Hélène Stanway on the Leap from Leadership to Independent Advisor

In this week’s episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Hélène Stanway independent advisor and former Head of Digital & Innovation at AXA XL. With a career spanning more than 30 years across reinsurance, operations, digital innovation, and data, Hélène has carved a truly unique path through the insurance industry.In this wide-ranging conversation, we unpack her zigzag career journey, how curiosity led her into the world of insurtech and emerging tech, and why she's convinced insurance doesn’t have a technology problem but an adoption problem. From reinsurance recoveries in Farnborough to spearheading global innovation strategies and now advising organisations across the market, Helene shares wisdom on leading transformation, creating space for change, and making the leap to work independently.Key topics discussed:How Hélène intentionally chose insurance (yes, really!) and started in outwards reinsuranceThe pivotal moment RPA sparked her passion for innovationTransitioning from global operations to a digital innovation leadership role at AXA XLWhy success in innovation starts with structure, not just ideasThe secret to driving adoption in legacy-heavy environmentsWhat most insurers are getting wrong about AI and talent strategyWhy insurers must think beyond efficiency and start solving for growthThe reality of becoming an independent advisor - and the challenges of BD without playing golfThe power of breadth over linear career pathsHélène’s call for insurance to become service-led, not just product-ledThis is a fascinating story of career evolution and how you can flip what you are doing quickly, the challenges that change presents and whole lot more. Connect with us:Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect HereFollow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow HereWatch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube HereHélène on LinkedIn: Connect HereIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in - see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧Sponsor:This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more: linkedin.com/company/invecta-group