Risk forecaster
From lesson plans to loss projections
Teaching geography and working in insurance may seem worlds apart.
But, for Naomi Price, it’s been a journey of transferable skills, fresh challenges and meaningful impact.
Career paths aren't always linear, and Naomi’s story proves that people from diverse professional backgrounds can thrive in insurance.
Naomi began her career as a secondary school teacher after completing a degree in geography, an associate's degree and a postgraduate diploma in leadership and education.
Over time, the demands of the education system made it hard to feel the impact she was striving for. So, she took a new direction, doing a master’s degree in satellite remote sensing. And the rest, she says, is history.
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Modelling a unique career
Naomi joined Howden Re in 2022 as a catastrophe modelling analyst, and she’s been carving her own path ever since.
“I wanted a role where I could make a real difference and help others to succeed by sharing my knowledge and interest in science,” she says.
This search led her to Howden Re and the world of reinsurance.
While insurance protects businesses against risks, reinsurance helps protect the insurers themselves. It’s a second layer of cover that helps insurers stay resilient when major high-cost events strike – like hurricanes, earthquakes or terror attacks.
At Howden Re, Naomi is putting her scientific skills to work by modelling these complex risks and planning for what comes next.
I’ve been given the flexibility to define the right career path for me, tailoring my role to my interests.
“At Howden, I’ve never been siloed into a ‘traditional’ catastrophe modelling role,” Naomi says.
“I’ve been given the flexibility to define the right career path for me, tailoring my role to my interests, picking up projects I’m passionate about and even working across teams to upskill and gain exposure.”
Understanding risk through data
What does she do as a catastrophe modeller?
Naomi puts it simply: “We use special analytical tools to estimate the likelihood and severity of potential losses caused by extreme events.”
But it’s more than just numbers.
Naomi and her team model the impact of possible disasters, both natural and man-made, including earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, rioting and civil commotion.
The aim? To help (re)insurance brokers and their clients understand the full picture of risk, prepare for it and manage it.
Scientists can thrive in insurance
In Naomi’s experience, the insurance industry thrives on a diversity of roles and perspectives.
“There’s a growing awareness of the need for diversity in our industry – not just in terms of gender, but also in educational backgrounds and perspectives.
“Since our work is all about finding new solutions to ever-evolving issues, this diversity can only strengthen us,” she says.
Her boss Iain Davie, Head of Catastrophe Modelling, agrees.
“I’d love to see more women like her stepping into STEM jobs, shaping the future of risk and driving innovation in reinsurance,” he said.
Taking a bold leap
Since joining Howden Re, Naomi has progressed from analyst to associate – and now associate director.
Her advice to anyone considering a career change?
“Regardless of how nervous [you] feel, or how junior [you] are, walk into every room like you’re meant to be there.
“There are so many great roles in reinsurance where skills developed in both STEM and non-STEM backgrounds are easily transferable.
“Ultimately, if you have the interest and initiative, the rest can be learned,” she says.
Find your place in insurance
Whether you’re exploring a new career path or looking for work that feels more meaningful, there’s a place for you in insurance.
Working in partnership with programmes like Career Returners, we provide supported routes back to employment for people returning to work after a break.
“We recognise that rewarding careers don’t always follow a conventional path,” says Recruitment Business Partner, Jose Narciso.
At Howden, it’s not just about where you’ve been, but where you’re going next.
