Briefing: The importance of role models in the insurance industry

According to data published by the ABI in December 2024, only one in 10 senior leaders in UK insurance come from ethnic minority backgrounds. For professionals from multicultural communities, the path to the top of the career ladder can often feel invisible – or completely closed off.

The insurance industry is evolving as we embrace new technologies, rethink how we attract talent and move towards creating more inclusive workplaces. But, despite this progress, many professionals from multicultural backgrounds are asking the same question – can someone like me succeed in UKGI?

This is why role models matter. They are not just figureheads – they are a vital part of building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive insurance industry. Their stories have the power to inspire belief, open doors and shape the future of our sector.

Deepak Soni, chief executive at specialty MGA Optio and one of the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network’s (Ican) 2025 role models told me: “The importance of role models in insurance cannot be overstated. Representation matters – not just as a concept, but as a catalyst for real change.

“When people see someone who looks like them, who shares their background, succeeding in a space where they’ve been historically underrepresented, it ignites belief. It fuels ambition. It says ‘you belong here too’.”

At Ican, we believe in the power of representation. Last month (June 2025), we proudly launched our latest Role Models book, which features 80 insurance professionals from the UK and – for the first time – the United States. The first edition of the Role Models book was published in 2019.

Each featured role model in the 2025 book shared their career journey, challenges and advice in the hope of inspiring the next generation of talent.

This is a reminder that in an industry still grappling with issues of inclusion, visibility can be a huge catalyst for change.

Donna Scully, director at law firm Carpenters Group and another of Ican’s role models, said: “I think [American tennis player] Billie Jean King said it best – ‘if you can see it, you can be it’.

“For me, because of my background and education, I needed to see somebody like me in law or leadership to give me the hope and inspiration to follow my dreams. To motivate me to do the hard yards knowing I have a chance to succeed because they did and they look like me.”

Why role models matter

For many years, the insurance industry has struggled with visible diversity – particularly at senior levels.

This lack of representation can leave talented individuals wondering whether they truly have a place in our sector, or whether progression is reserved for people who do not look like them, sound like them, or share their lived experiences.

When we have role models who reflect the breadth of backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities and career journeys that exist within our industry, it sends a powerful message – you belong here. You can succeed here.

Another of Ican’s role models, Nuria Munoz, head of talent acquisition for Europe and Latin America at reinsurer Munich Re, said: “Role models remind us that what we dream is possible – especially when we’re navigating unfamiliar spaces.

“As someone who has lived in four different countries, I’ve had to rebuild not just my life but also my sense of belonging time and again. Every time I landed in a new place, one of the first things I looked for – often instinctively – was someone I could identify with. Someone who could show me, through their presence or path, that I wasn’t alone.”

Role models help break down stereotypes about who the insurance profession is for. They can show that success is not limited to one career path, one accent or one identity. They can offer relatable advice, support networks and the kind of real life stories that make others believe in their own potential.

The ripple effect of representation

The impact of a role model often goes far beyond the individual. When someone rises, they often bring others with them.

Role models can help create systemic change within their organisations. For example, advocating for better policies, mentoring others and challenging assumptions about what leadership should look like.

They can influence hiring decisions, develop inclusive cultures and help businesses attract and retain diverse talent.

This is exactly why Ican created the Role Models book series. Now in its third edition, the project has become a platform for sharing authentic stories from professionals who might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

The book’s expansion into the US this year marks an exciting step in amplifying these stories on a global stage and signals a growing, international commitment to multicultural inclusion in insurance.

One Ican member shared with me how she was reading the 2023 Role Models book and it gave her the confidence to reach out and find more senior mentors. As a result, she applied for a management position – and got it. She’s now mentoring others and paying it forward.

Meanwhile, Dauda Jammeh, head of finance operations at insurer Beazley, features in this year’s Role Models book and has this to say about why role models are important: “Role models are so important because they help people see what’s possible.

“Role models show people what can be done – and who they can become. Sometimes all it takes is seeing someone who looks like you, sounds like you, or has walked a path that feels familiar, to believe that you can do it too.

“Role models don’t need to be perfect – they just need to be real, visible and intentional about lifting others as they climb.”

Ican’s ongoing commitment

At Ican, we continue to champion multicultural inclusion through storytelling, networking and industry-wide collaboration.

Alongside our Role Models books, we’re proud to offer initiatives like our inclusive jobs board Ican Apply, mentoring platform Inspire and knowledge sharing forum Ican Connect. These tools are all designed to help diverse talent thrive.

But it’s not just about Ican. Every one of us can play a role in creating a more inclusive insurance industry. Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring a colleague or simply being visible and approachable to those coming up behind you – you have the potential to be someone’s role model.

We encourage everyone reading this to reflect on your own journey and think about how you can help shape the path for others.

So, here’s my challenge to you. Share your story. Reach out to someone new in your organisation. Or simply ask yourself ‘who’s watching me and what do they see?’

Let’s keep building an industry where everyone can see themselves succeed.