I began my professional career in the early 1990s. Nepal’s job market was considerably more limited than it is today, with career options concentrated in a few sectors such as tourism, hospitality, banking and trading. At that time, access to information was also limited, so finding opportunities required persistence, networking and a willingness to start from the ground up. The emphasis was less on technology and more on discipline, commitment and learning through experience.
Career growth
My career began in the hospitality industry, where I worked with some of Nepal’s leading hotels, including Yak & Yeti and Radisson. Like many young professionals of the time, I entered the industry by combining my academic background with a strong willingness to learn and to serve customers. Those early roles helped me develop a customer-first mindset that has remained central throughout my career. Later, I worked in the airline industry with Air India before transitioning into insurance. I have had a well-rounded career across hospitality, airlines and insurance sector.
The most important lesson from my first job was that every customer interaction matters. Whether in hospitality, aviation or insurance, people remember how you make them feel. I’m greatly indebted to my first job that instilled professionalism, punctuality, attention to detail and the importance of delivering on commitments; that strongly supported me to move forward in my professional journey setting a solid foundation. These principles continue to guide me as a leader today.
Transitions and turning points
There were several defining moments, I often refer as turning points of my career. Early experience in hospitality and aviation taught me the value of excellence and operational discipline. The most significant turning point, however, was joining MetLife Nepal in 2002. What began as an opportunity in distribution evolved into a long-term career because MetLife consistently invested in my growth and development.
Over the years, I was entrusted with broader responsibilities across sales, agency leadership and distribution management, which built both my functional expertise and my leadership capability. My
progression from Sales Manager to Agency Director, Chief Distribution Officer and, ultimately, General Manager reflects not only personal growth but also MetLife’s commitment to developing talent from within.
Opportunities and challenges of working with multinational corporations
I was initially attracted by the opportunity to build a long-term professional career in a growing industry. What has kept me here is the purpose behind insurance. It is not merely a financial product; it provides protection, confidence and peace of mind to individuals and families. Knowing that our work helps people navigate life’s uncertainties and build a more secure future is deeply rewarding. That is the same purpose that drives MetLife – “always with you, building a more confident future” – and it is what we have delivered for customers around the world for over 150 years. Especially, three skills have been particularly important: continuous learning, people management and adaptability. I have pursued ongoing learning throughout my career, including professional certifications such as FLMI and ACS from LOMA, and I continue to use the learning platforms and training opportunities available at MetLife.
Equally important was understanding people, building teams and creating an environment in which others can succeed. At MetLife, I benefited from mentorship, professional development programmes and exposure to different aspects of the business, both
LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT EMPOWERING PEOPLE, ACCOUNTABILITY IS ABOUT TAKING OWNERSHIP, AND CULTURE IS ABOUT CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE PEOPLE CAN PERFORM AT THEIR BEST.
locally and regionally. These experiences reinforced the importance of collaboration, embracing change and continuously growing as a leader.
Working in a multinational organisation like MetLife has shown me that strong values, high standards, a commitment to excellence and adaptability to customers’ changing needs transcend geography.
Hands-on experience for leadership roles
Leadership cannot be learned from books or classrooms alone. Working directly with customers, agents and teams gave me practical insight into the business and a deeper appreciation of customer needs. MetLife enabled this by providing progressively larger responsibilities, supported by mentorship, continuous learning and exposure to different facets of the business. This combination of field experience and leadership development prepared me for senior roles over time. It also reinforced values central to MetLife’s culture: being purpose-driven, keeping customers at the centre of every decision, and continuously adapting to the evolving needs of customers and the marketplace.
Delving more on leadership I can say leadership is about empowering people, accountability is about taking ownership, and culture is about creating an environment where people can perform at their best. I particularly value MetLife’s commitment to integrity, inclusion and continuous development, which enables employees to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully. It also reflects our aim to be a trusted partner at every phase of customers’ lives.
We are open to change and new ideas, and we actively promote experimentation, giving our associates room to explore new possibilities and platforms. This culture of collaboration has enabled pioneering solutions such as One by MetLife, KITE and My Agency App. One by MetLife brought together more than 50 team members from nine nationalities across six countries to create Nepal’s first integrated insurance and health services app. KITE empowers our advisors to conduct digital insurance sales, while My Agency App supports the development and productivity of our agency force. These initiatives show how collaboration across functions, cultures and geographies can translate into meaningful innovation for customers and employees alike.
Making a decision is crucial
Without question, the decision to join MetLife in 2002 changed the trajectory of my career. It gave me the opportunity to work in an industry that combines commercial success with a meaningful social purpose. Equally important were the leaders, colleagues and mentors who challenged me and encouraged me
to take on greater responsibilities. Their guidance reinforced the importance of continuous learning and of leadership through service.
Comparative landscape of the job market
Today’s job market is faster, more dynamic and more technology-driven, and employers now look beyond academic qualifications. They expect digital literacy, problem-solving skills, adaptability, strong communication skills and a willingness to learn continuously. Young professionals are also expected to work effectively across teams and to embrace changing technologies, including AI and data-driven decision-making. Many young professionals seek rapid career growth but they often overlook how patience, perseverance, discipline and learning from the ground level are crucial in career growth. They are extremely important. Ambition is valuable, but sustainable success requires a strong foundation. A genuine commitment to the organisation’s purpose and to customers’ needs is essential for growing within an organisation.
Career growth should be viewed as a marathon rather than a sprint. While it is natural to aspire to grow quickly, meaningful leadership is built through experience. My own career progressed through multiple roles over many years, each offering valuable lessons and new perspectives. The best leaders are often those who understand the business from the ground up. Patience builds experience, discipline maintains focus, and learning from entry-level roles builds credibility. Individuals must be willing to learn, stay disciplined and build a strong foundation before seeking the next step.
Jobs in the age of disruptive and sophisticated technologies
It is true that insurance is undergoing significant technological and behavioural changes along with use of digitalisation, AI and data analytics, among others. Technical skills will certainly grow in importance. A basic understanding of data analytics, digital platforms and AI tools will be valuable across almost every profession. Equally important are uniquely human skills such as critical thinking, ethical judgement, creativity, empathy and relationship building. In a highly digital world, the ability to combine technology with human understanding will distinguish successful professionals.
Window of opportunity at MetLife is always open for young Nepali professionals
As a global organisation, MetLife offers young Nepali professionals exposure to international best practices, structured learning and leadership development opportunities. We firmly believe
in developing talent from within, and my own journey from joining MetLife in 2002 to leading the organisation today reflects that commitment. Our employees have access to globally recognised development programmes through LOMA certifications, LIMRA programmes and digital learning platforms such as Degreed, which offers a wide range of on-demand resources. This commitment has enabled more than 150 employees to earn designations including Fellow Life Management Institute (FLMI), Associate Life Management Institute (ALMI) and Associate Customer Service (ACS), and almost 50 associates have graduated from LIMRA programmes.
Combined with mentoring, performance-based recognition and leadership development initiatives, these opportunities help employees build meaningful long-term careers. MetLife Nepal has been recognised as a Great Place to Work® for two consecutive years, in 2025 and 2026, reflecting our commitment to a culture where people can learn, grow and build meaningful careers. We also believe our people’s growth is tied to the communities we serve, and we run sustainable community programmes across Nepal supporting financial literacy, education, health and the environment.
In return, we look for individuals who demonstrate integrity, accountability, adaptability, a passion for serving customers and a commitment to continuous learning.
On the flip side, young professionals should understand that trust is earned over time. Young professionals should focus on integrity, empathy, consistency and a genuine desire to learn and to help customers. At MetLife, we create solutions, not products, and we focus on customers’ needs rather than our own. Strong communication skills are also important, as insurance involves explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Most importantly, they should keep the customer’s best interest at the centre of their decisions and remain purpose-driven.
Finally, I would like to advise fresh graduates and young professionals looking for career opportunities in the insurance sector or any other sector to focus less on finding the perfect job and more on building the right foundation. I started my career in hospitality, moved into aviation and eventually found my long-term professional calling in insurance. Every experience contributed to my development. They must be willing to learn, stay humble, work hard and embrace opportunities, even if they are not exactly what you initially imagined. The skills, relationships and experiences you gain early in your career will often open doors you never expected.
