Coffee with the CEO Session Insights: Featuring Alex Powell from AEGIS London.
The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) recently hosted an engaging "Coffee with the CEO" session featuring Alex Powell, CEO of AEGIS London.
This event provided a unique platform for iCAN members to connect with a senior industry leader and gain practical advice on leadership, career progression, and navigating the complexities of the insurance sector.
The Coffee with the CEO initiative continues to offer iCAN members direct access to inspiring leaders, empowering them with insights that can shape their career paths. We were delighted to partner with AEGIS London to bring this impactful session to life.
What is “Coffee with the CEO”?
The “Coffee with the CEO” series gives iCAN members invaluable access to senior leaders across the insurance industry. With the support of iCAN’s sponsors, these sessions delve into career advice, personal journeys, and industry insights, providing attendees with actionable steps to advance their growth. Each session is an opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by those who have successfully navigated their careers in insurance.
Key Takeaways from Alex Powell
In Alex’s session, attendees explored several powerful themes:
Leadership is About Listening and Acting
Alex emphasised that as one advances into more senior roles, it becomes essential to retain the ability to listen and learn from those around you. He shared that effective leadership involves valuing the perspectives of others and adapting your approach accordingly. "Leadership isn’t just about directing but about genuinely listening to build a stronger team," he noted.
Focusing on What Matters
Discussing career growth, Alex highlighted the importance of focusing only on what truly matters. He explained that it’s easy to become distracted by daily demands, but successful professionals stay focused on long-term goals. His advice? Be intentional with your time and priorities, focusing on the areas that make the most impact.
Balancing Expertise and Breadth
One of the most thought-provoking takeaways from Alex’s career journey was understanding the balance between deep expertise and broader skill sets. As leaders progress, they shift from technical expertise to building a team of specialists around them. Alex encouraged attendees to broaden their experiences and think about skills that contribute to genuine leadership, preparing them to support and lead diverse teams.
We are grateful to Alex and AEGIS London for sharing their insights and to all who attended, contributing to a thoughtful and impactful discussion. Alex’s advice on leadership, focus, and balancing skills resonated with attendees, offering guidance that will undoubtedly influence their own career paths.
About iCAN
The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) is a leading organisation committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector. Established in 2017, iCAN has been instrumental in spotlighting cultural awareness, fostering talent, and championing diversity within the industry.