Aneesha Deshpande, Head of Product Innovation
What brought you to Haven Technologies?
After spending almost a decade in traditional insurance, I had a bit of an existential crisis—I wanted to be doing something meaningful. Insurance is such a great mechanism for societal well being, but I felt like I wasn’t doing enough. Haven Technologies helps make insurance easy and more accessible. I was just drawn to their mission. I interviewed with the team and it was an instant connection!
Was there a lightbulb moment when you realized that Haven Technologies was somewhere different and special?
At the height of the pandemic, we helped build the technology to launch a free life insurance product for frontline healthcare workers in three weeks. This is unheard of in the insurance industry space, and I felt so fulfilled being part of a mechanism that was able to give back when it mattered the most.
What’s a common misconception about actuaries?
That we’re these unidimensional anti-social nerds obsessed with our mathematical models. Well, we can be pretty nerdy, and we do love our math, but, especially here at Haven Technologies, we are smart, compassionate, creative humans who want to help make a difference.
Why are you passionate about life insurance?
At the heart of it, insurance helps protect people and their families when they’re hit by bad events outside of their control. With life insurance, you’re able to help reduce income/wealth volatilities for families, and give those left behind a chance for a life of financial dignity.
In your Haven Technologies Slack bio, you describe yourself as an actuarial witch. In your photo, you have a parrot on your shoulder. Please explain.
Haha, just bringing some magic to work—if I told you more I’d have to hex you 😉 As for my friend Iago, we met in Miami and hit it off instantly…once I offered him some peanuts. If only it was that easy with people.
What’s your favorite part of working at Haven Technologies?
It’s definitely the people—there is a special kind of kinship when the people you work with are all hyper focused making a difference for our customers and clients.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to join Haven Technologies?
Bring your passion, your take on doing things the right way and for the right reasons, and you’ll fit right in.
Who would play you in Haven Technologies: The Movie?
You’re making a movie?… Where do I audition??? I’ll bring my pointy hat.