Outcomes

LMF Leadership Symposium

The EC3 Human Equation – Modern Leadership + Talent = Success & Growth - 1st April 2025, Old Library, Lloyd’s of London

Industry professionals gathered in The Old Library at Lloyd’s on 1st April 2025 for The EC3 Human Equation – Modern Leadership + Talent = Success & Growth, hosted by Roger Oldham, CEO and Founder of London Market Forums (LMF) and kindly supported by Novidea, a valued Corporate Member of LMF. The event brought together experts to discuss modern leadership, talent development, and how businesses can adapt to industry changes while fostering success and growth.

Keynote Speech by Dr Paul Furey

Longstanding friend of LMF, Dr Paul Furey, an eminent Business Psychologist and leading Executive Coach, opened the event with a keynote on the importance of honest conversations in leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience as a psychologist and former British Army officer, he discussed how emotional intelligence helps leaders build trust within their teams. He emphasised that open and constructive dialogue leads to better collaboration and business performance.

Dr Furey also highlighted the importance of self-awareness in leadership, particularly in recognising unconscious biases. He explained how coaching empathy can strengthen workplace relationships and create a more inclusive and effective working environment. His talk reinforced that strong leadership is about appreciating a person’s feelings and their contributions.

Panel Discussion: Leadership and Talent in the Modern Insurance Industry

Following the keynote, a panel discussion explored leadership challenges, talent retention, and innovation. Moderated by Roger Oldham, the panel featured:

• Carolyn Shreeve (Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Markets Division, Allied World)
• Paolo Cuomo (Executive Director, Gallagher Re)
• Jason McGinley (Regional Claims Manager for London & Rest of World, Liberty Mutual Reinsurance)
• Noon Ali (Head of Digital UK & Europe at Lockton)
• Paul Kershaw (UK Enterprise Sales Manager, Novidea)

The discussion focused on how leadership styles are evolving. Panellists discussed the shift from traditional authority-based management to a more people-focused approach, where emotional intelligence and adaptability are key. They also explored how leaders today must balance commercial pressures with the need to support and engage their teams, which is where some leaders experience difficulty.

Polling Result from our live audience:

What is the biggest barrier to successful change in your organisation? “Lack of leadership support or strategic direction” was the top answer

Talent development was another major topic, with speakers emphasising the importance of mentorship, clear career progression, and professional development opportunities. The panel also discussed how hybrid working models may have introduced some challenges, when it comes to leadership, as managing less experienced colleagues is not always as effective when done remotely.

Technology’s impact on the insurance industry was a key theme, particularly the future role of Gen AI and data analytics in underwriting and claims processes. The panellists discussed how businesses can integrate new technologies while maintaining a human element and ensuring ethical use of data. We also covered the common scenario of “Perma Change” and there was an open conversation about the technological successes we’ve had as a Market and that perhaps sometimes we are quick to put ourselves down and less likely to celebrate the successes we’ve enjoyed. Whilst AI and other technological developments will reshape some processes and practices, the human element of underwriting, broking, risk management and claims is expected to remain strong and evident in the years ahead, supported by many new tools and applications.

Diversity & Inclusion: Challenges and Opportunities

Diversity and inclusion were also highlighted as key areas for improvement. While mentorship programmes and industry initiatives are being implemented to promote inclusivity, concerns remain about the challenges faced by young professionals entering the market. Some panellists noted that despite increasing awareness, many young people struggle to secure jobs, often applying for roles with hundreds of applicants and receiving little or no feedback. This lack of engagement in recruitment processes can discourage diverse talent from pursuing careers in the sector. The panel and audience in the Old Library collectively felt that this is something the Market needs to improve upon.

The discussion reinforced the importance of ensuring that D&I efforts go beyond initiatives and translate into meaningful action, particularly in recruitment, career progression, and leadership accountability.

Conclusion & Takeaways

The event provided valuable perspectives on leadership, talent development, and industry trends. Discussions emphasised the importance of fostering open communication, investing in career development, and integrating technology in a responsible and people-focused manner. The conversation around diversity and inclusion underscored the need for businesses to not only promote mentorship and hiring initiatives but also ensure they are effective in creating real opportunities.

With an engaged audience and insightful contributions from speakers, The EC3 Human Equation offered a timely and relevant discussion on the future of leadership in the Specialty Insurance Market. The key word from the event, when it comes to leadership traits: Empathy. For some statistical analysis, do read our Polling Data Booklet below.