Poshak Raj Paudel, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Life Insurance & President, Life Insurance Association Nepal
In 1988, fresh out of my SLC exams, I embarked on my teaching career at Mohana High School in Chitwan. Securing the position was no less challenging than finding a qualified subject teacher for the school. From the outset, I was determined to introduce innovative and creative teaching methods. Initially, my fellow teachers met these approaches with resistance, but over time, I successfully normalised and integrated them into our teaching practices.
During that period, core subject teachers — such as those in Science and Maths — were often recruited from out of town. Replacing them and meeting expectations posed their own set of challenges. However, my unwavering dedication and positive attitude earned me recognition as one of the best teachers. I consistently supported the Head Master, positioning myself as a key figure in the school community.
Facing various challenges, including navigating the interests of different political parties on the school management committee, provided me with invaluable exposure. Simultaneously, I pursued my Bachelor’s Degree in Management, further enriching my knowledge and skills.
“In 2007, I completed the Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) – LOMA and ACS – LOMA certifications in the USA. These credentials, awarded by LOMA, equipped me with essential knowledge and skills in insurance fundamentals, financial services, management, leadership and professional development. They have prepared me to navigate the complexities of the insurance industry and provide excellent service to clients and organisations.
Additionally, I attended the Advanced Leadership programme at Rice University in Houston, Texas, in 2023. During my time there, I honed my strategic decision-making abilities and leadership skills. The programme aimed to empower leaders to drive growth and achieve outstanding results within their organisations. Through workshops and practical sessions, we focused on enhancing leadership competencies.
Reflecting on my first job as a teacher in high school, I gained valuable insights into leadership, problem-solving, and understanding diverse mindsets and skill sets. Being responsible for students and managing the course syllabus increased my accountability and improved my ability to handle responsibilities effectively. Moreover, I learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. A key takeaway from that experience is the importance of aligning with organisational goals and being open to discussing differing opinions. If alignment isn’t possible, striving to excel remains essential.”
In fact, my first job prepared and introduced me to the concept of consistently being the best resource among my colleagues. It enhanced my leadership skills, educated me about effective problem-solving approaches, and taught me how to manage time efficiently. This experience shaped me into a more responsible professional than ever before. These competences have proven invaluable in navigating the corporate world and successfully leading teams. I recommend that professionals avoid dwelling on negativity from colleagues and instead focus on learning from experienced seniors.
One significant transformation I have witnessed in Nepal’s insurance sector is the advent of digitalisation. This technological shift has led to substantial advancements, making processes more efficient and accessible through various technologies. Additionally, insurance offerings have evolved to better meet the diverse needs of consumers. These improvements not only streamline operations but also enhance customer experience and service delivery within the industry. Another notable transformation is the significant enhancement in service quality. Life insurance penetration has increased from around 7-8% to approximately 42% over the past decade, signifying remarkable progress.
A notable distinction between work cultures in the USA and Nepal lies in the level of professionalism exhibited by employees. In the USA, there is a clear separation between personal and professional lives, which encourages career advancement. Conversely, in Nepal, individuals often struggle to maintain this distinction, impacting their professional conduct and growth opportunities. Establishing proper boundaries between personal and professional spheres while making organisational decisions remains a challenge. In Nepal, we tend to prioritise personalised and approach-based service, often working to meet our immediate needs or lifestyle standards. In contrast, in the USA, professionals often work with a focus on overall quality of life. The US working culture emphasises openness, direct communication, and clarity in expressing and receiving messages. In Nepal, we tend to adopt a more indirect, diplomatic approach, striving to maintain harmony and balance among stakeholders.
In the financial sector, professionals are often highly career-driven individuals who actively seek out challenges and opportunities. They thrive on overcoming new hurdles and crave excitement in their work, preferring to avoid a monotonous routine. This drive frequently leads to job changes as they search for environments that offer stimulating challenges and fresh opportunities. One effective approach to address this is by providing a supportive work environment and consistently presenting new challenges. Doing so can help retain talent and maintain high motivation levels among employees. It’s also essential to reevaluate retention strategies, shifting from position and pay-centric approaches to a culture and environment-centric model that emphasises career aspirations.
Personally, I have never seriously considered changing careers. I have always pursued what deeply resonates with me, which has kept me fulfilled and focused on my current path without seeking a change. However, I do contemplate contributing to the training and development field based on my experience.
As a motivator, I hve encouraged my colleagues to embrace performance-driven work and fostered a healthy, happy workplace environment. Drawing insights from my international visits, I have successfully implemented impactful policies and practices inspired by global standards. My tools for success include hard work and maintaining exceptional standards. Additionally, I have shared my expertise with 15,000 agency leaders, motivating them to progress in their professional lives.
Dedicated to enhancing Nepal’s overall development, I have focused on capacity-building initiatives. For instance, we organised the ‘Japan-Nepal Top-Level Management Seminar’ in collaboration with Japanese partners. Participants gained valuable insights into diverse insurance practices and products, which we subsequently implemented. Furthermore, we have established a positive industry practice by conducting regular workshops with the National Insurance Association (NIA) to address contemporary issues, leading to effective resolutions.
In my current role, I effectively leverage my extensive knowledge, skills and leadership qualities. The satisfaction I derive from leading others and sharing my expertise aligns seamlessly with my professional aspirations. As a board member at the Nepal Insurance Institute, I contribute to industry training and resource development.
From the outset of my career, I have harboured a fervent passion for imparting the skills I have acquired and embracing leadership responsibilities. This drive consistently propels my career aspirations and shapes my professional journey. Guiding and nurturing individuals to enhance their capacities brings me immense fulfillment.
I firmly believe that employees should not endure excessive stress or pressure solely for financial gains. Instead, I prioritise providing them with opportunities for personal growth and development. Cultivating a non-toxic, supportive work environment is pivotal for enabling employees to perform at their best. Continuously exploring diverse strategies to engage and empower employees allows them to reach their full potential. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion frameworks underscores our organisational values. Personally, I gravitate toward a consultative and supportive leadership model in most matters, recognising its positive impact.
Creating a conducive working environment remains central to fostering an HR culture. Finally, my advice to graduates is to prioritise skill development and personal growth over merely chasing financial gains. While short-term success matters, investing in knowledge and skills yields greater long-term benefits.
