Shows
Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasThe Evolution of the CDO Role in Insurance & Navigating the AI hype with Chris Pearce, CDO at esureIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Chris Pearce, Chief Data Officer at esure. Chris shares his fascinating journey from a childhood love of video games to leading one of the UK’s most advanced data and AI transformations in the insurance industry.We explore Chris’s academic path from mathematics to a PhD in epidemiology, his early career spanning banking, automotive, and aggregators, and his progression into insurance leadership. Along the way, Chris gives a brutally honest view on the evolution of the CDO role, the hype and reality of A...2025-07-081h 19Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasFrom Corporate Tech Leader to Independent: How David Clamp took to leap and ended up building The Camelot NetworkIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by David Clamp Founder of The Camelot Network, a network of independent consultants serving the insurance sector. From apprentice electronic engineer to insurance transformation leader and founder of a thriving network of 150+ independent experts, David Clamp’s career path has had some key milestones and changes in direction. In this episode, David shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, the birth of The Camelot Network, and his mission to reinvent what it means to be an independent advisor in insurance.We dive into:...2025-07-011h 08Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasNot Your Typical CTO - Taking a different path to insurance tech leadership with Daren Rudd, VP Insurance Consulting at CGIIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Daren Rudd, Head of Insurance Business and Technology Consulting at CGI. Daren is a self-proclaimed "non-traditional CTO" whose route into insurance technology started not with a computer science degree, but a geography course and a job in marketing. Daren's path is a masterclass in curiosity, resilience and leadership that prioritises strategic impact over ego or titles.We delve into the pivotal moments that have shaped his 30+ year career, including a decade at Hiscox, a stint at Brit, the leap into consulting, and his...2025-06-2455 minBeyond the Desk with Mark ThomasExploring the evolution of the insurance CTO with Paul Butler, CTO at Hiscox Re & ILSIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas by Paul Butler, newly appointed CTO of Hiscox Re & ILS and former CTO of Hiscox London Market. Paul’s journey is anything but typical. From writing code as a teenager on a ZX Spectrum to launching tech for startups in Borough Market and leading reinsurance innovation at one of the most recognised names in the London Market, his story is full of surprises, learnings, and sharp insights.We dive into:Why coming from outside insurance gave Paul the right tools for success inside itHow he sc...2025-06-1755 minBeyond the Desk with Mark ThomasNeural Networks to Insurtech with Krishnan Ethirajan, Chief Digital & AI Officer at Mosaic InsuranceIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Krishnan Ethirajan, Chief Digital & AI Officer at Mosaic Insurance. Krishnan shares his fascinating journey from studying neural networks in the 1980s to leading cutting-edge AI initiatives in the global insurance sector. With a background that spans academia, consulting, and executive leadership, Krishnan's career is anything but linear. Together, they explore pivotal moments in his personal and professional life, how early exposure to neuroscience shaped his thinking on AI, and why staying uncomfortable is often the best place to grow.Key Topics Covered:Growing up...2025-06-101h 05Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasBuilding a COO Career from Code to Strategy with Ketan Motwani, COO at Arch InsuranceIn this week's episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Ketan Motwani, COO at Arch Insurance, for a rich and refreshingly candid conversation about career reinvention, resilience, and rising through transformation. From rebelling at school in India to being parachuted into boardrooms in the UK, Ketan’s story spans military training, software engineering, Deloitte consulting, and executive leadership at Aon and Arch.Key Topics Covered:From physics to the Indian Army to Deloitte: an unconventional startHow transformation became his leadership DNAMaking the shift from consulting to industry (and how having twins was the ca...2025-06-031h 06Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasDecoding the Insurance CIO Journey with Arvinder Mudhar, Group CIO at IQUWIn this weeks episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Arvinder Mudhar, Group CIO of IQUW, whose career spans investment banking, global tech transformation, and the intricacies of the insurance world. From his first lines of BASIC code in East London to leading IT strategies across Mumbai, Geneva, and now London, Arvinder's journey is anything but typical.Key topics that we discussed include:Why he never planned to be a leader, and how he found his way into the CIO chairThe biggest cultural shift he experienced when moving from banking to insuranceHow bereavement...2025-05-271h 07Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasHélène Stanway on the Leap from Leadership to Independent AdvisorIn 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 Farnboro...2025-05-201h 06Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasFrom Art Student to Tech Leader: The Unexpected Journey of Sally NG, Delivery Director at RSAIn this week's episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Sally Ng, Change and Technology Delivery Director at RSA. Sally shares her remarkable journey - from arriving in the UK as a child with no English language skills, to becoming a leading force in transformation delivery within one of the UK's most historic insurers.We explore her early creative passions, how growing up in a family-run Chinese takeaway instilled a fierce work ethic, and the pivotal moment she swapped a future in art for a career in technology. Sally talks candidly about her time...2025-05-131h 09Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasFrom Harrods to Insurance & the journey to the C-Suite with Hasani Jess, CTO at Aventum GroupIn this week's episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Hasani Jess, Group CTO at Aventum Group. Hasani shares his fascinating journey from an early love of technology (sparked by an old-school typewriter that his mum brought home!) through a career spanning global consulting firms, banking, healthcare, luxury retail, travel, and now, speciality insurance.We cover pivotal career moments, the transition from engineer to leader, and how strategic decisions and mentorship shaped his progression into senior leadership. We also dive deep into the transformation underway at Aventum Group and Hasani’s vision of creating a...2025-05-061h 24Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasMaking the Leap: From Software Engineer to Strategic Advisor, with Vandana Bhatia, Director at BCGIn this week's episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Vandana Bhatia, Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and globally experienced technology transformation leader, currently shaping strategy and innovation in the insurance sector. Her journey from building early chatbots in India to leading transformation for tier-one insurers across the US, UK and Europe is a fascinating one!Some of the key topics they discuss are:Her early career as a software engineer and the leap to business strategyHow moving countries shaped her leadership styleHer thoughts on AI’s adoption curve in insuranceWhy core mo...2025-04-291h 08Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasTransformation as a Career: Mastering Change with David Greenwood, COO at IQUWIn this week's episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with David Greenwood, Chief Operating Officer at IQUW, a leading Lloyd's specialty underwriter. David shares a rich account of his extensive career, from his early days at the National Rifle Association to his pivotal roles at PA Consulting, Barclays, Tesco Bank, and beyond. Known for his expertise in transformation, David dives into the essential elements that drive successful change, effective leadership, and continuous learning in the fast-evolving insurance industry.Key Topics Covered:Early career experiences and foundational momentsThe journey from project management to executive...2025-04-151h 06
Spatial RealitiesE098 - Lenovo-Partnerschaft mit Meta, Meta Hypernova & Mark Zimmermann über XR bei EnBW
Thomas Riedel
Thomas Bedenk
Mark Zimmermann
Interview
In dieser Podcast-Episode von Spatial Realities sprechen wir mit Mark Zimmermann, dem Head of Mobile bei dem großen deutschen Energieunternehmen EnBW. Das Gespräch dreht sich um EnBWs vielfältige Anwendungen von XR-Technologien, von Augmented Reality Apps wie Revis AR bis hin zu Virtual Reality in der Ausbildung. Mark schildert, wie XR bei EnBW Fuß gefasst hat, beginnend mit der Entwicklung mobiler Apps und der frühen Nutzung von AR mit Apples Geräten. Wir bekommen sowohl einen Einblick in interne Anwendungsfälle zur Effizienzsteigerung und Mitarbeiterschulung als auch externe Pr...2025-04-101h 18Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasFrom Coder to CTO: The Path to Leadership with Al Robertsson (CTO at ICE InsureTech)In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Al Robertson, CTO of ICE InsureTech, to discuss his journey from a passionate developer to an influential technology leader in the insurance sector. Al shares candid stories from his early days at John Lewis Partnership and RSA, through to taking the leap into the startup world and building transformative insurance platforms. With over two decades at ICE InsureTech, Al reveals the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the lessons learned along the way, and his vision for technology's role in the future of insurance.Key...2025-04-081h 11Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasFrom self-taught programmer to CIO - The journey of Nicki Tang, CIO at Tokio Marine HCCIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas speaks with Nicki Tang, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Tokio Marine HCC. Nicki shares her fascinating journey into insurance technology leadership, key career decisions, lessons from overcoming challenges, and invaluable advice for aspiring leaders.Key Topics Covered:Nicki’s early career decision-making and initial reluctance to enter the IT fieldHer experience at the Bank of England, working on critical systems during Y2K and the Euro implementationTransitioning from a technical role to leadership and management, and lessons learned along the wayMoving across sectors, including roles at ED...2025-04-011h 22Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasFrom Law School to Insurance CIO with Reno Daigle, CIO & Head of Business Transformation at CNA HardyIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Reno Daigle, CIO and Head of Business Transformation at CNA Hardy. Reno shares an inspiring journey from his early ambitions of practising law to becoming a global leader in insurance technology and transformation. He discusses pivotal career moments, how an MBA shifted his career trajectory, and the vital role of embracing change, technology, and transformation in driving organisational success.Reno also delves into the evolving insurance landscape, highlighting the profound impacts of AI, automation, and data analytics on the industry's future. He emphasizes the...2025-03-251h 03Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasNavigating modernisation through cloud and AI in Insurance with Matt Griffiths, Head of Cloud at Pheonix GroupIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Matt Griffiths, Head of Cloud at Pheonix Group to explore his fascinating career journey from retail banking to becoming a leader in cloud and technology within the insurance sector. Matt shares insights into the evolution of his career, the challenges he has faced, and the key lessons learned along the way. Key Topics Discussed:How Matt transitioned from customer-facing roles in banking to strategic technology leadership in insurance.The impact of the Northern Rock financial crisis on his career and the...2025-03-1158 minBeyond the Desk with Mark ThomasHow AI and Data Are Reshaping the Insurance Landscape with David Tuppen, Chief Data Officer at EnstarIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with David, a seasoned Chief Data Officer with a rich background in consulting and insurance. David shares his professional journey, the pivotal decisions that shaped his career, and his thoughts on the evolving role of data in the insurance sector.From his early days in South Africa to leading data strategy in major insurance firms across the UK and Bermuda, David offers an insider’s perspective on how data-driven decision-making is transforming the industry. We also discuss the impact of AI and GenAI, how organizations ar...2025-03-041h 08Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasFrom Trainee Underwriter to CEO: Andrew Passfield's journey to becoming ICE Insuretech's CEOIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Andrew Passfield, CEO and co-founder of ICE Insuretech, to discuss his remarkable journey from trainee underwriter to leading a successful InsurTech business. Andrew shares his career story, pivotal moments, lessons learned, and insights on how ICE became a key player in the insurance technology space. They also explore how ICE grew through strategic customer partnerships, the importance of trusting your instincts, and the evolving role of AI in insurance.Key Topics Discussed:Andrew's early career in underwriting and transition into technologyHow...2025-02-251h 05Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasShaping the Future of Insurance: Sandra Lewin on Transformation, Diversity & the Power of Your NetworkIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas interviews Sandra Lewin, a transformation and operations expert, consultant, and host of the successful 100 Women in Insurance podcast. Sandra shares her fascinating career journey, from growing up in Poland to navigating the Lloyd’s market, moving from broking to transformation, and eventually launching her own consulting career. They discuss the challenges of change within the insurance sector, the impact of technology on the market, and why embracing diverse career paths is essential for growth. Sandra also dives into her passion for community-building and advocating for women...2025-02-181h 20Beyond the Desk with Mark ThomasFrom Code to Strategy, Pablo Bawdekar's Journey into Insurance ArchitectureWelcome to another episode of Beyond the Desk, where we take a deep dive into the careers of influential leaders in technology, transformation, and operations within global insurance and insurtech. In this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Pablo Bawdekar, a seasoned Chief Architect with extensive experience in insurance and Insurtech. Pablo shares his career journey, from his early fascination with technology to his transition into architecture and leadership roles within the industry. They explore pivotal career moments, challenges faced, and the evolving role of technology in the insurance sector.2025-02-111h 02
Wonderfully Illinformed#27 Making My DREAM Game - The Wonderful Everyday - ReanimationSummary In this episode of Wonderfully IllInformed, Mark asks Ben and Tom a "Would You Rather" question that affects them both deeply and almost forces their AI Producer to quit. When we get to randomising we delve into one of our most wholesome episodes to date first discussing a heartwarming computer game in development, before chatting about an internet comedy throwback that might just be a hidden gem. Our final subject takes us into the world of science and gets pretty deep, leaving us feeling like the human race is pretty impressive all in al...2025-02-0744 minBeyond the Desk with Mark ThomasNavigating Transformation in Insurance with Sumesh Vijayakumar, Head of Claims Transformation at BeazleyWelcome to another episode of Beyond the Desk, where we take a deep dive into the careers of influential leaders in technology, transformation, and operations within global insurance and insurtech. This week, host Mark Thomas sits down with Sumesh Vijayakumar, Head of Claims Transformation at Beazley, to explore his journey to leading transformation initiatives in the insurance sector.In this insightful conversation, Sumesh shares his unconventional entry into insurance, the evolution of his career through consulting and industry roles, and his views on the future of claims transformation. From the role of AI in claims...2025-02-0459 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#26 Harry Potty Mouth - Got Your Number! - Anthony Starkov - Call Me Maybe?Summary In this episode of Wonderfully IllInformed, we welcome our Second Guest, Friend of the Podcast, and Pressure Washer Expert, James Robinson. This week we discuss the impact of needless censorship on Harry Potter and take walk down a memory lane of nostalgic jingles. Ben shows the guys an impressive Marvel fan's newest cosplay build / vigilante outfit, before we discuss the implications of getting doxed by a graffiti artist. The episode closes out with a game inspired by James' experience with improv.KeywordsFriends, Power Wash, Computer Games, Burj Khalifa, G...2025-02-0145 minBeyond the Desk with Mark ThomasInnovation and Leadership in Insurance Tech with Giles Baxter, CIO Europe at Brown & BrownIn this episode of Beyond the Desk, host Mark Thomas sits down with Giles Baxter, CIO for Europe at Brown & Brown, to explore his remarkable career journey in technology, transformation, and leadership within the insurance sector.Giles shares his personal story, from starting in chemistry to entering tech by chance and how he navigated roles at Accenture, RSA, and other pivotal organisations. He dives into his experiences leading complex transformations, driving innovation, and embracing the unique challenges of merging diverse teams within a rapidly evolving insurance industry.Listeners will gain valuable insights into:The...2025-01-281h 15
Wonderfully Illinformed#25 Game Maths - The President's Dry Cleaner - A Quote of Ice and FireSummary In this episode of Wonderfully IllInformed, Mark asks Ben and Tom about getting stuck in a lift, before another round of Tom's Mind-Blowers, this time on the subject of computer games. We delve into some deep chats about football once more, but this time we fly to the land of "soccer" and it's not that kind of football. Our final subject is another one of our great British favourites - the weather. The episode concludes with a classic game of Carrot the Box.KeywordsCe...2025-01-2438 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#24P2 My Employers are StingySummary In this episode of Wonderfully IllInformed, we don't discuss any randomised and humorous topics. Instead, we have a whole episode of games dreamt up for Episode 24 by Mark.Mark asks Ben and Tom to predict each other's next move in a hypothetical situation. He then tasks them with finding and picking an un-re-made Disney Movie that they think would be the prime remake...which spirals out of control.In our third game, Mark asks Ben and Tom to pick a computer game to be trapped inside as an NPC and what t...2025-01-1729 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#24P1 Intrusive Thoughts - Bradley Didn't Even Explain It - Olympic Corpse FishingSummary In this episode of Wonderfully Ill-Informed, we discuss more randomised and humorous topics. We catch up following a little break over New Years. We talk about vampire bats and the creepy way that they move when being tested by scientists, but refuse to delve into the experiment itself. Football returns to the roster, as we mention a very obscure rule and where it might have come from. There might have been a technical issue which creates a segment of it's very own before we move on and things get sporty once more as Ben, M...2025-01-1022 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#23 The Great Emo Cry OffThanks for listeningDo you want to become more Wonderfully Illinformed than ever before?Join our community by following this link to our Discord server.Keep up with updates, clips from the cutting-room floor and other behind-the-scenes fun by following our Instagram.Please review and subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening, it really does help us grow and reach more people! If you fancy sharing the podcast to spread our nonsense worldwide we'd also really appreciate that!Thanks againBen, Mark, Tom and "The Nameless...2025-01-0324 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#22 Festive Screaming - Dawg - We're Going To See AC/DCSummaryIn this festive episode of Wonderfully Ill-Informed, we discuss the balance between effort and efficiency in Christmas preparations, share unique gift-wrapping traditions, and dive into holiday-themed games and movie plots. We also explore UFOs, and nostalgic memories of Santa Claus.KeywordsChristmas, holiday traditions, gift wrapping, festive games, UFOs, Santa Claus, Christmas movies, Home Alone, holiday traumaTakeawaysEffort in gift-giving is more important than wrapping.Unique traditions can make Christmas more enjoyable.UFOs aren't Christmas relatedNostalgia plays a big role in holiday...2024-12-2942 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#21 Benticuno - Tomdos - MarktresSummaryIn this episode of Wonderfully IllInformed podcast, we delve into chats that begin with Christmas movie recommendations and transitions into a deep dive into Pokémon. The episode concludes with a fun game of 'Who Am I?'.KeywordsWonderfully Ill-Informed, Christmas movies, Pokémon, podcast, movie recommendations, Metapod, game, Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Dickinson, MistyTakeawaysChristmas movies can be both classic and unconventional.We have varying levels of familiarity with iconic films.Metapod's design sparked a humorous debate about its appearance.Real-life Po...2024-12-2038 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#20 The Lost Episode: Attenborough Park - Unusual Buildings - Completely Necessary WarningsGuest Episode with Brandon RubleSummaryIn this episode of Wonderfully IllInformed, We discuss some stories from our past, the concept of de-extinction and architectural innovations like earth scrapers, delve into ancient mysteries such as Gobekli Tepe, and share quirky warnings from Nintendo. The episode culminates in a mystery game where the hosts unravel the circumstances surrounding an AI shutdown, leading to a fun and chaotic conclusion.Keywordspodcast, humor, stories, Jurassic Park, de-extinction, architecture, ancient history, Nintendo, AI, mysteryTakeaways2024-12-1446 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#19 Emptiness Is Me... - Mars Bath - Mind GoogleSummaryIn this episode of Wonderfully Ill-Informed, We discuss childhood fears, a unique competition focused on doing nothing, mind-blowing facts about boiling water, advancements in mind control technology through Neuralink, and a fun trivia game about famous people's real names.Keywordspodcast, humor, childhood fears, space out competition, boiling water, Neuralink, mind control, famous names, triviaTakeawaysEmptiness can be seen as meaningful.The Space Out Competition challenges participants to do nothing for 90 minutes.Boiling water takes longer at higher altitudes due to lower...2024-12-0629 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#18 Hippie Games - I Soak My Country Cowboy Jeans - Bears & Bears & Bears, Oh My!SummaryIn this episode of 'Wonderfully Ill-informed', We discuss fictional characters, the concept of 'survival of the friendliest', the impact of AI on music, and share a humorous tale about an unlucky bear that may or may not be true... We also revisit a previous game involving opposite names but with a different twist.Keywordspodcast, fictional characters, survival of the friendliest, AI music, bear stories, game challenge.TakeawaysThe idea of survival of the friendliest suggests that cooperation leads to better outcomes.Fictional characters can...2024-11-2934 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#17 The Quietest Place On Earth - Goebbels, I Choose You! - We Get All Of Our News From Winnie The PoohSummaryIn this episode of Wonderfully IlInformed, we discuss our favourite (or lack of favourite) Beatles songs, the incredible technology behind the Vegas Sphere, the absurdity of street names inspired by Pokémon, the mystery of a fake boulder in China, and a wild choose-your-own-adventure segment involving Nathan Fillion and an AI takeover.Keywordspodcast, humor, technology, Beatles, Vegas Sphere, Pokémon, anechoic chamber, Nathan Fillion, AI, adventureTakeawaysThe Beatles' influence remains a contentious topic (for Tom)The Vegas Sphere showcases groundbreaking audio te...2024-11-2231 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#16 Look At Me Black Hole, Joe - Mommy and Dayddy - Mark Wins The EpisodeSummaryIn this episode of 'Wonderfully Illinformed', we discuss a range of topics from petty annoyances in daily life to the mysteries of the universe, including the demotion of Pluto and the existence of a forgotten planet. We also delve into the world of gaming, exploring retro games and the frustrations of save points.Keywordspodcast, humor, petty crimes, conspiracy theories, gaming, retro games, Planet X, Elgin Marbles, Eris, Peppa PigTakeawaysThe discovery of Eris changed the classification of planets.Conspiracy theories often...2024-11-1531 min
Evangelism On FireEPISODE 215 – Mark Thomas' Top 3 Evangelism Experiences Ever!Evangelist Mark Thomas shares 3 of his Most Amazing Evangelism Experiences Ever! Get fired up as he shares of 3 exciting adventures when sharing the greatest message that exists; the Gospel of Jesus Christ. People are hungry to have the Gospel Message shared with them! Join our Evangelism On Fire Community: https://evangelismonfirecommunity.com/Give financially to our mission of spreading the Gospel message: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/5727676Subscribe to our podcast today! You can find it on Apple podcast or wherever you get yours.Watch on YouTube: www.yo...2024-11-1254 min
Wonderfully Illinformed#15 I Would Like To Beg Of You - People In Glass Houses - WoodySummaryIn this episode of Wonderfully Ill-Informed we explore the concept of reincarnation, share our thoughts on AI-generated art, analyze the musical composition of Moana, and discuss a viral photo of a weasel riding a woodpecker. The episode culminates in a light-hearted debate.keywordspodcast, humor, AI art, reincarnation, Moana, animal facts, debate, wheels vs doorsTakeawaysReincarnation choices can be humorous.Musical compositions can have clever hidden meanings.Viral animal photos can spark interesting conversations.Mentioned LinksWerners...2024-11-0821 min