In this guest blog article, Valentino Ricciardi, Head of Insurance Business Strategy, Unipol Group (Italy) shares why the ICMIF Young Leaders initiatives have allowed him to cultivate a global network, forge lasting connections and gain fresh insights into emerging trends in the insurance industry.

In the dynamic world of insurance business, nurturing the potential of young professionals stands as a cornerstone of organisational success. I had the privilege of participating in the last ICMIF Young Leaders Programme which was held in Rome in 2022, and I can attest to the profound value this and other ICMIF Young Leaders’ initiatives give. It was the best moment of a multi-year endeavour that not only provided invaluable insights on the insurance industry and on the mutual and cooperative movement, but also forged lasting connections for me and a growing network of peers. The experience in Rome was not merely inspirational and enriching; it was also energising and it ignited a passion for growth and development in me. Interacting with international professionals and fostering meaningful connections has been instrumental in the last three years of my professional journey.

Here are the main advantages I experienced:

1. Cultivating a global network: Engaging in the Young Leaders Programme in Rome offered me a unique opportunity to foster a diverse and expansive network that spans the globe. Beyond geographical boundaries and organisational affiliations, this platform allowed me to cultivate connections that transcended traditional silos. Through collaborative dialogue and shared experiences, I exchanged ideas, insights, and best practices, laying the groundwork for potential collaborations and partnerships that extended far beyond the Programme itself. The connections forged often endure long after the Programme has concluded, serving as a valuable platform for ongoing support, mentorship, and knowledge exchange.

2. Championing organisational values and fostering innovation: Participating in the ICMIF Biennial Conference not only allowed me to interact with industry leaders but also provided a unique stage for me to highlight my organisation’s ethos, principles, and accomplishments on an international scale and learn from the others. By articulating my company’s essence and its contributions to the mutual insurance landscape, I amplified the presence of Unipol Group at an international scale and contributed meaningfully to industry discourse. Moreover, the Young Leaders Programme thrived on the wealth of viewpoints it offered, fostering a culture of innovation and ingenuity. Interacting with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds and industry functions enabled me to gain fresh insights into emerging trends, tackle challenges, and unearth opportunities within the insurance sphere.

3. Increase cultural intelligence: In today’s interconnected global landscape, the ability to navigate and thrive in diverse cultural environments is essential for success. The virtual ICMIF Young Leaders Forum provides me with a regular and unique platform through which I can hone my cultural intelligence, a skill increasingly valued in the mutual insurance industry and beyond. Through interactions with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, I was exposed to a myriad of perspectives, customs, and communication styles. This exposure served as a catalyst for developing cultural sensitivity and adaptability, enabling me to navigate cultural nuances with confidence. By understanding and appreciating the cultural differences of my peers, I cultivated a deeper level of empathy and respect, fostering inclusive leadership practices that transcend geographic and cultural boundaries.

The Young Leaders Forum and the Young Leaders Programme at the Biennial Conference have both served as springboards for my personal and professional growth within the mutual insurance arena. By embracing these platforms, I have greatly expanded my global network, amplified the voice of my organisation, the Unipol Group, and contributed meaningfully to the sector’s ongoing evolution. As I embarked on this transformative journey, I not only invested in my own development but also gave a small contribution to the ICMIF movement that is working to lay the groundwork for a vibrant and sustainable future for the mutual insurance industry at large.

Learn more about the Young Leaders Programme at the ICMIF Biennial Conference here and the virtual Young Leaders Forum here. If you have any questions about ICMIF’s initiatives for Young Leaders, please contact Georgina Compton, Manager, Member Intelligence, ICMIF.