What does it actually take to go from growing up in one of Glasgow's most deprived areas to becoming a CEO in the insurance industry without a university degree, without a clear plan, and without ever making CEO your goal?

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas sits down with Chris Barclay, CEO of Superscript, for one of the most candid career conversations the show has delivered. Chris traces 20+ years across claims, loss adjusting, commercial leadership, and insurtech including stints at Norwich Union, Crawford & Company, Thistle, and Marsh before joining Superscript as Chief Commercial Officer and being appointed CEO just over a year ago.

Chris opens up about the Glassdoor review that triggered genuine anxiety, the imposter syndrome that hit when he became CEO, the six months he spent trying to be someone else, and what pulled him back to himself. He also shares his take on AI in digital broking Superscript's mantra of "enabled by tech, powered by people" along with his three-year growth roadmap and a frank view on the talent and work ethic challenges facing insurance today.

Key topics include: non-traditional career paths in insurance, claims as a leadership foundation, turnaround leadership, CEO transition, mental health and resilience, insurtech strategy, and AI in broking.

If you work in insurance technology, broking, or insurtech or you're an ambitious leader trying to figure out what the next step looks like then this one is for you.

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe to Beyond the Desk, leave a review and share it with someone in your network.

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.