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Speaker Interview: Reid Stanway, Head of Digital, Ki Insurance
As Head of Digital Partnerships at Ki, the industry’s first fully algorithmic Lloyd’s of London syndicate, Reid sits at the forefront of insurance innovation, proving this is no longer an industry people simply “fall into,” but one of the most dynamic career choices around. With over a decade of experience, including senior roles as Chief Digital Officer at Verisk and Global Digital Placement Leader at Marsh, he has led the charge on scaling digital platforms like Whitespace and launching Digital Follow Solutions such as those behind McGill’s Auton. In this conversation, he shares candid insights on what newcomers get wrong about the industry, why a coffee chat can beat a hundred online applications, and the surprising 50-day canoe expedition that continues to influence his approach to challenge and patience.
What’s one misconception about the industry that you’d love to change?
That it's an industry that people just fall into... Increasingly it's one of the more interesting and innovative sectors to choose from, yet students ignore it or shun it as their only experience with insurance is that it is a mandatory purchase when they get their first car, and generally dislike that experience.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter this field today?
Meet the people in person for a coffee meeting. Don't just throw the resume out the door. Be creative and reach out to the people who you think you'd like to do their job. Ask them about their lived experience, what they like about the role, as well as don't - you'd be surprised how often people just want to talk about their stories. Those informational interviews are more likely to generate a result than the 100s of resumes you are submitting to online job submissions.
What’s one lesson from outside of insurance that has shaped how you work?
Having worked in the Canadian oil sands as well as mineral exploration, with the lived experience of workplace accidents and/ or loss - the work we do in insurance matters, as it's a fundamental part of helping corporations and the economy rebuild, and maintains an essential part of society's resilience.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be patient.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I once did a 50 day canoe trip up the Canadian Mackenzie river, visiting all of the local communities along the way, up to Invik, from Fort Providence.