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Wojciech Ilowski

  • Job Title: Industry Operations Leader
  • Business: Marsh UK & Ireland – Industry 
  • Office Location: London    
  • Joined Marsh: January 2019
  • Hometown: Poznan, Poland
  • Education: Université Paris-Sorbonne, Paris IV. Master’s Degree in Applied Foreign Languages
  • Interests: Bikram (Hot) Yoga, Cultures and Languages, Hiking

Meet Wojciech

I assist with designing and leading the operationalization of Industry Strategy across all Marsh UK & Ireland client and business segments. I work closely with a broad range of external and internal stakeholders from across twenty Industry sectors on the go-to-market strategy, value proposition, industry expertise model, strategic marketing, sales and growth plans, colleague engagement, and financial model.

Which of our Marsh shared characters - passionate, human, inquisitive, or enterprising - resonates most with you?

Inquisitive. Curiosity is paramount for both personal and professional growth. I don’t believe we can create a truly inclusive culture unless we are genuinely interested in getting to know one another. From a place of respect, of course.

What excites you about working at Marsh?

I love how our work is connected to everything going on in the world. "Promoting and Protecting Possibility" is not just a slogan; risk management and insurance are key enablers for businesses to execute their strategies, which in turn keep the world evolving. I am also excited by the sheer amount of expertise and knowledge available to us—I meet new colleagues and learn new things every day. Lastly, I appreciate that when we commit to doing something, we mean business, and we get it done. 

How has being a mentor, mentee, or both shaped your life and career?

Being a mentor allows you to explore human journeys and realities different from your own. It is like reading a book only more powerful as a genuine human being is on the other side of that relationship. It teaches you how to listen, how to ask the right questions, how to build trust and long-standing relationships. It helps appreciate and debate different perspectives and points of view. Learn what you do not know and remind you of what you do.

All the skills and knowledge I have been learning as a mentor I put to use in everyday life, both in the office and at home. We talk a lot about the importance of cognitive diversity in the workplace, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. But, in practice, it can be quite challenging as you essentially have to find a way of communicating with people who may be very different from yourself with different beliefs and reference points. It takes practice.

I am particularly proud of a long-term partnership that our multicultural network colleague resource Group has formed with a UK-wide social mobility charity called Career Ready. Next year colleagues will mentor fifty students (ages 16-18) from less-privileged state schools. We will also offer them four-week-long internships over the summer. It is our opportunity to level the playing field a bit and, hopefully, develop and attract young talented people from diverse backgrounds who would have otherwise never considered a career in insurance.

I have been volunteering with Career Ready for five years now. I can tell you this: I have had many proud and pivotal moments in my life and career, but few compare to the sense of pride and accomplishment when you see your mentee build up their confidence and skills and muster the courage and determination to go after a career that inspires them. 

Meet our mentors