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The look of confusion and surprise (with a hint of horror?) was one of the most common reactions when I told them where I was going to. I could see the mental wheels turning, but not quite clicking.

“You’re joining insurance? From sports??”

Perhaps it was the incredulous tones that further validated my decision. It made me grin like someone who just accepted a wild challenge.

Five years ago, I knew moving from a sports brand to a financial institution was a significant switch. But this exact contrast drew me to the opportunity, and the biggest driver was my curiosity.?

Could I handle the switch?

Would my years in sports and consumer brands translate to an insurance company? Would my skills from Nike be relevant, or useful, at Prudential? Would I make friends? (Yes, really!)?

More critically: Would I thrive in this challenge?

Five years on, I have my answers.

A Customer-First Approach Works Anywhere

Imagine when you first start training, and say, learn how to do a squat. You learn the benefits of the squat movement for your body, the correct form and how to execute it. You start without weights. Perhaps the knees could be better aligned, your spine in a more neutral state and you work on those areas simultaneously. Over time the load increases with dumbbells, then a bar, and your body welcomes that challenge. The muscles adapt, stretch, recover and grow.?

That was me learning what it meant to listen to the consumer and how to do it at Nike, one of the leading brands to do it globally. And then honing these skils at Prudential and trying to apply it in what I do.

I realised that this was a critical, foundational skill to have that can be applied in a variety of situations and thankfully I could translate this in another industry.

Skills and Experience Are Transferable

Moving between industries might seem like jumping from one planet to another, but the core skills often remain relevant.?

The main upside of the switch was being able to bring different perspectives and thoughts to what might have been routine in the insurance industry. I knew close to nothing when I joined the industry, but with no knowledge and a curious mind, I would ask questions and offer new views and ideas.??

The ability to communicate effectively and persuasively is also helpful, and that came from having worked with people and markets from different socio-cultural backgrounds in Nike. I learnt how to be empathetic and consider context to situations, and adapt to communicate.

The Helpfulness, and Importance of Asking "Why?"

Naturally, unfamiliarity drives curiosity and thus questions. I’ve always believed in the importance of understanding the “why” of everything.?

I recently started training again after a year’s hiatus, and before I began I asked myself: Why did I choose to train again? Why is this important to me??

So as how I pepper myself and my trainers with questions, it was natural for me to question things when I first joined a new industry five years ago.?

Why do we do this?

Why is it done in this manner?

Why is this important for the business and brand?

Asking “why” breaks things down to its essence, and can reveal the core and context of a problem you’re trying to solve. It helps one understand the purpose, and once that is cracked, coming up with ideas and a plan flows easier and produces a genuine, effective solution.?

Discomfort = x

Discomfort is the quickest path to learning, progress, and growth. When I first transitioned, did I know the industry jargon, dynamics and market landscape? No. Were there moments when I felt inept in my position or struggled to understand what was happening? Absolutely.?

But I had accepted this wild challenge with a clear reason - I knew my ‘why’. From past experiences in life, having learnt to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, I knew that everything would be okay and that I would emerge with new lessons and growth—two things I was actively seeking.

Discomfort = growth?

People Always Matter

I often refer to my time at Nike as the university campus experience I never had. The friends I made and the privilege of working with them were something I naively thought I’d never experience again. Today, I’m part of another great team—passionate, supportive, fun (and patient with my ideas and questions… on some days). This also underscores how crucial culture and people are to being part of a company.

So there you have it, five lessons in five years.

And similar to training, because I knew my ‘why’, mastered and varied the movements, learned and recovered, increased the load and consistently moved...I grew with this challenge.