S2 E02: From Culinary Dreams to Compliance Leadership: Suneeta Padda's Inspiring Journey

People in Insurance: Changing the Conversation

In this engaging episode of 'Changing the Conversation,' Sarah interviews Suneeta Padda, the founder and managing director of PADDA Consulting, a London-based regulatory compliance firm. Suneeta shares her remarkable journey from aspiring chef to an award-winning consultant, detailing her experiences with arranged marriage, raising children, career shifts, and her significant roles in the insurance industry.

She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting her own business and highlights her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. Suneeta also provides valuable insights into balancing professional and personal life, drawing from her own story of resilience and determination.

Quote of the Episode

"I would not want a job because I'm an Asian woman. I would want the job because I'm the best for that job."

Key Takeaways

Suneeta Padda's journey from aspiring chef to successful compliance consultant offers valuable insights for both personal growth and organisational development. Her experiences highlight the importance of resilience, cultural awareness, and inclusive practices in today's business world. Some key takeaways from her interview include:

• Resilience can come from facing cultural and personal challenges from a young age
• Diversity without inclusion can lead to high attrition rates in organizations
• Family values can be successfully integrated into business practices
• Open communication and education are crucial for advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Starting a business can be lonely, but building a community of like-minded entrepreneurs can help
• Balancing work and personal life require creative solutions and efficient time management

These lessons from Suneeta's career underscore the need for a holistic approach to business leadership that considers cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and diverse perspectives. By embracing these principles, individuals and firms can foster more inclusive, innovative, and successful environments.

Key Quotes

"I'm helping people who are coming into our insurance market and broader afield with those aspects of that integration into the workplace and it's okay to be yourself. It's okay. You hear a lot of firms saying, bring your whole self to work. How much of that is actually true?"

"I don't seem to be able to compartmentalise any of it, but both a blessing and a curse. But it really feels much more prevalent in the conversations I'm having in the cultures that businesses are trying to foster. And I think it's a really good thing."

"Diversity without inclusion would naturally lead to a high attrition rate. Because if you don't feel included somewhere, why would you want to stay?"

About the Guest

Suneeta Padda is the Managing Director and founder of Padda Consulting, a London-based firm specialising in regulatory compliance for the insurance industry.

Established in 2012, Padda Consulting serves diverse clients globally, including brokers and insurers. Suneeta is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry and mentors’ women from non-traditional backgrounds.

They recently won the London Market Consultant/Advisory Supplier of the Year award.

You can find Suneeta on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneetapadda/

https://padda-consulting.co.uk/

About the Host

Sarah Myerscough is the Chief Ideas Officer at Macaii, formerly Boston Tullis. She hosts/co-hosts several podcasts and is known for her knack in connecting with people. Sarah excels in bringing out the best for video, podcast, and live events, helping clients showcase the human side of their business.

Sarah is passionate about the evolving dynamics of the insurance industry and enjoys conversing with innovators, trailblazers, and long-term advocates of change.

Website: www.macaii.co.uk