Coffee with the CEO with Judy O’Neill, Head of European Claims at Travelers
Our latest Coffee with the CEO session featured the brilliant Judy O’Neill, Head of European Claim at Travelers, who joined iCAN members for an open, honest, and energising conversation about curiosity, career evolution, and making a lasting impact.
Judy brought a wealth of experience to the discussion, drawing from her transatlantic career journey and the lessons learned from navigating both change and opportunity across the insurance industry. Her insights resonated deeply with attendees—whether they were just starting out or at a pivotal point in their professional journeys.
What is “Coffee with the CEO”?
Coffee with the CEO is iCAN’s signature career development series, designed to bring our members into meaningful dialogue with senior leaders across the insurance sector. These sessions go beyond surface-level advice—focusing instead on the personal experiences, leadership lessons, and values that have shaped each speaker’s path.
Our aim is to inspire, connect, and empower professionals at every stage of their career.
Highlights from Judy’s Session
Be Curious – and Say Yes to the Unexpected
Judy spoke about the importance of staying curious throughout your career. Some of her most valuable growth moments came from saying yes to opportunities that sat outside of her job description. Whether it was taking on a stretch assignment or getting involved in a side project, these experiences broadened her skillset and opened new doors.
“Some of the best opportunities are the ones you never saw coming.”
Lead with Your Strengths When You Pivot
Rather than simply asking, “What’s next?”, Judy encouraged attendees to reflect on two key questions:
“What do I not want to do?”
“What gives me energy?”
Career pivots can be powerful when they align with your values, play to your strengths, and bring you into environments where you can thrive.
Use Your Voice – It Encourages Others to Do the Same
Judy shared a powerful story about questioning the lack of diversity in event invitations—and how speaking up led to real change.
She reminded us that while it can be uncomfortable to challenge the status quo, using your voice can empower others to feel seen, valued, and safe to speak up as well.
A heartfelt thank you to Judy O’Neill for her time, authenticity, and practical wisdom, and to the team at Travelers for supporting this session.
Events like these remind us of the importance of creating space for reflection, connection, and real conversation in our sector.
We’re proud to continue offering these sessions as part of iCAN’s mission to inspire, elevate, and support professionals from all backgrounds across the insurance industry.
About iCAN
The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) is a leading organisation committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector. Established in 2017, iCAN has been instrumental in spotlighting cultural awareness, fostering talent, and championing diversity within the industry.