Beyond the Desk with Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas
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The Insurance Leadership Podcast! Hosted by Mark Thomas (and various guest hosts), one of the UK's leading senior appointments search executives, this podcast brings you exclusive interviews with the most influential names and brightest minds leading insurance globally. Each week, Mark dives deep into the career journeys, pivotal moments, success stories and resilience that have shaped the careers of these global insurance leaders. You will gain insights, inspiration, and insider perspectives from the leaders who are redefining the industry's future right now! 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJL5z9-RSWJj3BKCKa-MQ6g 💻 Connect with us on LinkedIn for more insights and thought leadership www.linkedin.com/company/beyondthedeskpodcast Join the conversation, follow us and explore the fascinating world of insurance careers like never before! Website: https://beyond-the-desk.captivate.fm

  1. 2d ago

    Why Every Career Needs Calculated Risks with Talbir Singh Bains

    In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Sanjeev Vegad is joined by Talbir Singh Bains, founder of Volante Global and one of the insurance industry's most respected entrepreneurs. Talbir reflects on a career spanning QBE, Willis Re, Swiss Re, Dual and the creation of Volante, sharing the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy and entrepreneurial mindset. The conversation explores how to build a business that aligns with capital, why culture should be lived rather than written down, the future of MGAs, attracting the next generation of insurance talent, and why the industry's greatest purpose is helping society recover from risk. Whether you're an aspiring leader, underwriter, entrepreneur or simply interested in building great businesses, this episode is packed with practical insights and thought-provoking advice. In this episode you'll learn:How Talbir's career evolved from actuarial pricing into entrepreneurship.The lessons he learned from leaders at QBE, Willis Re, Swiss Re and Dual.Why Volante was built on a fundamentally different business model.How to balance growth with long-term underwriting profitability.Why culture is created through actions—not policies.What makes MGAs so attractive to underwriting talent.Why diversity and young talent are essential for innovation.The qualities future insurance leaders should develop.Why insurance plays a far greater role in society than many people realise. Key TakeawaysSustainable growth always beats growth for growth's sake. The strongest businesses succeed when their interests are fully aligned with their investors and capital partners. Great cultures are built through consistent leadership behaviours, not company policies. Innovation comes from fresh thinking, diverse perspectives and empowering the next generation of leaders. Insurance is ultimately about helping people and businesses recover when the unexpected happens. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Beyond the Desk, leave a review and share it with someone in your network. Connect with Sanjeev Vegad and Talbir Singh Bains on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

    Why Every Career Needs Calculated Risks with Talbir Singh Bains

  2. Aug 11

    The Future of Underwriting: People, AI and Judgment with Simon Jackson

    In this special Beyond the Desk: Underwriting Edition, host Sanjeev Vegad sits down with Simon Jackson, CEO of Amwins Underwriting, to discuss what it takes to build high-performing underwriting teams, embrace calculated career risks, and lead through one of the insurance industry's most transformative periods. Drawing on leadership experience at Amlin, Beazley and now Amwins, Simon shares the lessons that have shaped his career, from developing underwriting talent and expanding international teams to navigating the rise of MGAs, artificial intelligence and changing market dynamics. The conversation explores why underwriting remains a people business, how technology should empower rather than replace underwriters, and why curiosity may be the most valuable skill for the next generation entering the profession. Whether you're an aspiring underwriter, experienced market professional or insurance leader, this episode is packed with practical insights on leadership, growth and the future of the industry. In this episode you'll learn:How Simon's career evolved from traditional underwriting into executive leadership. Why the best career moves often involve stepping outside your comfort zone. The difference between being a great underwriter and a great underwriting leader. How AI and technology are changing underwriting without replacing human judgement. Why curiosity and relationship-building remain essential skills. The opportunities and challenges facing MGAs. How to build strong underwriting cultures across multiple locations. Simon's outlook for the future of the Lloyd's and specialty insurance markets. Key TakeawaysThe best leadership opportunities often feel uncomfortable at first. Great underwriters don't automatically become great leaders—leadership requires adaptability and emotional intelligence. Technology should empower underwriters, not replace their judgement. Curiosity, client engagement and relationship-building will always be competitive advantages. Building successful teams starts with culture, trust and empowering people to make decisions. Taking informed career risks often leads to the greatest long-term rewards. Key Advice from SimonStay curious throughout your career. Take calculated risks rather than waiting until you're completely comfortable. Build genuine relationships across the insurance market. Learn the businesses and industries you're underwriting. Adapt your leadership style to your audience. Use technology to make better decisions, not to replace them.

    The Future of Underwriting: People, AI and Judgment with Simon Jackson

  3. Aug 4

    From Claims handler to CEO with Chris Barclay

    What does it actually take to go from growing up in one of Glasgow's most deprived areas to becoming a CEO in the insurance industry without a university degree, without a clear plan, and without ever making CEO your goal? In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Chris Barclay, CEO of Superscript, for one of the most candid career conversations the show has delivered. Chris traces 20+ years across claims, loss adjusting, commercial leadership, and insurtech including stints at Norwich Union, Crawford & Company, Thistle, and Marsh before joining Superscript as Chief Commercial Officer and being appointed CEO just over a year ago. Chris opens up about the Glassdoor review that triggered genuine anxiety, the imposter syndrome that hit when he became CEO, the six months he spent trying to be someone else, and what pulled him back to himself. He also shares his take on AI in digital broking Superscript's mantra of "enabled by tech, powered by people" along with his three-year growth roadmap and a frank view on the talent and work ethic challenges facing insurance today. Key topics include: non-traditional career paths in insurance, claims as a leadership foundation, turnaround leadership, CEO transition, mental health and resilience, insurtech strategy, and AI in broking. If you work in insurance technology, broking, or insurtech or you're an ambitious leader trying to figure out what the next step looks like then this one is for you.

    From Claims handler to CEO with Chris Barclay

  4. Jul 28

    Why Great Leaders Say Yes Before They're Ready with Sally Peace

    In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Sally Peace, Chief of Staff and HR Director at Apollo, to discuss an unconventional career that has spanned actuarial science, catastrophe modelling, operations, business planning, HR and executive leadership. Sally shares how embracing opportunities, rather than following a rigid career plan, helped shape her journey into one of the most unique leadership roles in the insurance market. The conversation explores leadership, company culture, mentoring, diversity, flexible working, AI's impact on talent, and why saying "yes" before you feel completely ready can be one of the most powerful career decisions you'll ever make. Whether you're leading teams today or aspiring to leadership tomorrow, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest reflections. In this episode you'll learn:Why you don't need a five or ten-year career plan.How sideways career moves often create the best leaders.The difference between management and leadership.Why confidence grows after saying yes not before.How Apollo approaches culture and flexible working.The role HR should really play in shaping a business.Why communication is leadership's most important skill.How AI is changing talent development in insurance.Why mentoring and coaching can accelerate your growth. Key TakeawaysCareers don't have to follow a straight line embrace opportunities that stretch you. Great leaders listen more than they speak. Culture isn't created by HR alone it's everyone's responsibility. Flexible working works best when it's built on trust rather than rigid policies. Confidence comes from doing difficult things, not waiting until you feel ready. AI won't replace great people but it will change the skills organisations need. ConnectIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe to Beyond the Desk, leave a review and share it with someone in your network. You can connect with Mark Thomas and Sally Peace on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

    Why Great Leaders Say Yes Before They're Ready with Sally Peace

  5. Jul 21

    How Technology Is Transforming Insurance with John Wingate

    Episode DescriptionIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by John Wingate, Chief Technology Officer at Envelop Risk, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming insurance and why technology should enhance people rather than replace them. John shares his fascinating journey from developing software for Rolls-Royce jet engines and military systems to leading one of the insurance industry's most innovative technology teams. Together, they discuss AI, machine learning, cyber insurance, leadership, communication, and what it really takes to build products that solve meaningful problems. Whether you're interested in technology, insurance, engineering or leadership, this episode offers practical insights into the future of work and innovation. In this episode you'll learn:How John transitioned from aerospace engineering into insurance.Why Envelop Risk has built its own AI-powered underwriting platform.How AI is changing software development and insurance.Why technology should help people make better decisions—not replace them.The biggest opportunities AI presents for insurers.Why communication is an underrated technical skill.What makes a great Chief Technology Officer.How to build high-performing technical teams.Why solving the right problem is more important than solving it quickly. Key TakeawaysGreat technology starts with understanding the problem—not the tool. AI will increase productivity by helping people do more, not simply replacing jobs. Communication is one of the most valuable skills technical leaders can develop. The best CTOs stay close to technology while empowering their teams. Innovation comes from combining technical expertise with deep industry knowledge. Long-term career success comes from choosing interesting problems rather than chasing titles.

    How Technology Is Transforming Insurance with John Wingate

  6. Jul 14

    The Unconventional Road to COO with Carys Lawton-Bryce

    In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Carys Lawton-Bryce, Chief Operations Officer at Markel International, to explore her unconventional journey into executive leadership. From growing up in South Africa to leading large-scale operational transformation across one of the insurance industry's leading organisations, Karis shares how curiosity, calculated risk-taking and a commitment to continuous learning shaped her career. They discuss why leadership isn't about having all the answers, how AI is transforming insurance operations, and the qualities that separate great COOs from good ones. Whether you're aspiring to senior leadership, navigating career decisions, or interested in the future of operations and AI, this episode is packed with practical insights. In this episode you'll learn:Why the best careers rarely follow a straight line.How stepping outside your comfort zone accelerates growth.The lessons Karis learned managing teams outside her technical expertise.Why adding value matters more than chasing job titles.How AI is changing the role of the modern COO.Why Markel rolled out Microsoft Copilot across its workforce.The balance between strategic thinking and operational execution.The leadership qualities Karis believes every executive should develop.Practical advice for anyone aspiring to a C-suite role. Key TakeawaysTake opportunities that help you learn even if they don't make perfect sense on paper. Great leaders don't need all the technical answers; they need to ask the right questions. AI should empower people, not replace them. Career progression isn't about climbing a ladder it's about building experience. Humility, curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty remain some of the most valuable leadership traits.

    The Unconventional Road to COO with Carys Lawton-Bryce

  7. Jul 7

    What It Really Takes to Become a Chief People Officer with Kirk Southern, Chief People Officer at Howden

    From a working-class upbringing in South Derbyshire to Chief People Officer at Howden, Kirk Southern shares the experiences, lessons and leadership principles that have shaped his career. In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Kirk discusses his unconventional route into HR, why curiosity and humility have been the biggest drivers of his success, and how the role of the Chief People Officer has evolved from operational HR into a strategic business partner. The conversation explores the future of leadership in an AI-driven world, why insurance remains one of the City's best-kept secrets, and what tomorrow's leaders need to succeed. Whether you're aspiring to the C-suite, leading teams today, or simply interested in the future of work, this episode is packed with practical insights. In this episode, you'll hear:Kirk's journey from recruitment consultant to Chief People Officer at HowdenWhy taking a step backwards can sometimes be the fastest way forwardsThe importance of mentorship, curiosity and learning throughout your careerHow the Chief People Officer role has evolved into a strategic leadership positionWhy insurance is one of the most rewarding industries to build a career inHow AI is changing work and why human judgement will become even more valuableThe leadership skills organisations will need over the next decadePractical advice for anyone aspiring to reach executive leadershipWhy commercial understanding is essential for future leadersThe leadership trait Kirk believes matters more than any other: humility Key TakeawaysGreat careers are built through patience, not shortcuts.AI should enhance human capability not replace it.Commercial awareness is one of the biggest differentiators for aspiring executives.The best leaders remain curious, humble and open to feedback.Strong organisational cultures are built by investing in people first. Guest: Kirk Southern Chief People Officer at Howden LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-southern-mcipd-01788118/ Host: Mark Thomas Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Invecta Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markthomas0/ Subscribe to Beyond the Desk for conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance.

    What It Really Takes to Become a Chief People Officer with Kirk Southern, Chief People Officer at Howden

  8. Jun 22

    Why the Future of Insurance Will Be Orchestrated, Not Built with Nigel Walsh, Global Head of Insurance at ServiceNow

    In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Nigel Walsh, Global Head of Insurance at ServiceNow. Nigel shares his journey from writing 210 letters trying to secure his first position at the start of his career to key leadership positions at some of the world's leading firms, including Capgemini, Deloitte, Google and his current position at ServiceNow. The conversation explores Nigel’s early route into technology, his move into insurance, the lessons he drew from consulting and global technology organisations, and what it was like to help shape Google Cloud’s approach to the insurance market. Mark and Nigel also discuss the next phase of AI in insurance, why the industry is moving beyond isolated pilots, and how agents, workflow orchestration and automation could reshape underwriting, claims and operations over the next 12–18 months. Guest: Nigel Walsh Global Head of Insurance at ServiceNow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelwalsh/ Host: Mark Thomas Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Invecta Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markthomas0/ Subscribe to Beyond the Desk for conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance.

    Why the Future of Insurance Will Be Orchestrated, Not Built with Nigel Walsh, Global Head of Insurance at ServiceNow
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About

The Insurance Leadership Podcast! Hosted by Mark Thomas (and various guest hosts), one of the UK's leading senior appointments search executives, this podcast brings you exclusive interviews with the most influential names and brightest minds leading insurance globally. Each week, Mark dives deep into the career journeys, pivotal moments, success stories and resilience that have shaped the careers of these global insurance leaders. You will gain insights, inspiration, and insider perspectives from the leaders who are redefining the industry's future right now! 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJL5z9-RSWJj3BKCKa-MQ6g 💻 Connect with us on LinkedIn for more insights and thought leadership www.linkedin.com/company/beyondthedeskpodcast Join the conversation, follow us and explore the fascinating world of insurance careers like never before! Website: https://beyond-the-desk.captivate.fm

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