Diverse Pathways into Insurance – Ben’s story
24th July 2025
From Social Housing to Industry Leader: Ben Kelly’s Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Impact
Ben Kelly’s career journey is a testament to resilience, determination and the transformative power of opportunity. From a challenging childhood in social housing to becoming a leader advocating for social mobility within the insurance industry, Ben’s story demonstrates how perseverance and purpose can shape a meaningful career.
Born in Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in London, Ben’s early years were marked by hardship. Raised by a single mother in social housing, he experienced poverty, limited access to resources and struggles with paying bills. Despite these obstacles, Ben reflects proudly on his upbringing, acknowledging its role in shaping his resilience and drive. “Growing up in social housing, dealing with food poverty and coping with financial struggles taught me the value of perseverance and hard work,” Ben says. His mother’s dedication to giving him a better future amidst their disadvantaged circumstances became a motivating force.
A pivotal moment in Ben’s journey was his entry into private education through the support of a local charity. Recognising the limitations of local schools, a charitable organisation sponsored his fees, opening the door to a different world, one of private schooling, international travel and university. Although he initially lacked confidence, being placed in lower academic sets, Ben worked diligently, leveraging tutors and embracing extracurricular pursuits such as rugby. His determination allowed him to thrive in an unfamiliar environment, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and working hard. “It wasn’t just handed to me on a plate; I had to put in the effort and work towards it,” Ben recalls.
University studies in history provided Ben with a broader perspective but offered little clarity on his career path. With limited guidance from his mother, who grew up in Morocco and had not attended school, Ben navigated a period of uncertainty after graduating. It was during a summer internship at an insurance company, CKRE Ltd., that his trajectory shifted. Mentored by Jim McGriskin, who encouraged him to consider a career in insurance and supported his professional development through exams and guidance, Ben found his calling. “I remember thinking, ‘This is not something I want to do,’ but Jim saw potential in me and guided me through”. His hard work and dedication, combined with that pivotal mentorship, launched him into a successful career in insurance.
Ben’s career is distinguished by how he seized the opportunities that came his way, often by accident, and transformed them into platforms for growth. His experiences growing up fostered resilience, empathy and soft skills that proved invaluable in his professional life. Recognising disparities in opportunity, Ben became an advocate for social mobility and committed to creating pathways for others. Initiatives he’s led include apprenticeship schemes, programmes supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and leadership roles in diversity, equity and inclusion. “I believe in giving back and creating opportunities for others because I was fortunate enough to have someone do that for me,” Ben explains.
He candidly discusses the challenges faced along his journey, overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating environments where he sometimes felt out of place, and grappling with the emotional weight of past hardships. Through therapy and reflection, Ben harnessed his experiences into tools for mentoring and inspiring youth. His story of rising above adversity serves as a beacon for young people, illustrating that success is achievable regardless of one’s starting point.
Looking forward, Ben emphasises the importance of setting tangible goals and measuring impact when promoting social mobility. His advocacy for increasing diversity in leadership, establishing clear objectives and ensuring merit-based progression demonstrates his strategic approach. He believes that meaningful industry change requires deliberate effort to raise awareness, foster mentorship and provide genuine opportunities to diverse talent pools. “It’s not just about talking; it’s about making real, measurable progress,” he asserts.
Now Chief Claims Officer at Price Forbes, Ardonagh Specialty, Ben’s journey underscores a vital lesson: adversity can catalyse growth when met with resilience and purpose. Ben’s willingness to embrace his story and share it to uplift others exemplifies authentic leadership rooted in compassion. As he continues to champion social mobility within the insurance sector, Ben remains dedicated to turning challenges into opportunities, both for himself and for future generations. His inspiring career path reminds us all that a relentless pursuit of opportunity and a desire to give back can truly change lives.
To celebrate 10 years in the UK, we are showcasing diversity within our industry as part of our work to improve social mobility. IICF believes the insurance industry can be a united force for good and that everyone should be able to achieve their full potential. Through our focus on social mobility, we are helping to change lives in our local community by uniting the industry in grants, volunteering and leadership while helping build a more inclusive industry. We hope this story inspires you to pay it forward and help change a young person’s future, perhaps as a mentor or volunteer with an IICF charity partner.