“The need of sharing knowledge is in the human essence, in our DNA, as a part of the evolution process. Similarly, an organization should follow this obvious principle of life to be effective and efficient. As all of us have the capacity to learn, so should the organization where we work be conducive to reflection and engagement. Aiming to create their own future, organizations are continually expanding their capacities, but this requires a fundamental shift in the mindset among all members of the organization. The NBM  has also started its transformation into a learning organization.

With this in mind, I started the job shadowing journey with the CEF, which has been meaningful for my professional and personal development. It has been like a route, where every small step and activity is linked to each other, helping me to improve my public speaking skills and boost my confidence. Every learning activity has been useful and applicable to my work and development.

First, I participated in the preparation of a discussion flow for the Conference on Green Finance. This process included attendance at the meetings with the Banking Regulation and Supervision (BRS) community where we addressed the green finance topic. The community members shared the steps made by their countries, and we discussed the plans envisaged by competent authorities. All these activities have helped me gain new insights into this topic, actual and crucial for all of us. At the same time, I experienced how to organize a conference. I had the opportunity to learn from the mastery of the CEF team by closely observing the process of organizing and facilitating a high-level conference. 

Another meaningful activity was participation in a Training of Trainers (ToT), a powerful tool for improving experts’ capacity for knowledge sharing. I understood how important it is to create a safe learning environment where people open up to share their experiences and thoughts. I gained a deeper understanding of the learning dynamics and the crucial role of a skillful facilitator. 

As adults, we learn best when we are fully involved in the learning activities, and have time to reflect and link the new information to our own experience. In this regard, engaging participants and giving value to their expertise is a valuable lesson learned. By formulating questions, using the verbs of Bloom’s Taxonomy, we can encourage group discussions and knowledge sharing. No less valuable is the art of giving feedback as a gift, shared masterly by the CEF team and practiced by all participants.

I have applied all the newly acquired knowledge at NBM’s internal knowledge sharing activities and also at the CEF events, for example, the workshop on the Review of Capital and Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Processes. Being with peers, face to face, sharing experience, and approaching challenges that are common for banking regulators and supervisors in the region, is a precious opportunity given by the CEF and appreciated by the community. 

Participating in a workshop, presenting, and being involved in the pre-event organization activities has been a precious experience that strengthened my confidence and consolidated my skills as a facilitator and expert. I now comprehend the importance of the facilitator, and also how important it is to be and have a partner on the stage. The event started with “know each other” exercises, which helped me to avoid stage fright, so I could focus on the event and facilitation elements (facilitator, participants, and objectives/agenda). During the event, I became aware of the usefulness of the reflection practice, which is a basic part of learning. This brings us closer to feedback, the lessons learnt, and the evaluation of participants’ reactions, ensuring a more effective learning experience that can be tailored to the participant’s needs.

During the job shadowing journey, I acknowledged the value and power of the CEF’s methodology of six building blocks for a learning organization. I was touched by the enthusiasm and inspiration of the CEF team in applying and sharing their knowledge and experience. The CEF’s aim to spread their wisdom in the region strongly supports other institutions in becoming learning organizations. Acknowledging what we do not know and what should be improved is fundamental for becoming a better version of ourselves, and this way contributing to the common growth and evolution of our organizations.

I am grateful to the CEF team for the opportunity and support to discover and shape the unknown and make it known.”