Blog - October 2025

At Elevate Specialty, one of our core values is being precise — not just in the way we analyse data or structure deals, but in how we think, communicate, and make decisions. Precision is often underrated in business. It’s easy to mistake confidence for clarity, or speed for progress. But without precision — without the discipline to ask questions, listen carefully, and validate what we think we know — even the best intentions can lead us off course.

In an industry built on risk, being precise isn’t just a value. It’s a safeguard.

Precision means slowing down to move faster

We’ve learned that progress isn’t about always having the right answers,but about knowing when to ask the right questions. Whether we’re assessing a delegated authority, structuring a reinsurance arrangement, or building a new relationship, we make a point to do the basics:

• Write things down — to create clarity and accountability.
• Challenge assumptions — our own and others’.
• Listen before responding — to truly understand intent and context.

These habits reduce risk, improve outcomes, and foster trust. They help us build relationships rooted in transparency and shared understanding — not guesswork.

Example 1: When assumptions cost time

Earlier this year, we worked with a supplier who wasn’t entirely transparent about key details relating to our core requirements. Pressed for time, we took their assurances at face value and made a few assumptions to keep things moving. It felt pragmatic in the moment — and fortunately, we caught the issue early (a reminder to always validate). But it could easily have resulted in significant delays, additional cost, and a complete rework of the plan.

The lesson? Even small gaps in precision can compound quickly. When the facts aren’t clear, it’s always better to pause and clarify than to proceed and correct.

Example 2: When assumptions close doors

More recently, a potential customer came into a meeting with strong views about how we should structure a solution. They had an agenda, assumptions, and weren’t interested in exploring alternatives. The conversation was one-sided — and ultimately, unproductive.

In the end, they missed an opportunity to engage in a collaborative process that might have delivered something far more powerful. Precision, after all, isn’t just about data — it’s about dialogue. It requires curiosity, humility, and the willingness to challenge your own perspective.

Precision also means knowing when to change course

Being precise doesn’t mean being rigid. In fact, it’s the opposite. Precision gives you the clarity and confidence to pivot when the data changes. Too many organisations fall victim to what psychologists call plan continuation bias — the tendency to stick to an original plan even when new evidence suggests it’s no longer right.

At Elevate, we’ve built an agile approach — supported by strong technology design and sound operational practice — that allows us to adapt without creating downstream chaos. When projections shift, or when real-time data tells us a different story, we’re able to re-evaluate quickly, adjust our path, and keep execution tight.

That’s not indecision — it’s precision in action.

Precision builds better outcomes

We’ve seen first-hand how being precise helps our team execute with confidence, mitigate risk, and deliver meaningful results. It shapes how we design products, manage partnerships, and make decisions every day.

When we ask questions, validate assumptions, and take emotion out of decision-making, we create space for insight — and insight is what drives performance.

At Elevate Specialty, precision isn’t about being pedantic. It’s about being purposeful. Because when we’re clear, we’re credible. And when we’re credible, we earn trust — the foundation of everything we do.

About Elevate Specialty

Elevate Specialty is a next-generation, full-stack MGA making insurance work—by design. Using technology, granular data, and relentless customer focus, Elevate creates native insurance products that people actually use and value.
More at: elevatespecialty.com