Leading the conversation on young talent, Kennedy's contribution to Red EWI podcast

At Kennedys, we are committed, not only to supporting the insurance sector through expert legal advice, but also to contributing to the conversations that shape its future. 

Alicia Fole, a Senior Associate in our office in Spain was a featured speaker in the recent Red EWI podcast “How to attract young talent”, dedicated to one of the biggest challenges facing the insurance sector today: attracting and retaining the next generation of insurance professionals. 

The insurance sector is undergoing a cultural, technological and generational transformation. As companies adapt to these changes, they must also adapt their internal structures. A major part of that evolution is undertaking what younger professionals value in the workplace. 

Speakers discussed what young talent seeks: 

• Purpose driven work: a sense that their contributions matter
• Authenticity and values alignment within the organisations they join
• Quick and meaningful opportunities to influence projects and business decisions

Other key highlights include: 

• Building pathways, not just positions – companies must design development paths that provide real, tangible growth opportunities
• The importance of listening, continuous training, and having role models
• The impact of digital transformation and soft skills, highlighting the ability to adapt to change
• And something crucial: the need for the entire sector to work together with schools and universities to show the true appeal of the insurance industry. In order to convince more young people that our sector is interesting, we need to reach out to them, speak their language, and show them the real opportunities available

These priorities are shaping what insurance organisations must offer if they are to remain competitive in the talent market. 

All speakers agreed that the sustainability of the insurance industry depends on its ability to integrate and empower young professionals. Their voice, creativity and expectations are not obstacles, they are the fuel for transformation. 

When asked, at the end of the podcast, for one takeaway that summarises the session, Alicia highlighted that “we have to work with young professionals to attract them towards the insurance sector”.

Championing young talent is important to Kennedys and by contributing to conversations around mentoring, career development and inclusive opportunities, we help advance an ecosystem where future professionals can thrive. The themes discussed in the podcast echo our firm’s belief that workplaces should be: 

• Open to diverse perspectives
• Inclusive across demographics and backgrounds
• Reflective of the communities they serve