Beyond the Desk with Mark Thomas
Beyond the Desk with Mark Thomas
Podcast Description
THE Insurance Careers Podcast!
Hosted by Mark Thomas, one of the UK's leading senior appointments recruiters in the technology, operations, change & transformation space, this podcast brings you exclusive interviews with the most influential names and brightest minds in insurance.
Each week, Mark dives deep into the career journeys, pivotal moments, and stories of success and resilience that have shaped the careers of these global insurance technology 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
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
This podcast covers themes of career progression, technology in insurance, and industry transformation through guest narratives. For instance, episodes like Andrew Passfield discussing his journey from trainee underwriter to CEO focus on the convergence of technology and insurance, while guests like Sandra Lewin talk about diversity and the impact of personal branding. Key areas of exploration include the evolving role of AI, strategic partnerships in insurance, and innovative methods of industry engagement.
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
What does it take to build a successful career in underwriting when you don’t follow the conventional route?
In this episode of Beyond the Desk: Underwriting Special, Sanj Vagad sits down with Jana Ratnajothy to explore her unconventional journey from law and claims into underwriting, and the experiences that have shaped her career along the way.
Jana shares how 36 rejection letters eventually led to a career in law, how an unexpected opportunity at Beazley opened the door to insurance, and why she made the leap from claims into underwriting despite never feeling fully ready for the next role.
The conversation covers the value of specialising, the importance of understanding the numbers behind a portfolio, navigating different stages of the insurance cycle, and why strong relationships with clients and brokers remain so important.
Jana also reflects on the role of curiosity, networking and sponsorship in career progression, how to recognise when it’s time to stretch yourself, and why understanding your own strengths can be one of the most important things you do for your career.
In this episode, Jana discusses:
- Her journey from a first-generation immigrant family into law and insurance
- Receiving 36 rejection letters before securing her legal training contract
- Moving from private practice into Beazley’s claims team
- Making the transition from claims into underwriting
- Why you should take opportunities even when you don’t feel ready
- The three core elements of underwriting: maths, product and distribution
- The benefits and challenges of becoming a specialist underwriter
- Why understanding how to run a portfolio is essential for career progression
- Building a specialist portfolio at Convex from the ground up
- Navigating the current insurance market and different market cycles
- Why understanding the numbers and your organisation’s objectives matters
- Networking without making it transactional or uncomfortable
- The importance of curiosity and asking questions
- Recognising when you’re no longer being stretched or challenged
- Why knowing yourself and playing to your strengths can build confidence
- What makes the London insurance market such a unique place to build a career
- Jana’s advice for the next generation of insurance professionals
Disclaimer
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