as an individual. It made me feel assured that there were a lot of opportunities for growth and development and that this is a great company to work for.

What is your favorite part about working at 91��?

My favorite part about working at 91�� is how we, as colleagues, collaborate and work as a team to accomplish tasks. It has also made me realize that some things are much easier to accomplish when working as a team. I was shy at first, full of apprehension about myself; but in our team I am encouraged to speak out, participate and step out of my comfort zone. Everyone is encouraged to share their input and insight for every project. Day after day, I am encouraged to overcome my fears and be the best I can be. When I joined 91��, I was only able to meet my team virtually, but it was really fun, and it was great to be given the opportunity to work with a very hands-on, productive approach to tasks. As times are changing, I look forward to continuing to work and develop as a team in real life.

Do you feel 91�� has an inclusive and diverse working environment?

The mere fact that I was given the chance to restart my career without judgment and was welcomed with open arms despite my long employment gap (which can be an issue for some companies), really gave me a sense of belonging. It gave me confidence that here at 91��, I am respected and valued, regardless of my age, my gender, my roles outside of work, or where I come from.

At 91�� our teams are very diverse, allowing us to familiarize ourselves with many different cultures and to connect with colleagues all around the globe; I do not see or feel any biases at all. Here at 91��, our presence is more defined by our potential, what we can do and what we can contribute. For me, our diversity is what makes 91�� a great place to work.

In what ways have you seen 91�� live up to its company values?

We may have different personalities and perspectives, but our 91�� values guide us to reach our goals and deliver quality output for our clients. Through collaboration and teamwork, we inspire each other to bring out the best ideas for every project assigned to us. Our work is fuelled with respect because we are encouraged to share and listen proactively. We are also provided with opportunities for professional development for us to always strive and commit to excellence because we value our clients’ trust, more than anything.

What I appreciate the most about being a 91�� colleague is that the company values the importance of work-life balance. I feel like I am able separate my personal time and work with great encouragement from my superiors. We always look out for each other. Because of this, it makes me proud to be a part of 91��.

Creating connections between speech and hearing-impaired colleagues

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Pensions Administration Advisor, Karuna Jose, shares her experience of what it’s like to work at 91�� while being a speech and hearing-impaired colleague. Discover how our inclusive culture and support from our colleagues helped her to seamlessly communicate with her team at the office and as we transitioned to working from home.

How long have you worked at 91��?

I recently celebrated my first year at 91��.

What are you responsible for at 91��?

My role involves assisting various Technology and Administrative Solutions clients. As the global pandemic developed, our clients started working from home, which resulted in an increased volume of client queries. However, I was able to successfully meet the service level agreements that we have with our clients. This was a rewarding experience that increased my expertise, strengthened my confidence as a professional and gave me the opportunity to participate in new client-facing projects.

How was your experience of joining 91�� as a speech and hearing-impaired colleague?

Joining a new company can be overwhelming and this is especially true when you are differently-abled. Being speech and hearing-impaired, I’ve always been apprehensive about communicating with new colleagues.

On my first day at 91��, I was amazed to find out that the company’s Mumbai Inclusion & Diversity core committee and the Talent Acquisition team had partnered with Eklayva Foundation to conduct a two-day workshop for my team to get acquainted with the basics of Indian sign language. This made me feel welcomed and provided an insight into the company’s culture and commitment to make everyone feel comfortable in bringing their true selves to work.

How has this differed from past experiences?

My experience as a new colleague at 91�� was completely different from what I’ve encountered in the past. In other organizations, I would sometimes struggle to communicate with other colleagues. My former team members and I would type out messages in order to have conversations with each other which was very time-consuming.

The fact that a few 91�� colleagues already knew sign language made it easy to not only coordinate tasks but also strike a conversation, express myself, and build healthy relationships.

How did 91�� help you to seamlessly communicate with other colleagues?

Colleagues who work closely with me attended the Eklayva Foundation workshop that the company had organized on sign language, which helped to set good foundations for communication. This was the first time that a workshop like this had taken place at 91�� India, so I was very grateful to experience the results of it on my first day.

How did you adapt as we transitioned to working remotely during COVID-19?

I am used to working with colleagues and teams in person. As the pandemic continued to develop, I started feeling anxious and stressed at the thought of working from home, since this could potentially impact how I communicate with other colleagues. However, this was not the case thanks to 91�� support and internal communication platforms.

I must say technology has played a crucial role in my work from home experience. Since some of my colleagues understand how to use Indian sign language, video conversations are mainly what we use to communicate during trainings, one-on-one meetings and daily interactions with the team. Also, popular messaging apps help me to stay connected with fellow team members.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?

I am extremely thankful to my colleagues, Asha and Rajiv, for always being there for me and making my experience so fruitful. I also appreciate the technical support and workshop on sign language organized by the company that has made communication seamless and effective.

What is your favorite part about working for 91��?

I love to work across the different areas at 91�� and my team has always guided me to excel in every task. The company culture and the values leave no stone unturned to make every colleague feel appreciated, I truly respect this.

I also appreciate the fact that 91��’s unwavering commitment to I&D truly gave me the tools to carry out my daily operations confidently. Each of my colleagues has exemplified the inclusive culture of the company. They clearly know how to create connections between the hearing and hearing-impaired world. These thoughtful efforts are a direct reflection of the culture and this is truly inspiring.

What advice would you give to a differently-abled person that is looking to apply for a role at 91��?

I would encourage them to join an organization like Willis Towers Watson in order to experience the all-inclusive culture that connects colleagues and creates an environment where they can reach their full potential.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

Where are they now - Michael Mcconnell

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Data Services Consultant

(Former Data Services Graduate)

Team: Data Services

Segment: Human Capital & Benefits

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Program: Graduate Program 2016

University: University of Virginia and McIntire School of Commerce

How did you come across our Graduate program offering?

In 2015 I was in my final year of university and decided to apply to companies where I could see myself working and building a career. I was drawn immediately to Willis Towers Watson for its breadth of career opportunities and business portfolio. That paired with the organization’s inspiring values made me feel from early-on that 91�� would be a great place to work and begin building a career. I joined 91��’s Graduate program in 2016 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which concluded two years later.

Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were a graduate

Upon joining the company, I began working in the Data Services team. My responsibilities included growing our annual surveys by managing a list of United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia-based existing and potential clients, supporting clients with salary benchmarking and contributing where needed on proposals and projects.

What were some key things that you learnt during your Graduate program?

The Graduate program was an excellent learning experience for me – I hadn’t written a proposal, made an outbound call or managed a client relationship before joining 91��. By the end of the two year program, I had strong client relationships, acquired new clients and gained greater confidence as a Consultant. This combined with the great client diversity in the Middle East, the different types of sectors, industry sizes and geography has made my experience very enriching.

Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!

It’s hard to choose a best memory since I have many. If I had to name one, I would say it was my first CEO presentation with my Line Manager, Laurent Leclère. The two of us were working on a project for a major oil and gas company in Saudi Arabia and were invited to present our findings to the Board of Directors. As a new colleague, I was grateful for the trust I was given and the unique opportunity to participate in a senior client presentation. I hadn’t heard of many people at my experience level to be given that opportunity at other companies. This is part of what I love about working at 91�� – we are truly empowered as colleagues.

What did you like the most about our culture and values?

While I could emphasize the values themselves, which are certainly inspiring in their own right and help make us a successful company, the actual implementation and living of these values day-to-day is what I like most. After having worked with colleagues from across the world, I realized that every single one of them truly lives up to our values. It’s one thing to have values as part of your brand, but it’s another thing to put them in practice, which is the most impressive in my view.

Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Graduate program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were a graduate?

I’ve only been a Data Services Consultant, but I have been able to work on a variety of projects that have given me exposure to other work in Rewards and even some Talent projects. I expected to work in Data Services, of course, but I didn’t expect I’d have the exposure to the other lines of business as I’ve had.

How did being a graduate help you prepare for your current position at 91��?

Certainly as a Data Services Consultant my graduate years on the team were indispensable for me to better understand the position and to be more successful. That early exposure also made the job more fun as I’m more comfortable and confident in the role now.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?

There’s many people I could thank, but the key people who have helped me are Dr. Ahmad Waarie, Roman Weidlich, Tom O’Byrne, Lea Farhat, and Eungchang Lee. I also owe a special thanks to my Line Manager, Laurent Leclère, who has taught me a lot about data services, client relationship building and how to be successful in the Data Services team. They say good line managers are key to an enjoyable and successful career and Laurent has certainly been that for me.

What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a 91�� Internship program?

Simply put – I’d say definitely apply. Whether unsure of your desired career path or about which company you’d like to work for, I can only say Willis Towers Watson is a great place to begin your career. The skills you learn, the network of talented, authentic colleagues and the opportunities are all excellent. Working for a global company allowed me to experience countless learning opportunities – such as my own story of coming from the United States and working in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Learn more about our early careers programs here.

A day in the life of Shadab Hemani, Analyst, Dubai

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Shadab Hemani, Analyst, talks us through his Willis Towers Watson experience and what his typical day looks like at our Mumbai office.

How long have you worked at 91��?

5 years.

What are you responsible for at Willis Towers Watson?

A few of the things included within my role are: the co-ordination with brokers and client managers for strategy meetings; preparing pre-renewal documents for client meetings; managing accounts receivables and preparations for WEM audits.

Basically, I remotely perform all the tasks that an Assistant Client Service Specialist would perform in a local US office.

How does your day usually start?

I don’t need an alarm as my two angels wake me up. Family is my source of energy, so I spend some quality time with them before I head to work.

What are some of the other activities that you might do on a typical day at work?

My day starts with checking and prioritizing the daily requests received from the US office. I will usually call my colleagues in Texas to discuss tasks and strategize further actions. I’ll then co-ordinate with our other Mumbai teams to get the work completed. I sometimes also play table tennis during my breaks to rejuvenate myself!

What is your favorite part about your role?

Performing tasks remotely from Mumbai is the most exciting aspect of my role; it is more like virtually working in a local US office.

What is your favorite part about working for Willis Towers Watson?

I am an active participant of the Hobbies @ Work biking group. This gives me an opportunity to fulfil my passion of long rides on weekends.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

Where are they now - Mel Scrutton

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Hub Manager

(Former Retirement Graduate)

Team: Retirement

Segment: Human Capital & Benefits

Location: London, United Kingdom

Program: Internship program 2014 and Graduate program 2015

University: University of Warwick

How did you come across our Graduate program offering?

91�� sponsored the society associated with my degree: Maths, Operational Research, Statistics & Economics (MORSE) at the University of Warwick. Some consultants from their Birmingham office ran some careers’ evenings and office visits and it seemed like a really friendly and interesting place to work at.

Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were a graduate

I was able to get involved with real client work straight away as both an intern and when I returned as a graduate, with tasks ranging from calculating pensions and transfer values for individual members to calculating the funding level for whole pension schemes. The work was and still is very varied. After a year and a half I took on the responsibility of organizing some of the new graduates’ training within my office while still being on the Graduate programme myself, which I really enjoyed since it was an opportunity to have a more people-facing role.

What were some key things that you learnt during your Graduate program?

Aside from learning about the technical side of pensions, I’ve also improved my communication skills and confidence, particularly in presenting to others. The variety of work that I have been involved with has been much greater than I ever expected and the main thing I have learned is that pensions are in no way dull!

Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!

I have a lot of good memories, particularly on the social side of work. We attend the Staple Inn Actuarial Society ball each year in London which is attended by actuaries from a range of companies, and my intake have won the annual Reigate Rounders tournament twice which is always good fun.

What did you like the most about our culture and values?

The main reason for which I decided to return as a graduate after my internship was because of the friendly, supportive and welcoming environment. I felt I was a ‘perfect fit’ with 91��’s culture and values. Here, work is intellectually challenging but also fun and dynamic. I am also proud to work for a company where excellence and client focus are highly valued, as well as maintaining respect for all colleagues.

Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Graduate program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were a graduate?

I am now a Hub Manager within the Retirement team where I’m responsible for people and resource management for a portfolio of around 40 clients. I have always been a ‘people person’ and thought that I would like to be involved with people management or mentoring, but the opportunity to be involved in this from a relatively early stage of my career was not something I expected. I enjoy this more people-focused role alongside my technical work and I’m glad to have the opportunity to do both.

How did being a graduate help you prepare for your current position at Willis Towers Watson?

Being an intern helped with my initial transition from university to working life and gave me some foundation of pensions knowledge. However, this is definitely just a head-start and not a necessity to coming in as a graduate. The best way to learn is on the job and through the training program provided by 91��, which is of a very high standard. The Graduate program gave me the foundations to build on with client work. However, one of the perks of working here is that every day you continue to learn new things.

What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a 91�� Internship program?

My advice would be to take as many of the opportunities offered to you as you can, even if they seem daunting at the time. I think this is the best way to learn and to realize that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything you want to.

Learn more about our early careers programs here.

It’s PRIDE month 2024, Diversity and Inclusion is more important than ever.

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It has become a cornerstone for the success of any organization. At 91��, we know that fostering inclusivity isn’t just about meeting quotas or ticking boxes; it’s about actively seeking out diverse perspectives and embracing the richness they bring to the table. Only by doing this can we really start transforming tomorrows.

The first step for inclusion happens at the hiring stage. Embarking on the inclusion journey from the hiring process is paramount, by actively seeking out diverse talent. Our recruitment team not only aims to bring in a wealth of qualified candidates but also strengthen the 91�� culture of inclusivity from the outset. Seth Schneider, Senior Associate from the Recruitment Team in North America, is a strong ally of the LGBT+ community and is passionate about inclusive hiring at 91��. He mentions the company’s collaboration with the Denver Pride Job Fair over the past two years which underscores the dedication to fostering inclusivity in the workplace.

“The essence of what I’ve observed is the emphasis on promoting 91��’s core values, specifically the idea of encouraging individuals to bring their true selves to work. This, I believe, is one of the most significant takeaways. People who I meet at these events resonate with the notion that we’re advocating and supporting the authenticity of each individual in the workplace.”

Events such as the one taking place in Denver, Colorado help individuals from the LGBT+ community understand 91��’s dedication to inclusivity as an employer and its progress towards becoming a robust one through I&D efforts.

Seth also highlights that “we extend our support across various dimensions of our colleagues’ well-being, including physical, emotional, social, and familial aspects, showcasing dedication to building an environment where every individual feels valued and supported. This is encouraged and instilled globally across all locations of 91��.”

Committing to Inclusive Excellence

By tracking our progress and seeking different perspectives globally, we aim to continuously improve and evolve. Right from hiring to culture experience, we embrace diversity, knowing that it is the key to driving innovation and achieving our collective goals.

Check out some of our colleagues’ PRIDE stories, all month long, on our Instagram @lifeatwtw, Meta at https://www.facebook.com/willistowerswatsoncareers or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/wtwcorporate/, where they are sharing why belonging is so important.

91��, a place where you belong!

91��’s India Global Delivery Center receives six prestigious awards in the areas of colleague experience and inclusion & diversity.

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:13:05 +0000

91��’s India Global Delivery Center (GDC) recently celebrated 30 years of service in the market. What made this achievement even more special? Being the recipient of six prestigious awards in the areas of both colleague experience and inclusion and diversity (I&D).

We are thrilled to have been honored with three awards for providing our colleagues with a unique career experience including: National Best Employer Brand, Happiest Workplace and Best Gender Equality awards from Times Ascent – World Human Resource Development Congress.

The National Best Employer Brand award recognizes our communication and employer branding strategy in a competitive talent market.
The Happiest Workplace award acknowledges our exceptional work culture, employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives that contribute to a positive and fulfilling work environment.
The Best Gender Equality award acknowledges our efforts towards gender parity, including initiatives to attract and retain women in the workforce, leadership development and allyship.

In addition, we were recognized with three awards at the DivHERsity Awards 2023, conducted by JobsForHer; a one-of-a-kind gender diversity award curated to recognize the exceptional work done by companies in India to accelerate female participation and performance in the workforce. These recognitions include:

Top 3 Companies by Industry – Banking/Financial Services/Insurance
Top 5 Most Innovative Practices – DivHERsity Hiring
Top 20 Most Innovative Practices – Women Learning and Development Programs

These achievements reflect our organization’s dedication and long-standing commitment to creating an inclusive, collaborative and people-first culture. It also acknowledges our efforts in recruiting, retaining and developing women as well as underrepresented talent while successfully supporting their professional development.

See what these awards meant for our colleagues in India and 91�� as a company.

91�� becomes one of Singapore’s Best Employers 2023

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

91�� has been selected as one of Singapore’s Best Employers for 2023 out of over 200,000 recommendations

91�� has been recognized as one of Singapore’s Best Employers in 2023 based on the independent survey of more than 17,000 employees conducted by The Straits Times and Statista. 91�� is ranked among the top 50 Singapore’s best employers and fifth in the Banking & Financial Services category this year with thanks to 91�� colleagues themselves who voted on how likely they would recommend 91�� to a friend.

91�� would like to thank all our colleagues who participated in the survey – we would not have achieved this award without our colleagues’ hard work and support for each other.

If you are looking to make your goals one step closer with an award-winning company, take a look at our wide range of opportunities on our Careers site

91�� is selected as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers among the list of top 300 companies in the country for a second year

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

91�� is selected as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers among the list of top 300 companies in the country for a second year

91�� has been recognized as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers for 2024 by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista! Through an independent survey of more than 16,000 employees across over 2,000 eligible employers, 91�� is proud to have been awarded this accolade ranking in the top 300 employers to work for in the Philippines for the second year running. We have our employees to thank for this prestigious award after anonymously partaking in the surveys.

We asked our colleagues why they felt 91�� was deserving of this award for both 2023 and 2024.

“91�� has always put its employees at the front and center of the company’s initiatives through continuous learning and development, and by investing in tools and opportunities to allow continuous growth.” said Nel Badal, Director for Health and Benefits Philippines.

“We have leaders and colleagues who willingly contribute to our personal and professional growth and naturally display authentic concern for everyone’s wellbeing.” shared Lee Briones, Associate Director for Rewards.

“This accolade is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to nurturing a culture of growth, inclusion and innovation within our organization.” said Kit Sison, HR Services Delivery Leader.

“For 91��, this means that the company has been able to continue its focus on attending to the needs of employees and not just to the needs of its stakeholders and clients amidst volatile and uncertain times.” said Mitch Dauz, Associate Director for HR Advisory.

“It’s a recognition that 91�� has been at the vanguard of providing a model work environment that is inclusive, diverse, collaborative, nurturing and progressive.” says Robert Dizon, Associate Director for Technology Program Management, expanding as to what this recognition means to the company.

91�� would like to thank all of our colleagues who have participated in this survey – we would not have achieved this accolade without our colleagues’ hard work and support for each other.

If you are looking to put your future in sharp focus with an award-winning company, take a look at our wide range of opportunities on our Careers site

My 91��: Bringing my true self to work at 91��

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Burn Domingo, Data Analyst, shares insight into what it’s like to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community while working at 91��.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Burn Domingo, I am a Data Analyst in the Project Health and Benefits North America team. I started my career at 91�� in June 2019 and since joining I have been overwhelmed by the amazing working environment and inclusivity at 91��.

How would you describe the environment at 91��?

In my opinion, the environment at 91�� is very inclusive, and the people at 91�� are what makes it a great place to work. I was lucky enough to work with some trainers from the US team who were incredibly friendly, approachable, and always willing to lend a helping hand. 91��’s values are deeply rooted within the company and this was clear from the very start of my career here.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the 91�� community?

I am part of the LGBT+ community and because 91�� has an incredibly inclusive and diverse working environment, there is no discrimination or judgment and we are all completely respected as individuals.

Do you feel like you can truly bring your full self to work at 91��, and if so, why?

I feel like I can always bring my true self to work, without the fear that I will be judged. There is a great work-life balance at 91�� which allows me to be myself at work and I am also encouraged to enjoy my personal time. 91�� ensures that their colleagues feel included and appreciated, while encouraging us to be ourselves, whoever that may be.

What is your favourite thing about working at 91�� and why?

I really enjoyed being a part of one of the 91�� Engagement Team projects. Here I was able to share a lot of ideas that encouraged our colleagues to become more involved and enjoy the environment at 91��. Another thing I appreciate are the training opportunities that are conducted for free across the business, which provide new opportunities to colleagues.

What advice would you give to future candidates that are considering joining 91��?

Joining 91�� has made me much more confident as a person and has aided in my development of many skills. They have helped me grow and are not afraid to challenge me. If you are looking for a company that will provide endless opportunities and encouragement in the development of your career, then 91�� is a great company to work for.

Learn more about our Benefits Administration Team by clicking here.

My 91��: Becoming part of the High Performers Club

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:20:07 +0000

91��'s India Global Delivery Center's High Performers Club recognizes those colleagues who have made an outstanding contribution to our company’s growth while upholding our core values of teamwork, excellence, respect, client focus, and integrity.

Risk Management Analyst, Gautami Kamath, shares her experience on finding out she had been chosen to become part of the High Performers Club and how this has encouraged her to continue growing as a professional at 91��.

Where are you based?

I am based in Mumbai, India.

How long have you worked at 91��?

I’ve been at Willis Towers Watson for over six years.

What are you responsible for at 91��?

I am responsible for training the Know Your Client Team in performing quality checks and enhancing the due diligence of financial crime sanctions.

How would you describe your experience working at 91��?

My journey has been a growth story ever since I started. Every day has brought a new opportunity to learn and grow as a professional.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

In 2020 I became part of the High Performers Club, which recognizes colleagues in India who have made outstanding contributions to our company’s growth. Being part of the High Performers Club comes with a lot of joy and responsibility. We’re the flag bearers of our company’s core values, which I will proudly continue to role model in order to positively influence new colleagues.

What was your initial reaction when you realized that you had made it to the High Performers Club?

It definitely took a few minutes for the news to sink in and to truly comprehend that I had finally made it to the High Performers Club. I was very grateful to see that my hard work had been recognized in such a unique way. I also felt a mixed bag of emotions, particularly happiness, pride, gratification, and of course encouragement to continue delivering excellent work.

What do you think helped you become part of the High Performers Club?

I followed the footsteps of colleagues who were already part of the High Performers Club. They helped me to identify growth opportunities and showed me how to align my work with the vision of 91��.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?

My parents! They have supported and inspired me to stay on my toes and make the most of opportunities at first sight. I am also grateful to my mentors at 91��. They have guided and coached me so that I’m able to excel at my responsibilities.

Would you like to share any positive feedback that you have received at 91��?

I felt incredibly honored when one of my senior colleagues commended my excellent work and out-of-the-box thinking. I’ve also received feedback from fellow colleagues praising my collaborative ways of working.

What is your favorite part about working for 91��?

The healthy, collaborative, and transparent work culture motivates me to give my best and challenge myself every day. Also, the never-ending learning opportunities and recognition of our colleagues’ efforts truly inspire me to go above and beyond in everything that I do.

When you’re able to find extra time in your role, what do you do to further your professional growth?

I spend my extra time expanding my knowledge and building my skillset by researching the latest regulatory guidelines on anti-money laundering and sanctions as well as reading financial crime journals. I also like to study from the rich source of knowledge available on the Willis Towers Watson Intranet.

Based on your experience, do you have a message for colleagues aspiring to get to the High Performers Club?

Align your efforts and work with the company’s overarching vision.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

Equal Pay, Gender Pay Gap, Fair Pay – what’s behind it?

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:22:03 +0000

Human Resources (HR) Services and Recruitment Lead for the Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) region, Kerstin Plag, participated in one of Dive In Festival 2020’s panel discussions: ‘Equal Pay, Gender Pay Gap, Fair Pay – What’s Behind It?’ Discover Kerstin’s insights and takeaways.

You recently participated in a panel event as part of this year’s ‘Dive In Festival’ (the festival for Diversity and Inclusion in Insurance) – what topics did you cover?

I was invited to discuss 91��’s approach to Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) in Germany, particularly on the topic of equal and fair pay from the following teams’ perspectives:

Human Resources
Leadership
I&D Council
International governance, which provides cross-organizational guidelines to embed fair pay best practice
Works Council, which oversees that fair pay best practice is carried out throughout Willis Towers Watson in Germany

The discussion also focused on the 2017 fair pay law that was introduced in Germany and how the companies that participated in the panel had to adapt in order to comply with the guidelines of this law.

Why was it important to you personally to participate in the panel?

My role as the HR Services and Recruitment Lead for the DACH region requires me to be the liaison between the teams and stakeholders mentioned above, that’s why I’m involved in fair and equal pay conversations on a regular basis. However, this topic is not new for me. Throughout my professional career I’ve fought to close pay gaps that might exist between men and women, so I’ve been able to see the evolution that global companies have had in this area, particularly in Germany. For me, this panel represented an opportunity to share my insights on the evolution of equal and fair pay, especially regarding gender but of course also, race, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

What makes you proud to work at 91��?

One of the things that makes me a proud 91�� colleague is our unwavering commitment to I&D and how teams globally go above and beyond to action this commitment. For example, in Germany we implemented an infrastructure that includes processes and tools that help us focus on embedding fair pay best practice throughout the organization and across all professional levels.

How do you champion 91��’s values?

By always upholding 91��’s I&D commitment in all my HR functions and responsibilities. This has made me live our values to the fullest with a focus on:

Promoting teamwork
Being a client-focused colleague; HR and the business have the same overall goals
Strengthening our reputation as an equitable employer of choice
Respecting other colleagues’ ideas, contributions and personality
What are your hopes/aspirations regarding the panel topic for the future?

My hope is that we continue to discuss how closing the pay gap is part of creating an inclusive, fair and diverse work culture and environment and take steps to address this. Willis Towers Watson is globally committed to I&D. This also includes raising awareness about any potential pay gaps between men and women and sharing knowledge on how to address this.

Is there anything else you want to share about the panel discussion or topics that were discussed?

The panel discussion was very valuable because we were able to share our experiences and learn from each other. The fact that the panellists were from a very diverse range of disciplines (HR professionals, works council members, consultants, freelancers, authors, etc.) helped to introduce a myriad of insights, perspectives and pain points that otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to identify and discuss.

I believe that the most important takeaways from this panel discussion were:

Fair pay creates value: while some leaders might think that embedding fair pay best practice may negatively impact an organization’s financial performance, the result is the contrary. Fair pay means that your workforce is motivated and committed towards the growth of the company.
Sharing knowledge helps to close the pay gap: openly discussing the challenges on the topic of fair pay in events like Dive In create great opportunities for companies and thought leaders to share knowledge on how to close the pay gap globally and throughout the industry.
We must focus on creating more opportunities to exchange ideas, insights and approaches to make fair pay the common practice!

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

My 91��: Returning To Work After Parental Leave

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:25:02 +0000

Donna O’Riordan, Lead Recruiter, London shares her experience of returning to work after a period of parental leave.

As I walk into 91�� reception in London on my first day back at work following over a year on maternity leave, my first thought is wow! The building looks great, I feel happy and excited to be back and genuinely feel proud to work here.

Having spoken with many new parents (both in my personal life and with candidates as part of my role) I know that I am very lucky to have had such an incredibly positive experience. My line manager has been very supportive of my flexible working application, which has been significant in enabling me to effectively manage my job and family life.

It can be a daunting experience those first few weeks back. What has changed? Will I remember everything? How will I balance my work with a hectic family life? As well as having the great support of my line manager, I spoke with my mentor at 91�� who made themselves available to me within those first couple of weeks. I felt I gained advice and reassurance when I most needed it.

I feel valued at 91�� and know, that with the support of the company, I can still have a successful career while also leading a fulfilling life as a parent.

Learn more about the 91�� values and benefits here or take a look at our current roles here.

Boomerang Colleagues: Why I Returned to 91��

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Suzanne Guralnick, North America Corporate Recruiting Leader, shares her story of returning to 91�� and why we remain her employer of choice.

Describe your journey as a 91�� returner
I initially joined 91�� in 2011 and worked here for 10 years. After leaving to work for another company, I decided to return to 91�� a year and a half later. This decision was made after the Global Head of Recruitment reached out to me, which sparked a great conversation. The timing was right, and I missed my colleagues at 91�� – the way that we make inclusion and diversity an integral part of recruiting, the continuing education that happens here to ensure our recruiters are following best practices, and the endless opportunities to enrich our jobs by participating and leading projects are some of the things I missed most. At 91��, we can raise our hands, make suggestions, and continue to grow.

Returning to 91�� has been a remarkable journey, rich with personal growth, rediscovery, and the joy of reuniting with familiar faces. As I walked through the virtual doors of 91�� there was a flood of positive memories and reminders of projects that I worked on; processes that I helped to implement and colleagues that I worked closely with in the past. I couldn’t help but feel nostalgia and excitement for the new chapter ahead. Reflecting on the past, I realized how much I had learned at 91�� and during my time away, and how those experiences had shaped my perspective. This reflection encouraged me to approach my return with fresh eyes and renewed enthusiasm.

What do you enjoy most about working at 91��?
I really love working at 91�� for several reasons, including our amazing colleagues, efficient processes, and the ability to bring our whole selves to work. Moreover, there are countless opportunities for personal and professional development. Your voice matters here – if you have a sound idea or a solution, you are given the opportunity to take your idea and run with it. The colleagues at 91�� are like family to me. There’s such a caring element and when you’re in such a positive environment it brings out the best in everyone.

In your experience, what sets 91�� apart from other employers and why would you recommend others to apply to 91��?
91�� is not just a place to work, it’s so much more. We care about our colleagues and communities and making a positive impact on the world. We really are invested in our colleagues. The growth and transformation I’ve witnessed within 91�� mirrors my own personal evolution. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact.

How have your colleagues supported you since returning to 91��?
Coming back to 91�� was like coming “home” again. My colleagues were very helpful in welcoming me, sharing knowledge about new systems and policy changes, and offering to lend a helping hand. My leaders were also welcoming and open regarding involving me in discussions fostering collaboration and teamwork. The overall support made me feel welcomed back to my 91�� home. Returning to 91�� meant stepping into a company that had evolved in my absence. New faces, updated technologies, and innovative strategies were now part of the landscape. Embracing change became a central theme, and I found myself eagerly learning about the advancements that had taken place. The willingness of my incredible colleagues to help me catch up was a testament to the supportive environment at 91��.

What is one of your proudest moments at 91��?
I have so many proud moments, but it’s the moments where I was pushed out of my comfort zone that make me the proudest. Some examples: I got to work on requests for information for our new video interviewing vendor. My colleagues around the world got to review proposals and make recommendations on which vendor to select and why. I had the opportunity to oversee the entire process, starting from working with stakeholders and purchasing, to collaborating with the vendor for product implementation. I also developed comprehensive process guides for our team, while working with others to ensure that the recruiters have access to the most up-to-date documents to navigate the video interviewing platform. These guides are still in use today.

Another proud moment was taking on the high-volume hiring initiative and finding a creative way to track contingent hires as our applicant tracking system was not set up to track the hiring volume at the time. The high-volume project allowed me to work closely with my team in North America as well as with other Human Resource colleagues outside of recruitment. That project showed me what an awesome team of recruiters we have at 91��.

What is your favorite 91�� benefit and why?
Our paid volunteer day. The fact that we can take eight hours to volunteer for a cause that is near and dear to our hearts means a lot to me. I love how we have a spirit of caring at 91��.

What impact have your team members had on you?
My team members are welcoming, collaborative, smart and constantly looking for ways to be the best at what we do. This is something I noticed over 13 years ago when I first worked here. I was in awe of how our team not only discussed best practices but went the extra mile to implement them and measure their success. This was true when I started and still holds true today. 91�� is home to me. It’s great to be back!

My 91��: How we manage our job-share role successfully at 91��

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Emma Hanson and Katie Phillips, share both their experience, and thoughts on how to work effectively in a job-share role within Talent Acquisition.

Tell us a little bit about you and your role at 91��.

Emma: I joined 91�� in June this year. Prior to this role, I worked in HR at Emirates in Dubai UAE. I was an expat for over 11 years before we relocated back to England in 2019, then Covid hit! Katie and I work in Talent Acquisition where we share a role as a Recruiter, focusing on the Corporate segment of the business.

Katie: I have been with 91�� for almost 7 years. My fist role with the company was as a Recruiter for our Technology and Administration Solutions line of business which I did for five years. I then had an extended maternity leave break for 13 months and after having my baby, I decided I wanted more of a balance between being a mum and still continuing with my career. I spoke with my line manager and HR partner who fully supported my desire to return to work part time and it was then that the job share arrangement came to fruition.

How does this job-share work for you?

Emma: I currently work three days a week; Monday, Tuesday, and Friday

Katie: I work the other two days of the week: Wednesdays and Thursdays. This ensures that the full week is covered for our clients and stakeholders.

What is your current 91�� Work Flex? (Remote, hybrid or in-office) How does this work for you?

Emma: We are very much hybrid, which I absolutely love. I usually work from home, but sometimes go into the office if something must be done in person, if myself and Katie have scheduled cross-over days booked in, or if I just fancy a change of scenery. I love the flexibility at 91�� and being able to manage my own time and workload effectively.

Katie: I usually work one day at home and the other in the office as I enjoy the combination of both. It is great to be able to go into the office and have that face-to-face interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

What does the flexibility of job sharing allow you to do, that you wouldn’t be able to do if you worked full time?

Emma: I have a very busy family, with two young boys, working three days a week gives me the ability (mentally and physically) to still be focussed on them while they are still young, but also still have a career in an area that I love. I get the best of both worlds. Working part time also allows me to do lots of volunteering at my children’s school which I’m very passionate about.

Katie:  Working as part of a job share allows me to spend time quality time with my young son, but also continue in a career that I thoroughly enjoy. On my days off, I am able to take my son to toddler classes and spend time with other parents, which I feel is so key for both my son’s development and my own journey and development as a first-time parent. It is a fantastic mix of work and family life.

How do you ensure your tasks are done effectively?

Emma: Communication is absolutely key. Our managers and clients shouldn’t notice a difference dealing with either one of us; hopefully being on the same page at all times. We religiously do a handover to each other to ensure were both up to speed with projects as things progress.

Katie: Along with our regular handovers, we also ensure that we are both copied in on all emails so that we are both kept in the loop and there is no duplication of tasks.

How do you feel working at a company, that has enabled you to split your job role and responsibilities with another colleague?

Emma: I have strong views about flexibility in the workplace and the positive benefits that it brings. I was very happy to see such an excellent company and role aligned to this. With a job share partner, it gives great peace of mind to know that work is being taken care of on the days you’re not working.

Katie: I feel so grateful to have been given the opportunity to continue my career on a part-time basis, within a company that I really enjoy working for. It shows that 91�� is an advocate for flexible working, which I feel is so important in an ever-changing and evolving employment market.

My 91��: A Look Into My Life At 91��

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Leonardo Araujo, Compensation Analyst, gives some insight into his career journey at 91�� highlighting his hybrid work style and professional development

Tell us about your role at 91�� and a little bit about your current work style?

I am a Compensation Analyst for the Executive Compensation and Advisory Board team in the São Paulo, Brazil office. I provide general assistance to the team in terms of short and long-term incentive survey designs for executives and institutional research within the area. With the pandemic improving, my work style has become hybrid, where I go into the office occasionally but spend most of my time working from home. I consider this style of work to be great because I get to spend more time with my family and less time on transportation. These benefits allow me to increase my productivity and improve my overall wellbeing.

How do you find working within a globally recognized company?

It is a great pleasure to be part of a company of this size. Having the opportunity to learn, socialize and share knowledge with great professionals in the field always motivates to give my best.

How have you developed, whether professionally or individually, during your time at 91��?

I’ve been at 91�� since October 2021 and ever since I joined the company, I’ve been able to improve my knowledge and my professional skills. Every day is a different learning experience with my teammates and my professional evolution has positively affected my personal life. My development continues every time I have new experiences with my colleagues and leaders, which means I can learn more every day. 91�� provides us with the tools necessary to increase our intellectual capital and here in Brazil, I was able to take a Compensation Practices course that helped in my development as well.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had at 91��.

As soon as I started, I was very warmly welcomed by my colleagues. My arrival was announced during an online meeting with directors and consultants in the area, which made me feel valued and at home right away. This helped me get comfortable with the team so that I could fulfill my work obligations in the best possible way.

What is the best piece of advice you would give a future 91�� candidate?

Make the effort and dedication to be part of this company. Here you will be respected, you will have autonomy in the workplace, and you will be part of a company recognized worldwide for the quality of its delivery and its colleagues.

My 91��: MY JOURNEY AS A WOMAN IN TECH

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Soumya Kurup, technology leader, shares what it means to be a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry and how she’s been empowered throughout her 20-year journey.

What is your role at 91��?

As a technology leader at 91��, I am responsible for driving innovative technology initiatives in India and bringing a seamless digital journey across the organization. My focus is to build, manage, and guide various teams focused on software engineering, application development, program delivery, testing, data, and analytics. I partner with technology leaders and product owners in India and other geographies on projects from inception to completion, to ensure success and deliver great outcomes.

Tell us about your personal journey as a woman in the technology industry.

I started my journey just like any other aspiring techie – one among many who were fascinated by its magic. As I moved ahead, I realized that many women were giving up on their careers too soon because they did not have enough support from their peers. Over the years, I have been presented with many equal opportunities. However, in the early days of my career, achieving certain goals as a woman seemed difficult due to a lack of inclusivity in the workplace. Since noticing this, I have always raised my voice and stood strong for what I believe in; to ensure a feeling of security and a sense of belonging for all. My past experiences are what make me so proud of the welcoming and inclusive culture at 91��. Unlike my previous employers, these values are embedded in everything we do. I believe that without supportive environments, organizations risk the loss of potential leaders.

How has 91�� made you feel empowered throughout your career?

91�� has been like a cup of freshly brewed coffee. In the last two years, I have been empowered to make the right choices for myself and my team, leading to better service delivery. The trust my team has offered and the support I have received from my peers and leaders have helped bring out the best in me. The culture of collaboration, equal opportunities, and inclusivity has made me comfortable to request help when needed and ask questions. I consider myself fortunate to work for an organization that has such a great culture, and this has helped me broaden my thought process.

Describe the culture within the tech team at 91��.

Our team is driven by the One 91�� principle – “When you get one of us, you get all of us”. We strive to break down barriers, advocate idea sharing and best practices, and motivate ourselves and each other to build capabilities for better business outcomes. 91��’s culture, reinforced by its values and principles, enables us to be as diverse yet as unified as possible. We advocate for a positive and supportive work environment that brings out the best in us and fosters an innovative and digital outlook.

Having close to twenty years of experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring tech joiners?

Technology is like magic! It’s in everything that we do. So those who aspire to be in this industry will experience this magic firsthand. I urge all technology aspirants to have faith in themselves, take risks, fail fast, learn, and recover. You will always have a choice to go with the flow or try and make a positive difference. Your choices will help to build a world that will be relevant for us and future generations.

My 91��: LIFE AT 91�� AFTER A CAREER BREAK

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Ritu Batheja, IT Systems & Architecture Manager, shares her experience returning to work after a career break

Could you tell us about your career journey before your break? What led you to decide to take a break?

Born in Mumbai, my parents raised my two sisters and me in a modest home. I am married to a wonderful supporting husband and have a naughty two-year-old. Before taking a break, I worked as a manager and had 12 years of experience in the technology space.

I took a career break in 2020 when my daughter was born. I wanted to dedicate enough time to care for her through her initial years of life and felt that wouldn’t be possible with a full-time job.

Was the decision to take a break a difficult choice? What motivated you to return to work?

Yes, it was a difficult choice as I was a hardworking professional who aspired to build a very successful career in technology and always voluntarily picked up complicated coding modules to work on. After some time into my break, I missed that side of my life and was motivated to reconnect with the professional world again.

Can you tell us about your career relaunch at 91��? What challenges did you face since your return and how has 91�� supported you through this transition?

I started my job search towards the end of my maternity break. Companies were hesitant assuming I wouldn’t be able to go that extra mile or stretch beyond regular hours with a newborn but 91�� was different.

The interview was very conversational and candid. I was honest about my situation and the interviewers were fully understanding and supportive. Sometimes, all you need is a chance to prove your potential and 91�� gave me just that! It took a little while to adjust to getting back to work and spending time away from my child but 91�� supported me through this transition both personally and professionally.

How does 91�� support and help you balance your personal and professional life?

My colleagues and manager understand that work is important, but family is too. They are extremely supportive and have a rational mindset. Whenever I have needed time off, I have always been honest, and my team has had my back.

The flexibility of being able to work from home has added so much more room to watch my daughter grow up. I get to see my daughter as she wanders off into my office space every now and then!

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

From my time spent here, the first thing that comes to mind is the colleague-centric environment. From everyday conversations to the bigger initiatives the company takes; it shows that people here care about their peers and the company cares deeply about its colleagues.

What advice would you give someone considering a career with 91��?

Change can be scary sometimes. But most changes stop being scary as soon you take that first step. So, if you think that the change will eventually make you happy, then go take that first step!

I have always believed that it’s the value you add to the organization that truly makes a difference and 91�� gives you that opportunity to build and prove your potential through the work you do.

My 91��: From Retirement Graduate To Actuarial Analyst

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Basil Al Hatoum, Actuarial Analyst and former Retirement Graduate in Toronto, discusses his experience at Willis Towers Watson.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

I am a member of multiple client teams. As the most junior person on the team, I am generally responsible for preparing data, doing benefit calculations for our clients, setting up processes in our programs that reflect the plan we are working with, preparing deliverables for clients, and much more.

What was your greatest challenge or learning in this role?

The key challenge for me, especially at the beginning, was learning about all the different pension plans that clients set up for their employees. They are all unique either in their plan benefit formulas or their assumptions, or in the benefits they offer. While the basic idea of a pension plan is simple, clients’ needs vary greatly and their plans will reflect that.

What is your proudest achievement since joining Willis Towers Watson?

Definitely my first in-person client meeting. I was given the opportunity to deliver a portion of the presentation that we had prepared. The senior consultants on my team had faith in me, and that gave me the confidence I needed to deliver calmly under pressure.

How would you describe the culture at Willis Towers Watson?

People who like to work hard and are self-motivated will do very well at Willis Towers Watson. If you put your hand up and ask for interesting new projects, you will get them! The more you put into your work, the more opportunities you’ll have to lead new projects or work on things that interest you. People here are very supportive and like to have fun as well. I’ve had the opportunity to play sports in many corporate leagues with my co-workers, not just from Retirement but from the entire Toronto office.

What do you like best about working at Willis Towers Watson?

Definitely the people. My colleagues are supportive of my work and have become great friends as well. We regularly go out for lunch, play sports outside of work, and we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Also, the business casual dress code of ‘dress for your day’ is amazing!

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I would like to continue to grow within our company. I don’t think of progress as a role or a title, I’d like to get to a point where I’m using my experience to simplify problems for my clients. I’d like to solve real world problems.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering a graduate opportunity at Willis Towers Watson?

Obviously, the technical skills are very important, but what recruiters are looking for are great people they can connect with. Having a meaningful conversation with a recruiter where you can demonstrate your people skills is a great first step.

Career Milestones: Sharan Bath celebrates 10 years at 91��

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Sharan Bath, Global Inclusion & Diversity Program Manager, reflects on ten years at 91��

What was your role when you first joined 91�� and what is your current role?
I joined 91�� in March 2014 as a Health & Welfare Business Analyst in our Benefits Outsourcing line of business. Flash forward 10 years and I’m an Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) Program Manager in our Global I&D team within Corporate HR.

How has 91�� supported you during your career progression?
Throughout the past decade, I’ve had the opportunity to gain skills, build relationships, and have new experiences across four different lines of business. I also had the opportunity to lead our Multicultural Inclusion Network in Chicago, which allowed me to get involved with our I&D efforts and contribute to creating an inclusive culture at a local level.

What sets 91�� apart from your previous employers?
Regardless of the role and business I’ve worked in over the years, our colleagues and leaders are always willing to mentor, support and collaborate. It’s our people and culture that set 91�� apart.

What is your work style at 91�� and how has it positively affected you?
My work style when I joined 91�� was in-office and I loved walking to our downtown Chicago office and enjoying the energy and atmosphere of being with my colleagues every day. My current work style is fully remote and it’s the perfect fit since I’m now in a global role, live further from the city, and have a toddler with a baby on the way. I truly value flexibility and it makes me more productive and efficient in my role, while also allowing me to balance motherhood and my home life.

A bit about Sharan…

Her role is Global Inclusion & Diversity Program Manager
She worked in four different LOBs at 91�� before moving to our Corporate HR team, and she’s celebrating her 10-year 91�� anniversary!
She started her I&D journey in childhood with her Girl Scout Gold Award project titled: Diversity Extravaganza, featuring a series of six cultural workshops for elementary school-aged children
She loves music, dancing, reading, and traveling to new places.
She and her husband traveled to 14 countries together while dating
She has a 2 children!

My 91��: Winning wellbeing initiatives and my career's journey through multiple roles

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Roel Tan, Global Sourcing Specialist, shares his insight into 91�� Manila’s health and wellbeing initiatives as well as the supportive culture. Learn more below about Roel’s story and some great reasons why 91�� has been featured in the Philippine’s Top 300 Employers

Introduce yourself and your roles at 91��

My name is Roel and I started my career with 91�� nearly seven years ago. I am currently a Global Sourcing Specialist and transitioned to this role in October 2022 after starting as a Recruitment Advisor in June 2016 and progressing to Senior HR Specialist in January 2018. Applying for a new role internally at 91�� was not at all complicated and my managers and colleagues were very supportive of my career progression and personal growth. I underwent an application process involving a few different interviews, which gave me an opportunity to get to know the teams better and get a first-hand look at who I might be working with. I had regular catch-ups with line managers and hiring managers to talk about future aspirations, short term goals and the next steps in my career. I have always felt fully supported at 91�� through upskilling and training opportunities to ensure I was ready for my each of my new roles.

Why did you choose to join 91�� and what keeps you here?

Aside from great benefits and the opportunity to progress in your career, I love 91�� because of the work-life balance as well as the initiatives to promote health and wellness to all colleagues here in Manila through different channels. This is done through talks and seminars, giving back to the community and just simply encouraging colleagues to live a healthy lifestyle.

What has been your proudest achievement at 91��?

The Walk For Hope Steps Challenge. This is one of the many programs supported by 91�� Manila and is a combination of giving back to the community and promoting health and wellness. The main purpose of this program is to accumulate as many steps as possible, which then determines 91��’s donation. In the end, all participants were able to reach 20 million steps which is equivalent to a P100,000.00 donation. And since I ranked first in the individual category, I also won a road bike – what a way to start a year!

How do you show up for your 91�� colleagues and how do they show up for you?

This is achieved by being available when colleagues need help and sharing best practices so we can all excel and be effective in our jobs. #Teamwork

How does your work drive the change that transforms tomorrows? How does 91�� empower you to do this?

In our work, we are given the chance to improve our processes either individually or collaborate with other colleagues. This way we can come up with better ways to handle different requests and build on a better client experience.

What is your best 91�� memory so far?

I am very active in 91�� initiatives as well as the health and wellness events/contests. The Walk for Hope Steps Challenge was the most recent, but I would say the most memorable was when we won the 2017 Walking to Wellbeing challenge which was organized by the 91�� Asia Pacific region. Our team ranked 1st and won Apple watches!

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

91�� is a fun place to work, while also being supportive in terms of your career progression and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. Trainings are readily available, there are accessible mentorship programs as well as regular initiatives and events where anyone can participate as to enhance personal hobbies and talents.

My 91��: My 91�� Work Flex

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Heather Hambrick, Director, shares how flexible working allows her to balance both her job at 91�� and an external PhD program in Healthcare Administration.

Our lives are made up of so many different priorities. These are ever-changing, so flexible working empowers the ability to shift in a dynamic environment. Working remotely for 91�� enables me to save two hours travel time every day, meaning I am able to do more of the things I love, such as spending quality time with my spouse, looking after my cats and cooking!

Shortly before joining 91��, in my own time, I began an accelerated PhD program in Healthcare Administration. I will graduate with my Doctorate in Healthcare Administration this August and look forward to what this can do for my work at 91��.

I really appreciate having the flexibility of working from home, so that I don’t have to lose any study time to commuting to and from work. I am able to shift from my early morning schoolwork seamlessly into my workday at 91�� and continue studying in the evenings.

I cannot express how grateful I am to find such a supportive company environment that enables this success!

Angela Hillier, Account Manager, shares the significant impact that flexible working has had on her everyday life.

The flexible working arrangements at 91�� have been life-changing for me.

Previously, my daily commute totalled three hours and I never had time to go to exercise classes as they didn’t fit in around my travel to and from work. Now, without this commute, I can easily fit in pilates classes three times a week and start my day positively before working remotely.

This arrangement has also enabled me to finish work early once a week and pick up my grandson from day care, which is a very precious time for me. The time saved by not commuting every day is so much better spent walking the dogs, getting my domestic chores done and improving my work-life balance. Thank you 91��!

Esra Kennedy, Team Administrator, shares her story about hybrid working at 91�� and how it has allowed her to spend more time with her family.

My current 91�� Work Flex style is hybrid. Some of the benefits I enjoy most about this arrangement are that I can spend more time with family, do more activities in the evenings, and save money on petrol and car maintenance. I tend to go into the office at least once a week, but this can vary depending on the business need and what I have scheduled in my diary that week. I appreciate this as going into the office breaks the week up and it is nice to catch up in person with colleagues, especially ones I don’t work closely with day to day.

If a hybrid working style wasn’t made available to me, I would not have been able to properly care for my dog. Hybrid working allows me to be at home to walk her and keep her company if I can’t arrange dog care. Additionally, I don’t have to worry about a long commute every day which I really appreciate.

Boomerang Colleagues: My journey as a 91�� Returner

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Eric Dawson, Senior Associate, shares what he enjoys most about 91�� and why he decided to return after almost three years.

Describe your journey as a 91�� returner.

In April of 2017, I was living in Chicago where I joined 91�� as a Business Development Associate focused on middle-market growth. After several years in Chicago, my wife and I decided it was time for a change and we moved back to her home state of Ohio. After leaving 91��, I worked at two other companies — although these were both great experiences, I missed the culture, colleague relationships and business capabilities at 91��. This led me to rejoin the company and I am now pleased to be working in the East Central region as a Producer.

What do you enjoy most about working at 91��?

91�� has an amazing culture and since coming back, I’ve been reminded daily why I joined the company to begin with. I’m grateful to have been welcomed back to such a solid team.
Everyone’s willingness to collaborate and deliver top-of-class solutions to our clients continues to impress me. Working with talented colleagues across our different lines of business helps us deliver to our clients what they need; this makes the work we do incredibly rewarding.

What do you appreciate about your current work style?

I currently work in a hybrid model. Our office in Columbus, Ohio is brand new, and having access to a workspace has been great after only being able to work remotely at other organizations. I appreciate that I now have the option to work in-office or remotely if I choose to. This was important to me when deciding to return because maintaining a healthy work/life balance was a focus of mine.

How have you been supported by your colleagues since returning to 91��?

Everyone I have met has been kind and willing to help as I enter a new market. From newer colleagues like myself, all the way up to senior leaders, I have felt the love. The enthusiasm and encouragement I’ve received has reassured me that returning to 91�� was the right decision.

My 91��: Growing up at and with 91��

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Senior Director, Nichelle Daulby, shares her inspiring 20-year career journey and how 91��’s inclusive culture and diverse colleagues have made the company a place that she can call ‘home away from home’.

Can you tell us about your 20-year career journey at 91��?

I joined 91�� 20 years ago as an actuarial analyst graduate in London. Almost five years later, in 2006, I was relocated to our expanding office in Atlanta where I joined the Health & Benefits team. Here, I coupled the move to a new country with a change in specialty. This change of scenery, both on a professional and geographical level, led me to quickly realize the value and importance of my analytical and project management skills, as we had to work on a variety of projects with clients from across the globe. Over time, this meant that I ended up frequently stepping outside of the actuarial world and was exposed to other business functions which positively impacted my personal and professional life.

In 2015, a new position was created: associate client relationship director. This is when I decided to embrace the opportunity and venture into the client management world. Six years have passed since then and I am currently a senior director within this business area. Looking back, little did I know that 91�� was the company where I would (literally) grow up in and call home almost 20 years later.

What does it mean to be a part of 91��’s Multicultural Inclusion Network (MCIN)?

The MCIN is an incredible colleague-led group that relentlessly works to highlight 91��’s diverse teams and talent. I’m originally from Trinidad and Tobago, so being part of a network that has introduced me to colleagues with similar Caribbean backgrounds has been one of the highlights of my career. I am very proud to be part of this group as it fosters comradery, connection and inclusion which in turn makes us feel comfortable in bringing our true and best selves to work.

Why do you think it is key to have diverse leaders within an organization?

Diversity has always been the status quo for me. Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago and having a diverse ethnic background myself, I’ve been able to witness how diversity in leadership brings diversity in thought and problem solving. This is particularly important for us as a company, as we’re always looking for new ways to innovate in order to provide the best solutions to our clients’ needs.

As a leader I’m always working towards supporting diverse talent and encouraging colleagues to advance their career. That’s why I am also part of the COBALT (Creating Opportunities for Black and LatinX Talent) program and a local co-leader of the Workplace Leadership Group whose mission is to create an inclusive work environment and enhance the overall colleague experience within the company.

How have the 91�� culture and values help you adapt to working in different locations and business areas?

Over the past 20 years, I’ve been given the opportunity to work in two different countries and continents. This has enabled me to experience 91��’s unwavering commitment towards delivering excellent work and supporting colleagues’ growth.

When I first moved to the United States and joined the Health & Benefits function, I didn’t have a background in this area, much less in the North America region as I had only worked in Trinidad & Tobago and London before. However, I was incredibly motivated and inspired when my fellow colleagues, managers and leaders shared their knowledge and invested time in my development. This continues to encourage me to keep stepping out of my comfort zone in order to continue growing.

91�� has supported me throughout the various phases of my personal life to date: as a new hire, a newlywed and a new parent working part-time for a period and then returning to full-time. Seeing how the company and my colleagues flexed around my professional growth, ambitions and changing personal circumstances throughout the years, made me realize that this is more than just a company – it is a place where individuals are equipped to become the best, most authentic version of themselves.

What has been your greatest learning or piece of advice that you have received throughout your career journey at 91��?

There are two things that have stayed with me: the first is to ‘be authentic’ which for me is keeping things simple. I am a firm believer that if you can’t say it simply, you don’t understand it well enough. The second is to ‘embrace change’. Embrace the opportunities that present themselves even though you may think they are outside of your comfort zone.

What advice would you give to people (or colleagues), particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, looking to progress their career?

There is a place for you here. We have numerous and incredible Inclusion Networks such as the COBALT group, the Black Colleague Connection club, the Gender Equity Network, the Women’s Leadership Development Program or ‘Out@91��’ (which is part of our LGBT+ Inclusion Network) that will help you feel comfortable in bringing your true to self to work.

My 91��: Adjusting to the ‘new normal’ while working from home

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Mitch Dauz, HR Business Partner in the Philippines shares his experience of adjusting his work-life balance as a father and husband as part of the ‘new normal’ during lockdown.

How has your life been affected by COVID-19?

Due to government protocols in the Philippines to manage COVID-19, my family and I have been quarantined at home together since March 16.

Working from home now has made me rethink how I can blend my full-time work and my full-time fatherhood. Often, I have an hour-long meeting with adults then followed by playtime with kids. It feels like a dream that I can do both and still have time left in the day to live a balanced life. I feel trusted by my managers that I can continue to deliver quality work and, more importantly, I feel loved by my kids when we greet each other ‘good morning’ every day and kiss goodnight every night.

What does ‘flexible work’ at 91�� mean to you?

To me, flexible working is #adulting. I am trusted by the organization to deliver quality work, on-time while balancing other personal responsibilities. I’m thankful to the organization for having a progressive mindset and entrusting us to be productive colleagues, whether we’re physically together in the office or at home.

How has 91�� made flexible working easy for you?

I appreciate the communication provided by local leaders and Global Operating Committee that working from home is the preferred approach at this time. The organization has been flexible to the reasonable needs of colleagues as well as our clients where possible.

As part of the local HR team, I have learned to appreciate the consistent message of care and warmth from our leaders during this pandemic and I’ve seen this translate to sustained excellent work from our colleagues.

What tips/tools would you recommend to others working from home at this time?

Mental resilience is important. I have typically seen my house as a place to rest and unwind. It’s been a journey of mental resilience to understand that things have changed now.

Compartmentalizing has also really helped me. Having a dedicated place to work made me more aware when it is time to work vs time to rest. Recently, I decided to wear the same clothes, scent, and watch as I would normally in the office, and change into more relaxed clothes when I’m done with work.

Seeking help is critical. At certain times during our local community quarantine, I had to ask for the help of my family members to keep our house clean, bathe the kids, and of course taking out the trash. I certainly do not mind doing these things, but it has been humbling to admit that I could not do it all by myself (at work and at home). Now, with even my 5-year old daughter and 9-year old son pitching in at home, I’m thankful that we’re all doing our fair share!

Seek help and be thankful.

What have you learned from this ‘new normal’ so far?

Looking at this new normal with a glass-half-full mindset, I can certainly see how to be a better colleague and father at the same time.

Meet the team: Poonam Yadav

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Team Pensions Administration

Segment Human Capital and Benefits

Location Mumbai, India

Year hired 2018

University/Degree Mumbai University

Personal skills or interests:

I have always been inclined towards teaching and mentoring. I like to keep myself updated and learn new things in my spare time. Other than this, I love traveling to new places and experiencing new cultures.

Can you tell us about your history with 91��?

I joined 91�� as an analyst in pensions valuations in May 2018. It’s been almost three years since I joined the company and I must say that my journey to becoming a subject matter expert in this area has been enriching and fulfilling.

I had a background in insurance and with adequate assistance and training, I soon acquired the knowledge and expertise required for my role. The continuous support and excellent training provided by my senior colleagues have helped me channel my strengths and skills.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

My role as an analyst involves the management of pension schemes for multiple clients. I ensure that new and existing members’ pensions are accurately maintained and serviced. I also juggle between calculating pensions and forecasts, and preparing quotations, in addition to processing pension contributions while maintaining service level agreements.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

Initially, understanding the finer details of pensions in the U.K. market was a challenge, given that my past professional experience was primarily in the U.K. insurance domain. I vividly remember the difficulties I faced when I worked on the transition of a new client account. Since I was new to the team, I was aware that this assignment would be particularly challenging. However, my senior colleagues and team gave me opportunities to learn, expand my knowledge on the subject and gradually become an expert. This equipped me with the skills and confidence I needed to take up the project again in April 2020. I worked closely with the team to ensure that the transition was smooth, despite working remotely. The client was extremely happy with how the requirements were met, which would not have been possible without the support of my team.

The recent shift to work from home due to the global pandemic has been almost overwhelming being a mother of a young child. My team has always been helpful and especially flexible with my work hours, allowing me to accommodate my daughter’s online school routine and daily activities. This has helped me establish a healthy work-life balance.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

I have been able to achieve several milestones during my time at 91�� but there is one that I will always cherish. It was when our team received the ‘Best Team Award’, for our efforts on a key account of the company. Apart from this, I have also received three awards for outstanding work that I am grateful for.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The culture of a company can be inspiring, and this is something I have experienced since day one at 91��. The inclusive work environment has empowered me to focus on my career goals and grow professionally.
I value the transparency within the company, along with the flexible work environment that allows me to seamlessly balance work and personal life.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with talented, smart colleagues that are always respectful and go out of their way to support each other. The core values like teamwork, integrity and excellence are upheld by all of the colleagues and across every level of the company.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

Yes, the thing that surprised me the most was the empathy that was shown by the senior colleagues during challenging times. Their actions confirm that the company’s values are not just on paper but are put into practice every single day. They make it a point to lead by example and inspire the team by making them feel heard, supported, and valued.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I want to ensure that I can learn and expand my knowledge and expertise to achieve quality results. In the future, I would like to develop my skills further to help my professional growth within the company.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

Working at 91�� provides opportunities that will encourage you to strive for excellence and step closer to achieving your career goals. You will get the chance to grow both personally and professionally while truly living the shared values of integrity and teamwork. The organization and its colleagues are very supportive, and they encourage you to focus on your physical and mental wellbeing, which will help you stay motivated.

Meet the team: Karan Rai

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Senior Associate, Retirement

Team Retirement

Segment Human Capital and Benefits

Location Reigate, United Kingdom

Year hired 2013

University/Degree Bristol University, BSc Mathematics

Personal skills or interests:

Knitting, crafting, sewing, cooking and anything else to do with channeling my inner crafter. I live in London and love going out to restaurants and bars.

Can you tell us about your history with 91��?

I was hired after university as part of a graduate intake. I have worked with a large variety of clients and taken on various different roles during my time at 91��. Currently the majority of my work involves acting as a consultant, advising trustees of a wide range of defined benefit pension schemes. I also do a small amount of corporate work and I have also taken on a managerial role in the team.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

In my role as a people manager, I need to keep in touch with my direct reports daily, allocate work to the appropriate colleagues within my team and help with wider long-term resourcing of projects. Being a manager provides unique challenges different from my consulting role, and no two days are the same.

For my consulting role, I need to make sure I work collaboratively with my client teams in order to complete work efficiently and in line with the required timescales. This can vary between simply providing a quick response to a client with some ad-hoc advice, to delivering a large project that takes place over a number of months.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

Having lots of things on the go at once can be difficult, but this role has taught me the importance of being organised and prioritising or delegating my work when needed.

What’s been one of your most exciting projects to date?

I worked as a Project Manager on a major project for one of our largest Reigate clients. This involved over 30 people and months of work. My role was to co-ordinate the different sub-teams and keep everything on track. Sending out the final reports to the client after months of effort by the entire team was probably one of the most satisfying and exciting moments of my career. Knowing that the team has produced something that will impact so many people can be daunting, but the level of care taken with deliverables in 91�� can give you confidence and pride in the end product.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

The project described in the previous question was probably my proudest achievement and earned me a Circle Award from our CEO. However, I personally feel that the best sense of pride comes from how we work as a team and help each other. For me, the sense of “team victory” is always when I feel proudest of being a part of 91��.

What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of your role at 91��?

I completed the graduate training programme during my first two years at the company which was invaluable. This programme provides the vital base of knowledge which underlies the work that we do. More informally, a huge amount of training and development comes from working on the job day-to-day and, in particular, from working closely with senior colleagues and learning from their experience. Being in such a large company enables me to work with a wide variety of people and therefore learn new things from each of them. I am still learning new things each day.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

Like the rest of the world, 2020 has been an odd year for us. I think that the collaborative culture at 91�� was highlighted during that period. People are so supportive, take time to check on their colleagues and always have time for each other.
Unlike many other companies, to shine here you just need to complete work to a high quality and people will notice and appreciate it. The culture lends itself to this way of working.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

91�� provides so many opportunities and a wide variety of clients and projects to work on. But for me personally, the people are the best part about working here without a doubt. I’ve learnt so much from the people around me and will continue to do so. I can’t remember a day where someone didn’t teach me something, or a day where I didn’t laugh working here. I’ve made lifelong friends at 91�� and for that I am very grateful – my graduate year intake still all go away together every year!

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

For such a large company, there is still a small team feel where everyone knows everyone. We have so many people who are experts in their field, and you will inevitably end up working with many of them at some stage in your career.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I am looking forward to exploring the various opportunities that are available to me at 91�� and hope that in the future I will have a breadth of knowledge and experience in a wide range of work. I hope that in years to come I am still learning and doing new things.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

Do it!

Meet the team: Kingsley Wang

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Project Manager

Team Global Health and Group Benefits Implementation team

Segment Human Capital and Benefits

Location Shenzhen, China

Year hired 2017

University/Degree The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Science

Personal interests

Badminton, running, Chinese chess and the NBA.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

I am currently working as an implementation project manager applying 91��’s benefit technology solutions to customers in the Asia Pacific region. I am working in a very broad area and closely manage the end-to-end project life cycle including interpreting initial client requirements, solution proposal and design, technical implementation and post-launch operation support and so on.

What training and development opportunities have you received in your role?

91�� places great emphasis on employee training, so there are a lot of online training resources and offline training seminars available. In addition, we learn a lot from our colleagues.
The most important thing I have learned is professional excellence. My colleagues value the quality and results of their work very much, which prompted me to continuously improve the quality of my own work.
One of the most influential training sessions I participated in was the 91�� China’s Milestone Learning, which provided me with the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with senior executives face-to-face and helped me understand more about career development opportunities.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

Before I joined 91��, the application of our benefit technology platform in the China market was very limited. After two years of hard work, we have successfully launched a number of important clients on the platform, and our team has grown.

At the same time, 91�� also attaches great importance to encouraging employee innovation. For example, I was fortunate to participate in the Global Horizon Innovation project where I placed in the final top 10. The Global Horizon Innovation project is an all-colleague innovation program designed to generate and test ideas aligned to our company priorities and growth opportunities. All colleagues are encouraged to submit their ideas aligned with one of the chosen themes, and those selected are given the opportunity to prototype and concept test their idea to make a case for further development. Through this project, I experienced the entire process from idea creation to proof of concept, and also had the opportunity to interact with colleagues and leaders from around the world.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The company has a great work/life balance, a very collaborative culture and invests in the professional development and personal growth of its employees.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

I like being a part of a working environment where peers and leaders are treated as equals. I also appreciate the ability to have flexible working hours.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

I have had many opportunities to work with professional colleagues around the world. In this diverse environment, I’m able to learn from people with different skill sets and from different cultures. The company values teamwork, and our colleagues are very friendly and willing to cooperate. We can communicate and discuss on an equal basis — between peers and leaders.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I strive to expand the market influence and number of clients on the 91�� benefit platform in China. I’m also passionate about innovative technologies and business models in the industry, and I’m always looking for opportunities to work on localized innovation projects.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

91�� is a great place for professional development including excellent training, a collaborative environment, strong advancement potential and a diverse culture. If you are passionate about the consulting industry, this is a very good place for you.

Meet the team: Charlie (Charlotte) Garrod

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Wordings Analyst

Team Property & Casualty Wordings practice

Segment Corporate Risk and Broking

Location Ipswich, United Kingdom

Year hired 2011

University/Degree The Open University, Business Management, Social Sciences and IT

Personal skills or interests

I play golf at county level for Suffolk and hold a single-figure handicap. I have 2 young children who make life interesting!

Can you describe your career progression within 91��?

After a variety of previous roles with insurers and brokers, I joined 91�� as a client services team leader in Major Accounts (now Manufacturing and Industrial, Services and Utilities) within GB Retail. I then moved into an account executive role, managing my own clients within the Natural Resources Utilities team. When my personal circumstances changed (I had a baby), 91�� was really supportive in enabling me to move into my current job where I can bring my industry knowledge and relationships to bear but also work with more flexibility. Recently, I have been promoted to lead the GB Retail Wordings Team and deputise managing the wider P&C Wordings team, both of which are exciting career opportunities within 91��.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

Our team works on wordings to establish the best insurance cover for clients. I provide technical knowledge and wordings analysis, including property, casualty, motor, personal accident and travel coverage.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

One of the key challenges is the non-standardized nature of the policy wordings, as each insurer has its own bespoke style. This presents an opportunity to learn something new every day, as well as use the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career.
What training and development opportunities have you received in your role?

There is a wealth of training and development opportunities available, whether personal (interpersonal communications and confidence building) or technical/IT-based support. I have completed many courses both face-to-face and electronically – including onsite “Lunch and Learn” sessions – and enjoyed the experience.

What’s been one of your most exciting projects to date?

I had an opportunity to work on the Model Office in 2012, in which the processes and roles of the client teams were mapped to help improve operational efficiency.
Also, I was honoured to be nominated and voted in as an Employee Representative (ER) through two consulting projects, and be the chair of the ERs in face-to-face meetings with senior management.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

I take pride in helping my team develop and watching their careers progress.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The culture is changing – for the better. Management is taking a fresh view on everything and making appropriate changes, which is encouraging.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

The people who work here are very knowledgeable and, because of its size and internal network, there’s always someone who is able to help – or can recommend someone who can!
I’m very lucky that as my life outside of work changed, 91�� helped me find a position that fits with my home life.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

I was pleasantly surprised to learn of the width and breadth of knowledge, and the longevity of service of colleagues.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I’m very glad I have the opportunity to work at 91�� and hope that my career here lasts a long time. I hope to be a go-to person for technical knowledge and be in a position to one day lead the team if the opportunity arises.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

Join 91��! It’s an interesting company with many different roles to consider and opportunities to learn and develop.

Meet the team: Laura Punzón

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Team Leader

Team Companies, Transport and International

Segment Claims department

Location Madrid, Spain

Year hired 2015

University/Degree University Rey Juan Carlos, Business Sciences and Business Administration

Personal interests

Walking in the country, passing time with friends and traveling.

Can you describe your career progression within 91��?

I came into the company in 2015 as a claim handler on the Companies, Transport and International team. Two years later I became a team leader.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

I currently lead a team of seven people handling Company, Cargo, Commercial and International claims. My day-to-day duties consist of running the team, attending to their questions, overseeing the deadlines established for the revision of claims, supporting the team as needed, and addressing client feedback.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

My biggest challenge has been to assume a managerial role and take on responsibility for the entire department. I continued working on my day-to-day tasks, but with a higher level of responsibility, and I also work to make my team feel supported.

What training and development opportunities have you received in your role?

I received support from my superiors. When one has a strong commitment to the company, development opportunities are possible.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

I’ve worked in the Business Support Claims department, which handles high-frequency claims with maximum productivity, since its inception. Working together, this team has improved claim handling and created a more efficient process for our clients.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The culture is dedicated to serving clients with proven solutions that can be targeted to their needs.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

The warm attitude and transparency shown to all colleagues was a nice surprise, as this wasn’t what I had experienced in other multinational companies.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I would like to continue growing personally and professionally with this great company, and help meet our business and strategy objectives while looking to increase value for our shareholders and clients.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

With hard work and patience, you can meet all the challenges that come your way.

Meet the team: Jasmin Bedi

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Retirement Associate
(former Intern)

Team Retirement

Segment Human Capital and Benefits

Location Reigate, United Kingdom

Experience level Intern

University/Degree St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, India, BSc (honors) Mathematics

Why did you pursue an internship with 91��?

Having studied for some actuarial exams at university, I was keen to understand the practical aspect of the theoretical knowledge I was gaining. 91�� gave me the opportunity to work for some of the biggest pension schemes in the country, which was a perfect opportunity to learn the essence of the industry.

Can you tell us about your career progression with 91��, starting as an intern?

I started my career as an intern with 91�� India a few years ago and now I work as an associate with 91�� UK. Having worked as an associate on defined benefit schemes in India, I wanted to get exposure to the pension industry in another country. As one of the largest actuarial companies with a presence in multiple countries, 91�� made getting an opportunity to work in another country easier. I applied for a position in the UK, was contacted by HR and after a few in-depth interviews, was made an offer to transfer.
91��’s Global Mobility team made the transition a smooth one, and I felt supported at every step. It was definitely a big change driven primarily for the purpose of career advancement. Now that I have been in the UK for almost 10 months, I feel the move has helped me grow both professionally and personally.

What were your responsibilities as an intern?

As an intern I was responsible for shadowing consultants in the preparation of valuation reports for clients for accounting purposes. It gave me a good understanding of how pension liabilities impact the ledger for multinational corporations. I also got an opportunity to sharpen my Excel skills by creating a spreadsheet for automating a process.

What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of the internship?

91�� has an extensive training programme, along with great study support. To succeed an actuary, we need to maintain a balance between work, study and social life. Having a generous study policy made things easier. Also there were frequent social events with the team where I got to interact with senior consultants and actuaries; learning from their experiences was definitely an added benefit.

What were the highlights of your 91�� career experience?

At a very early stage in my career, I had an opportunity to work closely with a senior consultant supporting a client that was implementing a government-driven defined contribution pension scheme. It involved managing a project with multiple stakeholders and tight timelines. We started by selecting a third-party administrator, and then had discussions with senior management at the client company to ensure they had the platform required to introduce the new pension scheme to employees.

From having the opportunity to attend client meetings and work with communication experts to prepare content for employee awareness, this experience provided incredible exposure to project management and to the client.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The culture is diverse, with something for everyone. One of the best things about my job is the ability to interact with members of the team at all different levels. I love that I get to learn new things from highly experienced actuaries. I also enjoy the sincere appreciation I receive from not only my manager, but from the people I work with directly.

Meet the team: Anshul Garg

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Risk analyst
(former Investment, Risk and Reinsurance Graduate)

Team Insurance Consulting and Technology Life Insurance

Segment Investment, Risk and Reinsurance

Location Gurugram, India

Experience level Apprentice

University/Degree University of Delhi, Bachelor in Commerce (honors)

Personal interests

Reading and playing badminton.

Why did you pursue a graduate position with 91��?

As one of the leading and most sought after companies for actuaries, 91�� enjoys goodwill in the market. The highly positive reviews of people who work, or have worked, here was the most compelling factor for me in deciding to start my actuarial career here.

Please tell us about your placements within the company so far

I have primarily been involved in life insurance consulting projects, with a bit of exposure in non-life insurance consulting as well. For life insurance consulting, I’ve worked extensively on valuation and regulatory reporting as well as various other aspects of life actuarial work. For non-life insurance consulting, I’ve worked on competitor benchmarking for an overseas insurer.

And your current role?

In my current role as an analyst, my primary responsibility is producing quality work within a defined timeline for various projects. In one year’s time, the scope of my responsibilities has expanded, and now I also get to review the work of my peers.

What was your greatest challenge or learning opportunity in this role?

The main challenge that I face is adhering to deadlines, especially in light of unanticipated events. However, this has taught me how to work under pressure and ensure accurate, high-quality output.

What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of the graduate program?

The graduate program has been a great stepping stone for my career. As part of my graduate onboarding, I was provided with extensive training sessions and workshops, which helped me build industry knowledge, gain practical insights and learn various software used in the industry.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The culture at 91�� is unmatched. Everyone works as a team here and is always willing to lend a helping hand. People are hardworking and passionate about what they do, which is conducive to a great work environment. There is also a focus on training and development; everyone has numerous opportunities to learn more and progress in their careers.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

The best thing about working here has got to be the people. The people who work here tend to possess great knowledge and also great humility at the same time. If you need someone’s help, they often take the time to assist you even if they’re loaded with their own work. Everyone loves what they do and is really ambitious, which serves as a source of motivation — especially when you’re just starting out in your career.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I aspire to become an actuary. I would like to learn and grow, and become a seasoned professional, excelling in my field of interest, which is insurance.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

Research the company well and make sure it’s the right fit for your ambition and career path. If it is, then give it your best shot by preparing well in advance and progressing a bit every day, instead of leaving it all to the last minute.

Meet the team: Alberto Mondelli

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Region Leader — Latin America

Team Global Services and Solutions

Segment Human Capital and Benefits

Location Mexico City, Mexico

Year hired 2017

University/Degree La Universidad del Zulia, Venezuela, B.S. Industrial Engineering; Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA), Certificate in Advanced Management

Personal interests

I love listening to music and going to the gym on a daily basis. I have above average dancing skills for Salsa and Merengue music.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

I am currently responsible for a team of 27 consultants spread across Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay that work with multinational companies headquartered in Latin America in their cross-border operations. Our team also assists global client teams in coordinating inbound multi-country projects in Latin America including global benefit management, benefit benchmarking reviews, retirement governance, pension plans accounting consolidation, and mergers and acquisitions. My daily tasks include a combination of client project work, project sales, people management, business planning, dealing with administrative issues, and post-business results and marketing activities such as posting in social media and speaking at client events.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

A key challenge of my role is the need to coordinate my work with people in different geographic locations and business segments to deliver a consistent service to our clients. One notable project includes collaboration with the Corporate Risk and Broking Latin America team and the Client Management group to develop and execute an offering and sales strategy for Latin multinationals. It’s very gratifying to work cross platforms on this project, which is aimed at positioning 91�� as the premier partner for the risk and human capital needs of these companies as they grow and cross borders.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The culture at 91�� is client-centered, collaborative, inclusive and people-oriented. Additionally, it is performance-driven, positive, fun and ethical. The company is very respectful of its people and clients.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

The best aspect of my job is the talented people I get to work with every day. It’s a very collaborative culture — it’s easy to find help from colleagues when required at a global, regional or local level.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

I was surprised by the wealth of research the company undertakes every year on so many different issues that are important to our clients. It’s a clear differentiator and creates knowledge that can be used to understand trends and best practices, and applied to our client work.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I would like to keep working in roles that allow me to interact with clients — developing relationships and helping them solve their different issues in our areas of expertise. I’d also be interested in leading larger teams within the business and expanding the scope of what I do to other geographies outside Latin America.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

Do it! Having worked at some of the leading global consulting companies, I have found 91�� to have the most supportive and collaborative culture. Some of the most talented professionals in the industry are working here.

Meet the team: Suzanne Vaughan

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Head of Retirement

Team Retirement

Segment Human Capital and Benefits

Location Edinburgh, Scotland

Year hired 2009

University/ Degree Heriot-Watt University, BSc Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics

Personal skills or interests

Reconnecting with my creative side through music classes, messy play and macaroni pictures — with my one-year-old daughter.

Can you tell us about your history with 91��?

I was hired as a consultant, advising trustees of defined benefit pension schemes and supporting the scheme actuary lead consultant. From there, I became a scheme actuary leading client accounts. I’ve also completed secondment work, in which I worked in-house for a large banking client supporting their internal pension function through a significant period of change in regulations affecting their pension scheme. I then moved my career focus to de-risking pension schemes, i.e., removing pension scheme risk through the purchase of bulk annuities in the insurance market. Today as head of Edinburgh, Retirement, I am responsible for the strategic direction of our team, revenue and growth, and overall team performance.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

As head of the Edinburgh office, my day-to-day job is varied and unpredictable — which I love. One week I am on the road going around Scotland fronting external events in the local market, promoting our brand and the work and solutions we provide. The next week I can be behind closed doors with key members of my senior team considering business strategy for the year.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

Time is always in short supply — as it is with most jobs these days. And having my first child, a one-year-old daughter, can put additional pressure on the time I have available to give to my role. But the company has been exceptionally supportive during this time of change for me, and I have been able to reshape various work priorities to ensure I can still achieve the best outcome for the local team.

What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of your role at 91��?

I was fortunate to be selected for our Emerging Leaders training programme a few years ago. This was a two-year programme that brought together more than 30 colleagues from across Europe. I met some incredibly talented individuals and, importantly, some great friends along the way. I’ve learned to be open to opportunities, such as this one, as you never know where they will take you.
If you remain open to new things, you develop along the way. You need to be brave and sometimes take a less obvious move (maybe sideways) rather than always aiming straight up. Working for an organisation like 91�� allows you this flexibility, given the breadth of services we offer. The skills you start with develop along the journey, and the roles you end up taking may differ greatly from your original career path or plans.

What’s been one of your most exciting projects to date?

As part of the Emerging Leaders experience, we were split into smaller project teams and my group was tasked with considering the benefit package of 2025. We were given access to senior leaders and research facilities across our company. This also involved travel across Europe (Madrid, Munich, London), culminating in a proposal to our company’s leadership committee offering ways to help shape where we take our business in the future. It was fantastic to be given the opportunity to add our voice to the future direction of our company and enjoy the freedom to pursue such an ambitious initiative.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

I’m proud to have been given the flexibility to make a difference in how we drive our team forward locally by becoming head of the Edinburgh office and being entrusted to run a team of 40 colleagues. The role allows me to hire top talent, and then I’m tasked with putting them in the right scenarios to ensure both they — and as a result, we as a team — reach our full potential.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The culture is exceptionally collaborative and supportive. I continue to be amazed at the lengths colleagues will go to in supporting each other, putting clients first and getting results.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

Being part of such a large organisation means you have access to the very best ideas to take to your client base. But somehow, we have not lost the friendly feel of a small company, and there is a real sense of team here.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

The degree to which the environment is collaborative. Given the size of the company, it continues to surprise me how supported and connected you are to so many people across different fields.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

My hope now is to continue doing a job I genuinely love. I know that working at 91�� will continue to challenge and stretch me, and allow me the flexibility to take my career wherever my future skills and interests go. I love working with our clients and our team so whatever it is, it will involve both of these.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

Do it! I’m so glad I did. I was very happy with my previous employer and it took quite a bit for me to convince myself to move — but I’ve never looked back. The breadth of opportunity is unbelievable and, most importantly to me, the culture is fantastic.

Meet the team: Emma White

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Junior Account Executive
(former level 4 Insurance Apprentice)

Team Global Marine, International Trade and Logistics

Segment Corporate Risk and Broking

Location London, United Kingdom

Experience level Apprentice

Personal interests

Sharing time with friends.

Why did you pursue an apprentice position with 91��?

I found out about the apprenticeship through a government website. Even though I had already started at university, the experience wasn’t for me; so I left and set out to look for an alternative. I found the apprenticeship to be the career experience I was looking for, one that could advance my skills and qualifications.

What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed while at 91��?

I have learned about insurance through shadowing colleagues, various training courses and my certification exams. Additionally, having never worked in an office before, I learned day-to-day office skills such as how to use company systems and office communications. My responsibilities as an apprentice change frequently as I gain more experience and knowledge. I have progressed to where I am now involved in renewals, processing and servicing clients.

Can you share a highlight of your apprenticeship experience?

The highlights so far have been building relationships with my colleagues/underwriters and gaining knowledge that helped me pass my exams. I also enjoy seeing new apprentices coming into the programme and being able to answer their questions and help them feel comfortable.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

In the future, I would like to gain more responsibility in my role and one day be able to move into a management position.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship at 91��?

Having some previous work experience would be an advantage. I would also say to anyone exploring this route: Don’t rule out university too quickly and don’t rule out the apprenticeship too easily. Explore all your options and try to avoid tunnel vision.

Meet the team: Dom Ferrari

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Actuarial Apprentice

Team Retirement

Segment Human Capital Benefits

Location Reigate, United Kingdom

Experience level Apprentice

Why did you pursue an apprentice position with 91��?

I knew I wanted a job in the actuarial world, and this programme offered me a path to achieve this without going to university. From my first contact with the job listing, the company came across as professional. The fact that we advise a large number of the Finacial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 companies really impressed me, and this has been echoed in my experiences so far, as I have been involved with a large number of recognisable clients.
My apprenticeship is based in Reigate, which enables me to continue to live at home and still get work experience and education comparable to the university option.

What was your experience of the application process?

I found the process to be quite smooth with very few surprises. The assessment centre had a relaxed atmosphere, and I was given very constructive feedback following my interview.

And of the apprenticeship itself?

My first year as an apprentice has been all about developing a knowledge base for the work I do day-to-day. I’ve been given responsibility to complete regular tasks and take ownership for the quality of my work. As my apprenticeship progresses, I’ve been given the opportunity to help train new apprentices in some fundamentals of actuarial work, including the use of Excel, as well as provide peer support to three recent graduates. I’ve been able to help them learn how our team works and answer any questions they may have.

What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed while at 91��?

I’ve received great training provided by 91�� that has helped me pass two professional exams that are essential to gaining an actuarial qualification.
I’ve also learned that teamwork is the most important part of working within an office — in order to deliver quality work for our clients and also enjoy ourselves in the process.

What can you say you learnt from your fellow apprentices and colleagues and vice versa?

I have learnt that beyond being good at the technical math work, the most important part of my work is the relationships I have built up with my colleagues. By having a tight group of friends, both apprentices and other colleagues, I have been able to enjoy my apprenticeship fully, as well as being encouraged by others to strive in my role.

Can you share a highlight of your apprenticeship experience with 91��?

I’ve appreciated the opportunity to help train new apprentices and go to local careers fairs to promote the 91�� apprenticeship programme. I’ve enjoyed meeting college students to discuss their career goals and the possibility of the apprenticeship as an alternative to university.

How did you feel when you came 2nd in the level 4 category of the BPP Apprentice of the Year Awards 2020?

I felt very proud and extremely grateful to those who nominated me. It was actually quite a surprise because I did not know I had been nominated. I think it shows how committed 91�� are to ensure their apprentices achieve greatness.

Were you able to experience 91��’s values and culture? If so, tell us about a moment where you were able to live by our values or when you saw a colleague do so?

Two of the values that have impacted me most are Teamwork and Client focus. 91�� have fostered an environment where both values constantly feed into each other. I have been part of many teams including a team of apprentices and graduates to complete a high profile project which involved many complicated calculations. Had our team not put in the extra work together we could not have met our deadline, it was a very satisfying and rewarding feeling to collectively complete a difficult task. In terms of client focus, I have been part of a team who have successfully completed projects that generate £100,000s in revenues, and in some cases been able to project manage a team to reach some of these goals.

91�� has an unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). Where you able to participate in our different I&D colleague-led initiatives? If so, which one?

I have been given the opportunity on multiple occasions to help set-up and host a team quiz for over 50 colleagues during lockdown. To enter these quizzes colleagues had to donate to our charity partner, the Alzheimer’s Society, and a local charity, Stripey Stork. Overall, we raised around £5,000! I am very proud to have done this as naturally colleagues were having a tough time due to COVID-19 and by hosting these events I was hopefully able to make a big impact to team moral.

You were part of the Actuarial programme for our Retirement team, is there a specific challenge to this area that you wish to share? How did the apprenticeship programme and your colleagues help you overcome this challenge?

I think that the biggest challenge was that for the first year, the work we were doing was the same difficulty of work as graduates coming out of university. The structure of the apprenticeship programme and our manager were clear in that we were not expected to be at the same level as the graduates, but gave us room to grow and perform at a level above what was expected. This freedom to excel was a perfect environment for myself and I feel that the apprenticeship fostered my growth very well.

What is the next step in your career? How did the apprenticeship programme help you make this decision?

During my apprenticeship, I have been able to go to multiple client meetings and also be the lead on a wide variety of projects. I have been able to use my skills in maths within my career to achieve great results for our clients and for the organisation. By achieving this during my apprenticeship, 91�� have recognised this and allowed me to start studying for the actuary exams, with the view to becoming a qualified actuary.

Would you recommend someone to enrol in one of our apprenticeship programmes? Why?

I would say that my apprenticeship has allowed me to make a significant impact within my department within a very short space of time. Following the completion of my apprenticeship, I have been promoted to an actuarial consultant. I am now one year ahead in my career than I would have been if I had entered as a graduate from university, with the bonus of 2 years extra experience. This shows that the apprenticeship, if the person has the right level of commitment, can open the same doors as going to university, and 91�� are keen to remove whatever barriers may face apprentices in their career

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship at 91��?

I would suggest to anyone applying to an apprenticeship at 91�� to be proactive; research the company, it will impress the evaluators and make you stand out.

Meet the team: Karan Patel

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

EXECUTIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Team Sales & Client Management & Virtual Assistants

Segment Corporate

Location Mumbai, India

Years hired 2016, 2018, 2019 – present

Personal interests

Learning new skills, exploring new places and cooking are my passions.

Can you describe your career progression within 91��?

I am very proud of my career journey at 91��. I started off in 2016 with limited knowledge of administrative tools but thanks to my efforts and support from other colleagues, I am now in charge of assisting multiple senior leaders. I’m also very pleased with all the skills that I’ve learned within a short period of time. For example, after receiving training from another team, I quickly learned how to manage various administrative-focused software and internal tools to the point that I’m now responsible for upskilling other colleagues!

Working closely with senior leaders has empowered me to showcase my administrative skills – I’m considered the backbone of our operations for the Sales & Client Management Team. This, combined with the support of my manager, has enabled me to work on different types of projects and pick up additional responsibilities, such as managing post-training reports and feedback for our Sales & Client Management Team.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

My proudest achievement so far is receiving the ‘Customer Delight Award’ and seeing my manager’s, Jenita Monteiro, feedback about my work which praised my teamwork skills, proactivity and positive spirit.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

There are lot of positive things about working at 91��, but if I had to choose one it would be the recognition we receive for our hard work and efforts. Colleagues and leaders continuously show their appreciation for the work I do. This feels great and motivates me to continue developing my skillset and take on more exciting projects.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The company’s culture is supportive and flexible. We have great flexible work policies and benefits that have been highly appreciated during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns around the world. In addition, 91�� is constantly putting its people’s wellbeing at the forefront: we have numerous company-led initiatives that focus on our colleagues’ physical and mental health, such as virtual yoga sessions and the ‘Employee Assistance Program for Mental & Emotional Wellbeing’. This program helped me enormously after I developed anxiety about being re-infected with Covid-19 and potentially losing a loved one.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering applying for a role at 91��?

In my opinion, 91�� is the best to company to grow with. Whether that’s learning new skills or tools, understanding how to operate in a complex global company or progressing onto the next role or challenge. I’ve found nothing but supportive leaders and that my hard work is always appreciated.

Meet the team: Benjamin Tessier

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Bid Manager

TeamBusiness Development Unit – Great Britain Retail

Segment Corporate Risk and Broking

Location London, United Kingdom

Year hired 2015

University École Nationale d’Assurances ENAss, Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers, France, Bachelor’s Degree, Insurance

Personal skills or interests

I speak two languages and make a very good guacamole (according to my wife).

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

I’m a major accounts bid manager in the team that helps GB retailers manage risks to their businesses and develop mitigation strategies, including the purchase of appropriate insurance coverage. In this role, I serve as the project lead and coordinator for our Technical and Account Management teams, with particular responsibility for ensuring that our bids for retailers’ business, both technical and commercial, meet both the client needs and proposal requests as well as our own financial objectives. My role also includes organization and management of annual reviews for key clients, including assessment of business strategies and outlook, and assisting in the transition and implementation of projects won.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

Once we receive a request for proposal (RFP), I have to make sure that delivery of our services proceeds according to what was promised during the initial bidding process. My key challenges involve getting the right people involved in the proposal and overseeing the RFP so it’s submitted on time and according to the client’s needs.

What’s been one of your most exciting projects to date?

I had the opportunity to manage a major proposal involving multinational support from our offices in Paris, the U.S., and our Natural Resources specialty team in London. This project exemplified 91��’s approach to working as one team to offer the best possible value to a client.

What training and development opportunities have you enjoyed as a result of your role at 91��?

I originally worked as a bid manager in Paris. Being involved in cross-country projects has allowed me to visit other offices and eventually transfer to a different business unit that required relocation to the UK.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

I had invested a high level of involvement and quality into my role in Paris, so being recommended internally by upper management to transfer to the London office showed me that the company supports my personal goals.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The culture is very much client-focused, with colleagues eager to differentiate our company from our competitors. I also feel that inclusion and diversity is a true part of the company’s culture, evident on a day-to-day basis.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

I like the level of goodwill shown by all colleagues within the organisation as well as the recognition received for bringing added value to the team and contributing toward the growth of the business.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

I was surprised by how close-knit colleagues are considering how large the organisation is, particularly in their ability to work together to achieve mutual goals of growth and success — and the fantastic view from the 15th floor of the 91�� Lime Street building in London!

What is your hope for your career in the future?

I hope to reach a management-level position within the organisation or a role in which we could further develop the relationship between GB and France. Specialising in a field such as the reinsurance market or an industry such as natural resources might also be of interest. The choice is endless here!

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

Within the past three years, the merger of Willis and Towers Watson has brought tremendous transformation and offered good opportunities for talented individuals who are looking for a dynamic and challenging environment. I joined the Paris-based insurance broker, Gras Savoye, now a 91�� company, prior to the merger. I recently transferred to the London office knowing that there’d be opportunities to evolve within this fully-integrated organisation.

Meet the team: Emily Reading

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Client Service and Analytics Manager

Team MarineMar

Segment Corporate Risk and Broking

Location Ipswich, UK (with one day per week in London office)

Year hired 2018

Personal interests

I’m passionate about anything creative. I play a number of musical instruments, enjoy photography and ran a side business as a self-taught chocolatier for a short time.

Can you tell us about your career progression and how it led you to 91��?

I formerly worked for a small field marketing company that was outsourced to conduct retail sales for large technology companies. I worked on various accounts for about six years where I managed client relationships and worked to increase sales for the company, and eventually worked my way up to a client service manager role. Through LinkedIn, I was exploring other roles but had not considered one in insurance until I was contacted by a company recruiter. I learned through a phone interview that my skills were transferable, and I was hired as a client service manager. My current role requires making a lot happen in a short amount of time, but the skills I learned in my previous role – staying organized, creating lists, learning systems and processes – prepared me well.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

In my role, I provide market insights to insurers who are my clients, as opposed to the policyholders. As client service and analytics manager, the key responsibilities of my role are to ensure that clients receive their reports and are kept updated through meetings, per their contract agreements. This involves building relationships with both colleagues and client teams to ensure processes are in place and followed effectively throughout the quarter.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

So much of my role depends on building strong working relationships with a large number of colleagues. Being completely new to the company, I’ve spent the last few months meeting and working with as many of these key individuals as I can to ensure that we build a mutually beneficial working relationship.

What training and development opportunities have you received in your role?

I will be completing a training course with the Chartered Insurance Institute, which will allow me to earn certifications helpful to advancement within the company. This training provides an entry-level understanding of the insurance market as a whole in London. From here, I can progress to higher levels of certification, which will open me up to other roles within the company.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

The culture here is inclusive, supportive and there is a good work ethic.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

The diversity of people and the variety of challenges presented to me are two of my favorite aspects of working at 91��.
Also, there is a much better work/life balance in my current role, since I am not spending the majority of my time on the road, which was required in my previous position in field sales marketing. I’ve learned that I can accomplish a great deal within a reasonable amount of time.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

I’ve spent most of my career working for much smaller companies so the breadth of benefits and support available here was more than I’d expected.
Also, my move to 91�� meant a change in industry for me. I wasn’t aware of how transferable my skills could be from my previous role and how open the company would be to considering them.

What is your hope for your career in the future?

My definition of success is to be constantly challenging myself, learning in whatever role I have and enjoying my day-to-day work. I remain open-minded as to what opportunities may present themselves or that I will look to create.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date – it’s a powerful resource and representation of yourself, even if your experiences don’t necessarily match a position. I’m very grateful that 91�� has remained an open-minded and inclusive company when considering applicants. Don’t think that you shouldn’t apply for a job if you don’t already work in that industry – many people that work in field marketing sales like I did may not realise that their skills are transferrable to other kinds of work. Keep yourself open to the possibilities!

Meet the team: Nuno Arruda

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Head of Clients
(dual hatted with Broking and Carrier Management)

Team Client Management

Segment Cross Segment

Location Lisbon, Portugal

Year hired 2003

University/Degree Universidade Lusiada de Lisboa, Degree in Business Management

Personal interests

I have a three-year old daughter, who will be joined by a brother in January! I’ve played rugby for 14 years and love water-related sports. I love good food, and one of my favorite things to do at home is cook.

Can you describe your career progression within 91��?

I joined as an account executive managing large accounts, mainly in the Energy and Industrial sectors. I then moved to New Business Development for a few years and then moved again to be in charge of our Facultative Reinsurance unit in Lisbon from 2011 to 2015. In 2015, I became the sales leader for Portugal and, following the merger of Willis and Towers Watson, was appointed head of clients.

Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?

I work together with colleagues in all lines of business to identify opportunities and continuously deliver best-in-class service and solutions to our clients. I also oversee our Marketing team locally, and I’m charged with making sure that our relationships with carriers remain close and strong.

What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?

Sometimes it can be challenging to get everyone on the same page when people come from different business cultures. It takes optimism, resilience, and the ability and conviction to constructively look for common goals and show that our differences can make us stronger.

What training and development opportunities have you received in your role?

91�� has enabled me to progress and evolve in my career, working on different projects within different teams and steadily growing professionally and personally.

What is your proudest achievement since joining 91��?

Immediately following the merger of Willis and Towers Watson, I was proud to work with our leadership on the design and implementation of a plan to find synergies between people and businesses to create a new way of working together. It was very rewarding to engage with our new colleagues, learn about what they do and discover the amazing new world that our combined company is as a whole.

I’m also very proud to be a coach in the company’s incredible internal professional development program, Client Acumen, which is a 12-month learning and development program that facilitates a deeper understanding of the key business issues facing the companies we serve. And I’m proud to have colleagues that I can also call friends.

How would you describe the culture at 91��?

91�� is a very inclusive company, where one can expect to be challenged to strive and excel. A company where our values are not “corporate marketing” but something to uphold and live by. And, especially, a company where commitment is recognized.

What do you like best about working at 91��?

The best part about working at 91�� is the fact that I learn something new every day from inspiring leaders, colleagues and clients. This team spirit is the foundation of our success.

Was there anything that surprised you about your role or the company?

When I first joined the company from a local independent broker, I was surprised by the sheer size and, yet, how collaborative the work was. The ambition and teamwork of our colleagues and management is something that still amazes me today!

What is your hope for your career in the future?

My greatest ambition is to see 91�� become the market leader in Portugal, in terms of being a provider of choice. I’m already in the best possible position to try and make this happen. The company has always given me the right opportunities at the right time.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with 91��?

Be open-minded, be generous, be ambitious, and be innovative. There is a world of opportunities in our company — be ready to go for them.

Meet 91��’s 2020 HR Rising Star, Anna Stonelake

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Every year 91�� recognizes a colleague in the Human Resources (HR) function who has demonstrated exceptional growth potential in HR leadership and is a role model of our values. This recognition is given through the Gail E. McKee Memorial HR Rising Star Award, which was created to honor our colleague Gail E. McKee.

In 2020, the HR Rising Star Award recipient is Talent Advisor for Talent & Rewards, Anna Stonelake. Anna shares her experience on finding out that she had won and her insights on working at 91��.

What was your initial reaction to hearing you were nominated for and won the award?

It was a very surreal moment and one I will never forget! Our Chief Administrative Officer and Head of HR, Anne Bodnar, invited me to an online meeting to share the great news. I wasn’t aware I had been nominated (as this is the process for the HR Rising Star Award) so it took a few minutes to sink in. I felt very overwhelmed, humbled and honored that I had been recognized by my fellow colleagues. Since winning the award I’ve learned from different teams across 91�� what a positive and inspiring impact Gail had on the colleagues she worked with, I am so glad her memory and legacy continues to be honored through this yearly award.

What are your interests or hobbies outside of work? Have you developed any new hobbies or interests since the onset of COVID-19?

I have two young children (four and six years-old) so they keep me very busy, but when I am not running around trying to keep them out of mischief, I enjoy renovating our house. It was built in 1903 and it hadn’t been touched for 30-40 years when we bought it six years ago. It has been a labor of love (and stress) ever since, but we are nearly there, just the garden to finish now!

Since the onset of COVID-19, I have a newfound appreciation for the outdoors. My family and I are lucky to live in a village with lots of countryside on our doorstep. My local gym has been shut on and off for most of 2020, and to counter this I now enjoy running three times a week and walking in the local woods at the weekend with the family. It’s surprising how sticks, mud, bikes and puddles can keep children entertained for hours, and fresh air really does help to clear your mind.

How has 91�� supported you in unlocking potential in your career and development?

Since I joined 91�� just over two years ago, I have been given opportunities to get involved in lots of different projects and initiatives across HR. I feel lucky to have such supportive colleagues to bounce ideas off, discuss challenges with and ask for advice. I have always been encouraged to try and improve the way we add value to the businesses we support and believe having this freedom and encouragement to think creatively has really helped me grow as a professional.

Gail E. McKee impacted the lives of many colleagues. Is there someone who has had an impact on your career, and can you describe how they have influenced your career growth?

It is very difficult to choose one colleague, within our HR function there are lots of strong female leaders based all around the world that inspire me. I have noticed over time that all have very similar leadership values: a strong work ethic, compassion, pragmatism, fairness and a positive energy which is very compelling.

If I had to choose one colleague, it would be our Global Talent Business Leader for Talent & Rewards and member of the 91�� Global Inclusion & Diversity council, Suzanne McAndrew. Suzanne is a very inspiring leader and colleague. Her leadership style is open, positive, creative and direct, and through our interactions and partnership she inspires me to be a better version of myself professionally. I am always thankful for her feedback and insight.

I am also a strong believer that your support system outside of work impacts how you perform professionally. To that degree I think my husband has been amazing at supporting me to focus on my career and in helping me balance my personal and family commitments, especially in the past six months.

What do you think it takes to succeed in Human Resources at 91��?

91�� offers fantastic HR career opportunities if you have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, curiosity to learn, confidence and energy to question/challenge the status quo constructively. You also need to be a strong team player; in my experience you will not be successful if you try to do everything yourself, particularly when there are so many HR colleagues with a wealth of experience that you can reach out to for help and advice. The support network within 91��’s HR teams is fantastic, but you need to put the effort in to build your own network and always be willing to help one another out.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

Celebrating Excellence with Actuarial Post Awards Nominations 2024

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

We are thrilled to announce that 91�� has been nominated for Best Employer of the Year at the Actuarial Post Awards 2024, solidifying our reputation as one of the best employers in the UK and many other countries.

Not only is 91�� in the running for this coveted title, but two of our exceptional colleagues, Gareth Connolly and Gemma Ellis, have also received individual nominations. Gareth is up for Actuary of the Year, while Gemma is nominated for Pensions Actuary of the Year in the Actuarial Post Awards. Additionally, our cutting-edge RiskAgility Financial Modeller software has been recognized for its transformative impact on financial modeling and governance, securing a nomination in the Software of the Year category.
This year marks another milestone in our journey, underscoring 91��’s strides in creating a thriving actuarial community, including actuarial analysts and those exploring actuarial jobs, while delivering impactful solutions for our clients.

Cast your vote for 91�� on the link here.

Check our nominees for the Actuarial Post Awards

Gareth Connolly: A Lifetime of Dedication

Gareth Connolly’s nomination for Actuary of the Year reflects his incredible career spanning over 30 years. Starting as an actuarial graduate at Commercial Union, Gareth joined 91�� in 2002 and has since been instrumental in advising trustees and sponsors on pension arrangements.
Here’s what Gareth had to say about his nomination:

"I’m surprised but delighted to have been nominated, so thank you to whoever did it! I’ve always believed in giving back to my fellow actuaries, whether through creating growth opportunities, supporting colleagues, or engaging with the Actuarial Profession. It’s been a rewarding journey, and this recognition is truly humbling."

Gareth’s contributions go beyond client work. He’s a former member and Chair of the Pensions Board and has chaired initiatives such as the Working Party for dynamic discount rates. His expertise and collaborative spirit have earned him this well-deserved nomination.
We are so proud to have Gareth and so many other talents like him, that make 91�� not only one of the best employers in UK, but a company that is leader in actuarial vacancies and development opportunities.

Vote for Gareth on the link here.

Gemma Ellis: Passionate About Pensions

Gemma Ellis, nominated for Pensions Actuary of the Year, joined 91�� in 2015 and qualified as an actuary in 2019. Starting as an actuarial analyst, Gemma is known for her ability to navigate complex pension challenges, as she provides trustee and corporate advice for schemes of all sizes.

"I’m thrilled to be nominated for this award—thank you! I love the variety of my work, from tackling new regulatory requirements to crafting long-term strategies for my clients. It’s an exciting time to be in pensions, with so much innovation shaping the future."

Gemma’s nomination is a shining example of the opportunities available at 91��, where professionals at all stages of their careers—from students seeking actuarial graduate jobs to actuarial analysts and seasoned actuaries—can thrive. Her dedication to client success and her dynamic approach to problem-solving make her a deserving candidate.

Outside of work, Gemma balances her actuarial expertise with her love for netball, hiking, and baking. Her vibrant personality and dedication to her clients make her a standout nominee in this category.

Vote for Gemma on the link here.

RiskAgility Financial Modeller: Redefining Excellence in Actuarial Software

91��’s RiskAgility Financial Modeller is a trailblazer in financial modeling and reporting for life and health insurers. Designed to leverage AI-assisted technologies, this software delivers unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.
This nomination for Software of the Year is a testament to the product’s ability to combine innovative algorithms, governance, and automated testing to meet the needs of insurers worldwide.
It also reflects 91��’s dedication to creating innovative solutions that support professionals across all levels, from actuarial analysts to industry veterans, helping them address modern challenges.

By continually evolving our offerings, 91�� empowers clients to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Vote for the RiskAgility Financial Modeller on the link here.

Cast Your Vote for 91�� and Our Nominees at the 2024 Actuarial Post Awards!

We are proud to share these nominations, but the journey doesn’t end here—we need your support! The Actuarial Post Awards 2024 are determined by votes, and your participation is crucial.

Best Employer of the Year: Recognize 91��’s leadership as one of the best employers in the UK and in the world for actuaries. Vote for 91�� to celebrate our work in advancing actuarial careers and creating a culture of excellence.
Actuary of the Year: Show your support for Gareth Connolly and his outstanding contributions.
Pensions Actuary of the Year: Recognize Gemma Ellis for her expertise and passion for pensions.
Software of the Year: Acknowledge RiskAgility Financial Modeller for its transformative impact on actuarial software. Vote Here.

Visit the Actuarial Post Awards page and cast your vote today at the Actuarial Post Awards.

Let’s bring these honors home to 91��!

What did 91�� volunteering look like in Valencia After DANA

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Commitment and solidarity were on full display in Valencia, Spain, as nearly 60 volunteers from 91��'s Madrid and Valencia offices joined forces in a volunteer effort to assist victims of DANA, the devastating meteorological phenomenon that struck the region in November 2024.

Their mission: to support cleaning and rebuilding efforts in the most affected areas, particularly in the municipality of Catarroja.

How Was 91��'s Volunteering in Valencia After DANA?

On November 29, 2024, a team of around 60 volunteers from 91��’s Valencia and Madrid offices traveled to Catarroja, one of the areas most severely impacted by DANA, a Spanish meteorological phenomenon that caused widespread devastation in Valencia, Spain.

This collective effort was a significant step in cleaning and rebuilding the community after the disaster. From the very start of the emergency, 91�� committed to rapidly addressing the needs of clients by managing claims and collaborating closely with insurers and the Spanish Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros.

However, we knew that going beyond our professional role and being physically present in the affected areas was crucial to directly support the people who needed it most.

Thanks to the impeccable coordination of our colleagues Elías Forment, and Manuel Palencia, alongside collaboration with the Catarroja municipality and the Military Emergency Unit (UME), essential tasks were organized to help restore normalcy.

These efforts included cleaning streets, homes, commercial spaces, and garages using specialized equipment such as two state-of-the-art Karcher machines, purchased specifically for this purpose and later donated to the municipality.

Beyond the physical efforts, this volunteering initiative was part of a broader solidarity campaign. 91�� employees raised funds to support the Red Cross campaign for the victims, and through the Matching Gifts program, 91�� will double the donation’s impact.

Being on the ground not only allowed us to help but also to connect deeply with the reality faced by affected communities. Hearing residents' stories and witnessing the damage caused by DANA in Valencia firsthand was a lesson in empathy and humanity that reinforced the importance of collective action.

This effort not only left cleaner streets and restored spaces but also a powerful message: working together, hope can be rebuilt in the face of adversity.

What Is the DANA Phenomenon?

DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) is a meteorological phenomenon characteristic of Spain that occurs when a cold air mass in the upper atmosphere meets warm, humid air near the surface.

This contrast triggers torrential rains that can last for days, causing flooding, river overflows, and severe infrastructure damage.

In Valencia 2024, DANA's heavy rains left flooded streets, damaged homes, hundreds of people affected, and numerous fatalities.

What Do Participants Say About the Volunteer Work After DANA in Valencia?

The experience was transformative not only for those who received help but also for the volunteers themselves. Here are some testimonials from our colleagues:

Carla Otero – A Life-Changing Experience

“This action in Valencia taught me about human kindness. I feel so proud of how quickly my colleagues volunteered, showing the compassionate spirit of our company.

Seeing the consequences of DANA in person is incomparable to watching it on TV. These actions bring us closer to reality, and if it’s within our power, we must help.

I felt so proud to see people genuinely wanting to make a difference.”

Ana Arbelo - A Moment Full of Learning

“It was so challenging! I learned so much in such a short time... I learned to value what I have and find something positive in situations as devastating as what happened in Valencia.

I learned humility, gained resilience, and realized how important it is to help. Sometimes we think our contribution is small, but for those in need, it means the world.

I felt in my own skin how fragile and vulnerable life is. I learned that good people outnumber the bad, and when we unite, we can do amazing things.”

Another volunteer stated: “These actions are essential to appreciating what truly matters: life and people.

Initiatives like 91��’s in Catarroja provide incredible experiences, from teamwork and distinguishing between urgency and importance to valuing clients, colleagues, and partners more.

We take for granted that the conveniences of modern life—electricity, water, internet—will always be available, but when everything disappears, you value what you have so much more, and you stop stressing over insignificant events.”

Learn more about Our Stories on this blog.

Why Do We Value Volunteer Work at 91��?

At 91��, the employee volunteer program is more than just an initiative; it’s a reflection of our corporate values. We firmly believe in the power of teamwork to make a difference in our communities.

The effort in Valencia included not only physical work, like cleaning streets, homes, and businesses, but also significant donations. These actions reaffirm our commitment to people and our sense of social responsibility. Volunteer programs like the one in Valencia, Spain, don’t just rebuild cities—they also rebuild the spirit of those involved.

At 91��, we are incredibly proud of our colleagues and will continue working to build a stronger and more resilient future for our clients and communities.

See more about how 91�� strengthens communities via philanthropy.

Thank you very much to all involved:

Ana Donoso, Laura López, Paqui Carruana, Blanca Torrego, Miguel Pérez, Jesús Torralba, Marta Martin, Alejandro Fernández, Kieran Finkbeiner, Ainhoa Fernández-Gancedo, Carolina Carmona, Nicolás Sanz, Iñigo Huarte-Mendicoa, Brenda Szymanowski, Maria Méntrida, Vanina DiCapua, Lucía Furrer, Javier Gardes, Ana Arbelo, María Simeone, Patricia Noeda, María Navarro, María Lasa, Carolina Ventrice, Carmen García, Almudena Benito, Maribel de Pablo, Rafael DeLecea, Carla Otero, Álvaro Taix, Marco Nicassio, Xavier Martínez, Cristina Callejon, Maria Casado, Juliana Burguburu, Elena Gimeno, Pedro León, Ignacio Puyalto, Irene Valero, María Buira, Luis Carrasco, Miguel Scholten, Juan Jose Escriche, Luís Galán, Valentina Sierra, Teri Bejarano, María Barra, Elías Forment, Manuel Palencia, Dioni Checa, Inma Claramunt, David Sancho, Vega Alegre, Tino Pérez, Mireia Villalba, Lucía Montero, Laura García, Silvia González y Elena Marí.

91�� recognized as one of The Philippines' Best Employers for the third year running

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

We are proud to announce that we have been named one of the best employers in the Philippines in 2025 — marking our third consecutive year receiving this honor.

The Philippines' Best Employers by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista is a prestigious recognition and a clear reflection of 91��’s steadfast commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where our employees can truly flourish.

Over the past three years, we have consistently prioritized fostering a positive work environment. Our focus on employee well-being, professional development and inclusion and diversity (I&D) has been central to our success. We firmly believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we’re dedicated to providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to excel.

About The Philippines' Best Employers

The Philippines' Best Employers recognition is a prestigious accolade determined by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista R, a global leader in company and brand assessment.

The survey was sampled from more than 16,000 employees from various industries and sector companies employing more than 250 employees. And just as we did in 2023 and in 2024, this year 91�� stands out as one of the top 300 employers in the Philippines.

What does it mean for us to be one of the best employers in the Philippines?

At 91��, being named one of the best employers in the Philippines in 2025 isn’t just about recognition — it’s a reflection of the work culture we’ve built together. This achievement highlights our commitment to creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Here’s what some of our colleagues have to say about what this recognition means to them:

Our Philippine business has grown significantly, from approximately 1,500 employees to now more than 5,000, and we’re excited to continue this momentum. We’re incredibly proud of the diverse and talented people who work with us. Their unwavering hard work, dedication and passion have been crucial in earning this recognition.

As we celebrate this achievement, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our amazing team and all our employees who took part in this survey. We wouldn’t have gotten this award without their hard work and support. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we’ll continue to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in our industry.

Join 91��: one of the best employers in the Philippines

Starting a career at 91�� is becoming part of a team where your ideas matter, your contributions are valued, and you have room to grow.

Explore exciting jobs at 91�� today and see why we’re considered one of the best.

Our Stories

Celebrating PRIDE Month: the impact of LGBT+ representation at 91����

91���� Dream Big Program

What is 91����'s Dream Big Program?

Why did it start?

What are the activities?

What is the impact?

What do you envision for the future of the DreamBig program?

What makes you proud to be part of the DreamBig program?

91���� Mexico becomes one of the best employers for LGBT+

Gonzalo Terrones, Senior HR Associate, shares what it means for 91���� Mexico to have been recognized as one of the ‘Best Places to Work LGBT+ 2023

What does it mean to you that 91���� Mexico has been recognized by HRC Equidad Mexico as one of the ‘Best Places to work LGBTQ+ 2023’?

What do you think separates 91���� from other employers?

What is your favorite part of working at 91����?

Name a time when you’ve been inspired at work.

How I maintain the perfect work-life balance at 91����

Beth Koodish, Business Support Specialist, shares her experience of flexible working at 91���� and how it helps her balance full time work while raising her son.

Putting actions into words

Matice Morris, Senior Project Manager, shares her journey of embracing her stutter, overcoming adversity, and choosing 91���� as her inclusive employer of choice

Tell us about the challenges you’ve had to overcome during your career journey.

What was it that made you choose 91���� as your employer of choice?

What does it mean to you personally, to work for 91����?

How have you been welcomed and supported by your colleagues at 91���� thus far?

What advice would you give to someone who wants to apply to 91����, but might be hesitant?

Returning to work after a career break

Ana Cristessa H. Nabuab, Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst, shares her insight into joining 91���� after a career break.

Tell us a little bit about you.

What was it like to join 91���� after a career break?

How did you feel welcomed and supported by your colleagues when you joined 91����?

What is your favorite part about working at 91����?

Do you feel 91���� has an inclusive and diverse working environment?

In what ways have you seen 91���� live up to its company values?

Creating connections between speech and hearing-impaired colleagues

How long have you worked at 91����?

What are you responsible for at 91����?

How was your experience of joining 91���� as a speech and hearing-impaired colleague?

How has this differed from past experiences?

How did 91���� help you to seamlessly communicate with other colleagues?

How did you adapt as we transitioned to working remotely during COVID-19?

Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?

What is your favorite part about working for 91����?

What advice would you give to a differently-abled person that is looking to apply for a role at 91����?

Where are they now - Michael Mcconnell

Data Services Consultant

(Former Data Services Graduate)

How did you come across our Graduate program offering?

Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were a graduate

What were some key things that you learnt during your Graduate program?

Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!

What did you like the most about our culture and values?

Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Graduate program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were a graduate?

How did being a graduate help you prepare for your current position at 91����?

Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?

What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a 91���� Internship program?

A day in the life of Shadab Hemani, Analyst, Dubai

Shadab Hemani, Analyst, talks us through his Willis Towers Watson experience and what his typical day looks like at our Mumbai office.

How long have you worked at 91����?

What are you responsible for at Willis Towers Watson?

How does your day usually start?

What are some of the other activities that you might do on a typical day at work?

What is your favorite part about your role?

What is your favorite part about working for Willis Towers Watson?

Where are they now - Mel Scrutton

Hub Manager

(Former Retirement Graduate)

How did you come across our Graduate program offering?

Tell us a bit about your key responsibilities when you were a graduate

What were some key things that you learnt during your Graduate program?

Do you recall your best memory? Tell us about it!

What did you like the most about our culture and values?

Which other position(s) have you filled since you finished your Graduate program and where? Did you ever imagine you would fill these positions when you were a graduate?

How did being a graduate help you prepare for your current position at Willis Towers Watson?

What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a 91���� Internship program?

It’s PRIDE month 2024, Diversity and Inclusion is more important than ever.

Committing to Inclusive Excellence

91����’s India Global Delivery Center receives six prestigious awards in the areas of colleague experience and inclusion & diversity.

See what these awards meant for our colleagues in India and 91���� as a company.

91���� becomes one of Singapore’s Best Employers 2023

91���� has been selected as one of Singapore’s Best Employers for 2023 out of over 200,000 recommendations

91���� is selected as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers among the list of top 300 companies in the country for a second year

Celebrating PRIDE Month: the impact of LGBT+ representation at 91��

91�� Dream Big Program

What is 91��'s Dream Big Program?

91�� Mexico becomes one of the best employers for LGBT+

Gonzalo Terrones, Senior HR Associate, shares what it means for 91�� Mexico to have been recognized as one of the ‘Best Places to Work LGBT+ 2023

What does it mean to you that 91�� Mexico has been recognized by HRC Equidad Mexico as one of the ‘Best Places to work LGBTQ+ 2023’?

What do you think separates 91�� from other employers?

What is your favorite part of working at 91��?

How I maintain the perfect work-life balance at 91��

Beth Koodish, Business Support Specialist, shares her experience of flexible working at 91�� and how it helps her balance full time work while raising her son.

Matice Morris, Senior Project Manager, shares her journey of embracing her stutter, overcoming adversity, and choosing 91�� as her inclusive employer of choice

What was it that made you choose 91�� as your employer of choice?

What does it mean to you personally, to work for 91��?

How have you been welcomed and supported by your colleagues at 91�� thus far?

What advice would you give to someone who wants to apply to 91��, but might be hesitant?

Ana Cristessa H. Nabuab, Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst, shares her insight into joining 91�� after a career break.

What was it like to join 91�� after a career break?

How did you feel welcomed and supported by your colleagues when you joined 91��?

What is your favorite part about working at 91��?

Do you feel 91�� has an inclusive and diverse working environment?

In what ways have you seen 91�� live up to its company values?

How long have you worked at 91��?

What are you responsible for at 91��?

How was your experience of joining 91�� as a speech and hearing-impaired colleague?

How did 91�� help you to seamlessly communicate with other colleagues?

What is your favorite part about working for 91��?

What advice would you give to a differently-abled person that is looking to apply for a role at 91��?

How did being a graduate help you prepare for your current position at 91��?

What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a 91�� Internship program?

How long have you worked at 91��?

What advice would you give to someone who’s eager to apply to a 91�� Internship program?

91��’s India Global Delivery Center receives six prestigious awards in the areas of colleague experience and inclusion & diversity.

See what these awards meant for our colleagues in India and 91�� as a company.

91�� becomes one of Singapore’s Best Employers 2023

91�� has been selected as one of Singapore’s Best Employers for 2023 out of over 200,000 recommendations

91�� is selected as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers among the list of top 300 companies in the country for a second year

91�� is selected as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers among the list of top 300 companies in the country for a second year

My 91��: Bringing my true self to work at 91��

Burn Domingo, Data Analyst, shares insight into what it’s like to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community while working at 91��.

My 91��: Becoming part of the High Performers Club

91��'s India Global Delivery Center's High Performers Club recognizes those colleagues who have made an outstanding contribution to our company’s growth while upholding our core values of teamwork, excellence, respect, client focus, and integrity.

My 91��: Returning To Work After Parental Leave

Boomerang Colleagues: Why I Returned to 91��

Suzanne Guralnick, North America Corporate Recruiting Leader, shares her story of returning to 91�� and why we remain her employer of choice.

My 91��: How we manage our job-share role successfully at 91��

My 91��: A Look Into My Life At 91��

Leonardo Araujo, Compensation Analyst, gives some insight into his career journey at 91�� highlighting his hybrid work style and professional development

My 91��: MY JOURNEY AS A WOMAN IN TECH

My 91��: LIFE AT 91�� AFTER A CAREER BREAK

My 91��: From Retirement Graduate To Actuarial Analyst

Career Milestones: Sharan Bath celebrates 10 years at 91��

Sharan Bath, Global Inclusion & Diversity Program Manager, reflects on ten years at 91��

My 91��: Winning wellbeing initiatives and my career's journey through multiple roles

Roel Tan, Global Sourcing Specialist, shares his insight into 91�� Manila’s health and wellbeing initiatives as well as the supportive culture. Learn more below about Roel’s story and some great reasons why 91�� has been featured in the Philippine’s Top 300 Employers

My 91��: My 91�� Work Flex

Heather Hambrick, Director, shares how flexible working allows her to balance both her job at 91�� and an external PhD program in Healthcare Administration.

Esra Kennedy, Team Administrator, shares her story about hybrid working at 91�� and how it has allowed her to spend more time with her family.

Boomerang Colleagues: My journey as a 91�� Returner

Eric Dawson, Senior Associate, shares what he enjoys most about 91�� and why he decided to return after almost three years.

My 91��: Growing up at and with 91��

Senior Director, Nichelle Daulby, shares her inspiring 20-year career journey and how 91��’s inclusive culture and diverse colleagues have made the company a place that she can call ‘home away from home’.

My 91��: Adjusting to the ‘new normal’ while working from home

Retirement Associate
(former Intern)

Risk analyst
(former Investment, Risk and Reinsurance Graduate)

Junior Account Executive
(former level 4 Insurance Apprentice)