About EDII

We believe the future of insurance will be shaped as much by people as by technology. 

EDII works with people and organisations across the insurance market, helping them question established approaches, think more critically, explore different perspectives, and make better decisions.  

Developing the Capabilities Shaping the Future of Insurance

EDII was created from firsthand experience of delivering change within insurance organisations.

Across our team, we’ve introduced new technology, led transformation initiatives, and worked with people adapting to new ways of working. We saw that successful change depends on more than new systems and processes. It also requires people to question established approaches, collaborate across teams, and make decisions in unfamiliar situations.

EDII stands for Educate, Develop, Innovate, Inspire. While our work has evolved, these principles continue to shape our approach.

Built by Insurance, for Insurance

Our team brings experience of working through technology, transformation, innovation, and organisational change in insurance. We understand the challenges of introducing new approaches, changing established ways of working, and bringing people with you. That experience shapes how we design and deliver our work.

We use familiar insurance scenarios and real industry challenges because people can practise unfamiliar behaviours more effectively when they recognise the context. In doing so, they also develop a broader understanding of the issues affecting their industry.

The EDII Digital Mindsetâ„¢

The EDII Digital Mindsetâ„¢ is the foundation of our work. It brings together seven behaviours that we believe are increasingly important for people working in insurance, particularly as technology, roles, and expectations continue to change. These behaviours influence how people approach problems, work with others, and make decisions.

We see them in practice when people question assumptions, contribute their views, consider perspectives beyond their own, and take time to think before acting. The Digital Mindset shapes our programmes and the work we do directly with organisations.

How We Work

We don’t believe people change how they work simply because they’ve been given more information. Our programmes and workshops are designed to get people involved: asking questions, challenging assumptions, exploring different approaches, and applying what they learn.

We use practical activities, relevant insurance challenges, coaching, and opportunities to learn from others. Depending on the programme, this may include Action Learning Projects, where participants put their thinking into practice over time. The aim is for people to leave doing something differently, not simply knowing more.

Digital Minds Programmes

Digital Minds brings insurance professionals together from different organisations, roles and backgrounds. Through practical learning, industry challenges, and collaboration, participants develop their Digital Mindset while gaining perspectives and relationships beyond their own organisation. Our programmes are designed for people at different stages of their careers.

Custom Programmes

We also work directly with insurance organisations on their specific challenges. This includes developing new products and operating models, exploring innovation opportunities, solving complex problems, and building the capabilities needed to work differently. Our involvement can range from a focused workshop, design sprint, or hackathon, to longer programmes.

The People Behind EDII

EDII brings together people with firsthand experience of insurance, technology, transformation and organisational change. Our team has led businesses, introduced new technology, and helped organisations change how they work. We bring that experience into our programmes, supported by a wider network of coaches, facilitators, and industry specialists.

Caroline Bedford
Chief Executive Officer

Caroline established EDII in 2021, drawing on extensive experience of transformation within the insurance industry, particularly underwriting transformation. Having seen firsthand the challenges of introducing new technology and changing established ways of working, she created Digital Minds to develop the thinking and behaviours needed to make change successful. She continues to lead EDII’s development and work across the insurance market.

Hélène Stanway
Coaching Director

Hélène has extensive experience in insurance technology, innovation and transformation, working with insurers, insurtechs and industry bodies. Her career includes leading digital initiatives and exploring how emerging technologies can address practical industry challenges. At EDII, she brings that experience to programme design and coaching, helping insurance professionals question assumptions, consider different perspectives, and apply new approaches.

James Russell
Coach

James is a former Insurance Transformation Director who has led major change programmes at Aviva and esure, spanning underwriting, claims, and technology implementation. He also founded the insurtech business Brisk. At EDII, he combines that practical insurance experience with his expertise in leadership and coaching, helping participants explore complex challenges and turn new thinking into action.

Kathryn Stringer
Coach

Kathryn brings extensive experience of insurance and financial services leadership, including senior roles at Aviva spanning digital transformation, group protection, and customer operations. She has led major change programmes, managed complex businesses, and worked with boards on strategy and performance. At EDII, she draws on that experience to help participants challenge established approaches, consider different perspectives, and apply new thinking to real business challenges.

Emma Davies
Coach

Emma brings extensive insurance experience, including senior roles at QBE and RSA. Her background spans operational strategy, organisational transformation, and leading people through change. At EDII, she draws on that practical experience to help insurance professionals challenge established thinking, explore different approaches, and connect new ideas to meaningful action.

Our Alumni Network

The relationships built through Digital Minds continue long after the programme finishes. Our Alumni Advisory Board, made up of programme alumni, helps shape our growing community and brings valuable industry perspectives to EDII. Through our partnership with CGI, alumni also gain access to expertise and experiences from other industries, creating opportunities to explore different approaches to technology, innovation, and change – putting outside-in thinking into practice.

Get in Touch

Whether you’re looking to develop your people, explore a new approach to an organisational challenge or simply find out more about EDII, we’d be interested to hear what you’re working on.