Caroline Bacha: Growing a career in a culture that values inclusivity and opportunity

CB: I worked for an insurance company, and First National was one of our key clients. I truly enjoyed managing the files for First National, as our companies shared a similar vision and underwriting philosophy. When I decided to make a career move, I applied for an underwriter position at First National. Although that specific role wasn’t available, I was offered a position as an assistant to an underwriter. I gladly accepted because I had such a positive impression of First National and saw it as my opportunity to join the team. Four months later, I was promoted to Underwriter. In 2018, I advanced to the role of Business Development Manager.

CB: My first year at First National was a fantastic learning experience. I was surrounded by a supportive team that encouraged growth and development from day one. The company fostered an environment where questions were welcomed and collaboration was key. I had the opportunity to take on challenging projects that pushed me to expand my skill set, all while receiving guidance from experienced mentors. It was a year of continuous learning, and I felt like I was growing both personally and professionally.

CB: My "I'm in" moment came when I became an External Business Development Manager. That was the point when everything shifted for me. I realized that I was exactly where I was meant to be, with the skills and confidence to make a real impact. Stepping into that role felt like the culmination of all my hard work and learning. It was clear that I was ready to take on new challenges and drive the business forward.

CB: Delivering excellent customer service and being number one for my clients are at my core. Brokers validated my commitment to service excellence when I won Business Development Manager of the year for three consecutive years. I have been privileged to participate in the organization of our annual sales conference. It’s been great to meet Account Managers from across the country and learn how they work and build relationships. I’ve also presented at the conference. I thought presenting in front of brokers was a challenge, but nothing compares to presenting to your peers that do the same job as you.

CB: I have made it a priority to put my clients first by understanding their needs. By keeping our clients’ needs at the centre of what we do, we’ve built a business where relationships, trust and mutual success are key. In my role, I work with brokers, underwriters and the internal office. It’s critical to be able to translate everyone’s needs in an empathetic way. Brokers are dealing with the stress and urgency of their clients. Underwriters need to adhere to their policies. It takes a lot of diplomacy to find solutions that work for everyone, but our approach is clearly working. 

CB: I'm most proud of the journey I've taken during the past few years. Starting as an Assistant Analyst, I was eager to learn and grow, and in just three years, I worked my way up to become an External Business Development Manager. It wasn't always easy, but the dedication and persistence paid off. Today, I'm honored to be part of a best-in-class, professional sales team that’s constantly pushing boundaries and achieving remarkable results. It's been an incredible experience, and I'm proud of how far I've come and the team I'm privileged to work with.

CB: I was initially hired as an Internal Account Manager, which was a significant shift from my previous role as an Underwriter. After a year, I transitioned to the position of External Account Manager, a move that represented a major milestone in my career. This change allowed me to expand my skills and take on new challenges, which I found incredibly rewarding.

CB: In my role, I work closely with both internal and external parties, and I see myself as the bridge that connects them. Building strong, collaborative partnerships is essential to achieving our goals, and I take pride in fostering these connections. Whether it's working with colleagues to align our strategies or collaborating with clients to ensure their needs are met, partnership is at the heart of everything I do. It’s what drives our success and makes our work truly impactful.

CB: I feel empowered and supported, with no limits on what I can achieve. My manager, as well as my peers, support me in my ideas and initiatives and continue to be my biggest fans. Our culture is all about inclusivity and opportunity. Everyone is encouraged to excel no matter their gender. Making a tangible difference motivates me, whether I’m helping clients achieve their goals, contributing to our team’s success or hitting targets. It’s inspiring to know that my work is recognized and valued. 

CB: There are no limits on who is hired and who gets promoted. First National is a great company that attracts great, diverse people. We work together as a team and share our perspectives and ideas. It’s also incredibly valuable for our clients to see that we all work together on their behalf. We are there to help, and everybody is equal. Our commitment to service is our priority and what unites us.

CB: Work hard and stay focused every day. Success doesn’t always come easily, so consistent effort counts. Expect challenges and setbacks along the way. That’s part of the journey. Keep pushing forward, doing good work and staying committed. You’ll find your path. Be resilient and trust the process. Every small step gets you closer to success.

CB: It's less about a single concept and more about the collective power of teamwork. I’m incredibly proud to be part of such an amazing team, where every milestone we achieve is a testament to our collaboration and dedication. Together, we've accomplished so much, and I’m excited to celebrate even more milestones in the future. It's all about continuing to push the boundaries, supporting each other and reaching new heights as a team.