Diverse Pathways into Insurance – Jag’s story
19th August 2025
From Mombasa to London: Jag’s journey of resilience, growth and giving back
Born and raised in the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, Jag’s early life was shaped by close-knit community ties and the warmth of family. But at just 12 years old, his life changed dramatically when his father passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Jag and his mother made the difficult decision to move to London when he was 13.
Making a new start in the UK presented additional challenges for Jag, adjusting to a different culture and overcoming the loneliness that often accompanies starting over in a new place. “I remember moving in June and expecting summer, but it was grey and cloudy,” he recalls.
At school, Jag learned to make new friends, handle the curiosity of classmates puzzled by his Kenyan-Indian heritage, and regain his confidence after teasing about his accent. Jag credits his mother as his rock and guiding inspiration during this time. A dedicated single parent, she worked tirelessly and instilled in him the importance of education and perseverance.
Jag excelled in maths and business studies, and with encouragement from a teacher, he attended a finance forum that sparked his interest in accountancy. He went on to study Accounting and Finance at Cardiff University, a decision that came with another test of independence. University life taught him essential life skills—from budgeting to laundry, but the biggest change came in his second year, when his mother unexpectedly passed away. Determined to honour his mother despite his grief, Jag completed his degree with a 2:1, a testament to his resilience.
His professional journey began in auditing, which led him into the world of insurance accounting, a field he found both challenging and fascinating. Jag’s career has since progressed at Standard Club, to a motor insurance company, and most recently at The Hartford, which he joined in 2020 amidst the pandemic. Onboarding remotely and working from home, Jag didn’t meet his colleagues face-to-face until over a year later. Despite the unusual circumstances, Jag has thrived, progressing to the role of Senior Financial Accountant.
Throughout his career, Jag has valued mentorship and community. He fondly remembers a former manager, Kevin, who provided guidance and helped build his confidence. Along the way, he faced not only professional challenges but also personal ones, particularly the self-doubt that often accompanies ambitious individuals. “I still, as I get older, realise I have these moments of imposter syndrome,” he shares. “I used to think, ‘I’m not technical enough,’ but then through feedback, I discovered others saw me as knowledgeable and commercially aware. That was eye-opening for me.”
Giving back has become a central theme in Jag’s life. During the pandemic, he volunteered as an NHS responder, delivering essential supplies to people isolating. He also hopes to become a regular blood donor, knowing his rare blood type can save lives. In the future, Jag envisions himself as a mentor or consultant, helping others, especially those from diverse backgrounds, navigate careers in finance and insurance.
Jag’s journey from a small town in Kenya to a senior finance role in London is a story of resilience, personal growth, and the enduring influence of a mother’s love and determination. His experiences have shaped not just a career but a lifelong commitment to kindness, inclusion and helping others succeed.
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.
