Insurance Times Advent Calendar: Kelly Ogley

1. What was your insurance highlight of 2024?

Well, I’d have to say winning the Insurance Times Industry Achiever award would be one of them wouldn’t I?

It came as a complete shock and I’m extremely honoured and humbled – but I could not have won it without the amazing people I have had the privilege to work with.

But, actually, the real highlight of 2024 was seeing all the fantastic work my teams are doing day in day out.

Whether it’s the way they came together in the floods. Whether it’s the care and consideration they give to all their clients no matter the issue.

Or whether it’s the work we’ve done with schools to interest a new generation in the magic of insurance.

2. What is your Christmas message for your insurance colleagues?

Have a good break. Get some rest. Spend some quality time with family and friends. But don’t over do it on the mince pies and mulled wine.

Because I suspect next year is going to be even busier. It’s clear that many people are still finding life hard. The cost of living crisis continues to bite.

And we’re going to have to stay fighting fit to ensure we always delight our clients.

3. What do you hope to find under the industry’s Christmas tree for 2025?

I’d love to see the industry really unwrapping the talent challenge. I’ve banged on a lot about this in my column but it’s pivotal.

We’re great at selling product but less good at selling ourselves. This is a fantastic sector that spans every aspect of the economy, from cyber and climate to sports and entertainment, so it shouldn’t be hard at all to sell our story.

Insurance is fun. It’s exciting. It’s rewarding. We’ve got to get that message out there to schools, universities and careers fairs. Presenting the gift of insurance to a new generation of practitioners will make sure we all have an even happier new year.