Kevin Watson, the COO of First Equity Group and a director at SATIB, the tourism insurance brokers, reveals how businesses can navigate the challenges of the pandemic. Learn his tips on looking after staff, getting customer referrals, working smarter with technology, and staying motivated during these tough times. With his expert advice, you can put yourself in the best possible position to succeed in the 'new normal'. This podcast gives you the knowledge and confidence to lead your business through the pandemic and come out stronger than ever on the other side. In this episode of our podcast, we are excited to welcome Kevin Watson, an executive level professional with over 33 years of experience in business, having done business in nearly 20 countries.
Kevin is a Chartered Accountant, holds an MBA and is a Certified Director. He has a wealth of experience in the financial industry, including serving as the finance head of a JSE listed company back in 2006. He is well-versed in fundraising, M&A and Corporate Governance.
Over the past decade, Kevin has been involved in the turnaround and African expansion of the First Equity Insurance Group, spanning 16 offices in 9 countries with 250 staff. In his role of COO at First Equity Insurance Group, he plays a key role in setting the strategic direction of the company, ensuring efficient execution of the strategy, and overseeing the company's acquisitions and financing. Kevin also holds various Non-Executive positions where he believes he can add value.
Tune in to hear Kevin share his insights and experiences in the financial and tourism industry, and his perspective on the future of business in Africa.
ABOUT THE EPISODE:
As businesses around the world struggle to survive during these turbulent times, many have had to make difficult decisions and pivot their operations to stay afloat. Kevin Watson, the chief operating officer of the First Equity Group and a director of SATIB, the tourism insurance brokers, has faced his own challenges during the pandemic.
According to Kevin, the biggest challenge for SATIB has been to manage their financial side of the business, while also trying to insure the properties their clients own. Kevin advises that businesses should always put their staff first, as this is the key to getting referrals and creating a good customer experience. He also emphasizes the importance of being unique and engaging in order to grab people's attention.
In order to succeed, Kevin suggests that entrepreneurs should get their thinking work done before 09:00 in the morning and use tools such as Asana and Power BI to become more productive. Furthermore, having a mentor to guide you through the business world can be hugely beneficial.
Finally, Kevin believes that motivation and a never give up spirit are essential for success. “Remember,” he says, “you need to show your superiors that you are willing to learn and grow if you want to advance your career.”
As businesses continue to adjust to the new normal, understanding the importance of staff, customers, motivation, and technology is essential for survival. With the right mind-set, businesses can come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.
If you’re looking for motivation and a never give up spirit, this episode is for you. People interested in SATIB Insurance Brokers can find more information on their website, www.satib.co.za.
#Tourism, #Business, #Resilience, #Entrepreneur, #CareerGoals
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.