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Penny Black’s Social Diary: Axa’s therapy; Acini’s shots

Social Diary

Penny Black is back, sharing the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector’s social media posts.

Hollywood therapy

Insurance companies are constantly getting involved with fun creative projects at the moment, whether it’s sponsoring an art exhibition at the Tate or hiring stunt doubles for a recruitment campaign.

Axa’s co-production of Group Therapy, a 90-minute unscripted documentary featuring stand-up comedians, with Kevin Hart-founded studio Hartbeat Productions, is the latest addition.

The comedians, alongside Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris, participate in a group therapy session, where humour is used as a tool to address complex topics related to mental health.

It’s an out of the box way to affirm the insurer’s care for mental health. 

However, if they really wanted to push the dial, I would personally love to see a group of insurance industry CEOs having their own group therapy session. Allianz UK CEO Colm Holmes could share how it felt being mistaken for a superhero.


Penny’s Lunch Box

Penny Black Broker Expo

This chickpea curry at Broker Expo was an uncharacteristically heathy decision for me compared with the far more tempting option of fish and chips.

We’re approaching Christmas party season, which will mean lots of overindulging. So, while I might have preferred a more hearty meal, I can pat myself on the back for long-term risk management when it comes to my midriff. Three stars.

Out of context

“I’m talking about vodka obviously.”

Mateusz Harciaek, Guidewire developer at Acini, introduces the much anticipated opening shots at the firm’s fourth birthday party.

 

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