iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network

🏔️ How to Climb the Insurance Career Ladder in 2025! At iCAN, we believe in empowering our members with the tools, knowledge, and support networks they need to succeed - and whilst the insurance industry is evolving, and so are the opportunities to grow your career. The recent Top Tips video by Insurance Post offers actionable insights for those of you looking to take their next big step provided by industry heads and experts! From developing transferable skills to embracing lifelong learning and leveraging your network, it’s packed with valuable tips to thrive in 2025. Hear from our Co-Founder Ajay Mistry ACMA and iCAN Sponsors: 🪢 Sarah Mantle-Gray, Head of Talent at RSA 🪢 Graeme Trudgill FCII, Cert Mgmt, CEO of BIBA 🪢 Nicola George, MD of Allianz’s Personal Lines Broker Business 🪢 Chris Long, Head of Trading for Glasgow and Belfast at QBE Europe 🪢 Adam Clarke, CUO of Ageas UK 🪢 Amy Brettell, Managing Director of Zurich Municipal 🪢 Peter Farrelly, Chief Operating Officer of Sedgwick 🪢 Dan Trueman, CUO at CFC 🪢 Isha Patel, Deputy Chair of Chartered Insurance Institute Broking Board 🪢 David Carey, Managing Director of Mid-Market for Allianz and more! 📖 Watch the video tips here to get inspired: https://lnkd.in/eYa6sqjQ What’s one piece of advice that’s helped you in your career? Share it below - we’d love to hear from you! 🔔 Follow iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network for updates on this and more events. 📌 Become an iCAN member here: https://bit.ly/3XVjJEd Emma Ann Hughes #Insurancecareer #careertips #dei #icanaction

🎉 Are you ready to take your DEI strategy to the centre stage? The British Insurance Awards 2025 is your chance to shine as one of the industry's leading lights - and we’re thrilled to announce that iCAN is sponsoring the Diversity & Inclusion Award! This year, we're celebrating excellence by honouring the game-changers, innovators, and trailblazers shaping the future of insurance. ➡️ Why Enter? - Showcase your commitment to driving change in the insurance industry. - Gain recognition for your contributions to Diversity & Inclusion. - Celebrate innovation, creativity, and excellence in insurance. ➡️ Key Information 📅 Deadline for Entries: Friday, 28 February 2025, at 5 PM 📍 Awards Night: 9 July 2025, at the Royal Albert Hall ➡️ Explore Categories and Enter Now Enter here: https://lnkd.in/grN27isC As proud sponsors of the Diversity & Inclusion Award, iCAN is excited to recognise the incredible efforts of individuals and organisations championing equity in insurance. If your firm hasn't entered before or you think you should have this recognition, this is the perfect opportunity. Reach out to one of the iCAN team if you have any questions! 🔔 Follow iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network for updates on this and more events. 📌 Become an iCAN member here: https://bit.ly/3XVjJEd Jonathan Swift / Chris Finnegan / Chris Wade / Hannah Craig / Georgie Mailer-Wilkin / Scott McGee / Emma Ann Hughes #BIA2025 #insuranceexcellence #diversityandInclusion #iCANAction

☕ A Look Back at Coffee with the CEO 2024! Last year, our Coffee with the CEO series brought together iCAN members and some of the most influential leaders in the insurance industry. These sessions were filled with invaluable insights, personal stories, and practical career advice, all aimed at empowering our members to grow and succeed. Here are the highlights from some of our sessions: ➡️ Nate Mathis, CEO at Amwins Global Risks Nate encouraged us to embrace discomfort as a sign of growth: “If you feel uncertain, you’re on the right path.” He also highlighted the power of mentorship and taking risks to unlock new opportunities. ➡️ Luis Prato, President of London and MENA at Liberty Specialty Markets Luis inspired us to “Never mute yourself, your individuality is your strength.” He emphasised the importance of diversity in leadership and how bold decision-making drives progress. ➡️ Stuart Scott, CEO of Starr Insurance Stuart shared the value of building professional networks and the unique benefits of reverse mentoring, where mentors and mentees learn from each other. ➡️ Danielle Harmer, Chief People Officer at Aviva Danny spoke on the importance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for professional growth and shared her framework for balancing mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship to advance your career. ➡️ Jacqueline Wiffen, CUO at Convex Insurance Jacqueline reminded us to embrace our unique paths, overcome resistance, and lead with authenticity: “Success isn’t defined by a title—it’s about staying true to your path.” These sessions offered so much to reflect on and gave our members the tools to grow both personally and professionally. A huge thank you to the CEOs who generously shared their time and wisdom with us. This year’s Coffee with the CEO series is shaping up to be even more impactful, and we can't wait to bring you all along on the journey and have the opportunity to speak to many of the brilliant c-suites across the industry! 🔔 Follow iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network for updates on events and initiatives. 📌 Become an iCAN member here: https://bit.ly/3XVjJEd #Lleadership #networking #careergrowth #iCANInspire

🎤 Hear from a previous Oliver Rose BIBA Young Broker winner, Florence Dennis ACII! We asked a previous winner and iCAN Partnership Lead, Florence Dennis, about her experience and how the BIBA Young Broker Award shaped her career. Here are the highlights: ➡️ How has being a finalist influenced your career? “Being a finalist raised my profile across the profession and gave me opportunities to grow my network and develop key skills like relationship-building. It’s helped open doors I didn’t know existed.” ➡️ Why should young brokers be nominated or apply? “It's so important to recognise the contributions young people make to our profession, within their respective businesses but also in the wider profession. Many young brokers are involved in extra curricular activities which help improve the view of insurance to the public and promoting careers in insurance for schools leavers and the likes. All helping us grow positively in the future." ➡️ What advice would you give to applicants? “Take some time and make a list of your achievements, you'll have done more than you ever realised and remember everything you do is important. Think about how you make an impact within your day job but also externally, work you do with CII, BIBA and iCAN for example, how you help the future of insurance. If you have any doubt about whether to apply, just go for it.” Ready to apply? 📅 Deadline for entries: 21 February 2025 📃 Entry Form: bit.ly/3B7s7Jd ✒️ Criteria: bit.ly/3CZ7oI0 ℹ️ More Info: bit.ly/3NnwZg7 Take this opportunity to showcase your contribution and potential as a future leader in insurance!! 🔔 Follow iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network for updates. 📌 Become an iCAN member here: https://bit.ly/3XVjJEd Graeme Trudgill FCII, Cert Mgmt / Emma Chapman / Oliver Batson / Katie Mackie / Katie Reay / Rebekah Bailey / Linda Zacharia / Juliet Williams #BIBA2025 #insurance #brokers #leader

🌟 2025 ACTUARIAL OPPORTUNITIES! Did you know iCAN Apply is brimming with incredible opportunities in actuarial roles for 2025? If you’re analytical, love problem-solving, and want to make a tangible impact on the insurance industry, now’s the perfect time to explore these dynamic careers. Actuaries are critical in: 🔹 Risk assessment 🔹 Financial modelling 🔹 Data-driven decision-making Whether you’re a graduate looking to break into the industry or an experienced professional ready to take on your next challenge, actuarial roles offer an exciting pathway into the new year! 📈 Looking for a role that challenges you? 💼 Want to join a team that values your skills? 🔑 Ready to unlock your next opportunity? Check out our actuarial listings today and start the journey to your future! 🎯 Explore the roles here: https://lnkd.in/e5_tPAzj Are you a firm wanting to share your actuarial opportunities with our 10,000+ members? Get in touch with us and start finding your next hire! 🔔 Follow iCAN Apply - The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network Jobs Board for daily job updates. 📌 Sign up to become an iCAN member here (where you can opt in to receive job alerts!): https://lnkd.in/eWEXEnns #iCANApply #actuarial #careers #insurance #opportunities

🛡 Happy New Year from Team iCAN! As we welcome 2025, a huge thank you to our incredible committee, sponsors, partners, and members from the Team at iCAN! Your support and dedication have been the driving force behind our success. Here's to a year of new achievements, driving change and having fun! Whether you are looking for a new role, new connections and building your network, a new mentor or want to get involved in making a difference, we have plenty to support you with next year. Enjoy your New Years Eve and we look forward to seeing you in 2025! 🔔 Follow iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network and watch our socials for updates 📌 Sign up to become an iCAN member here: https://lnkd.in/eWEXEnns #newyear2025 #newyearnewgoals #icanaction

🎉 An exciting opportunity for Young Talent looking to gain some experience in the Insurance industry! As you know, we work closely with the Chartered Insurance Institute - and we love to promote the great work they are doing. If you are a young person looking to get into Insurance, or know someone who is - then we have a great opportunity to share - the CII virtual work experience programme! Developed in partnership with Springpod, this initiative has introduced over 3,800 young people to the world of insurance and personal finance in its first year alone. This programme is a game-changer: ℹ️ Accessible to all By being virtual, it removes socio-economic barriers, ensuring students from all backgrounds can take part. ℹ️ Diverse participants Nearly half of the participants in the insurance programme are female, 63% come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and 22% are eligible for free school meals. ℹ️ Immersive learning Modules, quizzes, webinars, and roundtables bring these professions to life while offering valuable career insights. 🗣️ One participant shared: "This programme really helped me develop skills and gain a greater understanding of the sector. I now know the different possible career paths and what I need to work towards to achieve them." This is an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of talent and show them how exciting and impactful careers in insurance and finance can be." 📖 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eiB7hywG ✒️ Sign up here - https://lnkd.in/ebRfT_t2 Please share this post with others that you think would benefit from this! Let’s work together and support these initiatives that can really make a difference to young people! 🔔 Follow iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network for more updates on exciting opportunities and resources. 📌 Become an iCAN member here: https://bit.ly/3XVjJEd Tim Groves / Vivine Cameron Assoc CIPD / Vanessa Riboloni / Sean O'Keeffe Cert CII (MP) #springpod #virtualworkexperience #insurance #icanapply

❓ Is Insurance really a high-risk option for women? At the recent Women Into Insurance event at Bayes Business School, the answer was a resounding no! iCAN was proud to collaborate with Bayes Business School, WCI iWIN, Gender Inclusion Network, and the Chartered Insurance Institute to inspire the next generation of female professionals exploring careers in insurance. The event featured trailblazing insights from Claire McDonald, CEO of one of our 2024 Sponsors SCOR Business Solutions, who urged attendees to take charge of their careers: 🗣️ "No-one is going to give you a career - you’ve got to take it for yourself. Be conscious of opportunities, build your network, and drive yourself harder." Claire’s honest reflections on her journey emphasised the importance of representation, ambition, and stepping into spaces of influence. "Why shouldn’t it be you?" she asked, encouraging attendees to be the leaders of tomorrow. There was also an important panel moderated by iCAN Founding Member and iCAN Role Model Erik Johnson on "Kicking off in the insurance industry" with Ria Patel, Reem El Khatib and Elizabeth Hall, discussing how they got their roles in the industry and what their typical days look like. They also shared how networking and putting yourself out there has helped them. Attendees also explored the wide-ranging opportunities in insurance, from underwriting to marketing, and the growing importance of inclusivity in leadership. As Associate Dean Dr Simone Krummaker noted, the event balanced practical advice with empathetic perspectives, giving students a clear roadmap for their own career plans. At iCAN, we’re passionate about creating platforms where diverse voices are amplified, and future leaders are inspired to thrive. Events like these embody the collaborative spirit that drives meaningful change in our industry. 📌 Read more about the event here: Insurance is not a high-risk option for women: https://lnkd.in/e2GmamWm 🔔 Follow iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network for more opportunities and updates on industry events. 📌 Become an iCAN member here: https://bit.ly/3XVjJEd #womenininsurance #careers #insurance

💡 Insights from Mark Lomas, Chartered FCIPD at the Ethnicity Pay Gap Summit! We are proud to promote the Ethnicity Pay Gap Summit (this year held at Lloyd's) next year in Feb 2025. The Summit will be a day dedicated to addressing representation gaps, learning best practices, and creating impactful strategies to close the ethnicity pay gap. We’re excited to be seeing Mark Lomas, Head of Culture at Lloyd’s of London, who will be sharing his expertise at the Summit. Mark brings years of experience in advancing diversity and inclusion, and during the summit, he’ll cover: ➡️ Why ethnicity pay gap reporting is essential for companies, particularly as regulations evolve. ➡️ How organisations can prepare for reporting through robust data collection and inclusive practices. ➡️ Practical steps to improve representation and attract diverse talent. Mark will also share Lloyd’s journey in tackling the ethnicity pay gap, including initiatives like inclusive recruitment practices and their 1-in-3 hiring ambition. 🗣️ We asked Mark: What is the summit, and why is it important for HR, Talent, C-Suites, and Network Leaders to attend? He told us:   "The Ethnicity Pay Gap summit is a great event to learn about best practice in producing, reporting and taking action on ethnicity pay gap data. By attending you will be able to gain insights from a range of organisations as they discuss practical tips, how to address challenges and the actions they are taking which are making a positive impact. This is a fantastic event to get involved with wherever you are on your journey." 📍 Location: Lloyd's Building, 1 Lime Street, London, UK 📅 Date & Time: 7 February 2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM 🔔 Follow iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network for more updates and upcoming events. 📌 Become an iCAN member here: https://bit.ly/3XVjJEd Dianne Greyson #EthnicityPayGap #EPGSummit25 #DEI #leadership

🔋BIBA’s incredible impact throughout 2024! From strengthening relationships with government and regulators to launching key initiatives like the EV insurance scheme, BIBA (The British Insurance Brokers Association) has been at the forefront of driving positive change for brokers and customers alike - and we are a proud to be a Partner of BIBA! This year’s achievements included: 🔑 Engaging with over 10,500 brokers across 60+ events, including compliance forums, networking opportunities, and webinars. 🔑 Launching practical resources like the Talent Toolkit and new guides to support brokers and their customers. 🔑 Advocating for proportionate regulation through initiatives like the FCA’s ‘Call for Evidence’ and hosting record-breaking events like the BIBA 2024 Conference (9,600 attendees this year!). BIBA’s commitment to progress and working together is evident, and we’re proud to see such strides being made to support the insurance community. 📙 Read the full recap by BIBA CEO Graeme Trudgill FCII, Cert Mgmt Trudgill here: https://lnkd.in/eE7GmHER Thank you for the shout-out Graeme, we’re excited to continue working with BIBA in 2025 to support a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry. 🔔 Follow iCAN: The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network for more updates and opportunities to collaborate in the year ahead. 📌 Become an iCAN member here: https://bit.ly/3XVjJEd #BIBA2025 #newera #brokers #dei