“Leadership is an attitude” – Howden CEO, Robert Kennedy on Navigating Crisis and Industry Evolution

Embracing Uncertainty in Leadership and Industry Transformation Join Sarah McGrath as she delves into a candid conversation with Robert Kennedy, CEO of Howden Ireland. Discover how Robert's competitive spirit and resilience have shaped his leadership style and guided him through the challenges of the insurance industry, from starting as a van driver to becoming CEO of Howden Ireland. Please note: This episode was originally recorded in July 2024. Since filming this interview, Robert has been appointed to succeed Carl Shuker as CEO of Howden UK and Ireland. We wish Robert all the best in his new role, which will commence in October 2025. Episode Highlights: From humble beginnings to CEO: Robert’s career trajectory. Strategic leadership: Navigating Howden through times of crisis. Personal insights: Balancing family commitments with professional demands. The future of the insurance industry and the role of consolidation. Building a resilient and culturally aligned workforce. Leadership Insights: Robert emphasises the significance of adaptability and strategic thinking in leadership. He offers advice on achieving a sustainable work-life balance and underscores the value of cultural alignment in mergers and acquisitions. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Early Life 01:24 College Years and Early Career 02:29 Entering the Insurance Industry 04:02 Finding Focus and Motivation 05:01 Career Ambitions and Achievements 07:15 Leadership and Challenges 09:44 Balancing Work and Family 12:22 Overcoming Doubts and Fears 15:06 Leadership and Personal Responsibility 15:36 Evolving Work Environments and Learning Challenges 17:24 Balancing Work, Family, and Friendships 19:25 Work-Life Balance and Remote Work 21:54 The Competitive Landscape of the Insurance Industry 25:33 Advice for Aspiring Professionals 26:13 Future Plans for Howden 28:10 Fun Questions to Wrap Up Connect with Us: Robert Kennedy: /robert-kennedy-4541a518/ Sarah McGrath: /sarah-mcgrath/ Thank you for listening! If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with friends or leaving a review. Your feedback is appreciated. Sponsored by 360 Search, your career, our expertise. www.360search.ie