Burgan Bank Concludes its Virtual Holistic Banker Program

In line with the Bank’s long-term strategy focused on investing in its human capital to empower and promote the development of the bank’s talents and support the emergence of world-class banking leaders, Burgan Bank concluded the Virtual Holistic Banker Program that was launched in its initial face to face version in February 2020..  It also falls under Burgan’s active response to the CBK objective of preparing Kuwaiti banking professionals to assume leading executive positions in the banking sector in the future. 

The Program’s virtual upgraded version held in May 2021 was attended by 38 participants from different departments with an increasing participation and engagement from employees and top executives alike. The Virtual Holistic Banker Program was designed to provide participants with the opportunity to acquire the adequate knowledge that supports a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of all banking functions and roles as well as the growing interconnections between the Bank’s departments.   It also focused on equipping them with the key tools that add value to their current roles and enhance their professional growth and career advancement into senior executive positions. 

The sessions were held in a live interview style, with the participation of several Group Chief Officers who spoke about their experience to contribute to building high-performing teams and developing new learning trails in the banking roles and functions. The program attendees took part in the discussions leading to enhancing their understanding of the Bank’s activities, challenges and achievements through the shared experiences of Burgan’s senior leaders. The program’s sessions were recorded and uploaded on the Burgan Learning &Talent Development Portal to be shared with all staff in order to maximize the impact of the Program. 

On-the-job rotations designed to maximize the learning and impact will follow the program’s sessions. The 38 participants will take part in these departmental rotations to gain a firsthand experience through direct immersion in the division they are appointed to according to their career growth plan. The candidates will be assigned a mentor and followed thoroughly by a talent development expert to make sure planned and targeted objectives are met. 

Commenting on this program, Group Chief Human Resources & Development Officer Mrs. Halah El-Sherbini, said “The Holistic Banker concept is a strategic initiative from Burgan aiming at preparing banking professionals to fill in the future leading senior roles in the banking sector. This live structured program is designed to provide the participants with a holistic view of the banking industry, and to support them with the knowledge and skills that would help them chart their path and goals and optimize their expertise and potential. Our aim at Burgan is to continuously support our employees to upgrade their skills, and enhance their adaptability and resilience capacities so they can be well-equipped to navigate easily in an increasingly fast paced work environment. We are thankful to all Burgan internal speakers who are diligently adding to this program’s success by sharing their experiences with growing banking leaders.” 

Mrs. Ghada El-Kadi, Unit Head - Learning & Talent Development, said “We measure the success of our Holistic Banker Program through the increasing number of participants from all the bank’s divisions as well as the highly motivational impact of Burgan’s skilled speakers who reflect our banking culture by sharing their knowledge and experiences with the Program’s attendants.  We are thrilled to have the support of our Group Chief Officers from various departments, who volunteered to participate actively in this program. We are also thankful to all the speakers from all levels and departments for being continuously committed to support us in delivering the Holistic Banker live sessions.”

The next upgraded version of the Holistic Banker session will be held in October to support the Bank’s plans to pursue the program, build on its success and magnify its impact. Relentlessly seeking to invest in its employees, Burgan Bank will continue to deliver employee-centric trainings and programs to build the most qualified teams and maintain its reputation as leading financial provider locally and regionally.