The IIWC Edu Webinar Collab held earlier this month, sponsored by HDI and Fulcrum and presented by Neurodiversify, offered more than just technical insights, it provided a timely reflection on how the insurance industry must evolve its understanding of risk itself. Across two distinct sessions, the conversation moved from the physical realities of climate change to the often-overlooked dynamics of human cognition in the workplace. Together, they painted a compelling picture: resilience is no longer just about assets and infrastructure, it’s also about people.

Wiebke Cundill, Team Lead for Natural Hazards and Climate Risk Analysis at HDI, set the tone with a clear message: climate risk is no longer a future concern. It is already reshaping the environments in which businesses operate. What was once framed as long-term modelling for 2050 or beyond is now visible in real-time, through increased flooding, prolonged heatwaves, and more erratic weather patterns across the globe.

In the South African context, this duality is particularly striking. While overall conditions may trend towards being hotter and drier, the intensity of rainfall events is increasing, creating a paradox where reduced annual rainfall does not equate to reduced flood risk. This shift challenges traditional assumptions about exposure and highlights the growing importance of understanding how risk manifests locally, not just globally.  

Cundill’s approach moved beyond awareness to action. She emphasised that resilience starts with understanding, knowing where your risks lie, how vulnerable your operations are, and what the financial implications could be if those risks materialise. Importantly, she reframed the role of regulation. While compliance requirements are increasing, they should not be the primary driver. The real incentive lies in safeguarding business continuity, protecting assets, and ensuring long-term viability in an increasingly volatile environment.

If the first session challenged how we think about external risk, the discussion on neurodiversity by Glynnis Clark-Miller a Neurodiversity Advocate at Neurodiversify,  shifted the focus inward. Her presentation highlighted a critical but often underexplored dimension of risk: the way people process information.

In an industry built on analysis, judgement, and decision-making, this is not a marginal issue. It is foundational. Clark-Miller pointed out that as much as one in five individuals may be neurodivergent, bringing different cognitive processing styles into the workplace. Yet, most organisational systems, processes, and expectations are designed around a predominantly linear way of thinking.