In her last blog for The Journal, Emily Kenna reflects on a busy year and looks ahead to 2022
I can’t believe this is my last blog forThe Journal. I have really enjoyed doing them and I hope you have enjoyed reading them.
I got the opportunity after I applied for the CII New Generation Programme and Lisa Hayward, CII events executive, suggested me. I am grateful that she did. In fact, if I reflect on the last year, I am grateful
to so many that have inspired or put me forward for things.
I believe in being true to yourself, your values and helping others. The world is a much nicer place when we listen and try to help each other
Taking stock
It is good to reflect on what you have accomplished both personally and professionally. When I look back on what I have done this year, I feel proud:
- I am the diversity and inclusion representative for the Bristol Insurance Institute. If you are in Bristol, please support our events – they really are inspirational. We need more allies and advocates for the cause.
- My business became directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority in April – we are now an independent broker.
- I achieved my ACII in May.
- I worked on a project with the CII New Generation Broking Group calling for minimum mandatory qualifications for client-facing advisory staff. It was an amazing group of people and a brilliant experience.
- I was a speaker at Broker Expo.
- I applied for the Women in Innovation Award. I am yet to find out if I have been successful or not, but I am proud of my submission and the business plan that accompanied it. It is something I will explore in time even if I don’t win the grant.
- I have run two marathons – Bath and Liverpool.
Work is a huge part of my life. In some ways it has helped me get through personal challenges by giving me something to focus on. Like many others, I can feel I am not reaching my goals as quickly as I should. I struggle at times, especially when I am out of my comfort zone or doing something new. However, I believe in being true to yourself, your values and helping others. The world is a much nicer place when we listen and try to help each other.
2021 has been a tough year, so let’s embrace 2022 and continue to work as a community to help each other achieve our goals, whatever they may be.
Emily Kenna is director of Sense Risk Solutions Ltd
