Why change is so hard in insurance

Why is meaningful innovation so hard in insurance, and what can be done about it?

In this episode of Hub & Spoken, host Jason Foster is joined by John Turner, a global underwriting leader and expert in life and health insurance, to explore the innovation imperative in one of the world's most traditional (and risk-averse) industries.

They unpack the complex cultural, structural, and regulatory challenges that make change difficult in insurance, from siloed teams and outdated processes to over-engineered tech solutions that miss the mark. But they also spotlight the opportunities: from automation that enhances the customer journey to cross-functional collaboration that drives real transformation.

💡 Key talking points include:

1. Why conservative cultures make innovation harder — but not impossible

2. The hidden flaws in traditional underwriting and risk selection

3. How data, automation and behaviour change can unlock new growth

4. The clash between insurers and insurtechs — and how to bridge it

5. What truly customer-led innovation looks like

Whether you're in insurance, financial services, or just trying to drive change in a legacy-heavy environment, this episode is packed with ideas, reflections, and real-world experience you can learn from.

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Cynozure is a leading data, analytics and AI company that helps organisations to reach their data potential. It works with clients on data and AI strategy, data management, data architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, data culture and literacy, and data leadership. The company was named one of The Sunday Times' fastest-growing private companies in both 2022 and 2023 and recognised as The Best Place to Work in Data by DataIQ in 2023 and 2024. Cynozure is a certified B Corporation.