Beyond the Desk with Mark Thomas – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Beyond the Desk is THE insurance careers podcast.

The first episode is launching on Tuesday, 28th January.

Watch full-length episodes on YouTube and connect with us on Linkedin for more content and insights.

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Giles Baxter, CIO for Europe at Brown & Brown, to explore his remarkable career journey in technology, transformation, and leadership within the insurance sector.

Giles shares his personal story, from starting in chemistry to entering tech by chance and how he navigated roles at Accenture, RSA, and other pivotal organisations. He dives into his experiences leading complex transformations, driving innovation, and embracing the unique challenges of merging diverse teams within a rapidly evolving insurance industry.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

• The importance of curiosity, adaptability, and taking risks in career growth.
• Building relationships and leveraging networks to unlock new opportunities.
• The evolving role of the CIO, from managing infrastructure to driving business strategy and innovation.
• The challenges and rewards of integrating businesses during rapid growth.
• Practical advice for aspiring technology leaders, including how to align technology investments with business goals.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in insurance, Giles’ story is packed with lessons on leadership, adaptability, and achieving impactful results.

Never miss an episode of Beyond the Desk! New episodes drop every Tuesday. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your colleagues to help others discover inspiring stories from leaders in insurance and Insurtech.

• Giles Baxter on LinkedIn
• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn
• Beyond the Desk on Linkedin

You can also watch full-length videos on YouTube.

Beyond the Desk is powered by Invecta Search. The brand-new leadership search product from Invecta Group aimed at leadership hires in the global insurance sector. For more information, check out the Invecta Group LinkedIn page here.

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with David, a seasoned Chief Data Officer with a rich background in consulting and insurance. David shares his professional journey, the pivotal decisions that shaped his career, and his thoughts on the evolving role of data in the insurance sector.

From his early days in South Africa to leading data strategy in major insurance firms across the UK and Bermuda, David offers an insider’s perspective on how data-driven decision-making is transforming the industry. We also discuss the impact of AI and GenAI, how organizations are navigating the data landscape, and why structured, trusted data is more critical than ever.

David’s Career Journey – From starting in IT to becoming a CDO, including his experiences in South Africa, the UK, and Bermuda.

Transitioning from Consulting to Industry – The pros and cons of both worlds and why he ultimately chose to settle in the industry.

Data & AI in Insurance – How AI and machine learning are being leveraged in the sector, the importance of structured data, and the challenges of implementing AI-driven solutions.

The Evolution of Data Governance – Why companies are moving away from data silos and back toward a centralized approach.

Leadership & Career Advice – David’s insights on taking risks, building a strategic career plan, and the importance of exposure to different facets of the business.

Connect with Us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• Connect with David on LinkedIn: Connect Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more at www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Andrew Passfield, CEO and co-founder of ICE Insuretech, to discuss his remarkable journey from trainee underwriter to leading a successful InsurTech business.

Andrew shares his career story, pivotal moments, lessons learned, and insights on how ICE became a key player in the insurance technology space. They also explore how ICE grew through strategic customer partnerships, the importance of trusting your instincts, and the evolving role of AI in insurance.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Andrew's early career in underwriting and transition into technology
• How playing squash with an IT manager led to a programming career
• Building ICE from scratch after redundancy
• The strategic decision to develop ICE's claims and policy products
• Pivotal wins, including the transformative RSA deal
• The role of AI in shaping the future of insurance and ICE's product evolution
• Advice for aspiring CEOs from a technology background

Connect with Us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: Connect Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more at www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas interviews Sandra Lewin, a transformation and operations expert, consultant, and host of the successful 100 Women in Insurance podcast. 

Sandra shares her fascinating career journey, from growing up in Poland to navigating the Lloyd’s market, moving from broking to transformation, and eventually launching her own consulting career.

They discuss the challenges of change within the insurance sector, the impact of technology on the market, and why embracing diverse career paths is essential for growth. Sandra also dives into her passion for community-building and advocating for women in the industry.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ Sandra’s unconventional route into insurance and transformation

✅ Transitioning from broking to operations and project management

✅ The evolution of technology in insurance & the future of transformation

✅ How insurance can better market itself to attract top tech talent

✅ Why personal branding and networking are career game-changers

✅ The inspiration behind 100 Women in Insurance and the impact it’s making

✅ How businesses can balance flexible working with networking and career development

Connect with Us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• Sandra on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Check out 100 Women in Insurance on Linkedin Here - also available on Apple/Spotify

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Desk, where we take a deep dive into the careers of influential leaders in technology, transformation, and operations within global insurance and insurtech.

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Pablo Bawdekar, a seasoned Chief Architect with extensive experience in insurance and Insurtech.

Pablo shares his career journey, from his early fascination with technology to his transition into architecture and leadership roles within the industry. They explore pivotal career moments, challenges faced, and the evolving role of technology in the insurance sector.

Key Topics Covered:

• Meet Pablo – Pablo shares his background, including his education, early passion for technology, and his journey into architecture and insurance.
• Early Career & Transition into Insurance – How Pablo’s curiosity and diverse skill set led him to a career spanning consulting, enterprise architecture, and insurance transformation.
• Key Learnings from Consulting and Industry Roles – Insights from working at EY and QBE, including lessons in leadership, strategy, and stakeholder management.
• The Role of Architecture in Insurance – Understanding the importance of technology strategy, governance, and aligning IT solutions with business objectives.
• Future of Technology in Insurance – Pablo’s take on AI, data-driven decision-making, and the challenges of digital transformation in the sector.
• Advice for Aspiring Architects & Technology Leaders – Key takeaways for those looking to progress in technology and architecture roles within insurance.

Connect with Us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Pablo on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor Message:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, your go-to partner for building high-performing leadership teams in technology and transformation within insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn or at www.invectagroup.com

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Desk, where we take a deep dive into the careers of influential leaders in technology, transformation, and operations within global insurance and insurtech.

This week, host Mark Thomas sits down with Sumesh Vijayakumar, Head of Claims Transformation at Beazley, to explore his journey to leading transformation initiatives in the insurance sector.

In this insightful conversation, Sumesh shares his unconventional entry into insurance, the evolution of his career through consulting and industry roles, and his views on the future of claims transformation. From the role of AI in claims to the importance of diverse industry experience, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to advance in the insurance and transformation space.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Sumesh transitioned from pharmaceutical sciences to insurance and transformation roles.
• The differences between working in consulting versus in-house insurance transformation.
• Why claims transformation is now a priority and the key challenges the industry faces.
• How AI and technology are reshaping the role of claims adjusters and decision-making in insurance.
• The importance of cross-industry experience and why insurance should embrace external perspectives.
• Key career lessons, including the value of continuous learning, adaptability, and building strong networks.

Connect with Us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Sumesh on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor Message:

This episode is brought to you by Invector Search, your go-to partner for building high-performing leadership teams in technology and transformation within insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Reno Daigle, CIO and Head of Business Transformation at CNA Hardy. Reno shares an inspiring journey from his early ambitions of practising law to becoming a global leader in insurance technology and transformation. He discusses pivotal career moments, how an MBA shifted his career trajectory, and the vital role of embracing change, technology, and transformation in driving organisational success.

Reno also delves into the evolving insurance landscape, highlighting the profound impacts of AI, automation, and data analytics on the industry's future. He emphasizes the human element in insurance, reminding us of the industry's crucial role in protecting and rebuilding lives.

Whether you're navigating your career or looking to understand technology - driven transformation in insurance, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

Connect with Us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• Connect with Reno on LinkedIn: Connect Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more at www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Matt Griffiths, Head of Cloud at Pheonix Group to explore his fascinating career journey from retail banking to becoming a leader in cloud and technology within the insurance sector.

Matt shares insights into the evolution of his career, the challenges he has faced, and the key lessons learned along the way.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Matt transitioned from customer-facing roles in banking to strategic technology leadership in insurance.
• The impact of the Northern Rock financial crisis on his career and the valuable lessons it taught him.
• Insights into cloud adoption and AI implementation in insurance and financial services.
• The challenges of digital transformation in both the P&C and life & pensions sectors.
• Key advice for professionals looking to pivot into more technical and strategic roles in insurance technology.
• The significance of a strong, diverse team culture in delivering successful transformation projects
• Future challenges and opportunities in cloud, AI, and digital transformation within insurance

Connect with Us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: Connect Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more at www.invectagroup.com

In this week's episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with David Greenwood, Chief Operating Officer at IQUW, a leading Lloyd's specialty underwriter. David shares a rich account of his extensive career, from his early days at the National Rifle Association to his pivotal roles at PA Consulting, Barclays, Tesco Bank, and beyond. Known for his expertise in transformation, David dives into the essential elements that drive successful change, effective leadership, and continuous learning in the fast-evolving insurance industry.

Key Topics Covered:

• Early career experiences and foundational moments
• The journey from project management to executive leadership
• Lessons learned from roles across diverse sectors, including insurance, banking, and consultancy
• Insights on effective transformation and change management
• Navigating the move from interim roles to permanent executive positions
• The future of insurance: Technology, AI, and market differentiation
• Importance of networking, relationship-building, and maintaining curiosity
• Advice for professionals aiming for senior leadership roles

Connect with us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• David Greenwood on LinkedIn: Connect Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more at www.invectagroup.com