Beyond the Desk with Mark Thomas

By: Mark Thomas
  • Summary

  • THE Insurance Careers Podcast! Hosted by Mark Thomas, one of the UK's leading senior appointments recruiters in the technology, operations, change & transformation space, this podcast brings you exclusive interviews with the most influential names and brightest minds in insurance. Each week, Mark dives deep into the career journeys, pivotal moments, and stories of success and resilience that have shaped the careers of these global insurance technology leaders. You will gain insights, inspiration, and insider perspectives from the leaders who are redefining the industry's future right now! 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJL5z9-RSWJj3BKCKa-MQ6g 💻 Connect with us on Linkedin for more insights and thought leadership www.linkedin.com/company/beyondthedeskpodcast Join the conversation, follow us and explore the fascinating world of insurance careers like never before! Website: https://beyond-the-desk.captivate.fm
    Copyright 2025 Mark Thomas
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Episodes
  • Shaping the Future of Insurance: Sandra Lewin on Transformation, Diversity & the Power of Your Network
    Feb 18 2025

    In 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 in the industry.

    Key Topics Covered:

    ✅ Sandra’s unconventional route into insurance and transformation

    ✅ Transitioning from broking to operations and project management

    ✅ The evolution of technology in insurance & the future of transformation

    ✅ How insurance can better market itself to attract top tech talent

    ✅ Why personal branding and networking are career game-changers

    ✅ The inspiration behind 100 Women in Insurance and the impact it’s making

    ✅ How businesses can balance flexible working with networking and career development


    Connect with Us:

    • Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
    • Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
    • Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here
    • Sandra on LinkedIn: Connect Here
    • Check out 100 Women in Insurance on Linkedin Here - also available on Apple/Spotify

    If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

    Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧


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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • From Code to Strategy, Pablo Bawdekar's Journey into Insurance Architecture
    Feb 11 2025

    Welcome 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.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Meet Pablo – Pablo shares his background, including his education, early passion for technology, and his journey into architecture and insurance.
    • Early Career & Transition into Insurance – How Pablo’s curiosity and diverse skill set led him to a career spanning consulting, enterprise architecture, and insurance transformation.
    • Key Learnings from Consulting and Industry Roles – Insights from working at EY and QBE, including lessons in leadership, strategy, and stakeholder management.
    • The Role of Architecture in Insurance – Understanding the importance of technology strategy, governance, and aligning IT solutions with business objectives.
    • Future of Technology in Insurance – Pablo’s take on AI, data-driven decision-making, and the challenges of digital transformation in the sector.
    • Advice for Aspiring Architects & Technology Leaders – Key takeaways for those looking to progress in technology and architecture roles within insurance.

    Connect with Us:

    • Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
    • Pablo on LinkedIn: Connect Here
    • Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
    • Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here

    If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

    Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧


    Sponsor Message:

    This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, your go-to partner for building high-performing leadership teams in technology and transformation within insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn or at www.invectagroup.com

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Navigating Transformation in Insurance with Sumesh Vijayakumar, Head of Claims Transformation at Beazley
    Feb 4 2025

    Welcome 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 to the importance of diverse industry experience, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to advance in the insurance and transformation space.

    What You'll Learn in This Episode:

    • How Sumesh transitioned from pharmaceutical sciences to insurance and transformation roles.
    • The differences between working in consulting versus in-house insurance transformation.
    • Why claims transformation is now a priority and the key challenges the industry faces.
    • How AI and technology are reshaping the role of claims adjusters and decision-making in insurance.
    • The importance of cross-industry experience and why insurance should embrace external perspectives.
    • Key career lessons, including the value of continuous learning, adaptability, and building strong networks.

    Connect with Us:

    • Mark Thomas on LinkedIn: Connect Here
    • Sumesh on LinkedIn: Connect Here
    • Follow Beyond the Desk on LinkedIn: Follow Here
    • Watch Full-Length Video Episodes on YouTube Here

    If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who might find it valuable!

    Thanks for tuning in—see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

    Sponsor Message:

    This episode is brought to you by Invector Search, your go-to partner for building high-performing leadership teams in technology and transformation within insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn.

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    59 mins

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