Why culture is now central to sustainable growth

Building resilient cultures is emerging as a defining factor for long-term success within the workplace, according to insights shared by industry leaders in a recent discussion hosted by the Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries (amii). The issue was explored in the latest episode of amii’s Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast. Host Dave Middleton, Executive Chair of amii, welcomedMatthew Reed, CEO of Equipsme, a UK-based health and wellbeing provider offering flexible private medical insurance designed to support growing businesses. During the episode, Matthew reflects on his varied career, from serving in the Royal Navy and working with the United Nations to senior leadership roles at AXA in the UK and internationally, and how those experiences influenced the founding of Equipsme.  The episode explores how Equipsme has responded to changing employer expectations around health and wellbeing, positioning its products to reflect what businesses and employees actually need. With only one employee ever leaving the company, who has since returned, Matthew also explains how aligning values and culture has been key to long-term employee engagement and retention.  During the episode, Matthew shares the realities of growing a business in a difficult market, including making personal sacrifices to keep the organisation moving forward and maintaining credibility through consistency and transparency. He highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive partners and networks, noting that resilience is rarely built in isolation.