Detailed Interview and Achievement Narrative of Dev Maitra: transition from Maritime Industry to Real Estate and Insurance, chronicling transformation, ambition, and influence
In this chat, we'll delve into the career journey of Dev Maitra, a dude with some serious experience in the insurance and real estate sectors, currently serving as the Managing Director of Savington International Insurance Brokers LLC. With a background that's broader than a supermarket aisle, he excels in negotiation, planning, operations, and contract management. His corporate know-how is backed by a Master's degree in Business Management, Finance, Legal, Marketing, and Economics from the University of Lancaster, making him a top-shelf professional in navigating and mastering dynamic business environments.
Shaping the Recipe of Success
We opened the conversation by asking, "Can you tell us about a moment from your early life that significantly shaped your career?"
Dev Maitra shared, "I've gotta tell you about an event that happened when I moved from India to Dubai. I took a gig with a shipping company to support my fam back home, and boy, that was a doozy. It was a major culture shock and a whole new ball game, but I kept my cool and worked hard. Meeting challenges head-on, I learned a ton about the business world.
However, the real kicker was when I discovered my passion for real estate before diving into insurance. It wasn't until I started networking in Dubai that I realized I could really excel in this field. Taking a leap of faith, I switched from shipping to real estate and jumped in headfirst."
Choosing the Right Platter
When asked about the factors that led him to his current career or industry and how he knew it was the right move, Dev Maitra had this to say: "Landing a gig in insurance brokerage was a big call for me, and it came down to my interests and practical factors aligning beautifully. After experimenting with the shipping industry and falling in love with real estate, I craved a field where I could make the most of my skills in customer relations, financial analysis, and strategic planning.
Insurance isn't just about policies and premiums; it's about providing peace of mind and security for people. I found the challenge of understanding specific needs and tailoring unique solutions enticing. Plus, the ever-changing insurance landscape - constantly updating regulations, emerging risks, and innovative solutions - kept me intellectually stimulated and inspired. It was clear that this career matched both my professional aspirations and personal values."
Serving up Achievement
In response to our question about his biggest achievement to date and why it meant so much to him, Dev Maitra said, "One of my proudest achievements is progressing from a Country Manager-Finance position for British Airways in Bahrain at age 28 to earning the International 'Who's Who Awards' in 2008, and eventually leading Savington to claim the MEA Awards for Best Insurance Brokers in 2019 and 2020. These accolades weren't just recognition of our success; they demonstrated our commitment to maintaining high standards in a competitive market."
Starting the Appetizer Course
When we asked how he embarked on his professional journey and the hurdles he faced at the beginning, Dev Maitra shared: "My professional journey kicked off with a significant role in finance for British Airways in Bahrain at the age of 28. Talk about a baptism by fire! I had to relocate from New Delhi, navigate an entirely new business environment, and lead financial operations in a major corporation – all while managing tight deadlines.
The initial hurdles were numerous and formidable. Adapting to a new culture and industry required a steep learning curve. Establishing myself in a competitive market while overseeing the financial intricacies of a global corporation tested my mettle. These challenges paved the way for future triumphs and honed my resilience, adaptability, and strategic abilities."
Dish of the Day and Career Goals
Our inquiry about his current projects and how they fit into his career goals elicited this response from Dev Maitra: "Right now, I've got a few things bubbling on the back burner, all with the goal of growing in all aspects of the business. With the shift towards digital, I'm placing a huge emphasis on incorporating digitalization at every step of our user experience. Partnering with Etisalat in the B2B sector fulfills our dream in that area, but the goal is to extend this digital journey to individuals and fashion an irresistible online experience for each client, mindful of the ever-changing insurance industry."
Inspirational Spices in His Career
When asked about the most inspiring person in his career and how they've influenced him, Dev Maitra mentioned: "The most jaw-droppingly inspiring person in my career has been Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Ruler. His visionary leadership and strategic foresight have profoundly impacted my approach to business and professional development.
Sheikh Mohammed's strategic vision is responsible for transforming Dubai into a global metropolis. His dedication to innovation and development is evident in the city's infrastructure, economic progression, and skyline. His plans for Dubai encompass not just rapid growth but also sustainable development and technological advancements, which resonates with my own ambitions and values. Consequently, his efforts to foster a welcoming environment for individuals from different backgrounds has echoed in the way I build my team and cultivate a positive, empathetic work culture."
Flavoring the Fire Through Challenges
When asked how he stays motivated and zen during difficult times or setbacks, Dev Maitra shared: "When facing difficulties or setbacks, I remain energized and optimistic by focusing on my long-term goals and breaking down barriers into smaller, workable tasks. I view obstacles as opportunities to learn and adapt my approach as needed. Building a tight-nit network of coworkers, mentors, and friends provides encouragement and fresh perspectives. Bolstering my resilience through self-care is essential. Celebrating small victories keeps my spirits high, and staying attuned to success stories and industry shifts fuels my drive."
Stewing Over Career Setbacks
When we asked about a significant issue or failure in his career and what he learned from it, Dev Maitra shared: "Back in my real estate days, I accepted a high-stakes project as financial lead for a massive expansion, on top of my already jam-packed plate. Focusing on my strengths, I misjudged the complexity of the project and rushed some crucial calculations.
The lesson I walked away with? The importance of delegating tasks diligently, along with meticulous planning, to ensure the flawless completion of each task."
Modifying the Recipe of Success
Our query about how his definition of success has evolved over his career prompted this answer from Dev Maitra: "Early on in my career, I viewed success in terms of personal accolades, financial milestones, and expanded business operations. Chiefly, I was focused on climbing the corporate ladder and hitting specific targets. Now, success transcends those individual triumphs and encompasses making a positive impact, forming meaningful relationships, and contributing to the growth and well-being of my team and community. It's about striking a balance between professional accomplishments and personal satisfaction, and ensuring my work aligns with my values and long-term ambitions."
A Dish of Advice for Aspiring Pros
Our questions about advice he'd offer his younger self at the start of his career stirred this response from Dev Maitra: "If I could give my younger self a heads-up, I'd say: "Embrace every challenge as a learning experience and don't sweat the mistakes**" Focus on building solid relationships and seek diverse viewpoints. Spend time understanding the bigger picture and think long-term instead of chasing after quick results."
Leaving a Scrumptious Legacy
When we asked about his hopes for his legacy within his industry and how he'd like to be remembered by future generations, Dev Maitra mused: "I aspire to leave a legacy in the insurance industry in the UAE characterized by innovation, integrity, and a commitment to exceptional client service. I aim to be lauded as a trailblazer who raised industry standards through groundbreaking insurance solutions and practices that set new benchmarks for quality and reliability. Ultimately, I yearn to contribute significantly to the evolution of the UAE insurance industry, help mentor the next generation of professionals, and inspire them to carry on the torch."
Visit Savington to learn more about Dev Maitra's journey. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
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- As a top-shelf professional, Dev Maitra's knowledge in finance, leadership, wealth-management, entrepreneurship, and personal-finance has been instrumental in navigating dynamic business environments.
- Dev Maitra's career in the insurance and real estate sectors has been a result of his adaptability, resilience, and strategic planning, which were honed from early experiences and hurdles.
- Encountering diverse challenges and adapting to new industries, Dev Maitra has found his passionate pursuit in real estate and insurance, ultimately leading him to a successful career as the Managing Director of Savington International Insurance Brokers LLC.
- In his current role, Dev Maitra is focused on fostering innovation and digitalization in the insurance industry, aiming to provide irresistible online experiences for each client through strategic partners like Etisalat.
- With his sights set on leaving a lasting legacy, Dev Maitra seeks to be remembered as a trailblazer who raised industry standards through groundbreaking insurance solutions, exceptional client service, and significant contributions to the evolution of the UAE insurance industry.
