Episode Guest:

Chris Loake is the Group Chief Information Officer at Hiscox, where he leads global technology, data, and cybersecurity. With a career spanning finance, banking, and technology, Chris is passionate about resilience, adaptability, and building winning teams.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:43 Chris’s first ever podcast

1:17 From paper round to first jobs

2:00 Advice for your first day at work

2:32 From Harvester to accountancy

3:21 Why hating a job can be valuable

3:56 Discovering technology by accident

4:48 Building a first career plan

5:52 How to succeed with “no skills or experience”

6:38 Programming vs leading

7:14 Routes into technology: apprenticeships and bootcamps

8:25 Tech roles that aren’t coding

9:19 What makes someone “super techie”?

9:51 Lessons from technology for life balance

10:43 Building resilience through sport and work

12:03 Why you should never be the fastest in the club

12:26 Work with people who inspire you

13:02 What to ask in a job interview

14:02 Discipline vs motivation

15:21 How to stay disciplined in your career

15:50 Career pivots and lessons learned

17:04 Running towards the hard stuff

17:31 Why failure matters

18:04 The record label failure story

19:00 Why Chris chose business over entrepreneurship

20:28 What makes a true entrepreneur

21:38 Small business vs large business experience

22:46 Go where the people inspire you

23:32 Career pivots vs job hopping

25:00 Landing a first job in tech

25:49 What a Group CIO really does

27:04 How to experiment with new technologies

28:17 Transferable lessons between tech and careers

28:54 CIO vs CTO explained

29:33 The career steps needed for leadership in tech

29:39 Why Chris joined Hiscox

30:47 Technology as a competitive advantage

31:38 Supercharging people with technology

32:44 Why adaptability is the ultimate skill

33:27 From asking two questions to asking 200

34:15 Chris’s invisible success

35:23 Chris’s duvet flip – what gets him out of bed

Episode Partner

Hiscox, a leading international insurer with more than 3,000 employees worldwide. The company is known for specialist insurance solutions and a strong commitment to customer service.

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

James Brady is the Property Divisional Director at Hiscox, where he leads underwriting and strategy across the UK property market. With over 18 years at Hiscox, James has built teams, led growth, and championed insurance as one of the world’s best-kept career secrets.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:41 James on demystifying insurance careers

1:12 First job and early lessons in pensions

2:33 How to stand out in a competitive job market

3:28 Knowing your differentiator in interviews

4:40 When a “good vibe” job isn’t the right fit

5:28 Why you should never leave without another role lined up

6:21 The role of recruiters and how to spot a good one

8:12 Why you must drive your own career

9:41 The non-linear path to success

10:46 What Hiscox taught James about opportunity

12:22 Why insurance is the world’s best-kept career secret

13:36 The variety of careers inside insurance

14:57 How the Lloyd’s of London market works

16:58 Local vs London underwriting explained

18:56 Why James has stayed 18 years at Hiscox

20:39 What makes a great manager

22:17 The hardest and most rewarding part of managing people

22:53 Moving from London to Manchester — a career-defining opportunity

24:20 What to consider before saying yes to a big move

26:09 Rebuilding the Manchester team and brand

27:31 The power of consistency and being as good as your word

28:28 Specialising in media and technology insurance

29:49 Insuring content creators, designers, and media giants

31:07 Why join Hiscox and the insurance industry today

32:46 James’s duvet flip – what gets him out of bed in the morning

Episode Partner

Hiscox, a leading international insurer with more than 3,000 employees worldwide. The company is known for specialist insurance solutions and a strong commitment to customer service.

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Cath Frost is the Chief Operating Officer at Hiscox UK, where she leads over 400 people across operations, data, change and customer service. With a career spanning finance and insurance, Cath is passionate about building high-performing teams and creating brilliant customer experiences.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:41 Cath’s first ever podcast experience

2:04 Why Cath joined the insurance industry

4:16 The hidden opportunities in insurance

6:42 What Cath would do differently starting out

8:19 Worrying, planning, and career growth

10:02 Should you always have a five-year plan?

11:33 Why building teams matters more than titles

12:09 What does a COO really do?

15:31 Six jobs in one: inside Cath’s COO role

16:14 Jack’s customer experience with Hiscox

17:50 The three pillars of customer service at Hiscox

18:57 How to start if you want to be a future COO

20:29 Finding happiness at work (and when Cath didn’t)

23:32 Creating brilliant teams and finding purpose

25:18 Why fun at work is non-negotiable

26:40 The employee–employer balance of responsibility

29:12 Educating first-time employees about expectations

32:07 Why curiosity is Cath’s biggest career advice

34:37 One year at Hiscox: what opportunity means

35:52 Cath’s duvet flip – what gets her out of bed

Episode Partner

Hiscox, a leading international insurer with more than 3,000 employees worldwide. The company is known for specialist insurance solutions and a strong commitment to customer service.

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

My Duvet Flip x Hiscox Takeover Trailer.

Episode Guest:

Valerie Michie is the CEO of Choice Care Group and a passionate advocate for the power of social care careers. With a background in leadership across multiple sectors, she’s committed to making care more visible and accessible for the next generation.

Careers at Choice Care Group:

https://bit.ly/45epykU

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:42 Why Valerie joined My Duvet Flip

1:44 Valerie’s first proper job at Asda

3:23 Lessons in communication and teamwork

5:00 Becoming a better communicator through listening

7:06 Pushing through discomfort and growing confidence

8:19 From graduate uncertainty to KPMG

9:32 Realising accountancy wasn’t her calling

11:02 When to move on or stay in a job

12:47 The “black circle” diary reflection method

13:44 Worst money mistake Valerie ever made

14:28 The power of saving early: Valerie’s top money tip

16:12 Why reflection matters in your career

18:30 Reflecting as a team in the care sector

20:03 Why young people rush — and shouldn’t

21:29 Valerie on becoming a CEO

23:06 Advice for new starters in any industry

24:11 Give it a year — Valerie’s rule of thumb

25:57 What a CEO actually does at Choice Care Group

27:00 Career paths within care: Support Worker to Manager

28:44 What makes a great care worker?

30:01 Why care is a brilliant industry for young people

31:05 Making care and support more visible

33:00 What young people told Valerie about joining care

34:28 Where Choice Care Group operates

35:09 Why join Choice Care Group?

36:06 What care taught Valerie that corporate life didn’t

37:00 “Choices Got Talent” and holding hope for others

39:45 Valerie’s advice to care job applicants

41:22 Valerie’s life lesson: listen first

43:39 Valerie’s duvet flip: what gets her out of bed

Episode Partners

📊 Compare the Market

Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.

https://bit.ly/4i53Svj

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Jane Kielty is the CEO of Aon across the UK, Ireland, and South Africa, bringing over 20 years of experience in insurance, pensions, and reinsurance. She is passionate about early careers, client service, and inspiring purpose-driven work.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:45 First meeting Jack & flipping the duvet (literally)

2:00 From fish & chips to the boardroom

4:10 Early lessons in customer service and hard work

6:05 The RAF dream that shaped her resilience

8:15 Pivoting from law to insurance

10:30 Building a 20-year career at Aon

13:05 Positivity, energy and choosing happiness

15:25 What makes someone great in client service

17:40 The 2004 career plan that changed everything

19:50 Learning AI as a CEO — and what it taught her

22:05 Why curiosity and listening are critical soft skills

24:15 What schools don’t teach (but should)

26:40 How to think about money and avoid regrets

29:00 Why Aon’s early careers programme stands out

31:10 Making insurance, pensions & reinsurance exciting

33:15 Purpose, impact and working with clients

35:00 Her invisible success: treating every pound as her own

37:10 What flips her duvet every morning

Episode Partners

✈️ easyJet

Explore exciting career opportunities at easyJet, one of Europe’s leading airlines. Whether you're passionate about aviation, customer service, engineering, or corporate roles, easyJet offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and growth.

https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

📊 Compare the Market

Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.

https://bit.ly/4i53Svj

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates. The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Jon Holt is the UK CEO of KPMG, where he leads a team of over 16,000 professionals. With more than 30 years at the firm, Jon brings a reflective, values-led approach to leadership.

Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction – Jon Holt joins My Duvet Flip

1:28 Starting out washing dishes in a Yorkshire pub

3:10 What Jon learned behind the bar

4:42 Advice to young Jon: try everything, especially work experience

6:20 Why accountancy beat law for Jon

7:35 Do what you enjoy – or go do something else

9:10 Getting early career advice – and learning to stay

10:52 From Wakefield to KPMG partner

12:15 The value of diverse work experience

13:36 When to leave a job and when to double down

15:00 Investing young – Jon’s biggest financial regret

16:30 How to spot good vs bad career advice

18:00 Feedback fear & learning from failure

20:15 What makes a great future accountant?

22:10 Curiosity in the age of echo chambers

24:00 Tips for building a curious mindset

25:45 Kindness and culture at KPMG

27:10 What it really takes to become a partner

28:50 The loneliness of leadership – and why outside mentors matter

30:10 Everyone’s the CEO of their own life

31:25 Why the journey matters more than the destination

33:00 The myth of enjoying success without earning it

34:20 Life after KPMG – Jon’s future beyond the firm

35:48 Final lessons from 30 years at the top

37:00 What flips Jon’s duvet every morning

38:25 Jack’s closing reflections on kindness, culture & leadership

Episode Partners

✈️ easyJetE

xplore exciting career opportunities at easyJet, one of Europe’s leading airlines. Whether you're passionate about aviation, customer service, engineering, or corporate roles, easyJet offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and growth.

https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

📊 Compare the Market

Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.

https://bit.ly/4i53Svj

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates.

The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Episode Guest:

Adolfo Hernandez is the Group CEO of Capita PLC, known for his people-first leadership and transformation-driven mindset. With a global career spanning tech giants and turnaround challenges, he champions curiosity, innovation, and purpose-led growth.

Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction

1:20 Adolfo’s first job: lessons from behind the bar

3:45 Learning life skills outside the classroom

5:30 Choosing work over comfort: building independence

7:00 Conflict, observation, and people skills

9:15 Why curiosity is Adolfo’s greatest asset

11:30 Nerd roots: coding from age 12

13:50 Learning to unlearn: lessons from Amazon

16:40 Building leadership beyond micromanagement

19:10 High-performance culture: what it really means

21:25 The fragmentation of modern ambition

23:00 Volunteering in Kenya: a CEO’s reflection

25:15 How birthplace shapes opportunity

27:05 The only thing not changing at Capita

28:30 Injecting AI into essential services

30:20 Empowering 10,000 staff to define new values

32:10 Adolfo’s four new values driving change

34:00 Playing every lever in transformation

36:30 People-first innovation and fearless change

38:00 The future of human-in-the-loop service delivery

39:50 What gets Adolfo out of bed in the morning

41:30 Final advice: daily growth, daily impact

Episode Partners

✈️ easyJet

Explore exciting career opportunities at easyJet, one of Europe’s leading airlines. Whether you're passionate about aviation, customer service, engineering, or corporate roles, easyJet offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and growth.

https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS

📊 Compare the Market

Discover how you can make a difference at Compare the Market, the company behind one of the UK’s most popular comparison sites. From tech and data to marketing and operations, they’re on a mission to simplify decisions for millions.

https://bit.ly/4i53Svj

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Duvet Flip is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. The views expressed by hosts, guests, brands or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the show's producers, sponsors, or affiliates.

The information shared is not a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to career counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, or mental health support.

Listeners and viewers are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the content provided, and Duvet Flip assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information shared. By engaging with the show, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer.

If you’re struggling with debt, trusted advice and free support can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/debt-advice

If you’re struggling with mental health of any kind, you can find free support here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/