In this inspiring episode of Empower Talks, we’re joined by Chris Hanks, former General Manager of Allianz Commercial, past President of the Chartered Insurance Institute, and former Chair of Liberty Specialty Markets—where he also first met our host, Sam. Chris has also served as a Chairman and Non-Executive Director across several organisations, bringing strategic guidance and leadership at board level.

With a career spanning over five decades, Chris shares his journey from starting as an underwriter in 1970 to leading one of the UK’s top commercial insurers through transformational growth.

Chris speaks with warmth and candour about the lessons he’s learned—covering everything from building technical foundations to the power of emotional connection in the workplace. He reflects on the importance of nurturing talent, learning from failure, and how discretionary effort and team culture can drive meaningful business success.

We explore his views on professional development, the evolving role of non-executive directors, and why he continues to mentor others with passion and generosity.

Whether you’re at the start of your career or already in a leadership role, this episode is full of practical wisdom, heartfelt honesty, and genuine encouragement.

Chris Hanks LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hanks-3453a319a/

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Sam talks with Ethan Godlieb, Cyber & Tech E&O Broker at Aon and BIBA Young Broker of the Year, about his journey into the insurance industry and his career progression. Beginning his career on Aon’s apprenticeship programme, Ethan reflects on starting in a regional office, the importance of building relationships, and the deliberate steps he took to transition into the London market. He shares invaluable advice on securing secondments, building confidence, and advancing his career.

Ethan shares how he was instrumental in starting an apprenticeship network (Asset), which later merged into NGIN (Next Generation Insurance Network), creating opportunities for apprentices across the industry. He recounts key milestones in his career, including his shift from apprenticeship to broking management and eventually specialising in cyber insurance. Throughout the conversation, Ethan offers practical advice on navigating career goals, seizing opportunities, and balancing day-to-day responsibilities with extracurricular contributions.

Reflecting on his experience attending the BIBA conference, Ethan discusses the networking opportunities, insights from industry-leading speakers, and the benefits of connecting with peers in a social and professional setting. He also shares the process behind winning the Young Broker of the Year award, highlighting how resilience and determination have shaped his career.

To close, Ethan provides tips on standing out to judges when applying for industry awards, stressing the importance of metrics, testimonials, and showcasing impact. He also offers invaluable career advice, emphasising integrity, building trust, and setting and adapting career goals. He encourages listeners to embrace mentorship and networking, pursue professional development, and always seek opportunities to grow.

Links:

Ethan’s LinkedIn

Your Insurance Starter Kit - it’s free, you just need to setup a Teachable login

NGIN

Airmic

Ethan on Insure TV

Sam’s TikTok (Ethan’s award)

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Sam talks with Bamishe Alao, an emerging leader in the insurance industry, about her strategies for attracting graduates to the field. Starting her career on the WTW CRB graduate programme, Bamishe reflects on the initial challenges she faced, the balance of priorities, and the evolution of her networking skills. She credits much of her early success to mentorship and discusses the substantial benefits of enrolling in mentoring programs.

In their conversation, Bamishe highlights the pivotal role of LinkedIn in maintaining visibility and connections within the industry. Both Sam and Bamishe, as members of the Worshipful Company of Insurers (WCI), delve into the organisation’s structure, membership benefits, and networking opportunities that have been instrumental in their careers.

Looking forward, Bamishe shares an overview of her five-year plan, which includes achieving her ACII designation and advancing from Associate to Senior Associate in her specialised field of Directors and Officers Liability (D&O). She offers insightful advice on identifying and excelling in one's chosen class of business.

The discussion also explores the current state and future of the insurance industry, focusing on DE&I initiatives, retention challenges, and the shifting demographics at leadership levels. Finally, Bamishe and Sam discuss the impactful roles of reverse mentoring, traditional mentoring, and sponsorship in fostering career development.

Directly resulting from the podcast, Sam has started an anonymous campaign to promote salaries in the industry. Results so far can be found here: TikTok Campaign - Insurance salaries

Also in case you missed it, in 2023, Sam & Bamishe appeared together on Insure TV. Watch here: Sam & Bamishe talk BIBA on InsureTV

LINKS:

Bamishe's LinkedIn

Bamishe's TikTok

Connect Hive

D&O Diary

LTL Collective

WCI

Insurance Starter Kit

Leto Maternity Programme

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