Dare to Discover 2025: The Power of You

What do you get when you mix the grandeur of a former Victorian fish market, a CEO on rollerskates, a motivational adventurer and a room full of the most ambitious minds in insurance? Dare to Discover 2025, of course.

This year’s event took place at Old Billingsgate - just moments from our London HQ. With its Grand Hall, once abuzz with trade, an otherwise quiet Wednesday afternoon in March saw the space transformed by Aventum energy. Food stalls offering Iraqi cuisine, pasta dishes and burgers were ready and waiting because, let’s face it, nobody discovers anything (or listens) on an empty stomach.

The Power to Choose

Host Jamie ‘Adventureman’ McDonald kicked off the event with a burst of energy and just the right amount of chaos. He reflected on a year filled with significant achievements and introduced the theme for the day: 'The Power of You.'

This theme represented more than just the inspirational phrases you find on motivational posters; it encompassed a deeper, tangible power, residing in our decisions, mindset, actions and hands. In an interactive twist, everyone in the room got the chance to vote on how CEO David Bearman should make his grand entrance. Spoiler alert: the crowd chose rollerskates.

The Power of Perspective

Once David had safely made it onto the stage, he took us through the Aventum story, from humble beginnings to where we stand today. For those new to the business, it was an honest look into what it takes to build something bold. For everyone else, it was a powerful reminder of how far we have come - and how our employee ownership scheme gives every person in the room a genuine stake in our shared future.

The Power of the Mind

Performance coach Steve Desborough took to the stage, challenging everyone to rethink their limits. From imposter syndrome to the invisible labels we wear, Steve’s session tackled the headspace that can so often hold us back. It was a call to action to quiet the noise, rewrite our stories and own the power we already hold.

The Power of Bold Conversations

Next came the panel showdown - Consilium vs Rokstone. With no question off limits, leaders grilled each other on recent highlights, global opportunities, market challenges and new launches.

We also explored 'The Power of You' in a technology-driven world, examining how AI, data and human potential intersect. This reminded us that as technology progresses, our people keep us grounded and curious.

The Power of Collective Action

After exploring the power of choice, perspective and mindset, it was time to explore the power of giving back. In collaboration with SolarBuddy, teams worked in pairs to build solar-powered lights for children living in energy poverty. These lights will significantly change lives, providing education, safety and opportunities after sunset.

As the room dimmed, the newly constructed lamps flickered to life, transforming the space. Handwritten letters addressed to the children receiving the lights added a personal touch of significance.

The Power of Recognition

An Aventum event would not be complete without highlighting the individuals who embody our values every day. Our first Applaud Awards recognised those who truly reflect our values, based on votes from everyone present. We will soon spotlight the winners, so stay tuned for more details.

We also celebrated the funds raised for Cancer Research UK, with an update from them on how the money raised from our record-setting EC3 Relay in summer 2024 is already making a difference.

The Power of Fun

We could not end the day without putting everyone to the test. The Aventum Pub Quiz brought laughs and a flurry of prizes, with the competitive spirit of the Group alive and kicking before wrapping up the day with refreshments and a chance to network.

Dare to Discover 2025 reminded us that power comes not just from those at the top but also resides within each of us. The future is not merely something we plan for; it is something we build together. Until next year, keep discovering.