Published on
15 November 2024Reading time
4 min.
Recently, I had the privilege of welcoming renowned explorer, bestselling author and broadcaster Simon Reeve to speak at our Unique Perspectives event series.
Drawing from his extraordinary career that has taken him to some of the world’s most remote places, Simons insights on the human experience and the importance of embracing risk resonated with our audience. Moreover, his reflections on adaptability, resilience, and the value of meritocracy offer some valuable food for thought in our industry, where fostering an environment that encourages growth and continuous improvement is essential to creating a thriving and diverse landscape.
Early in the discussion, Simon shared a poignant story from his early career. Recalling his struggles in academia and with his mental health, he reflected on the pride and camaraderie he felt in his first job as a postboy at the Sunday Times. Arriving at the office at 6am to sort through sacks of letters, he described the nervousness that accompanied his first few days on the job, the relationships he has forged, and the opportunities they have afforded him throughout his career. Having achieved remarkable success without a traditional academic background, his experiences have taught him the value of perseverance and “showing up”, reminding us that every success should be based on merit and hard work.
With Simon’s documentaries taking him across jungles, deserts, mountains and beyond, he has dodged bullets, found himself on the front line, and has even been detained by the KGB. If his travels have instilled one thing in him, it is a deep appreciation for the value of calculated risk-taking. In a culture that is arguably too focused on comfort, Simon reflected that this can sometimes prevent us from developing true resilience. He cautioned against an overly risk-averse mindset, remarking that fewer people are willing to push their own boundaries in today’s world. For Simon, resilience is built not by avoiding challenges but by actively engaging with them. Ultimately, this is a principle that should apply not only to individuals but also to sectors like ours, where adapting to challenges and promoting a culture of continuous growth are vital for success.
The values of equality and trust also rang true throughout the discussion. Simon emphasised the lessons he has gained from diverse cultures around the world, particularly his experiences with indigenous communities. He described their flat leadership structures, where individuals hold equal status, contributing to a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. His reflections on Scandinavian societies were similarly pertinent, with Reeve acknowledging the high levels of trust achieved through a deep commitment to equality.
For Simon, trust isn’t a soft value; it’s a foundational one, not only among individuals but between people and institutions. He mentioned how some Scandinavian economies thrive, in part, due to this trust, which creates an environment where people can rely on one another and on organisations without the need for restrictive, lengthy contracts. And while we aren’t in the business of eschewing contracts, it’s a perspective that our industry can reflect on, recognising that a commitment to equality can help cultivate trust and unity across diverse teams.
While the far-flung destinations that Simon has travelled to may seem a million miles away from the world of specialty insurance, his reflections offer a powerful takeaway for the corporate world: that successful teams are often built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared accountability – principles that drive people to push their boundaries and develop a genuine commitment to their work.
We were left with a powerful reminder that while risks are inherent in any journey, the rewards of stepping into the unknown can lead to transformative experiences. As we strive to create an inclusive and thriving industry, it is vital to encourage our teams to take calculated risks, learn from failures, and celebrate successes.
