My First Year in Insurtech: From Tradition to Innovation with Habit.io

After 28 years in a traditional insurance company, one year ago I felt it was just the right moment to change my life and aim for a different future. With a heavy heart (about ending a lifelong relationship) but full of confidence in the future, I made the leap to become Chief Growth Officer at Habit, an Insurtech leading the charge in revolutionizing insurance distribution.

Almost one year after this significant change in my professional career, it is time to share a first assessment. In particular, with all those who, for reasons of age (believe me, at 50 we’re young!), career path, status in the current organization or other barriers that we often place ourselves, hesitate to do something different and take the leap. In my personal case, this move has allowed me to embrace new dynamics, bringing the excitement of global marketing and sales leadership while navigating a fast-paced, innovative environment. But while the journey has been fulfilling, it’s not without its challenges. Shall we take a look?

“In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” – Mark Zuckerberg

Speed and Agility

The shift to Habit has been invigorating, largely due to the fast decision-making processes. At Habit, agility is key. We don’t just adapt to change - we drive it. Decisions that once took months (with multiple versions of internal Powerpoint presentations, spreadsheets and meetings) now happen in days, thanks to our lean structure. This has allowed us to be extremely responsive to customer needs across the globe. That said, with speed comes the pressure to execute flawlessly and deliver quickly - a challenge for any Insurtech, working under shareholder expectations, and developing new business with demanding corporate partners.

Global Impact Through Innovation

Habit ’s platform empowers partners to seamlessly enter the insurance space. Whether it’s Telecom providers, Retailers or other sectors, Habit uses real-time data to trigger personalized insurance offers, helping businesses diversify revenue while presenting the right product at the right time. However, scaling globally presents its own hurdles. Not all partners move at the same speed, and working with traditional insurers or distributors can slow down processes, despite our agile approach, and with that, sometimes comes an occasional frustration. Finding alignment between different operating models, cultures and strategic priorities is a constant challenge.

Fun, Informality, and a Fresh Perspective

Working at Habit is energizing. The startup culture is informal, which fosters creativity and collaboration. It’s a place where fun and innovation coexist, and our teams thrive on it, navigating in an "orchestrated chaos" full of energy. But with this freedom also comes responsibility (almost quoting Spiderman’s Uncle Ben...). As we continue to grow, ensuring that this vibrant culture persists while keeping up with growth targets is a balancing act. The demands of scaling can sometimes threaten the spontaneity that defines our culture, so we must be attentive and cautious.

Contextual, Automated Solutions

One of the most exciting aspects of Habit is the tech innovation. Our platform is powered by automated workflows - from contextual triggered sales journeys, to fraud detection, payment orchestration or claims management - ensuring smooth, frictionless operations. By offering a single API for all insurance activities (and all products of different Carriers), we simplify processes for our partners. However, the rapid pace of technological advancements also means a constant need for top-tier talent in tech. Attracting and retaining talent is a key focus for any growing Insurtech like ours.

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts

Product & Insurer Agnostic Flexibility

What sets Habit apart is our fully agnostic approach. We work with any insurer or service provider, and any product, which opens doors to creating customized solutions tailored to specific partner needs. This flexibility, combined with our white-label solutions, ensures fast deployment and seamless integration, enabling our partners to offer contextual insurance without complexity. But being agnostic also comes with its own pressures - the need to stay competitive and constantly innovate to offer partners the best options, or risk falling behind.

Learning and Evolution

This journey has been both a learning curve and a breath of fresh air. Leading global growth in such an innovative space has deepened my understanding of the future of insurance. From real-time data to simplified embedded solutions, Habit is shaping the future, and I’m thrilled to be part of this evolution. But evolution also requires constant adaptation. The pressure to maintain high growth while navigating an ever-evolving landscape requires both resilience and a laser focus on execution.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Being Valued for My Expertise

One of the most rewarding aspects of joining Habit has been the recognition and value placed on my deep industry experience. Having led diverse areas - from IT, Contact Centers, and Strategic Projects to Marketing, a Direct Insurer and New Distribution Channels - I believe that I bring a wealth of transversal know-how that allows me to contribute strategically across various facets of the business. It’s an incredible feeling to be appreciated not only for my leadership but also for the broad expertise I’ve built over the years. Past relationships with numerous business partners have remained untouchable, and it is enriching (and a source of pride, I admit) to continue to be treated with so much respect and affection everywhere.

A New Focus on Work-Life Balance

Another remarkable shift has been the balance I’ve achieved between work and personal life. At Habit , work-life balance is not just an idea but a core principle. With 40 days a year dedicated to our personal time, I now have the space to pursue my passions - whether it’s spending quality time with my family, traveling around the globe, surfing (more than ever!), reading, or diving into new hobbies. This has truly enriched both my professional and personal life.

A Team that Welcomed Me with Open Arms

Another meaningful aspect of my transition to Habit has been the incredible welcome I received from the team. They had already been working closely together for five years, and joining such a tight-knit group could have been challenging. But from day one, I felt embraced, respected, and valued. The camaraderie, professionalism, and collaborative spirit of my colleagues have been key to my success. I am proud to work alongside such talented individuals, and I’m grateful for their trust and support.

Challenges on the Road Ahead

While this journey at Habit has been fantastic, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that come with it. Scaling a business is never without pressure - whether it’s meeting revenue targets, managing investor expectations, or ensuring we grow sustainably. The nature of Insurtech means constantly staying ahead of market demands while dealing with slower-moving partners or traditional insurers. These challenges are very real, but they also make the wins that much more rewarding!

“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker

In Conclusion…

My first year at Habit has been transformational. The speed, innovation, and global scale have reinvigorated my passion for the insurance industry space. Coupled with a renewed focus on work-life balance, being valued for my deep industry expertise, and the incredible support from my new team, I am excited to help lead the way in making insurance more contextual, efficient, and accessible. But it’s not all smooth sailing - the challenges we face keep us grounded and motivate us to push harder toward success.

Embrace the unknown because the biggest waves bring the greatest rides. Let’s Grow! ??