Last month, our company was named Bermuda’s top employer for the second year in a row. Three years ago, we were delighted to place fourth, and to now hold the top spot two years running is both humbling and rewarding.

Awards such as this are never just about one person or even one team. They reflect the contributions of many — people at every level, working towards shared goals, often in ways which don’t make headlines, but which matter deeply.

They also reflect moments in time. Four years ago, when I was invited to step into the role of chief executive of Sun Life International, the company was at a point where change was needed. So, we started by creating an environment where people could do their best work and feel proud of what they were building.

From the beginning, we believed the key was culture. Profit and growth are critical, of course, but they are outcomes, not starting points. Sustainable success comes when people feel engaged, respected and empowered. That’s why we began with listening — to employees, clients and stakeholders. We asked questions, encouraged honest answers, celebrated diversity of thought and opened space for fresh ideas.

Once we had clarity, we acted. We reshaped how we communicated, how decisions were made and how successes were celebrated. We fostered collaboration across departments and made accountability a shared value. We encouraged learning and highlighted the many advantages of acquiring new skills, to both the individual and the business. Bit by bit, those changes built trust and energy. The result was not just stronger financial performance, but a renewed sense of possibility inside the company.

Looking back, I see this as an example of what happens when you treat change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Every organisation, no matter its size or sector, reaches points where old ways no longer serve the future. At those moments, leadership is about helping people see what’s possible and then guiding them towards it.

That is why this award means so much. Yes, the numbers are stronger — sales are up, profitability has improved and growth is steady — but the deeper measure of success is that our people are proud to work here. That pride is what makes the recognition real, and it’s what will sustain us long after the spotlight moves on.

I am deeply grateful to the team who embraced change with resilience and creativity. The culture we have built together — one rooted in respect, openness and accountability — is what will carry the company forward.

For me, the lesson is clear: change done well is scalable. The principles we applied here — listening, empowering people, aligning culture with strategy — can be used in any organisation that wants to move from potential to performance.

In the end, a thriving workplace is not defined by titles, profits or plaques; it is defined by people. And when people thrive, the business thrives, too. That is the heart of lasting change, and it is why this recognition is so meaningful.

• Donna Cotter is the chief executive of Sun Life International