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

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Al Robertson, CTO of ICE InsureTech, to discuss his journey from a passionate developer to an influential technology leader in the insurance sector. Al shares candid stories from his early days at John Lewis Partnership and RSA, through to taking the leap into the startup world and building transformative insurance platforms. With over two decades at ICE InsureTech, Al reveals the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the lessons learned along the way, and his vision for technology's role in the future of insurance.

Key Topics Covered:

• Transitioning from mainframe programming to modern tech stacks.
• Al’s experience moving from corporate roles into the startup environment.
• The critical role of continual learning and personal development.
• Building and scaling technology platforms in the insurance industry.
• Lessons learned through challenging mergers and acquisitions.
• The impact and future of AI in insurance.
• Balancing innovation with governance in a regulated industry.
• Advice for tech professionals considering a move into 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
• Connect with Al 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 speaks with Nicki Tang, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Tokio Marine HCC. Nicki shares her fascinating journey into insurance technology leadership, key career decisions, lessons from overcoming challenges, and invaluable advice for aspiring leaders.

• Nicki’s early career decision-making and initial reluctance to enter the IT field
• Her experience at the Bank of England, working on critical systems during Y2K and the Euro implementation
• Transitioning from a technical role to leadership and management, and lessons learned along the way
• Moving across sectors, including roles at EDF Trading and Dentsu Aegis, and what she learned from diverse industries
• The pivotal moment in joining Tokio Marine HCC and ascending to CIO
• Insights into transitioning effectively into a CIO role and how sponsorship from mentors influenced her career path
• Thoughts on the importance of broad experience and flexibility in technology leadership roles
• Challenges balancing motherhood and a demanding career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and perspective
• Nicki’s views on diversity and inclusion within insurance technology
• Practical thoughts on the future of insurance tech, including the impact of AI, automation, and legacy system modernization

Connect with s:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• Connect with Nicki 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 Vandana Bhatia, Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and globally experienced technology transformation leader, currently shaping strategy and innovation in the insurance sector. Her journey from building early chatbots in India to leading transformation for tier-one insurers across the US, UK and Europe is a fascinating one!

Some of the key topics they discuss are:

• Her early career as a software engineer and the leap to business strategy
• How moving countries shaped her leadership style
• Her thoughts on AI’s adoption curve in insurance
• Why core modernisation is just the beginning
• The role of mentorship, mindset, and culture in accelerating careers

This is a must-listen for anyone in insurance, tech, or transformation who wants to understand the next wave of innovation and how to prepare for it.

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
• Vandana Bhatia 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 Sally Ng, Change and Technology Delivery Director at RSA. Sally shares her remarkable journey - from arriving in the UK as a child with no English language skills, to becoming a leading force in transformation delivery within one of the UK's most historic insurers.

We explore her early creative passions, how growing up in a family-run Chinese takeaway instilled a fierce work ethic, and the pivotal moment she swapped a future in art for a career in technology. Sally talks candidly about her time in consulting at Accenture, her transition into industry with QBE and DXC, and how RSA is now embracing a bold future as part of the Intact Group.

Key topics discussed:

• Sally’s journey from Hong Kong to Greenwich and how it shaped her resilience
• A decade at Accenture: consulting as a fast-track training ground
• Moving into industry and finding her voice as a leader
• The power of the Chief of Staff role in shaping her outlook
• Learning when to let go as a leader and why it’s critical for growth
• Delivering tech and data transformation at RSA as it becomes part of Intact
• Her passion for diversity in tech and giving back to the next generation
• Why insurance is ripe for innovation and full of purpose at its core
• Advice on navigating imposter syndrome, career pivots, and building self-worth

This episode is a powerful story of grit, growth, and leadership from someone who never set out to be in tech but is now helping shape its future in UK 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
• Sally 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: linkedin.com/company/invecta-group

In this week's episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Hasani Jess, Group CTO at Aventum Group. Hasani shares his fascinating journey from an early love of technology (sparked by an old-school typewriter that his mum brought home!) through a career spanning global consulting firms, banking, healthcare, luxury retail, travel, and now, speciality insurance.

We cover pivotal career moments, the transition from engineer to leader, and how strategic decisions and mentorship shaped his progression into senior leadership. We also dive deep into the transformation underway at Aventum Group and Hasani’s vision of creating a true Insurtech leader within speciality insurance.

Key topics discussed:

• How Hasani first discovered his passion for technology (and journalism!)
• Lessons from early career roles at BT, IBM, Morgan Stanley, and Visa
• His critical transition from hands-on engineer to leadership at UnitedHealth UK
• How working at Harrods and TUI shaped his views on operational pace and customer focus
• Securing his first CTO role at Simply Business and navigating that leap
• The power of mentoring and deliberate career planning
• Building a technology-led culture at Aventum Group
• Hasani’s take on AI’s role in insurance and the future of digital collaboration
• Why keeping great teams engaged is one of the biggest leadership challenges

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
• Hasani 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: linkedin.com/company/invecta-group

In this weeks episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Arvinder Mudhar, Group CIO of IQUW, whose career spans investment banking, global tech transformation, and the intricacies of the insurance world. From his first lines of BASIC code in East London to leading IT strategies across Mumbai, Geneva, and now London, Arvinder's journey is anything but typical.

Key topics that we discussed include:

• Why he never planned to be a leader, and how he found his way into the CIO chair
• The biggest cultural shift he experienced when moving from banking to insurance
• How bereavement counselling and career coaching shaped him into a better leader
• His view on AI as the most profound shift in tech in our lifetime
• Why insurance needs a CMO for the next generation

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone considering a career in tech leadership, as well as deeply human insights into how people grow, change and lead through challenge.

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
• Arvinder 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: www.invectagroup.com

In this week’s episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Hélène Stanway independent advisor and former Head of Digital & Innovation at AXA XL. With a career spanning more than 30 years across reinsurance, operations, digital innovation, and data, Hélène has carved a truly unique path through the insurance industry.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we unpack her zigzag career journey, how curiosity led her into the world of insurtech and emerging tech, and why she's convinced insurance doesn’t have a technology problem but an adoption problem. From reinsurance recoveries in Farnborough to spearheading global innovation strategies and now advising organisations across the market, Helene shares wisdom on leading transformation, creating space for change, and making the leap to work independently.

Key topics discussed:

• How Hélène intentionally chose insurance (yes, really!) and started in outwards reinsurance
• The pivotal moment RPA sparked her passion for innovation
• Transitioning from global operations to a digital innovation leadership role at AXA XL
• Why success in innovation starts with structure, not just ideas
• The secret to driving adoption in legacy-heavy environments
• What most insurers are getting wrong about AI and talent strategy
• Why insurers must think beyond efficiency and start solving for growth
• The reality of becoming an independent advisor - and the challenges of BD without playing golf
• The power of breadth over linear career paths
• Hélène’s call for insurance to become service-led, not just product-led

This is a fascinating story of career evolution and how you can flip what you are doing quickly, the challenges that change presents and whole lot more.

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
• Hélène 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: linkedin.com/company/invecta-group

In this week's episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Ketan Motwani, COO at Arch Insurance, for a rich and refreshingly candid conversation about career reinvention, resilience, and rising through transformation. From rebelling at school in India to being parachuted into boardrooms in the UK, Ketan’s story spans military training, software engineering, Deloitte consulting, and executive leadership at Aon and Arch.

Key Topics Covered:

• From physics to the Indian Army to Deloitte: an unconventional start
• How transformation became his leadership DNA
• Making the shift from consulting to industry (and how having twins was the catalyst)
• The evolution of the COO role — and why it’s not one-size-fits-all
• Embedding AI as part of a broader operating model shift
• Advice for aspiring COOs on building a rounded career

We unpack the pivotal decisions that shaped his journey, the mindset shift required to go from change agent to COO, and why the London Market's data challenge is today’s biggest opportunity. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a transformation junkie, or just love a great story - there’s something in here for you.

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
• Ketan 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: www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas by Paul Butler, newly appointed CTO of Hiscox Re & ILS and former CTO of Hiscox London Market.

Paul’s journey is anything but typical. From writing code as a teenager on a ZX Spectrum to launching tech for startups in Borough Market and leading reinsurance innovation at one of the most recognised names in the London Market, his story is full of surprises, learnings, and sharp insights.

We dive into:

• Why coming from outside insurance gave Paul the right tools for success inside it
• How he scaled a startup from 10 to 350 people while battling burnout
• The pivot from project to product thinking at Hiscox
• How hiring for attitude (not just skillset) helped him build high-impact teams
• What he learned from selling data products to hedge funds
• The future of insurance automation and why underwriters still matter

Plus, Paul shares his take on flow engineering, embracing multi-cloud, and loads more.

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
• Paul 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: www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Krishnan Ethirajan, Chief Digital & AI Officer at Mosaic Insurance. Krishnan shares his fascinating journey from studying neural networks in the 1980s to leading cutting-edge AI initiatives in the global insurance sector. With a background that spans academia, consulting, and executive leadership, Krishnan's career is anything but linear. Together, they explore pivotal moments in his personal and professional life, how early exposure to neuroscience shaped his thinking on AI, and why staying uncomfortable is often the best place to grow.

Key Topics Covered:

• Growing up in India and pursuing engineering
• Studying AI and brain cognition in the 1980s
• Building a PhD from scratch at University of Houston
• Early neural networks and NASA-funded research
• Selling his first company at 26 and choosing not to retire
• Transition from academia to John Deere to Allstate
• Moving into consulting with Gartner and PwC
• Becoming CEO of Ironshore after being their consultant
• Founding Mosaic Insurance in the middle of the pandemic
• Driving value through AI, tech and strategic innovation
• How to build differentiated, future-facing AI in insurance

From brain plasticity and robotics to insurance operations and AI-led underwriting, this is an episode filled with thoughtful reflection, practical advice, and inspiring insights. Whether you're a tech leader, aspiring executive, or someone curious about where AI and insurance intersect, this is not one to miss

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
• Krishnan 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: www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Daren Rudd, Head of Insurance Business and Technology Consulting at CGI.

Daren is a self-proclaimed "non-traditional CTO" whose route into insurance technology started not with a computer science degree, but a geography course and a job in marketing. Daren's path is a masterclass in curiosity, resilience and leadership that prioritises strategic impact over ego or titles.

We delve into the pivotal moments that have shaped his 30+ year career, including a decade at Hiscox, a stint at Brit, the leap into consulting, and his current leadership role at CGI. Along the way, we explore how insurance businesses are tackling modernisation, the risks of layering AI on legacy, and why tech leaders need to stop pretending they have all the answers.

Whether you're a current or aspiring leader, Daren's story offers an honest and refreshingly practical view on what good leadership actually looks like in insurance tech today.

Key topics we cover include:

• Why Daren swapped marketing for tech (with no formal background)
• What makes a great BA and why it's not just a stepping stone
• Leading without being the expert: lessons in facilitation
• The danger of "AI as a silver bullet" for legacy systems
• What today’s insurance clients really need: clarity, resilience, and pragmatism

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
• Daren 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: www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by David Clamp Founder of The Camelot Network, a network of independent consultants serving the insurance sector.

From apprentice electronic engineer to insurance transformation leader and founder of a thriving network of 150+ independent experts, David Clamp’s career path has had some key milestones and changes in direction. In this episode, David shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, the birth of The Camelot Network, and his mission to reinvent what it means to be an independent advisor in insurance.

We dive into:

• Leaving corporate life and embracing risk at 50
• Building The Camelot Network from a pub meetup to a market force
• Bridging the gap between insurance and insurtech
• What makes a successful independent consultant
• The future of AI, data, and operating models in 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
• 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: www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Chris Pearce, Chief Data Officer at esure.

Chris shares his fascinating journey from a childhood love of video games to leading one of the UK’s most advanced data and AI transformations in the insurance industry.

We explore Chris’s academic path from mathematics to a PhD in epidemiology, his early career spanning banking, automotive, and aggregators, and his progression into insurance leadership. Along the way, Chris gives a brutally honest view on the evolution of the CDO role, the hype and reality of AI in production, and how esure has embedded over a dozen generative AI use cases into the frontline of its business.

Key topics discussed:

• Why video games sparked Chris’s interest in problem-solving and led to a career in data
• What a PhD in epidemiology taught him about resilience, research, and learning how little you know
• His early career in banking, Mercedes-Benz, and MoneySuperMarket and how each built his leadership toolkit
• Entering insurance with Hastings Direct and building data science teams across pricing, fraud, and claims
• Becoming CDO at esure and building an enterprise-wide data and AI capability
• The differences between 1st-gen and 2nd-gen Chief Data Officer roles
• What most people misunderstand about driving value from data science
• How to thrive as a leader without losing your technical edge
• What 16 GenAI use cases in production actually looks like in practice
• Where the CDO role is heading, and why agentic AI is next

This is a brilliant insight into the mindset and career history of a modern, new CDO and what's next for data leaders in the insurance sector.

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
• Chris 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.