Damiko Walker

Biography

Let’s get a little candid for a moment. Tell us something that caught you by surprise or you least expected after you graduated.

After graduation, I did not expect my workload to increase as much as it did. Initially, it was a bit worrying since I had graduated from the GTP. However, looking back I see my workload increasing as a good thing because I now recognise that my managers at the time believed in my potential. 

How have you changed if you compare yourself now to when you first entered the GTP programme? 

I am a private person so public speaking was not my strongest asset at the time. Today, I have much more confidence with public speaking at a work event or for other occasions. The GTP allowed me to practice public speaking by going to different events throughout Bermuda and giving presentations. Also, as my knowledge of work-related topics increased so did my confidence to speak about them to others. The GTP is almost like another university where you gain vast amounts of knowledge, but it is tailored to your working environment.  

What was the most valuable guidance you have received from a manager or colleague during the programme and how has it helped you?

The best guidance I received at the BMA from the managers I had in the past was to always keep my mind open to learning new things. There is no degree you can earn in regulation; it is a mixture of specialities. As such, I had to be open to learning and reading on a continuous basis on the job. 

What project or accomplishment during the programme are you most proud of and why? 

My proudest accomplishment during the programme was when my fellow graduates and I completed our GTP project on EIOPA’s opinion on Solvency II. This mattered a lot to me since we knew Bermuda had Solvency II equivalence as a jurisdiction, but did not understand its full implications. After a year of hard work and interviews, we completed the project, and it was well received by management and the Bermuda Monetary Authority’s Board of Directors. The project unexpectedly increased my knowledge on the topic and I was able to apply this to my day-to-day work at the BMA.

What aspects of your secondment prepared you for success in your current role?

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was unable to go on my secondment. However, this ended up being very beneficial to me because it meant that I was able to begin working in my future position before I was promoted. Once I officially moved into the new role as a Senior Analyst, I was able to step into it with a year of experience. This gave me a real boost in my confidence!

What course/certification/designation earned during the GTP best prepared you for success in your current role and how?

While in the GTP, I obtained my Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation. This helped  lay a solid foundation for my future regulatory career. I learned key terminology and how to use data to make analytical decisions regarding the companies in my portfolio. Today, I am a Senior Officer, and I am now close to completing my Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. The studies I undertook to obtain the ARM prepared me very well for my latest studies.

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