A Day in the Life of John Berven at Aon

A typical day in the life of John Berven, the Director of Growth at Aon, begins with some quality time and a commute with his wife around 7 in the morning. While his days generally involve strategic planning, teamwork, and facing various challenges, the specifics tend to vary. Mornings often revolve around focusing on aligning with clients on key objectives like risk management, credit solutions, and employee benefits strategies.

John and his team spend a considerable portion of their day engaging with colleagues and clients, addressing challenges in navigating complex operational landscapes. Whether it involves analyzing workforce health and benefits trends or creating customized frameworks to manage risks, the team aims to assist clients in refining their strategies and facing risks head-on.

Afternoons typically see John meeting existing and prospective clients, preferably in person, to discuss how Aon’s solutions can meet their needs. Through detailed data analysis, his team uncovers insights that help organizations build resilience. John finds inspiration in his colleagues’ innovative thinking, which plays a significant role in tailoring solutions to meet clients’ specific requirements.

Working with CFOs and finance functions excites John the most as he believes it is crucial for effective decision-making. Collaborating with CFOs offers a chance to develop solutions that not only resonate but also support the entire business. This partnership allows them to bridge financial strategies with overarching business goals, be it optimizing employee benefits or streamlining credit risk processes.

John’s professional growth was significantly influenced by leading a major initiative to revamp data management in a previous role. This project involved coordinating across multiple stakeholders, analyzing diverse challenges, and developing solutions that catered to immediate threats and long-term sustainability. The experience emphasized the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and effective collaboration.

Outside of work, travel serves as a vital source of inspiration for John. His extensive travels throughout Asia have exposed him to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. One memorable trip to Laos left a lasting impact, reminding him of the importance of perspective and focus. Such experiences outside of work have played a significant role in shaping his approach to challenges and providing fresh insights for his professional life.

In conclusion, John’s typical day involves a mix of strategic planning, client engagement, and solution-focused teamwork. Working closely with CFOs, tackling challenges, and drawing inspiration from travel experiences have been instrumental in his professional growth and development. Through effective collaboration, adaptability, and a focus on client needs, John continues to navigate complex landscapes and drive strategic growth in his role at Aon.