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 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 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 week's 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 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