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complex cultural, structural, and regulatory challenges that make change difficult in insurance, from siloed teams and outdated processes to over-engineered tech solutions that miss the mark.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.

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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.

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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.

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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.