At the upcoming Women in Insurance Summit in London, people from every stage of th
eir careers will come together to connect and help cultivate the next generation of insurance leaders.
With sessions touching on a wide range of pressing topics including leadership strategies, navigating insurance’s digital revolution and understanding the trends shaping today’s talent landscape – the Summit promises to hold something for everyone. Among the leaders who will contribute their insights and expertise is Sweta Tzimopoulos (pictured), director of distribution strategy and marketing at Ascot Group who will co-lead an interactive workshop on ‘How to future-proof your business by leveraging your network’.
In conversation with Insurance Business, Tzimopoulos touched on how she first became aware of – and involved with – the Women in Insurance Summit. She noted that it was the positive feedback shared by industry colleagues who had attended previous events that first caught her attention. “Their testimonials highlighted not only the valuable discussions that took place but also the networking opportunities that empowered women striving for leadership roles in the insurance sector,” she said. “I now have the chance to participate as a speaker, which will allow me to contribute to the dialogue around women's advancement in the industry.”
Examining the “critical” role networking and DE&I initiatives have to play in moving the dial on generating meaningful conversations about women in insurance, she highlighted how networking provides a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge, fostering mentorship, and supporting professional growth. Meanwhile, she said, DE&I initiatives ensure that organisations prioritise inclusivity, empowering women and underrepresented groups to take leadership roles. “Together, they create an environment where diverse voices can contribute to the evolution of industry practices,” she said.
Offering some practical top tips on how to build a strong professional network, Tzimopoulos advised upcoming and aspiring leaders to:
Expanding on this, she championed the need for access to mentorship, and to find mentors who can provide guidance and support career growth. Also essential is to find opportunities for collaboration, she said, and to pursue partnerships for projects, presentations, or further professional development.
In addition, aspiring leaders should access all available resources, tapping into their networks for industry insights, job leads, and recommendations. “Advocacy [is also important],” she said. “Utilise your network to champion each other’s successes, leading to increased visibility and recognition.”
There’s a clear link between a strong network and business longevity, according to Tzimopoulos, because a strong network creates opportunities for collaboration, generates contacts, and facilitates knowledge sharing. “Companies with robust networks are often more resilient during challenging times,” she said, “they can pivot more quickly, adapt to changing markets, and foster innovation through collaborative effort. A well-connected business is also likely to attract talent and retain employees, contributing to sustained growth.”
Looking back on her time in the insurance sector, she revealed that, over the years, she has noticed a significant shift in the emphasis placed on networking. There’s a variety of factors that have contributed to this change, she said, but key among them are:
You can hear more from Sweta Tzimopoulos and her co-speakers at the Women in Insurance Summit 2024, which will be held on November 7 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London.
View the full agenda and sign up for the upcoming Women in Insurance Summit 2024 today.
