Harry Vardigans, Head of Insurance: Fathom: Will it make the boat go faster? (409)

What do ocean rowing, flood modelling and insurance innovation have in common? More than you might think. 

In this episode, Matthew Grant is joined by Harry Vardigans, Head of Insurance at Fathom, for a conversation that spans Atlantic Ocean rowing, catastrophe modelling and the evolving nature of risk in insurance. 

Later this year, Harry will join three teammates in an attempt to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, travelling from the Canary Islands to Antigua in a nine-metre boat. What starts as a discussion about one of the world's toughest endurance challenges quickly becomes a fascinating exploration of how individuals and organisations prepare for uncertainty, manage risk and make decisions in complex environments. 

Drawing on both his upcoming expedition and his work helping insurers better understand flood risk, Harry reflects on the parallels between navigating an ocean crossing and navigating today's insurance market. From weather forecasting and route optimisation to insurance availability and regulatory change, the conversation highlights how better data and improved modelling can transform previously uninsurable risks into manageable opportunities. 

In this conversation, Harry shares: 

• What it takes to prepare for a 3,000-mile Atlantic rowing race 
• The practical realities of managing risk in one of the world's most demanding endurance challenges 
• How weather forecasting and climate intelligence influence decision-making at sea 
• Why ocean rowing has become a more insurable risk over time 
• The role regulation plays in creating new insurance opportunities 
• How Fathom and Swiss Re are combining expertise to advance flood modelling capabilities 
• Why flood risk assessment has changed significantly over the last five years 
• The benefits of maintaining a consistent global approach to catastrophe modelling 
• Lessons from scaling a specialist insurtech business in a competitive market 
• How the philosophy of continuous improvement can apply to both sport and business 
• Why ambitious projects often begin with simply committing to the first step 

Follow Harry's Atlantic crossing

Harry and his crew, Rogue Wave, will be sharing updates as they prepare for and complete their Atlantic crossing.

• Instagram: @rogue_wave2026
• LinkedIn: Rogue Wave Atlantic Row 2026
• YouTube: Rogue Wave Vlog Episode 1 – Introductions

The team is also raising money for two charities, The HALO Trust and the Cocktower Foundation, with donation links available through their social channels.

Harry's recommendation

Harry recommends Will It Make The Boat Go Faster? by Ben Hunt-Davis and Harriet Beveridge. The book explores how a relentless focus on actions that directly contribute to your goal can drive exceptional results, a philosophy that has shaped both his approach to business and his preparation for crossing the Atlantic.

If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. 

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