MLC claims it is trying to improve strategic leadership skills among its financial adviser base by organising a study trip to the United States.
A group of 54 financial advisers is currently attending a self-funded, five-day Strategic Leadership Program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where they will focus on five areas including strategic leadership, leading growth and change and developing as a leader.
This is the first study trip organised by MLC and it follows recent predictions by recruitment specialists that financial services companies – especially large institutions – will start introducing different initiatives related to professional development and career progression in order to retain quality financial planners.
MLC general manager for advice solutions Tom Reddacliff said financial advisers have 10 contact hours a day with their teachers, with additional study groups and assignments.
"The Australian advice market is very sophisticated but there's a lot we can learn about the role of great leadership in the growth of businesses from world-leading institutions like the Stanford Graduate School of Business," Reddacliff said.
According to Reddacliff, the study trip would benefit financial advisers who want to become "exceptional business leaders".
Program participants would also visit the head offices of Google, Halcyon Molecular, Anybots and Singularity University.
