Unconscious bias is a challenging issue for the insurance industry to tackle in 2017. However on 27 September over 200 insurance professionals in Melbourne helped to raise awareness of unconscious bias and the practical solutions available both now, and into the future.
In order for a company to be successful in today’s environment it must reflect society. But generally large corporations don’t move at the same pace as society. Progress has been made but it is slow. And there is a difference between progress and change, progress is a slow and steady incline, change is a platform you can stand on.
During the panel on the skills gap in 21st century insurance Dr Tim Willis (DWP), Mike Thompson (Barclays), Andrew Grill (Practical Futurist), Justin Emrich (London LMG), and Sebastian du Zulueta (LM TOM Innovation Exchange), provided engaging commentary on the inevitability of an ageing workforce; the ways employer practices must adapt to accommodate both the young and old, and how technology is disrupting insurance.
There is something really special about a double act. The two handed story telling of Neil Laybourn and Jonny Benjamin MBE is a clever but simple device for conveying different perspectives on the same story. It certainly delivered in Willis Towers Watsons’ packed auditorium this morning in London, when they shared the incredible story of how Neil talked Jonny down from jumping off a bridge. That experience led to their campaign to de-stigmatise mental health issues, raising awareness so that other sufferers can be helped, particularly young people.