043: Networking, AI Challenges, and Unexpected Opportunities with Hélène Stanway

Summary: This episode is sponsored by Send. Join Hélène Stanway, an independent insurance advisor, as she shares her career journey and key insights. Hélène discusses the value of embracing unexpected opportunities and the continuous pursuit of learning. She explores the role of authenticity in diverse workplace cultures and delves into how AI is reshaping the insurance industry by addressing specific challenges. Hélène also emphasises the importance of developing expertise, continuous training, and the challenges of retaining talent. Additionally, she offers practical tips for effective networking and building professional connections. Takeaways: Be open to unexpected opportunities and continuously learn throughout your career. Adapt to different workplace cultures while staying true to your authentic self. Focus on the problems AI can solve in the insurance industry and use it to provide better services to clients. Develop expertise and invest in ongoing training to stay ahead in the industry. Build connections and network with others to expand your professional opportunities. Soundbites: "I think a lot of people go into leadership positions or new jobs and think they have to be brilliant at everything…You don’t have to be" "You don't have to be the one that completes or fulfils your weakness. Guess what? Somebody else is going to be really good at the thing that you're not good at. So find that person. But double down on the stuff that you're really, really good at." "Take time to learn and think. Carve out time in your day for learning and reflection." About Send: Send is an award-winning insurance software company. It’s flagship product is an AI-enabled Underwriting Workbench – a single platform from submission to bind, and beyond. The platform helps commercial and speciality insurers around the world drive greater efficiency, control and effectiveness. It has rich out-of-the-box functionality, workflow templates for over 40 lines of business, and proven deployments in multiple geographies. About the Host: Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn Find out more about 100 Women In Insurance Collective, where we bring together women in insurance to network, enjoy fun events and find their own career success. The vision is to increase gender equality as well as senior female talent retention in insurance.