BSP invests in building emerging leaders

Three senior managers in Bank South Pacific (BSP) are off to the Philippines to participate in a three month Secondment Program with the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI).Ravindra Singh from BSP Fiji, Bertha Auwi and Dennis Lamus from BSP PNG, will be the fourth batch to be sent overseas as part of the BSP's Leadership and Management Development Program (LMDP), which commenced in 2013.

At a farewell meeting hosted for the secondees, the trio met with senior executives and Group CEO, Robin Fleming. They were pleased to be a part of this development program and expressed sentiments that this is an opportunity to learn as much as they can and take on a more challenging leadership role.

Mr Fleming explained that BSP's focus now was committed to investing in its greatest asset - human resource.

"The goal is to develop the next generation of leaders to manage the bank. The training program is part of a bigger drive to ensure that tomorrow's leaders are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Hence, emerging leaders will also be exposed to a range of training and development methods, supported by mentoring and coaching," he added.

He was pleased to see the success of the development program which has seen staff successfully going through the LMDP and participating in the BPI Secondment and other programs like, the Transition to General Management Program at INSEAD Executive Business School Fontainebleau Campus in France.

 "I am taking the opportunity to learn and collaborate with colleagues in the Philippines. BPI is acknowledged as a leading provider of financial services in the Philippines and manages a large branch network successfully. I'm keen to learn how they manage their branches. I also look forward to the opportunity to broaden my perspective and awareness of another banking culture and international best practices," said Dennis Lamus, Area Manager - Momase.

"I look forward to the challenge and thank BSP for investing and building individuals in this organisation. I am happy to take this trip to explore and learn; more specifically on products and customer relationship management," added Bertha Auwi, Relationship Manager - Paramount Banking.

The BPI Secondment Program has been a huge success and has provided the avenue for participants to excel in their capacity as leaders. A total of 15 staff members have participated in this program, most have returned to take on more bigger and challenging roles.

Nuni Kulu participated in 2015, and says that the opportunity given has certainly helped with better managing of day to day activities. Nuni started off as a graduate trainee and is now the Area Manager for Southern Region.

"For me, this high level management involves a lot of understanding and knowledge. The experience gained has given me confidence to be leader and help develop others," Ms Kulu said.

BSP regards skilled and motivated staff as key to addressing today's banking challenges. The rapid pace of change in the financial industry and the increasing complexity of the industry, require staff to be exposed to international markets and training programs to broaden their outlook and vision.



Caption: At the farewell meet, (L to R) Hari Rabura, GM Human Resources, Paul Thornton, GM - Retail Bank, Dennis Lamus, Area Manager - Momase, Bertha Auwi, Relationship Manager - Paramount Banking,  Aho Baliki, GM -  Paramount Banking, Paul Russell, Deputy GM - Paramount Banking.



*Ravindra Singh - GM Retail Bank, Fiji will join the team in the Philippines.