Events & Conferences
Upcoming events
Find out what events we are putting on next with our partners and sponsors
Our events
At iCAN, events are a huge part of what we do to engage with our membership, community and the insurance sector. We work hard by coming together with our partners to help promote advocacy, collaboration and awareness of diversity and inclusion across the industry in each event we put on.
For a full list of our 2026 events, please see below.
Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.
To preserve iCAN’s mission we kindly request that recruitment and media representatives request permission before attending via our contact form. Your support by respecting these boundaries is greatly appreciated.
iCAN Dublin Launch in partnership with Gallagher and AXA Ireland
Join iCAN, Gallagher and AXA Ireland for our official Dublin launch!
Join us for the official launch of iCAN Dublin, bringing together professionals from across Ireland’s insurance industry and wider professional services community.
iCAN, the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network, is an industry-wide network focused on improving access, opportunity, inclusion and career progression for diverse and underrepresented talent across insurance.
Across the UK and New York, iCAN runs events, mentoring, career development initiatives, industry programmes and networking opportunities designed to help people build their careers, expand their networks and access new opportunities.
Following the success of our established communities across London, Birmingham, Bristol, Ipswich, Manchester, Leeds and New York, we’re excited to launch in Dublin and begin building a locally led network for professionals across Ireland.
In partnership with AXA Ireland and Gallagher, the evening will bring together leaders and professionals from across the market for a keynote, panel discussion and networking.
The conversation will explore:
Career progression and overcoming barriers
Building confidence, visibility and leadership
The importance of role models and representation
How mentoring and sponsorship can support progression
Creating a stronger sense of belonging at work
Building professional networks that create opportunity
The event is open to professionals at all career stages, with a particular focus on the experiences and opportunities of diverse and underrepresented talent across the industry.
What to expect:
A keynote exploring career, leadership and opportunity
A panel discussion featuring perspectives from across the Irish market
Practical insight on progression, confidence and overcoming barriers
Opportunities to meet and connect with professionals from across the industry
Drinks, canapés and networking following the main session
Most importantly, this event is not intended to be a one-off. It marks the start of the iCAN Dublin community, creating ongoing opportunities for connection, development, mentoring and collaboration across the Irish insurance market.
Photography and filming
Photography and filming may take place during the event for use across iCAN, AXA Ireland, Gallagher and partner communications, including social media and future event promotion.
If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of the iCAN team know when you arrive.
Please note
Places are limited and registration is required in advance.
If you can no longer attend, please cancel your place so that it can be offered to someone else.
For any questions about the event, please contact the iCAN team.
iCAN, QBE & Sedgwick: Speed Mentoring Event
Looking to grow your network, gain fresh career insights and learn from experienced professionals across the insurance industry?
Join iCAN, QBE and Sedgwick for our next iCAN INspire Speed Mentoring Event, bringing together professionals from across the insurance industry for an evening of practical career conversations, mentoring and networking.
The event will connect mentees with experienced professionals from across the market, including senior leaders, specialists and professionals from a range of backgrounds.
Whether you’re looking to progress your career, work through a challenge or gain a fresh perspective, speed mentoring gives you the chance to ask questions, share experiences and get practical advice from people who have been there before.
Speed Mentoring – What's it all about?
Following a speed-dating style format, mentors and mentees will take part in a series of short, focused conversations throughout the evening.
Each session is designed to help you explore career challenges, professional development, confidence, progression and other topics that matter to you.
Our mentors volunteer their time and bring a wide range of experience and career journeys, so every conversation offers a different perspective.
What to expect
➡️ Speed mentoring – Short, focused conversations with experienced professionals from across the insurance industry.
➡️ Career conversations – Discuss progression, leadership, confidence, workplace challenges and your next steps.
➡️ Fresh perspectives – Gain practical advice from mentors with different backgrounds and experiences.
➡️ Networking – Meet fellow professionals and build connections beyond the mentoring sessions.
➡️ iCAN INspire – Learn more about our mentoring platform, which helps connect mentors and mentees beyond the event.
Who should attend?
This event is open to professionals from all backgrounds and career stages.
It is particularly suited to anyone looking to:
develop their career
expand their network
gain advice from experienced professionals
explore a workplace or career challenge
meet potential mentors or mentees
Whether you’re early in your career, looking to progress or simply want a different perspective, this is an opportunity to have useful conversations and make new connections.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
Time: 4:45pm–7:00pm
Location: QBE, 30 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BD
Please arrive from 4:45pm for a 5:15pm start to the mentoring sessions.
Spaces are limited, so register now to secure your place as a mentor or mentee.
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and may be used for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in photographs, please let a member of the iCAN team or the photographer know on the day.
• If you can no longer attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in.
iCAN, Amwins & AEGIS London: Speed Networking
Looking to grow your network, gain fresh career insights and learn from experienced professionals across the insurance industry?
Join iCAN, Amwins and AEGIS London for an evening of speed networking, bringing together professionals and recent graduates from across the insurance industry to build connections, exchange experiences and expand their professional networks.
Through a series of short, structured conversations, you’ll meet people across the industry, exchange career experiences and practise introducing yourself in a welcoming setting. You don’t need to be a confident networker or arrive knowing anyone. That’s what the evening is for.
How does it work?
You’ll move between conversations throughout the session, with time to introduce yourself, ask questions and hear about other people’s roles and career journeys. Afterwards, there’ll be time to continue conversations and exchange contact details.
Who is it for?
This event is aimed at people in the early stages of their insurance careers, including apprentices, graduates, recent entrants and those who have joined the industry through a career change. People from all backgrounds and areas of insurance are welcome.
What will you get from the evening?
Meet peers and experienced professionals from across the insurance market.
Learn about different roles, career paths and experiences.
Build confidence in starting conversations and making connections.
Grow your network beyond your own organisation.
When and where
Thursday 19 November 2026
5:30–7:30pm
Amwins Global Risks, 22 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ
Spaces are limited, so register to secure your place. Come on your own or with a colleague; either way, you’ll have people to meet.
Additional information
Photographs will be taken during the event and may be used for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in photographs, please let the iCAN team or photographer know on the day.
If you can no longer attend, please cancel your registration so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in.
iCAN Pulse: Upskill & Advance – Taking Ownership of Your Career
Take ownership of your career in 2027. Join iCAN Pulse for practical UK and US insights on career progression, skills and development.
What does career development look like in insurance today, and how can you prepare for your next step in 2027?
As technology, roles and business priorities continue to change, knowing where to focus your career development isn’t always straightforward.
Should your next step involve gaining a qualification, developing new skills, taking on greater responsibility or exploring a different career direction? And how do you make time for development alongside your existing workload?
Join iCAN for our next iCAN Pulse webinar, bringing together insurance professionals and employer perspectives from across the UK and US for a practical conversation on taking greater ownership of your career.
Progress looks different for everyone.
For some, it may mean moving into leadership. For others, it could mean developing deeper technical expertise, gaining broader experience, strengthening influence or finding work that better fits their strengths and ambitions.
This session will explore how to identify what progress means for you, understand the skills and experience you need next, and turn that into a realistic development plan.
What We’ll Explore
The future of career development – How technology, changing roles and evolving business needs are influencing the skills and experience employers value.
Defining your next step – Understanding what career progression means to you, whether that’s promotion, specialist development, a sideways move or broader experience.
Taking ownership of your career – Identifying your strengths, recognising development gaps and building a realistic plan for progression.
Career conversations – How to discuss your ambitions with managers, seek feedback and access development opportunities.
Mentoring and sponsorship – Understanding how professional relationships can support career development and open doors to new opportunities.
UK and US perspectives – Exploring differences in career progression, qualifications, visibility and professional development across both markets.
What You’ll Take Away
This is designed to be a practical discussion, helping you leave with:
A clearer understanding of your career development priorities for 2027.
Insights into the skills and experiences becoming increasingly valuable across insurance.
Practical advice for having more productive career conversations.
A better understanding of how mentors, sponsors and professional networks can support your progression.
An achievable development action you can take over the next 30 days.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is open to insurance professionals at all career stages, from those early in their careers to experienced specialists and senior leaders.
Whether you’re preparing for your next career move, looking to develop within your current organisation or simply wanting to take a more proactive approach to professional growth, we’d love you to join the conversation.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Time: 5:00–6:00pm GMT (UK) / 12:00–1:00pm EST (US)
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Facilitator: Catherine Hill, Talent Strategy & Operations Manager, iCAN
Further speaker details will be announced shortly.
Additional Information
The session will include an opportunity for audience questions.
Screenshots may be taken during the webinar for iCAN promotional purposes.
iCAN Black-Owned Market 2026 – 6th Annual Edition
Save the date for iCAN’s 6th Annual Black-Owned Market, showcasing Black-owned businesses to the insurance community.
Save the date for the return of the iCAN Black-Owned Market, now in its sixth year.
As part of Black History Month 2026, the iCAN Black-Owned Market will once again bring together Black-owned businesses and professionals from across the insurance industry for an evening focused on visibility, entrepreneurship, connection and community.
This year, Black-owned businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to professionals from across the market.
The event is designed to help participating businesses raise their profile, build new relationships and create potential commercial opportunities, while giving attendees the chance to discover and support a wide range of Black-owned brands.
What to expect:
Black-owned businesses showcasing products and services
Opportunities to discover and support new brands
Networking with professionals from across the insurance industry
Drinks and canapés
A relaxed evening focused on community and connection
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and may be used for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in photographs, please let the photographer or a member of the iCAN team know on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your place to someone else.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry.
iCAN Pulse Virtual Event: Black History Month 2026
Join iCAN for a special UK & USA virtual panel celebrating 100 years of Black History Month
iCAN (the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) is the UK’s first industry-wide independent network supporting multicultural inclusion and progression across the insurance sector.
With more than 15,000 members across seven locations, including London and New York, iCAN Pulse brings our international community together through a series of online panels featuring voices from both the UK and US insurance markets.
Join iCAN Pulse this Black History Month for a special UK & US conversation celebrating 100 years of Black history and exploring the power of Black leadership, community and progression across the insurance industry.
2026 marks 100 years since the first national celebration of Black history, creating an important moment to reflect on progress, recognise the contribution of Black professionals and look ahead to the leadership needed for the next generation.
Black Leadership: Building Communities
Leadership is about more than job titles.
It is about opening doors, building networks, creating opportunities, championing others and helping shape environments where people can succeed.
This special iCAN Pulse webinar will bring together Black leaders from across the UK and US insurance markets to share their career journeys, the people and communities that have shaped them, and the responsibility leaders have to support those coming behind them.
The conversation will also explore how far the industry has come, where progress is still needed and what meaningful leadership looks like when it comes to representation, sponsorship, allyship and creating lasting change.
What we’ll explore
What Black leadership looks like beyond job titles
Representation, visibility and career progression
Mentorship vs sponsorship and why both matter
Building strong professional networks and communities
The responsibility of leaders to create opportunities for others
Moving beyond performative allyship towards meaningful action
What the next generation of Black leadership could look like
Our panel
Echaunti Swan – Moderator
Diversity and Inclusion Manager, iCAN
Marcia McFarlane
Digital Risk Services Leader, Beazley
Paul Coker
Market Integration Lead, AXIS
Dominica George-Oppong
Risk & Controls Manager, Hiscox Re
Cheryl Rosario
Head of DEI and CSR, Munich Re America Services, Inc.
The panel will bring together perspectives from both sides of the Atlantic, connecting experiences across the UK and US insurance markets.
Who should attend?
This event is open to everyone.
It will be particularly relevant to:
Black professionals at all career stages
Aspiring and established leaders
Managers and people leaders
Mentors and sponsors
HR, Talent and DEI professionals
ERG and network members
Allies committed to supporting Black talent and progression
Whether you are developing your own leadership journey or looking at how you can create opportunities for others, the session will offer practical perspectives and ideas you can take back into your own career and organisation.
The session will include a panel discussion followed by audience Q&A.
Join us as we recognise 100 years of Black history, celebrate the leaders and communities shaping our industry today, and ask what we need to do now to create lasting progress for the generations that follow.
iCAN, Zurich & Intact Insurance UK – Black Women in Insurance Panel
Join us for an evening celebrating the experiences, achievements and leadership of Black women across the insurance industry.
Join The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN), Zurich and Intact Insurance UK this Black History Month for an evening celebrating the experiences, achievements and leadership of Black women across the insurance industry.
What helps Black women build successful careers, step into leadership and open doors for others?
Our panel of senior Black leaders will share the career decisions, relationships and lessons that helped them progress. Through their experiences, we’ll explore confidence, visibility, sponsorship and leading authentically.
The conversation will also examine Black male allyship: how men can champion Black women, advocate for their progression and help create access to opportunities.
What to expect
Honest career stories, turning points and lessons from senior Black leaders
Practical insights on building confidence, gaining visibility and progressing your career
The role of mentors, sponsors and allies in opening doors
Black male allyship in practice, including advocacy and support for career progression
Audience Q&A and networking with professionals across the insurance market
Following the panel and Q&A, continue the conversation over drinks, canapés and networking.
Who should attend
Black women at all stages of their careers, aspiring and established leaders, allies, ERG members, HR and DEI professionals, and anyone interested in supporting Black women’s progression in insurance.
Additional information
• Photographs will be taken during the event for promotional purposes. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please inform a photographer or an iCAN team member on arrival.
• If you can no longer attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in.
iCAN Black History Month 2026: Sounds of Our Communities
In partnership with Aon, Lloyd’s and Everest, celebrate BHM 2026 with an evening exploring the music, stories & culture across generations.
Celebrate Black History Month 2026 through music, culture and connection!
Join iCAN, Aon, Lloyd’s and Everest this Black History Month for Sounds of Our Communities, an interactive evening exploring the music, stories and cultural influences that have shaped Black communities across generations.
Bringing together professionals from across the insurance industry, the event will celebrate a century of Black music and culture while creating space to learn, connect and reflect on the stories and influences behind the sounds.
The evening will include a guided Evolution of Black Music journey and Battle of the Anthems, an interactive sound clash bringing different genres, generations and cultural influences into the conversation.
The event will close with a live DJ set and networking, giving attendees the opportunity to continue the conversation and connect with professionals from across the market.
What to expect:
Evolution of Black Music, a guided journey through the sounds, stories and influences that have shaped generations
Battle of the Anthems, an interactive sound clash celebrating different musical influences and experiences
Opportunities to learn more about the history and cultural significance behind Black music
A live DJ set to close the evening
Networking with professionals from across the insurance market
Who should attend
This event is open to professionals at all career stages who want to celebrate Black History Month, learn more about Black culture and music, and connect with colleagues from across the insurance industry.
Whether you are joining to learn something new, share in the music or simply meet new people, Sounds of our Communities is designed to create a shared and participatory experience that welcomes different perspectives and experiences.
Event details
Tuesday 20 October 2026
17:00 arrival | 17:30 event starts | 20:30 close
4th Floor Event Space, The Aon Centre, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4AN
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN Wellbeing Webinar – BHM 2026 – Understanding Sickle Cell
Join iCAN this Black History Month for a keynote on sickle cell, awareness, advocacy, lived experience and workplace support.
Join iCAN this Black History Month for Understanding Sickle Cell: Awareness, Advocacy and Action, a virtual keynote session exploring sickle cell disease, lived experience, health equity and the importance of support and advocacy.
Sickle cell is one of the most common inherited blood disorders and has a significant impact on many individuals, particularly within Black communities.
Yet awareness and understanding of the condition can still be limited.
As part of Black History Month 2026, this webinar will create space to learn more about sickle cell, challenge common misconceptions and better understand the experiences of those affected.
We’re pleased to welcome Dr Colin A Michie as our keynote speaker.
Dr Michie will explore sickle cell disease, its impact on health and wellbeing, and the importance of greater awareness, understanding and advocacy. The session will also consider what colleagues, managers and organisations can do to create more supportive and inclusive environments.
What we’ll explore:
What sickle cell is and how it can affect people day to day
Common misconceptions surrounding the condition
The impact sickle cell can have on health, wellbeing and professional life
Health inequalities and the importance of greater awareness
How colleagues, managers and organisations can provide meaningful support
The role of education, advocacy and allyship in driving positive change
Who should attend
This event is open to people from all backgrounds and will be particularly relevant to:
Insurance professionals at all career stages
Managers and senior leaders
HR, People and DEI teams
ERG and network members
Colleagues and allies looking to better understand sickle cell
Anyone interested in health equity and inclusive workplace cultures
No prior knowledge of sickle cell is required.
The session will include a keynote presentation followed by audience Q&A.
Additional Information
• Joining information will be shared with registered attendees ahead of the webinar.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance.
• The session may be recorded for iCAN communications and educational purposes. Further details will be shared with attendees ahead of the event.
iCAN & Starr, Beazley, Canopius and Optio – Black Professionals Networking
Join us for an evening focused on connection, community & celebrating Black excellence in the insurance and finance sector!
iCAN, in partnership with Starr, Beazley, Canopius and Optio, invites you to celebrate Black History Month 2026 with an evening focused on connection, community and celebrating Black excellence across the insurance market.
The Black Professionals Networking Event will bring together Black professionals from across insurance and financial services for an informal evening of networking, conversation and relationship-building.
The event is designed to create space for meaningful connections across organisations and career stages, whether you are looking to expand your network, meet professionals outside your immediate circle, share experiences or connect with others navigating similar career journeys.
Alongside networking, the evening will also provide an opportunity to reflect on themes including career progression, visibility, leadership and community, while celebrating the contribution of Black professionals across the industry.
What to Expect:
Networking with professionals from across the insurance and financial services market
Opportunities to build new relationships outside your immediate organisation
Informal conversations around careers, progression, leadership and visibility
A welcoming space to connect with professionals at different stages of their careers
Drinks and canapés throughout the evening
Opportunities to strengthen community and build lasting connections across the market
Why Attend:
Strong professional relationships can play an important role in career development, confidence, visibility and access to new opportunities.
This event is designed to create a relaxed environment where those relationships can develop naturally, while celebrating Black excellence and strengthening connections across the insurance community.
Whether you are early in your career, an established professional or an ally looking to support greater inclusion across the market, the evening is an opportunity to meet new people, exchange experiences and build relationships that continue beyond the event.
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN Coffee with the CEO – Phil Wittingham, AXA UK&I & Rahul Gumber AXA XL
Join us for our Coffee with the CEO session with Phil Whittingham, UK CRO at AXA XL and Rahul Gumber, CRO at AXA UK&I
Join The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) for our latest Coffee with the CEO session featuring Phil Whittingham, UK Chief Risk Officer at AXA XL, and Rahul Gumber, Chief Risk Officer at AXA UK & Ireland.
What is Coffee with the CEO?
In an effort to connect our members and provide them with access to senior executives across the insurance sector, we work with our sponsors and partners to pull together an all-star cast of C-Suite individuals from across the industry to host career sessions with iCAN members. In these sessions they will discuss everything from career advice to their views on the industry and insights into their own career journey – essentially everything you need to empower your own career.
About Phil Whittingham
Phil Whittingham is UK Chief Risk Officer at AXA XL and has been with the business since 2010.
His career spans risk management consulting at KPMG and EY, in-house risk management roles at Prudential and Lloyd’s, and P&C broking experience at Marsh, giving him a broad perspective across different areas of insurance and financial services.
Phil holds a BA (Hons) and an MBA and is a Chartered Insurance Risk Manager and Fellow of the Institute of Risk Management. He has also contributed to the development of the profession through his work on the IRM’s Certificate in Risk Management in Financial Services, including developing, writing and examining the qualification.
He was also a Board Member of ORIC International between 2017 and 2025.
Outside work, Phil enjoys golf and tennis with his wife and two daughters, and can also be found drumming at a weekly jam night.
About Rahul Gumber
Rahul Gumber has been Chief Risk Officer for AXA UK & Ireland since early 2025, overseeing risk management across the businesses and working closely with senior leadership to align risk strategy and risk-taking with wider business objectives.
Before joining AXA, Rahul spent 12 years at Aviva, most recently as Chief Risk Officer for Aviva Canada and, prior to that, CRO for Aviva Ireland P&C.
Throughout his career, Rahul has built and led high-performing teams and has placed a strong emphasis on inclusion, creating environments where different perspectives are valued and incorporated into strategic decision-making.
Rahul studied Mathematics at the University of Birmingham, is a Chartered Insurer and also has previous experience working in underwriting roles within the London Market.
About AXA XL and AXA UK & Ireland
AXA XL is the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, working with businesses around the world to understand and manage complex risks.
Alongside the wider AXA UK & Ireland business, the organisation places a strong emphasis on risk management, long-term resilience and using different perspectives and expertise to support better decision-making.
This session offers a unique opportunity to hear from two senior risk leaders operating across different parts of the AXA business and understand the experiences that have shaped their careers.
Please sign up by Friday 13 October 2026, as only a limited number of seats are available.
The session will open with breakfast at 8:30am, followed by the discussion at 9:00am. If you’re interested in participating in this session, please click the link below to fill out the form, a limited number of iCAN members will then be selected based on their answers.
*There may be photography at the event where the images are used for any iCAN Media or promotion – if you wish for your image not to be used, please let us know.
Please note: Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.
To preserve iCAN’s mission we kindly request that recruitment and media representatives do not attend. Your support by respecting these boundaries is greatly appreciated. If you are recruiter or member of the press and would like to attend, please get in touch with us on contact@i-can.me. If you are a media representative or recruiter who signs up, please be aware we will be in contact to decline your ticket.
iCAN Manchester, Kennedys and Tysers: Black History Month 2026
Join iCAN and Kennedys this Black History Month for a morning of honest conversation, shared experiences and practical career insight.
Celebrate 100 years of Black History Month in Manchester!
Join iCAN Manchester, Kennedys and Tysers this Black History Month for Manchester Leadership Breakfast: Black Leaders Building the Future of Insurance, a practical and honest conversation about career progression, leadership, visibility and how the industry can create stronger pathways for Black talent.
Bringing together Black professionals from across the insurance industry, the session will explore the experiences, barriers and opportunities that can shape progression from early career through to management and senior leadership.
Our panel will share their own career journeys and discuss the role of confidence, mentorship, sponsorship and professional networks, alongside what leaders and organisations can do to help Black talent build visibility, access opportunity and progress.
What to expect:
Honest perspectives from Black professionals at different career stages
Practical advice on building confidence, visibility and professional networks
Insights into mentorship, sponsorship and the role of allies
Advice on navigating barriers and key career turning points
Perspectives on preparing for management and senior leadership
Opportunities to connect with professionals across the Manchester insurance community
Who should attend
This event is for professionals at all career stages, from early-career talent through to senior leaders, as well as managers, mentors, sponsors, ERG members, HR and DEI professionals and allies who want to support the progression of Black talent across insurance.
As the industry looks to strengthen leadership pipelines and retain diverse talent, this session will focus on what helps people progress in practice, not just in principle.
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN Coffee with the CEO with Stuart Logue, Chief Financial Officer at Asta
Join iCAN for an exclusive Coffee with the CEO session with Stuart Logue this October.
Join The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) for our latest Coffee with the CEO session featuring Stuart Logue, Chief Financial Officer at Asta.
What is Coffee with the CEO?
In an effort to connect our members and provide them with access to senior executives across the insurance sector, we work with our sponsors and partners to pull together an all-star cast of C-Suite individuals from across the industry to host career sessions with iCAN members. In these sessions they will discuss everything from career advice to their views on the industry and insights into their own career journey – essentially everything you need to empower your own career.
About Stuart Logue
Stuart Logue is Chief Financial Officer at Asta, a leading third-party managing agent in the Lloyd’s market. He is responsible for the financial leadership of Asta and the underwriting businesses it supports, helping organisations navigate growth, governance and long-term success within one of the world’s most specialised insurance markets.
Throughout his career, Stuart has worked across insurance, financial services and banking, holding senior leadership roles with Flood Re, Ageas, Direct Line Group and Royal Bank of Scotland. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and has lived and worked in Edinburgh, London, Milan, Berlin and Madrid, experiences that have helped shape his perspective on leadership, learning and professional growth.
Outside work, Stuart enjoys spending time with his wife and two adult children, walking with their annoying West Highland Terrier, watching films and sharing good meals together. Whilst he is passionate about leadership and development, his family remains reassuringly unimpressed by his work.
About Asta
Asta creates and manages underwriting businesses. Working with entrepreneurs, insurers, and MGAs to launch, grow and manage successful underwriting businesses. Providing the expertise, infrastructure, oversight, and support they need to succeed. Today, Asta manages more than £5 billion of underwriting capacity across Lloyd’s syndicates, Syndicates-in-a-Box and MGA businesses.
Alongside its market-leading expertise, Asta is committed to creating a culture where people feel connected, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. Collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and shared success are central to how the business operates.
Please sign up by Friday 2 October 2026, as only a limited number of seats are available.
The session will open with breakfast at 8:30am, followed by the discussion at 9:00am. If you’re interested in participating in this session, please click the link below to fill out the form, a limited number of iCAN members will then be selected based on their answers.
*There may be photography at the event where the images are used for any iCAN Media or promotion – if you wish for your image not to be used, please let us know.
Please note: Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.
To preserve iCAN’s mission we kindly request that recruitment and media representatives do not attend. Your support by respecting these boundaries is greatly appreciated. If you are recruiter or member of the press and would like to attend, please get in touch with us on contact@i-can.me. If you are a media representative or recruiter who signs up, please be aware we will be in contact to decline your ticket.
Black History Month 2026: Honouring our Communities, Creating Opportunity
Celebrate 100 years of Black History Month!
iCAN, in partnership with BMS, Chaucer, Westfield Specialty, Markel and Arch International, invites you to celebrate Black History Month 2026 with a powerful evening of leadership, community, and connection.
2026 marks 100 years since the first organised national commemoration of Black history was established by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, making this year an important opportunity to reflect on the progress made, celebrate those creating change today and consider the legacy we want to build for the next generation.
We are delighted to welcome Christine Ohuruogu MBE as our keynote speaker.
An Olympic, World and Commonwealth Champion, Christine has represented Great Britain at the highest level of sport and built a career defined by resilience, discipline and achievement. Alongside her sporting success, she has remained committed to schools, young people and community engagement.
Following her keynote, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the London insurance market, alongside students, apprentices, early-career professionals and community representatives.
The evening will also include a showcase of Black-owned businesses, celebrating entrepreneurship and creating opportunities to support businesses from across the community.
What to Expect:
Keynote address from Christine Ohuruogu MBE on resilience, leadership and achievement
Reflections on her journey through elite sport and the lessons that have shaped her career
Recognition of 100 years of organised Black history commemorations and the people continuing that legacy today
A showcase of Black-owned businesses sharing their products and services
Networking with colleagues, students, apprentices and emerging talent
Opportunities to create stronger connections between employers and the next generation
Why Attend:
This year’s Black History Month carries particular significance, marking a century since the first national Black history commemoration was established in 1926.
It gives us an opportunity not only to look back, but to ask what we want the next 100 years to look like.
Through Christine’s story, the Black-owned businesses taking part and the connections created between industry professionals and emerging talent, the evening will celebrate achievement while focusing on the opportunities we can create for those coming next.
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN & Miller – Mid Autumn Festival – ESEA Culture, Identity & Workplace
Join iCAN and Miller to explore how culture, identity and stereotypes can shape workplace experiences, leadership and career progression.
Join iCAN and Miller for our ESEA Autumn Festival 2026, held during Mid-Autumn Festival, for a practical conversation on culture, identity, stereotypes, trends and the workplace.
ESEA (East and Southeast Asian) culture is increasingly visible across food, fashion, entertainment, wellness and social media. From K-pop and skincare to food trends and conversations around “Asian maxing”, East and Southeast Asian culture is having a growing influence on mainstream life.
But greater visibility of ESEA culture does not always mean greater understanding of ESEA people.
This event will explore how culture, identity and stereotypes can shape workplace experiences, leadership and career progression, and where the line sits between cultural understanding, harmless assumptions and behaviours that can begin to limit opportunity.
Moderated by Felix Wong from the iCAN ESEA Team, the panel will bring together professionals from different East and Southeast Asian backgrounds to share their experiences and perspectives.
What we’ll explore:
Common stereotypes affecting ESEA professionals
When “positive” stereotypes can limit progression
Communication, confidence and self-promotion at work
Individual adaptation vs inclusive workplace cultures
Cultural appreciation vs stereotyping
What meaningful ESEA inclusion looks like in practice
Following the panel, attendees will take part in facilitated table discussions using real workplace scenarios, giving everyone the opportunity to explore how these issues can show up in practice and what better responses can look like.
Who should attend
This event is open to people from all backgrounds.
It will be particularly relevant to:
ESEA professionals
Early-career talent
Managers and senior leaders
HR, Talent and DEI teams
ERG and network members
Anyone interested in understanding how culture and identity can influence workplace experiences
No prior knowledge of ESEA culture is required.
The evening will include a panel discussion, audience Q&A and networking over drinks and canapés.
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN Coffee with the CEO with Tina Booth, VP, Specialty at CNA Hardy
Join iCAN for an exclusive Coffee with the CEO session with Tina Booth, Vice President, Specialty at CNA Hardy.
Join The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) for our latest Coffee with the CEO session featuring Tina Booth, Vice President, Specialty at CNA Hardy.
What is Coffee with the CEO?
In an effort to connect our members and provide them with access to senior executives across the insurance sector, we work with our sponsors and partners to pull together an all-star cast of C-Suite individuals from across the industry to host career sessions with iCAN members. In these sessions they will discuss everything from career advice to their views on the industry and insights into their own career journey – essentially everything you need to empower your own career.
About Tina Booth
Tina Booth is Vice President, Specialty at CNA Hardy, where she leads across a diverse portfolio spanning Healthcare, Financial Lines, Technology and Cyber.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Tina has built a career combining deep technical expertise with leadership, relationship building and innovation.
Tina began her career in the Lloyd’s market at Hiscox, progressing into underwriting and developing a strong foundation in Technology and Professional Indemnity risks. She joined CNA Hardy more than two decades ago and has since played a pivotal role in developing its Specialty business.
This has included leading the UK Professional Indemnity portfolio since 2007, establishing Professional Indemnity on the Syndicate in 2016 and expanding into European markets in 2018.
Throughout her career, Tina has helped build high-performing teams and bring new products to market in response to the changing needs of clients and brokers. Her current role focuses on driving underwriting excellence, strategic growth and a strong and resilient Specialty portfolio.
About CNA Hardy
CNA Hardy is a leading specialist commercial insurance provider serving clients of all sizes with domestic and international exposures.
Writing across both company and Lloyd’s platforms, CNA Hardy operates across the UK and Europe, with offices in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the UK.
CNA Hardy is part of CNA Financial Corporation, one of the largest commercial property and casualty insurance companies in the United States. CNA has more than 125 years of experience and provides a broad range of standard and specialised insurance products and services to more than one million businesses and professionals across the US, Canada and Europe.
Please sign up by Monday 28 September 2026, as only a limited number of seats are available.
The session will open with breakfast at 8:30am, followed by the discussion at 9:00am. If you’re interested in participating in this session, please click the link below to fill out the form, a limited number of iCAN members will then be selected based on their answers.
*There may be photography at the event where the images are used for any iCAN Media or promotion – if you wish for your image not to be used, please let us know.
Please note: Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.
To preserve iCAN’s mission we kindly request that recruitment and media representatives do not attend. Your support by respecting these boundaries is greatly appreciated. If you are recruiter or member of the press and would like to attend, please get in touch with us on contact@i-can.me. If you are a media representative or recruiter who signs up, please be aware we will be in contact to decline your ticket.
iCAN & Beazley: Connecting Through Culture – Networking & Quiz Night
oin iCAN and Beazley for a fun cultural quiz and networking event celebrating inclusion, learning and connections!
Join The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) and Beazley for Connecting Through Culture: Networking Quiz Night, an interactive event designed to bring colleagues together through learning, conversation and connection
Whether you’re testing your knowledge, learning something new, or simply looking to meet new people, this event offers a relaxed and welcoming environment to celebrate the diversity of cultures, traditions and experiences that make our workplaces stronger.
What to expect:
General culture and global knowledge rounds
Flags and nationalities challenges
Music rounds featuring artists and genres from around the world
Interactive team activities throughout the evening
Prizes for the winning team and additional participation awards
Attendees will compete in teams across a mix of visual, audio and knowledge-based challenges, designed to be entertaining, inclusive and accessible regardless of background or expertise.
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN Pulse Virtual Event: Hispanic Heritage Month 2026
Join iCAN for a special UK & USA virtual panel celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the experiences, contributions and impact of Hispanic
iCAN (the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) is the UK’s first industry-wide independent network supporting multicultural inclusion and progression across the insurance sector.
With more than 15,000 members across seven locations, including London and New York, iCAN Pulse brings our international community together through a series of online panels featuring voices from both the UK and US insurance markets.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, join us for a cross-Atlantic conversation exploring culture, identity, representation and belonging across insurance.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Culture, Identity & Impact
Our speakers will share their personal and professional journeys, exploring how Hispanic heritage and cultural identity have shaped their careers, relationships, leadership and experiences within the industry.
We’ll look at the similarities and differences between the UK and US, the progress being made across insurance, the barriers that still exist, and what individuals and organisations can do to create workplaces where Hispanic and Latino professionals can thrive.
What We’ll Explore
How culture and identity shape career experiences, confidence and leadership
Career progression, visibility and representation across the UK and US insurance markets
The role of mentors, sponsors, allies and professional networks
Creating workplaces where Hispanic and Latino professionals feel seen, valued and able to progress
What meaningful allyship and inclusive leadership look like beyond awareness months
Who Should Attend?
Everyone is welcome.
Whether you are part of the Hispanic or Latino community, an ally, an early-career professional, an established leader, an ERG member or work across HR, Talent or DEI, this session will offer new perspectives and practical insights into building a more inclusive insurance industry.
Speakers
Our UK and US speaker line-up will be announced soon.
Register now and join the iCAN community for a conversation connecting two markets through culture, identity and impact.
iCAN Wellbeing Webinar – Sepsis Awareness with The UK Sepsis Trust
Join Dr Ron Daniels BEM and Angela Irvine to learn the signs of sepsis and why early recognition could save a life.
Could you recognise the signs of sepsis in yourself, a colleague or someone you love?
Sepsis can affect anyone, and recognising the warning signs early can make a critical difference.
Join iCAN and the UK Sepsis Trust for a powerful awareness webinar combining expert medical insight from Dr Ron Daniels BEM, one of the UK’s leading voices on sepsis, with the lived experience of insurance leader and sepsis survivor Angela Irvine.
In this practical session, you’ll learn how to recognise potential signs of sepsis, understand why acting quickly matters, and hear first-hand what severe sepsis and recovery can look like.
This is knowledge you may never need – but could one day make an enormous difference.
What You’ll Learn
What sepsis is and how it develops
The key warning signs people should be aware of
Why rapid recognition and medical intervention are so important
What severe sepsis and recovery can look like from a survivor’s perspective
How workplaces and individuals can help raise awareness
Where to find trusted information and support
About the Speakers
Dr Ron Daniels BEM – Founder & Chief Executive, UK Sepsis Trust
Dr Ron Daniels BEM is an NHS Consultant in Critical Care and Founder & Chief Executive of the UK Sepsis Trust. An internationally recognised leader in sepsis, he led the task force behind the World Health Organization’s 2017 Resolution on Sepsis, created the globally adopted Sepsis Six care pathway, and has helped shape national policy and NHS initiatives that have significantly reduced sepsis mortality across England.
Angela Irvine – Regional Sales Director, Howden Insurance | iCAN Birmingham Lead
Angela Irvine is Regional Sales Director for Howden in the Midlands and iCAN Birmingham Lead, with more than 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry. Alongside her career in insurance, Angela is a sepsis survivor, having been hospitalised with severe sepsis in 2017. Since then, she has become a passionate advocate for raising awareness of the condition, sharing her personal experience to help educate others and support the work of the UK Sepsis Trust.
Who Should Attend?
This session is open to everyone across the insurance profession, regardless of role, seniority or previous knowledge of sepsis.
You might be attending for yourself, your family, your colleagues or your wider community. No clinical knowledge is required – just a willingness to learn about a condition that can affect anyone.
Register your place and take an hour to learn something that could one day make a real difference.
Additional Information
This webinar will be delivered online.
Joining instructions will be shared with registered attendees ahead of the event.
If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration so your place can be offered to someone on the waiting list.
iCAN Coffee with the CEO with Ali Trauttmansdorff, CPO at BMS Group
Join iCAN for our Coffee with the CEO event in September with Ali Trauttmansdorff, Chief People Officer at BMS Group!
Join iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) for our latest Coffee with the CEO session featuring Ali Trauttmansdorff, Chief People Officer at BMS Group!
What is Coffee with the CEO?
In an effort to connect our members and provide them with access to senior executives across the insurance sector, we work with our sponsors and partners to pull together an all-star cast of C-Suite individuals from across the industry to host career sessions with iCAN members. In these sessions they will discuss everything from career advice to their views on the industry and insights into their own career journey – essentially everything you need to empower your own career.
About Ali Trauttmansdorff
Ali joined BMS Group in 2024 and serves on the Group Executive Committee. Prior to joining BMS, she was CHRO of a publicly listed global Wealth and Asset Management firm and previously worked at Rothschild & Co as HR Director, overseeing UK and international teams across its Global Advisory and Merchant Banking businesses. During her time there, she also launched the firm’s DE&I and Wellbeing practices.
Earlier in her career, Ali spent 14 years with Goldman Sachs across Germany and the UK in a variety of HR roles, including Head of Graduate Recruitment for EMEA.
Ali is Chair of City HR and has previously served on the main Council and Remuneration Committee of Aston University, as well as the International Advisory Board of its Business School.
Outside of work, Ali actively competes for Great Britain in Age-Group Triathlon and Duathlon and is a keen cross-country runner.
About BMS Group
For over four decades, BMS has transformed risk into progress, establishing itself as one of the world’s leading insurance and reinsurance brokers.
With more than 2,000 colleagues across 52 global offices, BMS combines diverse specialist expertise with a challenger mindset and global reach. Its approach is built around bringing fresh ideas to complex risks, collaborating across teams and using technology alongside human expertise to deliver for clients.
Since 1980, BMS has approached risk with purpose, focusing not simply on understanding it, but on turning it into progress.
Please sign up by Thursday 10th September 2026, as only a limited number of seats are available.
The session will open with food at 12:30 pm, followed by the discussion at 1:00 pm. If you’re interested in participating in this session, please click the link below to fill out the form, a limited number of iCAN members will then be selected based on their answers.
*There may be photography at the event where the images are used for any iCAN Media or promotion – if you wish for your image not to be used, please let us know.
Please note: Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.
To preserve iCAN’s mission we kindly request that recruitment and media representatives do not attend. Your support by respecting these boundaries is greatly appreciated. If you are recruiter or member of the press and would like to attend, please get in touch with us on contact@i-can.me. If you are a media representative or recruiter who signs up, please be aware we will be in contact to decline your ticket.
iCAN & Gallagher – The Broker Playbook: Elevating Sales Performance
Join us for practical sales insight, career advice and networking for brokers looking to elevate their performance and grow their book.
Join us for a practical evening of sales insight, career development and networking, designed for experienced broking professionals looking to strengthen client relationships, sharpen their commercial approach and grow their book of business.
Hosted by iCAN in partnership with Gallagher, The Insurance Broker Playbook: Elevating Sales Performance brings together brokers from across the market to explore what drives long-term success in today’s competitive insurance landscape.
Whether you’re looking to develop your pipeline, deepen client relationships or elevate your performance, this event will provide practical ideas you can apply immediately.
About the Session
The evening will begin with an expert keynote exploring the mindset, behaviours and commercial approach that underpin sustained sales success, followed by a candid panel discussion featuring experienced broking leaders who will share lessons from their own careers.
Together, they’ll discuss the realities of building strong client relationships, maintaining performance over time and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with growing a successful book of business.
Attendees will leave with practical insights they can apply to their clients, pipeline and career immediately.
Topics will include:
Strengthening client relationships and delivering long-term value
Developing the mindset and habits that drive high performance
Learning from experienced sales and broking leaders
Building and maintaining a healthy pipeline
Creating sustainable commercial success
Navigating challenges and maintaining momentum
The evening will conclude with networking, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with peers and leaders from across the insurance market, exchange ideas and expand their professional network.
Whether you’re looking to grow your book, refine your commercial approach or learn from experienced industry professionals, this event will leave you with practical advice, fresh perspectives and valuable new connections.
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN Coffee with the CEO with Anne Middleton, CEO, Convex UK
Join iCAN for our Coffee with the CEO event in August with Anne Middleton, Chief Executive Officer at Convex UK!
Join iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) for our Coffee with the CEO session featuring Anne Middleton, Chief Executive Officer at Convex UK!
What is Coffee with the CEO?
In an effort to connect our members and provide them with access to senior executives across the insurance sector, we work with our sponsors and partners to pull together an all-star cast of C-Suite individuals from across the industry to host career sessions with iCAN members. In these sessions they will discuss everything from career advice to their views on the industry and insights into their own career journey - essentially everything you need to empower your own career.
About Anne Middleton
With 19+ years of insurance industry experience, Anne is currently CEO for Convex UK, responsible for Convex’s Lloyd’s build out and Executive sponsor to Convex’s Group Claims Division. She joined Convex as Head of Ceded Reinsurance and Stochastic Analytics before joining the Group Executive as leader of its Portfolio Optimisation Division in 2021.
Anne started her career in PwC’s actuarial services team, has since worked in industry as ERM Capital Actuary and has lead teams in the areas of Group Financial Planning, Finance Business Partnering and Ceded Reinsurance. Anne joined Convex from AXA XL where she was Global Head of Ceded Re Placement. She is also a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
About Convex
Founded in 2019, Convex is an international specialty insurer and reinsurer with operations in Bermuda, London and Europe.
Built to focus on complex commercial and specialty risks, Convex combines experienced underwriting expertise with a modern, technology-led approach, free from legacy systems and processes. Its culture is centred around earning trust, embracing innovation and continually improving, helping it establish a strong reputation across the global insurance market.
Read more about Convex here.
Please sign up by Monday 24 August 2026, as only a limited number of seats are available.
The session will open with food at 8:30 am, followed by the discussion at 9:00 am. If you're interested in participating in this session, please click the link below to fill out the form, a limited number of iCAN members will then be selected based on their answers.
*There may be photography at the event where the images are used for any iCAN Media or promotion - if you wish for your image not to be used, please let us know.
Please note: Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.
To preserve iCAN’s mission we kindly request that recruitment and media representatives do not attend. Your support by respecting these boundaries is greatly appreciated. If you are recruiter or member of the press and would like to attend, please get in touch with us on contact@i-can.me. If you are a media representative or recruiter who signs up, please be aware we will be in contact to decline your ticket.
iCAN Birmingham Summer Mixer with Beazley and Standard Life
Join us for an evening of networking and summer fun in Birmingham, hosted by iCAN in collaboration with Beazley and Standard Life!
Join iCAN Birmingham, Beazley and Standard Life for Birmingham Summer Networking Drinks 2026.
This relaxed summer networking event brings together professionals from across the Birmingham insurance market for an evening of food, drinks and conversation with colleagues, clients and peers.
Whether you're looking to reconnect with familiar faces, expand your professional network or simply enjoy a summer evening with others from across the market, this event provides the perfect opportunity to do so.
Hosted at Beazley's Birmingham office, attendees can expect a welcoming and informal atmosphere designed to encourage meaningful conversations and new connections.
Why Attend?
• Connect with professionals from across the Birmingham insurance market
• Build new relationships and strengthen existing connections
• Meet members of the iCAN community
• Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking in Beazley's fantastic rooftop venue
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and may be used for promotional purposes by iCAN and partner organisations. If you do not wish to appear in photographs, please inform a member of the team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know as early as possible so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth registration process.
iCAN Coffee with the CEO with AEGIS London's Charity Bare & Matthew Yeldam
Join iCAN for our Coffee with the CEO event in August with Charity Bare, CR&CO at AEGIS London, and Matthew Yeldham, CUO at AEGIS London!
Join iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) for our Coffee with the CEO session featuring Charity Bare, CR&CO at AEGIS London, and Matthew Yeldham, CUO at AEGIS London!
What is Coffee with the CEO?
In an effort to connect our members and provide them with access to senior executives across the insurance sector, we work with our sponsors and partners to pull together an all-star cast of C-Suite individuals from across the industry to host career sessions with iCAN members. In these sessions they will discuss everything from career advice to their views on the industry and insights into their own career journey - essentially everything you need to empower your own career.
About Charity Bare
Charity Bare is Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at AEGIS London taking up the position in February 2025. Charity is responsible for the Risk and Compliance function, which incorporates risk management, compliance and regulatory, as well as exposure management. She provides a wide view of risk to both the group and the board.
Charity joined AEGIS London from Canopius where she had been Group Risk Director since May 2023. Prior to that she was Director of Risk and Compliance at Nephila for five years and Head of Risk Management at Talbot for six years.
Charity began her insurance career at AIG where she worked as Commercial Combined Underwriter, before becoming Risk Manager at Brit in 2010. Charity has a Masters in Risk Management.
About Matthew Yeldham
Matt became Chief Underwriting Officer & Active Underwriter at AEGIS London in July 2022, having previously been Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer and Head of Casualty since joining AEGIS London in 2010.
Matt is mainly responsible for the delivery of AEGIS London’s underwriting business plan. He is a member of the Lloyd’s Market Association’s CUO Committee, having previously served on various Lloyd’s Market Liability and Technical Committees.
Matt was previously Head of International Insurance at Aspen, Active Underwriter of Syndicate 4711, and a member of Aspen Group Executive Committee as well as Deputy CUO at both Wellington and Catlin Underwriting.
About AEGIS London
AEGIS London is a top-quartile, consistently profitable Lloyd’s syndicate (Syndicate 1225), underwriting a broad range of business classes.
Formed in 1999, it operates as part of AEGIS Insurance Services Ltd, a long-established mutual insurance business. AEGIS London is recognised for its disciplined decision-making and collaborative culture, earning trust from clients and partners across the market.
As a distinct presence within Lloyd’s, AEGIS London combines specialist expertise with continuity and security across multiple lines of business.
Please sign up by Tuesday 4 August 2026, as only a limited number of seats are available.
The session will open with food at 8:30 am, followed by the discussion at 10:00 am. If you're interested in participating in this session, please click the link below to fill out the form, a limited number of iCAN members will then be selected based on their answers.
*There may be photography at the event where the images are used for any iCAN Media or promotion - if you wish for your image not to be used, please let us know.
Please note: Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.
To preserve iCAN’s mission we kindly request that recruitment and media representatives do not attend. Your support by respecting these boundaries is greatly appreciated. If you are recruiter or member of the press and would like to attend, please get in touch with us on contact@i-can.me. If you are a media representative or recruiter who signs up, please be aware we will be in contact to decline your ticket.
iCAN & Kennedys - Leading Employee Resource Groups Event
Join iCAN & Kennedys for practical advice, honest conversations and peer learning for ERG leaders navigating impact, burnout and change.
Hosted by iCAN in partnership with Kennedys, this event has been designed for ERG leads, co-chairs, members, executive sponsors and DEI professionals who want to have honest conversations about what it actually takes to lead an employee network today.
ERG leadership can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Many leaders are balancing volunteer responsibilities alongside full-time roles, navigating changing organisational priorities, supporting members through difficult global events and working to demonstrate meaningful impact with limited time and resources.
This event is not about what ERGs are. It's about how to lead them well.
About the Session
This practical evening will bring together ERG leaders, DEI practitioners and executive sponsors for an honest conversation about the realities of ERG leadership today.
Through a candid panel, facilitated breakout discussions and networking opportunities, attendees will explore the challenges many networks are facing and share practical strategies that can be applied within their own organisations.
The session has been designed to create space for the conversations that don't always happen publicly, from burnout and sponsorship to navigating difficult news cycles and demonstrating impact.
SPEAKERS TO BE ANNOUNCED VERY SOON!
Topics will include:
➡️ Supporting members through difficult global events and news cycles
➡️ Moving from a calendar of events to a purposeful strategy
➡️ Demonstrating impact and linking ERG activity to business priorities
➡️ Managing volunteer burnout and sustainable leadership
➡️ Building meaningful relationships with executive sponsors
➡️ Creating ERGs that remain relevant, resilient and effective
The evening will conclude with networking, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect with fellow ERG leaders, DEI professionals and executive sponsors from across the industry.
Whether you're leading an established network, launching a new one or supporting ERGs from a DEI perspective, this event will provide practical insights, honest perspectives and valuable connections to support your journey.
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
BIBA Manchester, iCAN Manchester, Clyde & Co and Premium Credit Summer Drinks 2026
Join iCAN, BIBA Greater Manchester, Clyde & Co and Premium Credit for Manchester Summer Drinks 2026.
This relaxed summer networking event brings together professionals from across the Manchester insurance market for an evening of food, drinks and conversation in the company of industry colleagues and peers.
Whether you're looking to reconnect with familiar faces, expand your professional network or simply enjoy a summer evening with others from across the market, this event provides the perfect opportunity to do so.
Hosted at Clyde & Co's Manchester office, attendees can expect a welcoming and informal atmosphere designed to encourage meaningful conversations and new connections.
Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday 16 July 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00pm – 8:30pm
📍 Location: Clyde & Co, 2 New Bailey Square, Stanley Street, Salford, M3 5GS
💷 Cost: £24 + VAT per person
Your ticket includes food and drinks.
Why Attend?
• Connect with professionals from across the Manchester insurance market
• Build new relationships and strengthen existing connections
• Meet members of the iCAN and BIBA Greater Manchester communities
• Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking in a fantastic venue
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and may be used for promotional purposes by iCAN and partner organisations. If you do not wish to appear in photographs, please inform a member of the team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know as early as possible so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth registration process.
iCAN and Aon: Unity in Diversity – South Asian Heritage Month 2026
Join iCAN and Aon for an evening that celebrates South Asian Heritage Month with honesty, warmth and ambition!
Join iCAN and Aon for an evening celebrating South Asian Heritage Month through honest conversation, cultural reflection and meaningful industry dialogue.
This special event will bring together professionals from across the insurance industry to explore themes including authentic leadership, cultural identity, representation and belonging within the workplace.
South Asian professionals represent a significant and growing presence across the insurance sector, yet senior representation remains disproportionately low. Throughout the evening, attendees will hear personal stories and perspectives exploring topics including cultural wellness, code-switching, visibility and the realities of navigating professional environments whilst remaining authentic to your identity.
The event will feature keynote and panel discussions with senior South Asian leaders from across and beyond the insurance market, alongside opportunities for networking, audience interaction and open conversation in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
What to expect:
A live panel discussion featuring senior South Asian leaders
Honest conversations around leadership, identity and workplace culture
Actionable insights on progression, visibility and representation
Networking opportunities with professionals from across the market
Audience interaction and open discussion throughout the evening
A celebration of South Asian identity, heritage and professional excellence
Speakers:
Moderator: Kishan Mangat – iCAN
Ashish Dafria – Aviva
Bushra Raja – Aon
Vinay Mistry – Apollo
Nazaneen C-Hatimi – AXA XL
This event is designed not only to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, but to encourage meaningful conversations around representation, inclusion and the future of leadership across our industry.
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN Coffee with the CEO with Karim Hirji at Intact Insurance
Join iCAN this July with Karim Hirji, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer UK&I at Intact Insurance!
Join iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) for our Coffee with the CEO session featuring Karim Hirji, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer UK&I at Intact Insurance!
What is Coffee with the CEO?
In an effort to connect our members and provide them with access to senior executives across the insurance sector, we work with our sponsors and partners to pull together an all-star cast of C-Suite individuals from across the industry to host career sessions with iCAN members. In these sessions they will discuss everything from career advice to their views on the industry and insights into their own career journey – essentially everything you need to empower your own career.
About Karim Hirji
Karim Hirji is Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer UK&I at Intact Insurance.
Over his twenty-four year career at Intact, Karim has held leadership roles across distribution, finance and commercial lines research and development. In 2016, he launched Intact Ventures, the organisation's venture capital arm, which has deployed more than $400 million across 30 investments globally.
In 2019, Karim relocated to Hong Kong to establish Intact's first international Artificial Intelligence Lab, helping drive innovation and explore the future application of emerging technologies within insurance.
Following his return to Canada in 2021, Karim became Chief Financial Officer for Intact Canada before taking responsibility for Distribution Technology in 2023.
In 2024, Karim relocated to the UK to lead the integration efforts for the Direct Line Group commercial lines business. At the beginning of 2025, he was appointed Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer UK&I.
Karim holds an Executive MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance (Honours) from the University of British Columbia and is a Chartered Insurance Professional.
More about Intact Insurance
Intact Insurance is a leading provider of Commercial and Specialty insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes across the UK and Ireland and through its Global Network in over 150 countries worldwide.
Formerly known as RSA Insurance, Intact Insurance is part of Intact Financial Corporation, the largest provider of Property and Casualty insurance in Canada and a leading Specialty lines insurer with international expertise.
At Intact, its purpose is clear - to help people, businesses and society prosper in good times and be resilient in bad times. For more information visit intactinsurance.co.uk.
Please sign up by Tuesday 7 July 2026, as only a limited number of seats are available.
The session will open with food at 5:30 pm, followed by the discussion at 6:00 pm. If you’re interested in participating in this session, please click the link below to fill out the form, a limited number of iCAN members will then be selected based on their answers.
*There may be photography at the event where the images are used for any iCAN Media or promotion – if you wish for your image not to be used, please let us know.
Please note: Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.
To preserve iCAN’s mission we kindly request that recruitment and media representatives do not attend. Your support by respecting these boundaries is greatly appreciated. If you are recruiter or member of the press and would like to attend, please get in touch with us on contact@i-can.me. If you are a media representative or recruiter who signs up, please be aware we will be in contact to decline your ticket.
iCAN Connect: How to Write Award Submissions that Stand Out
Join iCAN Connect for a practical webinar designed to help individuals, teams and organisations write stand out award submissions!
Have you ever submitted an award entry and thought, “I hope we’ve done enough to stand out?”
Or perhaps you’ve missed out on a shortlist and been left wondering what judges were really looking for.
Every year, brilliant individuals, teams, employee networks and organisations fail to gain the recognition they deserve – not because their work isn’t good enough, but because their impact isn’t communicated effectively.
Join DEI, HR, Talent, Communications, Marketing and Network Leaders from across the insurance sector for a practical session on how to write stronger award submissions, showcase impact with confidence, and maximise your chances of success.
What is iCAN Connect?
Launched in July 2020, iCAN Connect was created as a safe and collaborative space for D&I network leaders, Heads of DEI, HR and Talent across the insurance industry.
The forum enables open discussion on key inclusion challenges, sharing best practice, and learning from real organisational experiences. The group now includes nearly 300 members from across the market.
We believe that honest dialogue and shared learning are essential to building more inclusive businesses and a more equitable insurance sector.
About the Session
Every year, outstanding individuals, teams, employee resource groups and organisations miss out on recognition because they struggle to communicate their impact effectively through award submissions.
In this practical session, attendees will hear directly from Chris Robinson, Founder & Director of Boost Awards, one of the world’s leading award entry consultancies.
The discussion will explore:
• Why awards matter for individuals, teams and organisations
• What judges are really looking for
• The anatomy of a strong award submission
• How to demonstrate impact effectively
• Common mistakes that hold submissions back
• Practical tips for strengthening future award entries
Whether you are nominating yourself, a colleague, a team, an ERG or your organisation, this session will provide practical guidance and transferable insights that can be applied to future awards programmes.
About Chris Robinson
Chris Robinson is the Founder & Director of Boost Awards, the world’s first and largest award entry consultancy.
For more than fifteen years, Boost Awards has helped organisations across multiple sectors identify, write and submit award-winning entries. Chris has worked with businesses of all sizes, helping them translate their achievements into compelling submissions that gain industry recognition and deliver measurable business value.
Through his extensive experience supporting award programmes and judging processes, Chris brings a unique perspective on what separates strong submissions from the rest and what judges are really looking for when reviewing entries.
iCAN,Clyde & Co, QBE, Canopius and Chaucer - Eid al-Adha
Join iCAN, Clyde & Co, Canopius, QBE and Chaucer for a special Eid al-Adha celebration bringing colleagues and industry peers together for an evening of culture, connection and community.
This meaningful event will explore the traditions, themes and significance behind one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar, whilst creating space for conversation, learning and shared experiences across the insurance industry.
As millions of Muslims around the world complete the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Eid al-Adha represents themes of faith, sacrifice, generosity and community that continue to resonate across cultures and backgrounds today.
Whether you are observing Eid, learning about Islam for the first time, or simply curious about one of the world’s great spiritual traditions, you are welcome to join us.
What to expect:
🌙 A keynote discussion exploring the meaning and significance of Eid al-Adha and Hajj
🕌 Panel discussion featuring personal stories, reflections and lived experiences
🤝 Networking opportunities with colleagues and peers from across the industry
🍽️ Traditional halal food and non-alcoholic refreshments in a Market Setting
🌍 Conversations exploring identity, belonging, culture and faith across generations
✨ A welcoming and inclusive environment open to all backgrounds and faiths
Throughout the evening, attendees will explore themes including sacrifice, trust, generosity, pilgrimage, identity and the importance of community within both personal and professional life.
This event is designed not only as a celebration, but as an opportunity to bring people together through learning, storytelling and open conversation.
Additional Information
• Halal food will be provided
• No alcohol will be served at the event
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN Birmingham & PwC - AI & Your Career Panel Event
Join us for an honest, practical and energising conversation exploring how AI can support careers, development and the future of insurance.
Join iCAN Birmingham and PwC for an honest, practical and energising conversation exploring how AI can support careers, development and the future of work across insurance and consulting.
There’s no shortage of AI content right now and the technology is evolving quickly. Some people are early adopters, some people are worried and others simply don’t know where to start.
This panel event is designed to cut through the noise and create space for real conversations about what AI is actually doing in the workplace right now, and how professionals across all career stages are using it to work smarter, develop faster and add more value - and what the senior leaders in your business are expecting!
PANEL MEMBERS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!
Rather than another presentation about what AI might do in the future, this evening will focus on practical conversations, honest discussion and actionable insights attendees can take back into their own careers and organisations immediately.
What to expect:
🤖 Panel discussion exploring how professionals are using AI day to day
📈 Practical insights on how AI can support development rather than replace it
🧠 Honest conversations around AI anxiety and career concerns
🌍 Discussions around accessibility, inclusion and removing barriers through AI
💡 Practical starting points and tools attendees can begin using immediately
🤝 Networking opportunities with professionals from across insurance and consulting
This event is designed to help attendees feel more informed, more confident and more empowered around the future of AI within the workplace, regardless of their level of experience or technical background.
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN, Liberty & SiriusPoint - Around the Globe: World Culture Quiz Night
Join iCAN, Liberty & SiriusPoint for an exciting Quiz Night!
Join iCAN, Liberty & SiriusPoint for an exciting and interactive World Culture Quiz Night designed to bring together professionals from across the insurance industry for an evening of networking, collaboration and friendly competition.
This engaging event celebrates global cultures, traditions and perspectives through a series of themed quiz rounds, creating a fun and inclusive environment for attendees to connect and learn together.
What to expect:
🌍 General culture and global knowledge rounds
🚩 Flags and nationalities challenges
🎵 Music rounds featuring artists and genres from around the world
🍲 Food rounds celebrating dishes and cuisines from different cultures
🎭 Interactive team activities throughout the evening
🏆 Prizes for the winning team and additional participation awards
Attendees will compete in teams across a mix of visual, audio and knowledge-based challenges, designed to be entertaining, inclusive and accessible regardless of background or expertise.
The event will also serve as the launch of iCAN's upcoming Multicultural Cookbook initiative, celebrating recipes and cultural stories from across our network!
Additional Information
• Photographs will be taken during the event and used for promotional usage. If you do not wish to appear in pictures, please inform the photographers or one of the iCAN team on the day.
• If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so we can offer your space to someone on the waiting list.
• Please have your Eventbrite QR code ready at check-in to ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event.
iCAN Coffee with the CEO with Emma Lisi at Allied World
Join iCAN this June with Emma Lisi, Senior Vice President, Underwriting Head, Commercial Division at Allied World!
Join iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) for our Coffee with the CEO session featuring Emma Lisi,Senior Vice President for the Commercial Combined line of business within the European division of Allied World!
What is Coffee with the CEO?
In an effort to connect our members and provide them with access to senior executives across the insurance sector, we work with our sponsors and partners to pull together an all-star cast of C-Suite individuals from across the industry to host career sessions with iCAN members. In these sessions they will discuss everything from career advice to their views on the industry and insights into their own career journey – essentially everything you need to empower your own career.
About Emma Lisi
Based in London, Emma Lisi is the Senior Vice President for the Commercial Combined line of business within the European division of Allied World. In this role, Emma has responsibility for delivering a profitable portfolio and building the Allied World middle market offering. Emma joined Allied World in 2015 and has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.
Prior to working with Allied World, Emma spent 15 years developing a successful Medical Malpractice portfolio. Emma Specialized in the niche Line of Business of Medical Malpractice supporting clients across many geographies and all Healthcare industry sectors.
Emma progressed within Allied World starting as an Assistant Vice President of the Healthcare Liability Division to her current role as Senior Vice President of the Commercial Division.
Emma obtained their ACII from Chartered Insurance Institute and is a Chartered Insurer.
More about Allied World
Allied World is a global provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions, supporting clients, partners, and brokers with innovative cover since 2001.
As a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, Allied World benefits from a global network of affiliated companies, allowing them to think differently and respond creatively to the evolving needs of the market.
With a strong capital base, a focus on long-term partnerships, and a commitment to anticipating change, Allied World is dedicated to providing thoughtful service and meaningful protection across the insurance industry.
Please sign up by Monday 19 June 2026, as only a limited number of seats are available.
The session will open with food at 12:30 pm, followed by the discussion at 2:00 pm. If you’re interested in participating in this session, please click the link below to fill out the form, a limited number of iCAN members will then be selected based on their answers.
*There may be photography at the event where the images are used for any iCAN Media or promotion – if you wish for your image not to be used, please let us know.
Please note: Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.
To preserve iCAN’s mission we kindly request that recruitment and media representatives do not attend. Your support by respecting these boundaries is greatly appreciated. If you are recruiter or member of the press and would like to attend, please get in touch with us on contact@i-can.me. If you are a media representative or recruiter who signs up, please be aware we will be in contact to decline your ticket.
iCAN Coffee with the CEO with Ana Mata at MatBlas
Join iCAN for our Coffee with the CEO event in June with Ana Mata, Managing Director and Founder at MatBlas!
Join iCAN (Insurance Cultural Awareness Network) for our Coffee with the CEO session featuring Ana Mata!
What is Coffee with the CEO?
In an effort to connect our members and provide them with access to senior executives across the insurance sector, we work with our sponsors and partners to pull together an all-star cast of C-Suite individuals from across the industry to host career sessions with iCAN members. In these sessions they will discuss everything from career advice to their views on the industry and insights into their own career journey – essentially everything you need to empower your own career.
About Ana Mata
Ana Mata is the founder and managing director of MatBlas, she is recognised as a market leader in the London insurance industry. With deep expertise in pricing and underwriting management , she has built a reputation for delivering innovative, efficient underwriting and pricing transformations.
Ana has authored and co-authored 7 articles in reinsurance modelling and has been awarded 3 prizes for innovative research by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society. She holds a PhD in Actuarial Mathematics, a degree in Pure Mathematics and is an Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society.
More about MatBlas
At MatBlas, they understand that time is the most valuable asset any professional has – it cannot be bought, replaced, or created. Yet highly skilled insurance professionals spend countless hours on repetitive processes, entering the same data across unsynchronised systems, only to find it incomplete or missing entirely.
As a specialist pricing and underwriting management consultancy, MatBlas works with clients to create consistency and efficiency in their underwriting and pricing workflow. Processes that once took five days have been streamlined to a few hours. Data that was never captured becomes available at the press of a button.
Since 2007, MatBlas has chosen to work at the forefront of the market alongside underwriters, managing agents, and brokers rather than at the C-suite level. Their belief is simple: when an efficient workflow is in place at ground level and the right data is captured at the point of underwriting, everything else falls into place.
Please sign up by Monday 12 June 2026, as only a limited number of seats are available.
The session will open with food at 8:30 am, followed by the discussion at 10:00 am. If you’re interested in participating in this session, please click the link below to fill out the form, a limited number of iCAN members will then be selected based on their answers.
*There may be photography at the event where the images are used for any iCAN Media or promotion – if you wish for your image not to be used, please let us know.
Please note: Our events are designed predominantly for Financial Services professionals. This event has been created to encourage candid discussions amongst participants who support iCAN’s mission of creating inclusive workplaces and we want to respect the integrity of the space and the value for our host sponsors.

