Why is meaningful innovation so hard in insurance, and what can be done about it?

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster is joined by John Turner, a global underwriting leader and expert in life and health insurance, to explore the innovation imperative in one of the world's most traditional (and risk-averse) industries.

They unpack the complex cultural, structural, and regulatory challenges that make change difficult in insurance, from siloed teams and outdated processes to over-engineered tech solutions that miss the mark. But they also spotlight the opportunities: from automation that enhances the customer journey to cross-functional collaboration that drives real transformation.

💡 Key talking points include:

1. Why conservative cultures make innovation harder — but not impossible

2. The hidden flaws in traditional underwriting and risk selection

3. How data, automation and behaviour change can unlock new growth

4. The clash between insurers and insurtechs — and how to bridge it

5. What truly customer-led innovation looks like

Whether you're in insurance, financial services, or just trying to drive change in a legacy-heavy environment, this episode is packed with ideas, reflections, and real-world experience you can learn from.

********** 

Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

In this episode, we look at the real story behind transformation in data and AI, and why the classic big bang approach often fails to deliver lasting impact.

Jason explores when large-scale transformation programmes do make sense, like when you're starting from a fundamentally broken place, or when disruption is the goal. But he also digs into the messy reality of what usually happens: slow delivery, rigid plans, lost trust, and a disconnect between activity and real outcomes.

He then makes the case for iterative change. A more human, responsive, and sustainable way to build meaningful transformation over time. With real-world examples and sharp reflections, Jason shares how small, focused steps can create big shifts, and how to blend bold vision with practical delivery.

This episode is full of insight for business and data leaders navigating change, delivering transformation, or just trying to make something actually stick.

********** 

Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster talks to Cali Wood, Head of Data and AI Strategy & Culture at AXA UK and Ireland.

Cali shares how AXA is shaping its data and AI transformation through a clear strategic framework built on creation of value, connection of data and tooling, and culture to accelerate value.

From embedding human-centred design into automation use cases to launching a data and AI academy with more than 50% workforce engagement, AXA is making data and AI a true business-wide initiative.

This conversation explores:

1. The three pillars of AXA's data and AI strategy

2. How culture and leadership unlock real business value

3. Scaling responsible AI across a highly regulated industry

4. Evolving from traditional to agentic AI in a people-first way

Whether you're leading data transformation or navigating GenAI, this episode offers practical ideas and inspiration to help bring your people and strategy together.

Listen now to learn how to build AI-driven change - the right way.

--------------------------------------------------

Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

In this solo episode, Cynozure CEO Jason Foster explores what it really means to create value with data and AI and why it can't be treated as a nice-to-have outcome at the end of a project.

Jason breaks down a practical, repeatable approach to designing value in from the start, with clear intent, strong foundations, and input-focused delivery. He shares real-world examples and analogies to show how organisations can shift from vague goals to measurable, meaningful impact.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for data and business leaders who want to move from theory to practice and ensure their data work truly makes a difference.

--------------------------------

Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks with Lisa Allen, Director of Data at The Pensions Regulator (TPR), about the role of data in protecting savers and shaping a more resilient pensions industry.

Lisa shares the story behind TPR's new data strategy and how it's helping to modernise an ecosystem that oversees more than £2 trillion in savings across 38 million members. Drawing on her experience at organisations including the Ordnance Survey and the Open Data Institute, she explains why strong data foundations, industry collaboration, and adaptive thinking are essential to success.

The conversation explores how the regulator is building a data marketplace, adopting open standards, and applying AI to enable risk-based regulation, while reducing unnecessary burdens on the industry. Lisa also discusses the value of working transparently, co-designing with stakeholders, and staying agile in the face of rapid change.

This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, regulators, and data professionals thinking about strategy, innovation, and sector-wide impact.

Behavioural data is fast becoming a cornerstone of modern business strategy.

Not just for media measurement or advertising optimisation, but across product, pricing, logistics, and platform development. It tells us what people actually do, not just what they say they do.

As traditional market research struggles with low engagement and recall bias, brands are turning to digital behavioural data to make sharper, faster decisions. Whether it's tracking consumer journeys in the app economy or identifying early adoption trends (like the impact of AI tools on category disruption), the value lies in real, observable behaviour at scale.

But, that shift raises new questions around data ownership, consent, and fairness. And, the rise of AI is only accelerating both the opportunity and the complexity.

In the latest episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO & Founder of Cynozure, speaks to Chris Havemann, CEO of RealityMine, and discusses everything from:

• The transition from survey-based research to behavioural data analysis
• The impact of AI on interpreting digital interactions
• Ethical considerations surrounding data consent and transparency
• Building trust through clear data collection and usage practices

Learn from Chris's 25+ years in data and insight, and explore how behavioural signals are reshaping everything from media to market intelligence.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster speaks with Colin Zima, CEO and Co-founder of Omni, a modern business intelligence platform that combines the best of governance and usability. With a background spanning roles at Looker and Google, and two decades as both a data user and builder, Colin brings a unique perspective on the evolution of BI and the real role of AI in shaping its future.

They explore why business intelligence remains critical for aligning organisations, how AI is raising the bar for access and self-service, and why semantics and business logic are more important than ever. The conversation challenges the notion that AI will replace dashboards, and instead focuses on how it can enhance accessibility, support different user needs, and empower data teams to work more efficiently.

This episode is essential listening for business and data leaders thinking about the future of BI, the practical use of AI, and the role data teams play in delivering real value at speed.

Tune in to hear how modern BI is evolving, and what leaders need to know to stay ahead.

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, Jason Foster, CEO of Cynozure, goes solo and explores one of the most critical yet under-discussed business skills...decision making.

Drawing on real-world examples, research, and personal experience, Jason unpacks why so many organisations struggle to make effective decisions, despite it being core to leadership, innovation, and progress. From decision paralysis to overconfidence, and data overload to gut instinct, he looks at the formal frameworks and informal dynamics that shape how choices are made across all levels of a business.

The episode delves into the role of vision, bias, data literacy, and emotional intelligence, and outlines the essential skills leaders need to build confidence, clarity and adaptability into their decision-making culture.

Whether you're leading a team, shaping strategy, or navigating change, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you make better, faster, and more informed decisions.

🎧 Tune in now to rethink how decisions really get made, and how to make yours count.