iCAN Dublin Launch: Ogo Nkado on Career Progression, Sponsorship and the Power of Professional Networks
On Wednesday 4 November, iCAN, the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network, launches in Dublin in partnership with Gallagher and AXA Ireland.
iCAN exists to create greater access, opportunity and career progression for diverse and underrepresented talent across insurance. Dublin joins our communities in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Ipswich, Manchester, Leeds and New York. It is our first locally led community in Ireland.
Ogo Nkado is an actuarial professional and one of the panellists joining us for the iCAN Dublin launch.
Alongside her professional career, Ogo co-hosts a network for South African insurance professionals in Ireland, helping people connect, share experiences and navigate careers in a new market.
Ahead of the launch, we asked Ogo about her own career progression, the importance of sponsorship and professional networks, the challenges of building visibility in a new organisation, and what she hopes iCAN Dublin can achieve.
Why does iCAN Dublin matter to the Irish insurance market?
"Lukas and I co-host a network for South African insurance professionals in Ireland, inspired by a similar group in London. The idea was to bring people together regularly to share experiences and practical advice about building a life and career in a new country.
"That made iCAN's purpose relevant to me. You can arrive with qualifications and experience but still need help understanding a new market and building relationships. I'm interested in how iCAN can create those connections across the wider insurance community."
What has made the biggest difference to your career progression?
"Doing work to a high standard, combined with having people who recognised it and advocated for me.
"At OUTsurance, my early manager gave me opportunities to take on unfamiliar work and spoke positively about me in discussions I wasn't part of. I would often hear that feedback afterwards through other people.
"Over time, that helped me build a very strong reputation there and opened doors for novel opportunities. Looking back, both the work itself and that advocacy made a significant difference."
Where do the biggest barriers to visibility and progression exist?
"One challenge is the gap between doing excellent work and having the right people understand your contribution. Moving organisations taught me that the way you build visibility in one environment doesn't necessarily translate into another.
"Rebuilding your reputation, understanding how progression decisions are made and getting access to assignments that demonstrate your capabilities can all be challenging. Clear expectations and meaningful feedback make those things easier to navigate."
How important have networks, mentors and sponsors been in your career?
"They've helped in different ways. My early manager at OUTsurance was a strong advocate for me.
"More recently, a former colleague helped get my CV in front of a team searching for a reserving actuary to fill a vacancy. My connection with an SA professional who'd attended one of our networking events led to a referral for my new role at PartnerRe.
"Having a point of contact also helped me understand what was happening during recruitment. Those connections helped open conversations, while I still had to demonstrate my suitability for the roles."
What can employers and senior leaders do better?
"Give people opportunities to stretch themselves, alongside the guidance and space to succeed. My manager at OUTsurance encouraged me to bring proposed solutions with my questions or issues, and gave me room to develop my own approach.
"It could feel frightening at the time, but it helped me grow and is something I still practise.
"Leaders should also take career aspirations seriously, explain what progression requires and be intentional about who gets development opportunities.
"In technical professions, people need access to the work that will build the expertise they want to develop."
What would make iCAN Dublin genuinely valuable?
"Having people you can turn to between events. That might mean advice about a career move or something as practical as how to register with a doctor when you've just arrived in Ireland.
"I'd like it to become a community where people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing useful information and making introductions.
"Regular events help, but the lasting value comes when those relationships continue and people know they have someone to ask when they're unsure how to navigate something."
What to expect on 4 November
The evening opens with a keynote, followed by a panel on career progression, overcoming barriers, confidence and visibility, leadership and belonging. It closes with drinks and canapés.
Ogo will be joining the panel alongside professionals from across the Irish insurance market, sharing her experiences of career development, professional networks and the importance of creating opportunities for others.
iCAN Dublin Launch: Progression. Leadership. Opportunity.
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026,
Time: doors 5:30pm, programme from 6:00pm
Location: AXA Ireland, Wolfe Tone House, Wolfe Tone Street, Dublin 1
In partnership with: Gallagher and AXA Ireland
Whether you’re new to insurance, established in your career or simply looking to build your network across the Irish market, we’d love to have you involved.
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.