In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Sally Peace, Chief of Staff and HR Director at Apollo, to discuss an unconventional career that has spanned actuarial science, catastrophe modelling, operations, business planning, HR and executive leadership.

Sally shares how embracing opportunities, rather than following a rigid career plan, helped shape her journey into one of the most unique leadership roles in the insurance market.

The conversation explores leadership, company culture, mentoring, diversity, flexible working, AI's impact on talent, and why saying "yes" before you feel completely ready can be one of the most powerful career decisions you'll ever make.

Whether you're leading teams today or aspiring to leadership tomorrow, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest reflections.

• Why you don't need a five or ten-year career plan.
• How sideways career moves often create the best leaders.
• The difference between management and leadership.
• Why confidence grows after saying yes not before.
• How Apollo approaches culture and flexible working.
• The role HR should really play in shaping a business.
• Why communication is leadership's most important skill.
• How AI is changing talent development in insurance.
• Why mentoring and coaching can accelerate your growth.

Careers don't have to follow a straight line embrace opportunities that stretch you.

Great leaders listen more than they speak.

Culture isn't created by HR alone it's everyone's responsibility.

Flexible working works best when it's built on trust rather than rigid policies.

Confidence comes from doing difficult things, not waiting until you feel ready.

AI won't replace great people but it will change the skills organisations need.

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You can connect with Mark Thomas and Sally Peace on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by John Wingate, Chief Technology Officer at Envelop Risk, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming insurance and why technology should enhance people rather than replace them.

John shares his fascinating journey from developing software for Rolls-Royce jet engines and military systems to leading one of the insurance industry's most innovative technology teams.

Together, they discuss AI, machine learning, cyber insurance, leadership, communication, and what it really takes to build products that solve meaningful problems.

Whether you're interested in technology, insurance, engineering or leadership, this episode offers practical insights into the future of work and innovation.

• How John transitioned from aerospace engineering into insurance.
• Why Envelop Risk has built its own AI-powered underwriting platform.
• How AI is changing software development and insurance.
• Why technology should help people make better decisions—not replace them.
• The biggest opportunities AI presents for insurers.
• Why communication is an underrated technical skill.
• What makes a great Chief Technology Officer.
• How to build high-performing technical teams.
• Why solving the right problem is more important than solving it quickly.

Great technology starts with understanding the problem—not the tool.

AI will increase productivity by helping people do more, not simply replacing jobs.

Communication is one of the most valuable skills technical leaders can develop.

The best CTOs stay close to technology while empowering their teams.

Innovation comes from combining technical expertise with deep industry knowledge.

Long-term career success comes from choosing interesting problems rather than chasing titles.

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Carys Lawton-Bryce, Chief Operations Officer at Markel International, to explore her unconventional journey into executive leadership.

From growing up in South Africa to leading large-scale operational transformation across one of the insurance industry's leading organisations, Karis shares how curiosity, calculated risk-taking and a commitment to continuous learning shaped her career.

They discuss why leadership isn't about having all the answers, how AI is transforming insurance operations, and the qualities that separate great COOs from good ones.

Whether you're aspiring to senior leadership, navigating career decisions, or interested in the future of operations and AI, this episode is packed with practical insights.

• Why the best careers rarely follow a straight line.
• How stepping outside your comfort zone accelerates growth.
• The lessons Karis learned managing teams outside her technical expertise.
• Why adding value matters more than chasing job titles.
• How AI is changing the role of the modern COO.
• Why Markel rolled out Microsoft Copilot across its workforce.
• The balance between strategic thinking and operational execution.
• The leadership qualities Karis believes every executive should develop.
• Practical advice for anyone aspiring to a C-suite role.

Take opportunities that help you learn even if they don't make perfect sense on paper.

Great leaders don't need all the technical answers; they need to ask the right questions.

AI should empower people, not replace them.

Career progression isn't about climbing a ladder it's about building experience.

Humility, curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty remain some of the most valuable leadership traits.