My 25-Year Journey in Insurance and Innovation

Insurance and innovation—two words you don’t often hear in the same sentence.

If someone had told me 25 years ago that I’d still be in insurance today, I probably would’ve laughed—and laughed hard.

I could tell you I’ve always been passionate about insurance or that I dreamed of becoming an industry expert. But the truth is, as a little girl, I wanted to be an astronaut. Later, I was convinced I’d spend my life playing with uranium and atoms as a nuclear physicist—or developing a new Theory of Everything.

Life—or rather, my parents—had different plans. So, instead of flying to Mars or experimenting with quantum tunnelling, I landed in… insurance. And here we are. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re in this industry too.

Over the years, I’ve navigated policies, premiums, and processes. I’ve worked across countries, led teams, climbed corporate ladders—and fallen off a few.

Because what is life if you don’t fail at least a few times?

A career spent in big corporates

I’ve worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years—across life, health, property, and casualty. I’ve developed products, built platforms, streamlined processes, and led business transformations. From small operational entities to regional management and group centres, from operations to claims, there are a few corners of the industry I haven’t explored.

I was loyal to big brands, spending more than 17 years with Allianz and another six with Swiss Re. Both are remarkable companies that offered me experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything.

My friends always laugh when I tell them my heart skips a beat every time I see the Allianz logo. I guess I still have a little Allianz blue running through my veins (Panettone 293, as I affectionately used to call it 😊).

No matter the area, I always believed in the power of innovation to change the way we deal with insurance – from disruptive propositions to advanced claims settlement, there is always a sweet spot for innovation that creates real impact.

A new place I call home

From Europe to Asia and Australia, I travelled and led projects across the globe until six years ago, when life brought me to Switzerland. It was a bold move—stepping into a demanding C-level job as a single mom of a seven-year-old daughter. Not a move for the faint-hearted.

Switzerland, however, made it easy. Friendly people, a safe environment where we could heal and stunning landscapes. I fell in love with my new home. So much so that this self-proclaimed couch potato found herself hiking and climbing.

Last year, on August 1st (Switzerland’s National Day), I climbed Dufourspitze—the highest peak in Switzerland. Again, not for the faint-hearted, but that’s a story for another time.

While I’m still afraid of heights, crevasses, and exposed ridges, there are very few things that can scare me in business. So, what about a more dramatic change?

Too late to be an entrepreneur?

After a long career in the corporate world, I realised something was missing. I was still searching for purpose. And let’s just say patience is not one of my virtues. I wanted speed, innovation, disruption, chaos. And I wanted it now—while this creative energy still burned so brightly.

So, I became an entrepreneur.

Our little shop has become my daily dose of heart attacks and intellectual challenges. In a tiny but mighty team, we’re developing sophisticated insurance solutions for emerging risks.

I’ve worked on insurance and innovation before, but nothing compares to the thrill of entrepreneurship.

Yes, the work is exciting and fulfilling. I’ve always loved wearing multiple hats. But setting up everything from scratch? That’s a different game. In corporate, there’s a whole infrastructure for support—tech, suppliers, licenses. In entrepreneurship? You’re the one building the whole machine.

Before, I had a fixed salary, a bonus, and stock options. Now? Everything’s measured in the runway. You hope it lasts until the start-up takes off! In a big company, projects move slowly, layered in departments and endless meetings. In a start-up, it’s a daily rollercoaster: you wake up energised, hit a critical blocker by 10 am, and find a solution by 10:45. Life is great again!

Would I change anything? Hell, no! I had no idea what real adventure was until now.

As I always say, life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

Why am I here

First, because I love writing, it’s how I explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and connect with people. I’m here not just to share what I’ve learned but to learn from you, too.

Second, because I believe in the power of ideas to reshape our world. At the centre of my vision is the need for a human-centric economy—one that places people and the planet before profits.

But to achieve this, we must challenge traditional leadership models. The command-and-control style of leadership, born in the industrial age, no longer serves a fast-moving, interconnected world. Hierarchical structures must evolve into modern, flexible operating models that can adapt to constant change.

What does all of this have to do with insurance and innovation?

Insurance is a cornerstone of the new economy. It has the power to create safety nets, offer relief in times of disaster, and build stronger, more resilient communities. Access to insurance can lift people out of poverty, providing stability and opportunity.

A 2023 study from the University of Cambridge shows that inclusive insurance models are essential to reducing inequality and fostering sustainable development. Research from the World Bank and Milliman further highlights how insurance supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals—driving progress toward financial inclusion and economic resilience.

Innovative insurance solutions allow us to create ecosystems that protect individuals, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster a sense of security in an uncertain world.

If you’re here, I hope you’ll join the conversation—exploring the past, present, and future of this fascinating industry (and beyond) together.

Insurance isn’t about policies or platforms. It’s about people—it always has been and will always be.

Mirela Dimofte

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