It was great to catch up with our friends and colleagues from iCAN, the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network, and host their most recent ‘Coffee with the CEO’ event. The CEO series gives iCAN members the chance to hear directly from senior leaders across the insurance sector.

Following an introduction from Josie Pileio, Chief People & Sustainability Officer at Premium Credit, Tara Waite, our CEO, shared her journey from studying physics to becoming CEO of the UK & Ireland’s leading premium finance provider, the experiences she has had along the way, and the lessons learned.

Tara commented, “I have been lucky to have had both excellent internal and external networks to help me on my way as well as mentorship from fantastic leaders. It was great to share my career journey like this – I hope it was helpful to all who attended.”

A lively Q&A session followed, allowing Tara to unpack her thoughts on an inclusive approach to leadership and the future working environment. She also outlined the value of flexible working patterns; hybrid working more generally; Premium Credit’s approach to change, its continuing investment in data led transformation; and the careful and measured implementation of AI.

Tara added: “I’m reminded that when it comes to leadership, it’s all about people. Whether it is inclusion, mentoring or adapting to change, collaboration is key and, in my experience, if you don’t do it with authenticity, then it won’t work.”

Thank you to the iCAN team for organising a great and thought-provoking afternoon and to everyone who joined us. The series continues with a session led by Karen Caddick, Chief HR Officer, SiriusPoint on December 3rd.