Taijaun Talbot

Biography

Let’s get a little candid for a moment. Tell us something that surprised you or that you least expected after you became a manager.

For me, the most unexpected part of transitioning to a manager was the trust and independence you are given to lead the team both to accomplish the workload and to develop staff’s career goals and aspirations.

Give us a snapshot of your career from when you graduated to the present. What career pathway did you choose to pursue and why?

I graduated in the fall of 2010. I spent a little over a year as a server in the restaurant industry and then in the Ministry of Health accounts department. In 2012, I applied and was successful in being selected as a member of the BMA’s Graduate Training Programme (GTP). I have enjoyed a rewarding 12-year career, and today, I am the Assistant Director of the Insurance Supervision Department.

How did the BMA support your professional growth?

I had the opportunity to participate in technical training and secondments in the financial market, similar to the courses I joined during the Graduate Training Programme. Additionally, the BMA provided me with a professional coach as I advanced in my managerial roles. Both experiences were incredibly valuable for my future development and career progression. 

What additional learning opportunities or special projects has the BMA offered you, and which one was most memorable?

Some of the important projects that I have been involved in to enhance the Authority’s insurance supervisory framework are creating guidance notes for the market and helping to develop legislation and rules for insurers. I have also shared my knowledge and expertise by speaking at industry panels and forums on behalf of the BMA.

5. What roles have you held at the BMA? How long did it take for you to become a manager?

Since completing the Graduate Training Programme, I held the positions of Senior Analyst for three years, Principal for three years and Assistant Director for two years, all within the Authority’s Supervision (Insurance) Department. 

How have you applied what you learned from your manager to how you manage your team today?

My previous managers have heavily influenced the management style I have adopted with my own team. Some of the most significant lessons I learned during my career at the BMA are the importance of empowering your team to meet high expectations while valuing each team member’s individual contributions. At the same time, Managers are responsible for creating an inclusive work environment where a team feels supported and recognised for its unique capabilities. Managers can also set an example by cultivating a positive and motivated attitude, ultimately strengthening the team’s ability to grow and evolve. In my own experience, I have learned to oversee and become closely involved in everyone’s personal development so I can help them shape a productive and rewarding career path. 

What transferable skills were developed during the GTP that are relevant in your current position?

The Graduate Training Programme requires you to challenge yourself, a motto I have carried throughout my time at the Authority. This mindset has been transferable as I have transitioned to new roles and experienced new learning curves and areas for my own career development and progression. Ultimately, I continually challenge myself by aiming for improvement and excellence each time I encounter a new opportunity for growth.

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