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In this inspiring episode of Empower Talks, we’re joined by Chris Hanks, former General Manager of Allianz Commercial, past President of the Chartered Insurance Institute, and former Chair of Liberty Specialty Markets—where he also first met our host, Sam. Chris has also served as a Chairman and Non-Executive Director across several organisations, bringing strategic guidance and leadership at board level.
With a career spanning over five decades, Chris shares his journey from starting as an underwriter in 1970 to leading one of the UK’s top commercial insurers through transformational growth.
Chris speaks with warmth and candour about the lessons he’s learned—covering everything from building technical foundations to the power of emotional connection in the workplace. He reflects on the importance of nurturing talent, learning from failure, and how discretionary effort and team culture can drive meaningful business success.
We explore his views on professional development, the evolving role of non-executive directors, and why he continues to mentor others with passion and generosity.
Whether you’re at the start of your career or already in a leadership role, this episode is full of practical wisdom, heartfelt honesty, and genuine encouragement.
Chris Hanks LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hanks-3453a319a/
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Sam talks with Ethan Godlieb, Cyber & Tech E&O Broker at Aon and BIBA Young Broker of the Year, about his journey into the insurance industry and his career progression. Beginning his career on Aon’s apprenticeship programme, Ethan reflects on starting in a regional office, the importance of building relationships, and the deliberate steps he took to transition into the London market. He shares invaluable advice on securing secondments, building confidence, and advancing his career.
Ethan shares how he was instrumental in starting an apprenticeship network (Asset), which later merged into NGIN (Next Generation Insurance Network), creating opportunities for apprentices across the industry. He recounts key milestones in his career, including his shift from apprenticeship to broking management and eventually specialising in cyber insurance. Throughout the conversation, Ethan offers practical advice on navigating career goals, seizing opportunities, and balancing day-to-day responsibilities with extracurricular contributions.
Reflecting on his experience attending the BIBA conference, Ethan discusses the networking opportunities, insights from industry-leading speakers, and the benefits of connecting with peers in a social and professional setting. He also shares the process behind winning the Young Broker of the Year award, highlighting how resilience and determination have shaped his career.
To close, Ethan provides tips on standing out to judges when applying for industry awards, stressing the importance of metrics, testimonials, and showcasing impact. He also offers invaluable career advice, emphasising integrity, building trust, and setting and adapting career goals. He encourages listeners to embrace mentorship and networking, pursue professional development, and always seek opportunities to grow.
Links:
Your Insurance Starter Kit - it’s free, you just need to setup a Teachable login
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Sam talks with Bamishe Alao, an emerging leader in the insurance industry, about her strategies for attracting graduates to the field. Starting her career on the WTW CRB graduate programme, Bamishe reflects on the initial challenges she faced, the balance of priorities, and the evolution of her networking skills. She credits much of her early success to mentorship and discusses the substantial benefits of enrolling in mentoring programs.
In their conversation, Bamishe highlights the pivotal role of LinkedIn in maintaining visibility and connections within the industry. Both Sam and Bamishe, as members of the Worshipful Company of Insurers (WCI), delve into the organisation’s structure, membership benefits, and networking opportunities that have been instrumental in their careers.
Looking forward, Bamishe shares an overview of her five-year plan, which includes achieving her ACII designation and advancing from Associate to Senior Associate in her specialised field of Directors and Officers Liability (D&O). She offers insightful advice on identifying and excelling in one's chosen class of business.
The discussion also explores the current state and future of the insurance industry, focusing on DE&I initiatives, retention challenges, and the shifting demographics at leadership levels. Finally, Bamishe and Sam discuss the impactful roles of reverse mentoring, traditional mentoring, and sponsorship in fostering career development.
Directly resulting from the podcast, Sam has started an anonymous campaign to promote salaries in the industry. Results so far can be found here: TikTok Campaign - Insurance salaries
Also in case you missed it, in 2023, Sam & Bamishe appeared together on Insure TV. Watch here: Sam & Bamishe talk BIBA on InsureTV
LINKS:
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Sam talks to Phill Bratt, Partner at Keoghs London, about his specialisation in catastrophic personal injury law and his role in defending high-value personal injury claims. The episode addresses the evolving nature of legal careers, focusing on the importance of personal relationships and professional exposure. Phill provides key insights into the Ogden tables, emphasising their critical role in calculating future losses in high-value personal injury claims, particularly relevant for insurers and reinsurers. Phill shares how he discovered he had dyslexia, and he reflects on how the diagnosis has helped him in his working life, and provides invaluable career advice, stressing the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities. His experiences and insights offer invaluable guidance for professionals navigating the dynamic and complex world of the legal profession. Drawing from his legal expertise, Phill hosts the 'London Insurance Lawyer Unbound,' podcast, and has started sharing his insights on his TikTok account (links to both are below).
LINKS:
London Insurance Lawyer Podcast: https://londoninsurancelawyer.com/
Phill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillbratt/
Phill's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@londoninsurancelawyer
Phill's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/londoninsurancelawyer
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In this episode of Empower Talks, Sam talks to Alina Schatten (née Jipa), who, at the time of recording was Chief of Staff to the CEO, but has recently accepted the position of Integration Director at RSA UK&I. Sam and Alina discuss her career in the insurance industry, which is a compelling example of adaptability, strategic career advancement, and the value of lifelong learning.
Beginning her journey with a rotational graduate programme at Hiscox, Alina seamlessly navigated through various roles, emphasising her versatility. Her proactive approach, notably reaching out to RSA's CEO, catapulted her into the influential role of Chief of Staff. Here, she demonstrates her expertise in strategic planning, project management, and supporting an executive team.
Education plays a pivotal role in Alina’s career, highlighted by her pursuit of a business and management degree and an MBA. Her advocacy for continuous professional development, especially the ACII qualification, mirrors her commitment to applying academic knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Alina's dedication extends beyond personal career growth to mentoring and nurturing new talent in the insurance industry. Her research on early career programmes and retention strategies underlines her commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals. Alina's journey and insights, shared with Sam, offer valuable lessons in navigating the complex yet rewarding landscape of the insurance industry.
Alina's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alina-jipa-schatten/
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In this episode, Sam chats with Lorraine Harfitt, CEO at Asta, about her diverse career journey in the insurance industry. Lorraine shares her path from Lloyd's of London to becoming CEO at Asta, discussing her roles at Lloyd's, including insights into her involvement in the Solvency II work stream.
Lorraine talks about the challenges of her career, the importance of adaptability, and the role of a supportive network. She also talks about succession planning, leadership development, and the responsibilities of a CEO.
Tune in to hear Lorraine's journey through the insurance sector, providing lessons on career progression, leadership, and navigating the complexities of the industry.
Links
Lorraine's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-harfitt-6ab60817/
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In this episode, Sam talks with Pritesh Thakrar, a Portfolio Analyst at Inver Re. Their conversation explores Pritesh's career journey from medicinal chemistry to his current role in insurance, including his involvement in the 'New Gen Project' initiative, which focused on creating internships for autistic individuals. They also reflect on the evolution of his career and how his diverse experiences across various organisational cultures have shaped his professional path.
Pritesh has authored an article titled '10 Lessons from a Decade in Insurance'. During the episode, Sam and Pritesh examine each of these lessons in turn, offering valuable insights into both personal and professional development that extend beyond the confines of the insurance industry.
The episode underscores the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and embracing new challenges. Pritesh's insights and advice are especially valuable for those either beginning or looking to progress in the insurance sector, rendering this episode an informative and practical guide for career growth.
Links:
Link to Pritesh's article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-lessons-from-decade-insurance-pritesh-thakrar
Pritesh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritesh-thakrar-67611983/
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Sam talks to Grace Maxted FCII, a pivotal associate and key creative force at Empower Development. Grace's significant impact is particularly evident in our online courses, yet her influence extends much further.
Sam and Grace discuss her unique career, intertwining insurance and theatre, and reminisce about their initial collaborations at Empower Development. Additionally, they highlight some of Grace's notable career moments, revealing the depth of her professional journey.
Grace, a standout conversationalist, skilfully blends wisdom, compelling facts, and a variety of engaging stories. Join us in this episode to explore Grace's unique path and learn how important she is to the Empower Development team.
Recorded in May 2023.
Fact check: The Tom Hanks film Grace is referring to is ‘Bridge of Spies’.
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-maxted-fcii-2702a1a4/
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In this episode, Amy Brettell shares her unconventional career journey with Sam. Having started as an Actuary within Zurich's graduate program, Amy moved across various roles within the organisation, including the mysterious Chief of Staff position, Head of Customer in UK Claims Role, and lead the digital transformation in claims at Zurich. Amy has recently stepped into her dream job as Managing Director at Zurich Municipal.
Sam and Amy discuss her early introduction to the actuarial field, a path she chose after discovering its possibilities through a career survey at the age of 14, leading her to step into the profession by the age of 21.
The conversation offers insights into effective career management, the importance of venturing out of one's comfort zone, initiating bold discussions on career progression, and the active pursuit of professional opportunities.
LINKS:
Amy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybrettell/
Zurich Grad Scheme: https://www.zurich.co.uk/careers/graduate-schemes
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In this episode, Sam chats with Beth Amaro, an experienced HR professional from the insurance sector. Beth spent seven years in Bermuda before an opportunity led her to London to progress her career in the insurance sector. Until recently, Beth worked as Head of HR at Fidelis. She has now started her own independent consultancy firm, advising companies on their HR needs. This shift has led to an interesting collaboration with Sam.
Sam and Beth discuss her career in HR, offering advice on progression. A key topic is their Leto programme, named after the goddess of motherhood and launching in October 2023. The programme is designed to support women and parents returning to work after maternity or paternity leave. Beth shares her personal experience of balancing career aspirations with motherhood and talks about the challenges many face when returning to the workforce.
Listen in to learn more about the Leto initiative and gain insights from Beth's journey in the insurance and HR sectors.
LINKS:
Beth's Website: www.bethamaroconsulting.co.uk
Beth's LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com › beth-amaro-0a19779
More info on Leto: https://empowerdevelopment.co.uk/product/leto/
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Sam sits down with Megan and Felicity, both participants in the Zurich graduate scheme, who are also the creative minds behind the TikTok page ‘The Life Of A Grad’. With over 10,000 likes, the duo aims to challenge prevailing insurance stereotypes and promote the potential of insurance careers to young professionals. Through ‘The Life Of A Grad’, they also document their own career journey, offering a personal touch to their advocacy for the insurance sector.
They share their experiences surrounding their growing TikTok page, discussing the steps they took outside their comfort zones to generate content, and the learning curve involved in managing the account.
Addressing the branding issue insurance encounters with young students, Sam, Megan, and Felicity delve into possible solutions to increase awareness. They highlight the merits of working in insurance and the array of departments available, suggesting a broad scope of opportunities for everyone.
Through their TikTok platform, Megan and Felicity provide a fresh perspective on insurance careers, offering insights to young professionals on the diverse career options in the industry. This episode highlights their effort to use modern digital platforms as a bridge to connect with the traditional insurance sector, aiming to make insurance careers more accessible and appealing to a younger audience.
Links:
Life Of A Grad - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeofagrad
Apprentice Life – TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@apprentice.life
Zurich Graduate Schemes: https://www.zurich.co.uk/careers/graduate-schemes
Zurich Internships: https://www.zurich.co.uk/careers/internships
Felicity Irvine – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicity-irvine-8b4449158/?originalSubdomain=uk
Megan Jenkins – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-jenkins-4601741b7/?originalSubdomain=uk
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Sam talks with Guy Munnoch, Managing Director of Rupert Morgan, about his exceptional career trajectory, shaped by 21-year milestones, moving from the British Army to the insurance world and beyond. With over four decades of diverse experiences, Guy's journey is nothing short of impressive.
Delving into the early stages of his career, Guy underscores the importance of the lessons he learned in his 21 years with Army. Then, he elaborates on his shift to the insurance sector, detailing the hurdles he faced, his strategies to overcome them, and his rise to CEO. His responsibilities at Zurich resulted in an international assignment to South Africa where he reported directly to the royal family. Throughout his insurance journey, he gained profound industry insights and experienced significant transformations.
Currently, Guy is navigating his third major career phase, undertaking diverse roles and confronting varied challenges. This phase has seen him assist retirees in sculpting gratifying retirement plans, assume Non-Executive Director positions, and even achieve a World Record!
Guy Munnoch's story is a testament to adaptability and seizing opportunities. From the Army's disciplined environments to the dynamic world of insurance, he faced challenges head-on, reflecting on the psychological adjustments required at each stage. Enjoy this episode and discover the richness of Guy's journey, offering invaluable lessons for career navigation and personal growth.
Links
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Sam talks with Joanna Hitchcock, Underwriting Manager at AIG about her exceptional career path, marked by five promotions in seven years, her ventures in international roles, and her fearless approach to stepping out of her comfort zone.
With less than a decade in the insurance industry, Joanna's rise to success is impressive. Uncover the key factors driving her achievements, from her unwavering determination to her passion for tackling challenges head-on.
Sam talks to Joanna about her international relocations to Paris and Dubai, and the obstacles she faced along the way. Joanna talks about the experience and broader industry insights she gained during these periods and how she embraced and learned from the challenges presented by new cultural environments.
Joanna Hitchcock's journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the power of resilience, adaptability, and embracing opportunities. Listen to this episode to gain invaluable insights for your own career development and growth.
Joanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-hitchcock-bsc-hons-acii-203b38153/
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Sam talks with Mike Burle, Head of Marine & Deputy Active Underwriter at Liberty Specialty Markets, in an engaging conversation that explores various aspects of the insurance industry. With 30 years of experience, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the discussion.
Beginning the conversation, Sam delves into Mike's journey and how he entered the insurance field. They uncover some of the milestones that led him to his current role, highlighting experiences that helped shaped his career.
Sam and Mike delve into the qualities that define a ‘good boss’ in the insurance industry. Mike shares his perspective, emphasising the importance of a growth mindset and continuous personal development, which are vital for progressing in this rapidly evolving industry.
Peering behind the curtains of a large corporate insurer, Mike offers valuable insights into the inner workings of such organisations. Mike unravels some of the intricacies and complexities of the industry, providing a unique perspective on navigating its challenges.
Reflecting the digital age, Mike shares his chosen word of the year: "Visibility." He underscores the significance of maintaining an active online presence and how it can positively impact professional growth and opportunities within the insurance industry.
Mike offers his opinion on the future of working in insurance and the future of Lloyds marketplace, providing a glimpse into the potential transformations and innovations that lie ahead.
Drawing from his experience, Mike imparts invaluable advice on progressing and thriving in insurance careers. His wisdom and expertise serve as a valuable resource, providing practical strategies for professional growth and advancement in this dynamic industry.
Links
Podcasts mentioned:
https://www.thevoiceofinsurance.com/
https://stevenbartlett.com/the-diary-of-a-ceo-podcast/
https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523
https://hbr.org/2018/01/podcast-women-at-work
Other links mentioned that we hope you find interesting:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chimp-Paradox-Management-Programme-Confidence/dp/009193558X
https://www.insuranceinsider.com/
https://www.lloyds.com/news-and-insights/lloyds-lab
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This is a special edition of Empower Talks, featuring our Client Solutions Manager, Claire Shepherd, in the interviewer's seat as she chats with Sam about the latest news and updates from Empower Development. In this episode, Sam reflects on the company's most exciting successes since their last podcast 12 months ago and shares some hopes and goals for the future. Listeners can expect to hear Sam discuss the company's 5-year anniversary party, her trip to New York, TikTok, BIBA, and her recent front-page feature interview in The Journal, as well as much more. Don't miss out on this exclusive episode!
RELATED LINKS:
Springboard Networking Events:
https://empowerdevelopment.co.uk/young-professionals/
Sam’s feature article in The Journal:
https://thejournal.cii.co.uk/2023/03/02/interview-samantha-ridgewell
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@empower.development?lang=en
Claire and Sam’s podcast 12 months ago:
https://shows.acast.com/empower-talks/episodes/samantha-cockcroft-empower-developmenr
Emma’s Podcast:
Tosin’s Podcast:
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Sam sits down with Tosin Falope, a Senior Training Consultant and the newest member of the Empower Development team, to discuss her career journey and her perspective on the insurance industry. With a background in fashion and data science, as well as a strong interest in psychology and DE&I, Tosin shares her first impressions of the industry, highlighting the diversity of its culture and the broad range of networks she has already encountered.
Tosin also discusses her recent completion of a counselling skills course and her certification as a Mental Health First Aider. She expresses her eagerness to attend an upcoming course that will enable her to conduct SDI (Strength Deployment Inventory) courses on behalf of Empower Development. This leads to a candid discussion where Sam shares a very personal experience and how SDI has helped her gain insight into how she manages conflict and reflects on her behaviour during a particularly stressful period in her life.
RELATED LINKS:
The Diary Of A CEO – Professor Steve Peters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1hqsr5mkzA
The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters:
https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/the-chimp-paradox/
A Path through the Jungle by Professor Steve Peters:
https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/a-path-through-the-jungle/
Empower Talks - Helen Gemmell:
https://shows.acast.com/empower-talks/episodes/helen-gemmell-casualty-portfolio-underwriter-at-ki
Empower Talks – Teni Tijani:
Springboard Events:
https://empowerdevelopment.co.uk/young-professionals/
Tosin’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tosin-falope/
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On this episode of Empower Talks, recorded on 26th October 2022, Sam talks with Employment Lawyer and friend, Deborah Margolis about chess club and ‘quiet quitting’ (mostly ‘quiet quitting’ – sorry chess fans!).
Throughout the chat Sam & Deborah find themselves looking at the topic from an assortment of angles, dissecting what they think motivates someone to decide to ‘quiet quit’, and then share their choice on TikTok.
Sam, with her HR background, and Deborah from an employment law perspective, pose and consider a host of questions surrounding this highly emotive topic, including:
Is it unique to Gen Z or has it been around for a long time?
Does it stem from the individual, the manager, or the company culture?
What to do if you encounter ‘quiet quitting’ in the workplace?
RELATED LINKS:
Sam’s ‘Quiet Quitting’ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empower.development/video/7151340496357559557
Deborah’s ‘Quiet Quitting’ article: https://hrnews.co.uk/quiet-quitting-when-does-acting-your-wage-cross-the-line-and-what-is-the-employment-risk/
The Diary Of A CEO, John Eckbert (Five Guys), Hiring the best people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGSZqhFFhoI
Deborah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahmargolis/
GQ|Littler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gqlittler/
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Sam talks with Claire Davey (aka Cyber Claire) about her move from the corporate world, back to academia. During this transition Claire founded her own business as a Cyber Security & Risk Management Specialist & Trainer and tells how she has managed to juggle a full time PhD with the demands of a full-time entrepreneurial business.
Claire’s love of learning has seen her amass a host of qualifications including her ACII, Masters, CISSP and most recently, completing a PhD in the field of alcohol/sobriety/identity.
Sam and Claire hare their thoughts on the drinking culture in the insurance industry, the relationship between alcohol and networking/socialising, and Claire’s decision to stop drinking.
RELATED LINKS:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-g-davey/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyberclaire/
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Sam talks with Hayley Budd about their time working together at Liberty and Hayley’s journey into the ‘clandestine world of innovation’.
Hayley built her own niche career to follow her passion and shares how she created a movement and innovation community within her organisation alongside her day job. She discusses how she took the work she was doing ‘off the side of her desk’ into a role as a Business Analyst where she began moulding the job into what she wanted.
After a decade working at the same company, Hayley tells Sam about her move into product innovation and the challenges she encountered being a new face in a completely different culture during a pandemic, and how she learnt the importance of social capital along the way.
In this episode, Hayley addresses some of the key questions facing innovation in insurance, looking at:
How we create the Insurance Company of the future?
How we create new operating models?
What does the underwriter of the future look like?
Related Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleyrosebudd/
https://www.lloyds.com/news-and-insights/lloyds-lab
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Sam talks with talent and recruitment authority Simon Evans about the challenges of attracting and retaining talent to the insurance industry. Sam and Simon tackle the complex issue of the ‘War for talent’, looking at how and why it has impacted the industry, what is being done about it, and what can be done to bridge the current skills gap.
Simon shares with Sam what he has learnt on his journey from the world of banking to Head of International Talent Acquisitions for AIG. He discusses the benefits of working in insurance over banking and provides valuable guidance for those who are considering embarking on a career in insurance.
Whether you’re interested in interview technique, what companies are looking for in candidates, or how best to progress within your organisation, this episode has something for everyone.
Related links:
Simon’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonnevans/
Springboard - Empower Development’s Networking Event
https://empowerdevelopment.co.uk/young-professionals/#springboard
Books recommended by Simon:
‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance’ by Angela Duckworth
‘Start With Why’ by Simon Sinek
‘The Infinite Game’ by Simon Sinek
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