In this week's episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Al Robertson, CTO of ICE InsureTech, to discuss his journey from a passionate developer to an influential technology leader in the insurance sector. Al shares candid stories from his early days at John Lewis Partnership and RSA, through to taking the leap into the startup world and building transformative insurance platforms. With over two decades at ICE InsureTech, Al reveals the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the lessons learned along the way, and his vision for technology's role in the future of insurance.

Key Topics Covered:

• Transitioning from mainframe programming to modern tech stacks.
• Al’s experience moving from corporate roles into the startup environment.
• The critical role of continual learning and personal development.
• Building and scaling technology platforms in the insurance industry.
• Lessons learned through challenging mergers and acquisitions.
• The impact and future of AI in insurance.
• Balancing innovation with governance in a regulated industry.
• Advice for tech professionals considering a move into leadership roles.

Connect with us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• Connect with Al on LinkedIn: Connect Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more at www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas speaks with Nicki Tang, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Tokio Marine HCC. Nicki shares her fascinating journey into insurance technology leadership, key career decisions, lessons from overcoming challenges, and invaluable advice for aspiring leaders.

• Nicki’s early career decision-making and initial reluctance to enter the IT field
• Her experience at the Bank of England, working on critical systems during Y2K and the Euro implementation
• Transitioning from a technical role to leadership and management, and lessons learned along the way
• Moving across sectors, including roles at EDF Trading and Dentsu Aegis, and what she learned from diverse industries
• The pivotal moment in joining Tokio Marine HCC and ascending to CIO
• Insights into transitioning effectively into a CIO role and how sponsorship from mentors influenced her career path
• Thoughts on the importance of broad experience and flexibility in technology leadership roles
• Challenges balancing motherhood and a demanding career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and perspective
• Nicki’s views on diversity and inclusion within insurance technology
• Practical thoughts on the future of insurance tech, including the impact of AI, automation, and legacy system modernization

Connect with s:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• Connect with Nicki on LinkedIn: Connect Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more at www.invectagroup.com

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Reno Daigle, CIO and Head of Business Transformation at CNA Hardy. Reno shares an inspiring journey from his early ambitions of practising law to becoming a global leader in insurance technology and transformation. He discusses pivotal career moments, how an MBA shifted his career trajectory, and the vital role of embracing change, technology, and transformation in driving organisational success.

Reno also delves into the evolving insurance landscape, highlighting the profound impacts of AI, automation, and data analytics on the industry's future. He emphasizes the human element in insurance, reminding us of the industry's crucial role in protecting and rebuilding lives.

Whether you're navigating your career or looking to understand technology - driven transformation in insurance, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

Connect with Us:

• Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
• Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
• Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
• Connect with Reno on LinkedIn: Connect Here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more at www.invectagroup.com