30 Years – Lessons Learned

This year marks 30 years since I founded Right International!

From humble beginnings, my father investing and helping to get the business off the ground, we have had periods of rapid growth and prosperity as well as periods of having to survive and adapt to changing markets including two recessions, (the 2008 banking crash nearly wiped us out) and a global pandemic.

During this period, I have been fortunate to have worked with and help train and develop many talented individuals.

I have also worked with Leaders across different areas of the Insurance market and various companies, from start-ups, privately owned, venture capital backed and PLC’s.

During this period of time, I have learned so many lessons, made many mistakes and I would like to share some of my own personal thoughts and experiences with you.

1. Be yourself?– there is only one you, be true to yourself.
2. Don’t compromise on your values?– be prepared to listen to the other persons point of view before forming an opinion.
3. Be humble?– treat people fairly, it’s ok to be nice (it is not a sign of weakness).
4. Be open and honest?– be prepared to ask the difficult and sometimes challenging questions. It might be uncomfortable initially but will help you in the long run. The longer you put off having that difficult discussion the harder it becomes (don’t send an email when you can speak with the person).
5. Best quote learned from a client – “Help me to understand why/how”. Great to say in potential confrontational situations.
6. It is ok to make a mistake?– don’t dwell on it but learn how you could have done it differently, and don’t keep making the same mistake! That is how you succeed.
7. Outwork the market?– Sometimes you just need to get your head down and keep turning up.
8. Believe what people do – not what they say. Actions speak louder than words.
9. Do what you say you’re going to do – when you said you would do it.
10. Have a clear goal?– what is your big ‘why’ and purpose??It will help you when the inevitable challenges come along. The more people that buy into your vision the greater chance you have of being successful.
11. Be flexible – markets shift and change so don’t be afraid to adapt. Try something new, if it fails, fail quickly.
12. Relationships, Relationships, Relationships – think long term! People remember those small acts of kindness, support, caring, keeping in touch.
13. If you are in a job you truly love doing – it won’t always seem like work.
14. Fight the fear – often holds you back from making the right career decision.
15. Be prepared to get out of your comfort zone?– that is how you learn new skills.
16. Don’t take yourself too seriously?– make sure you have down time, have fun and schedule time to think and reflect.
17. Do something about it?– if you’ve plateaued and need a new challenge, don’t fester for too long, take action.
18. Have a support structure – a coach/mentor or someone you can speak with, either for career of business advice or to help you get through tough times. I’ve been very fortunate having Ange my wife of 36 years and four kids who I still think like me!
19. ACT?– it is better to have an okay idea that you act on, than an even better idea that you do nothing with!
20. I have always loved training, coaching, and helping individuals to become successful – invest in your team, help give them the tools to become successful, TRUST them and watch them fly!

And my final and most important lesson learned –?look after yourself physically and mentally. You don’t need to be a gym bunny but walk and exercise regularly and it is?ALWAYS?okay to ask for help.

To mark our 30 years, we have rebranded and launched a new website, which includes our new M&A Division.

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Kind Regards,

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Gary