iCANPerspectives: A Rallying Cry for Continued Change in the Insurance Industry by David Flint
Having spent 40 years in the Lloyd’s, London insurance markets, as well as travelling extensively I’ve seen firsthand how the insurance industry has changed when it comes to diversity.
When I started my Broking career in Lloyd’s, women had only recently been allowed to trade in the “Room.” Over the years, the number of people of colour on the trading floor increased to double digits, and the number of women multiplied tenfold – change had finally started to come about.
Today, the diversity at the entry and junior management levels has improved to the extent that I believe there is a visible change in Black and Asian representation in and around the insurance market.
As someone who is in the market on a daily basis, my view literally comes from the number of people from various backgrounds, be that gender or racial diversity. Clearly, there have been a number of government initiatives that have been adopted and received significant momentum in terms of sex, gender identity and disability.
When I look at the areas with the greatest influence in the insurance industry, being Senior Management, and the Boardroom, diversity change has come mainly in terms of the number of women represented in senior positions of influence - a positive albeit long overdue change. Now, the momentum is focused on achieving a similar change for people of colour, and more specifically Black people. I’m looking to assist those driving the initiatives from the top and I’m looking at my colleagues, who have been in the industry as long as I have, to help come together to create action. Our experience would enable us to offer guidance and solidarity, by sharing the knowledge gained from coming up through the various levels within the marketplace.
For those leaders worried about creating an impact or noise, I am here to offer support and advice. For those coming up from a diverse background the idea of being an Ally, who offers support, advice, shared experiences, moral backing, an ear to listen, a protective barrier, a leader and confidant, but most importantly a champion providing comfort and strength to support peoples’ ambitions, emotions and feelings.
I ask my fellow insurance colleagues to help us come together to continue to raise cultural awareness, campaign for constructive change and highlight black excellence. Through networks and platforms like iCAN, we can inform the insurance community on important issues affecting black people’s working experience and create a better, diverse world – for all of us.
About the Author
David Flint is currently responsible for Broking and Capacity Distribution at Newpoint Insurance Brokers Limited at Lloyd’s. Over the course of his 40 year career, he has worked for Major Brokers in Lloyd’s, London and International markets, serving as Head of UK and International Casualty. Travelling the world, he has traded on most continents providing advice to Underwriters, Brokers, Re-insurers, and those associated with the insurance industry. He is also Head of Football at Lloyd’s FC with responsibility for the Annual Charity Dinner, which raises funds for charities and good causes.