Scout InsurTech Rising with Independence Hub

Ron Rock is a business management executive, leader and innovator representing Independence Hub, a nonprofit organization that partners with the insurance industry to train, place, and support neurodivergent and overlooked talent.  Apprenticeships, mock interviews, and workforce programs are designed to help employers hire and retain capable professionals based on task-based performance rather than traditional interviews. Ron was interviewed by Andrew Daniels, Co-Founder at Scout InsurTech and Co-Founder and President at CrashBay.

Ron, there is growing momentum around neurodiversity hiring across multiple industries. How do you see this translating into real opportunities within insurance today? 

The insurance industry has been going through considerable change in the last few years.  There is more reliance upon technology and data analytics.  Some of the core operational components are being automated, new technology solutions (whether built or bought) need to be tested and user experience is being transformed.  These skills are needed in multiple industries so the competition for resources will be intensified across the board, not just for insurance and Insurtech companies.  Independence Hub addresses the opportunity that 20% of our population is neurodiverse yet 80% of them are under or unemployed.  This means two things – 1) your company could already be employing neurodiverse individuals and may need specialized support or 2) it’s a largely untapped candidate pool that you would like access to.  Studies show that over the next 3 years, insurance companies will see hundreds of thousands in employee turnover and will need new talent to replenish the workforce.

Many leaders want to support neurodivergent talent but aren’t sure where to begin. What should employers understand about preparing both candidates and their own teams for success? 

My biggest piece of advice is to partner with organizations that specialize in training and placement of neurodiverse talent.  Obviously, I’m here to tell you the best course of action is to reach out directly to Mike or myself and we can spend 15 minutes walking you through the IH Advisory Board or attend one of our Forum Events.  We are not only vested in ensuring the success of neurodiverse talent but also ensuring the success of the companies at which they are employed.

You’ve been working closely with community colleges and industry partners to build talent pipelines. What models are proving most effective for developing job-ready talent in areas like data analytics and other emerging insurance roles?

Two particular examples I can mention are Aspiritech and NeuroTalent Works.  Aspiritech offers access to talent through strategic outsourcing.  Their teams offer a unique perspective to testing and a cost-effective alternative to offshoring for insurance roles that need US domiciled resources.  NeuroTalent Works has been recruiting, training and placing underwriting assistants for Chubb, Gallagher and Alliant.  Independence Hub works with NTW and employers to identify the right skills and provide support services through onboarding once employed.

Beyond the concept of neurodiversity hiring, what real use cases or case studies have you seen that demonstrate measurable impact for insurers?

We can offer case studies for both of the above.  Neurodiversity delivers when companies get it right.  Retention increases substantially to nearly 50% and productivity to over 50%.  Aspiritech, which specializes in developing autistic individuals to prepare them for the workforce, has partnered with Aon to engage team members with meaningful quality assurance projects that leverage their unique abilities.  Independence Hub provides apprenticeships, talent pipelines and manager training tailored for insurance.

For organizations or individuals who want to get involved, what are the most meaningful first steps they can take to support and participate in this movement?

Over the last 3 years, Independence Hub has learned that company partners, while initially hesitant to get involved, have executives with neurodivergent children and are eager to learn more.  There are multiple ways you or your company can get involved and ultimately support our efforts.  Independence Hub is currently fundraising as well as searching for board members.  Board membership comes with many in-kind benefits from attendance to Leadership Forums, access to Aspiritech and/or NeuroTalent Works services, and various opportunities for your company's brand awareness.  Additionally, you'll gain a pass to the Scout Insurtech event in May 2026.  Generally, it costs $15,000 to identify, recruit, train, and place the right neurodivergent individual.  The pipeline of individuals seeking our services is rather large, so we need more corporate partners, not only for funding but for employing this highly valuable workforce.