A good leader looks after their team

Effective managers show empathy and lead by example, says Howden Re’s Wyatt. 

Nominated for our LEADERS under 40, the career of Molly Wyatt, property treaty broker at Howden Re, began with a significant opportunity that set the stage for her subsequent achievements.

Intelligent Insurer caught up with Wyatt to find out more.

“I was fortunate to join the JLT Re graduate scheme in 2015,” she recalled, highlighting the breadth of her early experiences, such as rotating through various teams across the company before finding her niche within the London Market team.

When JLT was acquired by MMC in 2019, Wyatt transitioned to the Guy Carpenter Retro team where she spent a couple of formative years.

“This then led to my moving to Howden Re London and then Bermuda to help establish the new Bermuda office and portfolio,” she explained.

Her journey continued to evolve as Howden Re acquired TigerRisk in 2023, and she now contributes to the combined Property Retro team.

Wyatt’s introduction to the re/insurance sector was shaped by early exposure and thoughtful consideration during her academic years.

“Through spending time in Bermuda throughout my childhood I was lucky enough to have been exposed to the insurance industry from a young age,” she noted.

Despite initial uncertainties during her business management degree, conversations with industry professionals revealed the sector’s potential, confirming that it was the perfect career path for her.

People make all the difference

Throughout her career, Wyatt has faced numerous challenges, many of which have required quick adaptation and resilience.

“Navigating my way through situations which have been out of my control has been the hardest,” she reflected.

Amid the challenges, Wyatt found the most rewarding aspect of her career to be the people.

“It sounds cliché, but it’s the team around me,” she said.

“Knowing that you have the support of your team and enjoying going to work every day is by far the most rewarding part,” she added.

Wyatt’s excitement about the industry’s direction is palpable: she strongly believes the re/insurance sector holds the potential to make the world a better place, and is enthusiastic about being part of this transformative journey.

“There are many positive changes within the industry with regard to diversity and inclusion throughout most companies,” Wyatt observed.

“It is amazing to see opportunities arising for more people from all walks of life.”

“There are many positive changes within the industry with regard to diversity and inclusion.” Molly Wyatt, Howden Re

A good leader pulls their team together

Good leadership has three traits, according to Wyatt.

“Having empathy, understanding what makes different people ‘tick’, and leading by example are all leadership traits that I have been fortunate to experience first-hand,” she explained.

“I have been lucky to have numerous people throughout my career help guide and support me which has been invaluable to where I am now.”

The ability to understand what motivates individuals and to create a culture where everyone feels seen, valued and heard is also crucial.

“There needs to be a clear common goal that everyone is pulling together to reach, using their individual strengths to get there,” Wyatt emphasised.

For young people considering their career paths, Wyatt wholeheartedly recommends the re/insurance industry, saying: “It can be hard at times but the positives outweigh the negative every day.” 

Looking ahead, Wyatt is committed to continuing her career trajectory.

“I hope to keep learning and help others learn and grow too,” she stated.

Describing Howden Re’s growth over the past few years, Wyatt is enthusiastic about witnessing and contributing to the company’s future successes.

“I have been excited to be part of that, and I can’t wait to witness what we succeed in the next phase,” she concluded.

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