The Key Learning Points:

1. Practical advice for women to develop confidence and knowledge in order to advance their careers within insurance

2. The struggles people face through unforeseen career setbacks and how they can be turned into a positive

3. The importance of working to break barriers within the insurance sector to close the gender gap

On this episode of the Risky Mix podcast, we're joined by Katherine Bryant, founder of the fantastic Insurance Breakfast Club, a leadership development programme that supports women in developing the confidence, knowledge, network, and skills to advance their careers. Katherine is also a qualified cognitive behavioural coach and Managing Director of The Progress Partnership, which delivers coaching, mentoring & training programs to companies within the risk and reinsurance sector.

Katherine has spent her whole career in insurance, specifically in the Lloyd’s of London market, and was exposed to the sector from a young age because her father was a loss adjustor. When Katherine reached the age of 16, her dad presented two work experience opportunities: One with an accountancy firm and one with an insurance broking house. Despite her dad’s guidance, Katherine opted for the broking route and vividly recalls her first day back in 1993, being escorted to the international property floor. She explains that she saw a sea of people in suits, shouting at each other, and the room was just full of passion and energy. And that was it, Katherine thought: “This is where I want to be!” She went back there for a few summers of work experience and when she left school, decided not to go to university, instead taking a full-time role in the Lloyd’s market.

Katherine has had a varied career in insurance. She held an underwriting role at AXA, an innovation role at an insurtech, she’s worked for Marsh and JLT and was COO at Aon. It was during her time at JLT that Kathrine ended up with repetitive strain injury (RSI) in both hands which sadly meant that she was signed off sick. Katherine explained that this was a challenging time for her and felt herself going into a “downward spiral”. It was when her hand therapist referred her to a coach, that Katherine was able to process her struggles, build self-esteem and re-enter the world of work. Katherine had actually qualified as a coach during her time at JLT, and when offered an elevated position at Aon, decided to focus more on the coaching side and what she loved and excited her. Katherine explains: “Within two weeks I had a book of coaching clients.” 90% of her clients were women, most were mid-senior level, all were ambitious and great at what they did, but all of them were facing similar challenges and obstacles. She hadn’t noticed the barriers and inequalities that existed in the industry until she took a step back. “The culture really encourages a certain type of behaviour and if you don’t fit that mould you really struggle.”

The conversation then moves nicely onto The Insurance Breakfast Club which Katherine founded and describes as “the biggest joy in my life.” Katherine explains that the work she does through The Progress Partnership is with organisations to help shift the culture but adds: “I’m also a pragmatist. I know that if we just wait for these cultures to shift, we could all be waiting a very long time.” Having spoken to many women facing the same challenges, Katherine asked: “How can I help more people than I can one-to-one?” And so, The Breakfast Club was born. For Katherine, it’s about giving really practical advice and delivering tangible outcomes to help more women move up organisations and close that gender gap. One year in, Katherine says: “I can’t wait to see what they achieve next.”

For ladies interested in getting involved you can visit https://insurancebreakfastclub.com/