Helio
Grace Topete from Helio speaks to Diana Bui about her aspirations and the benefits of starting her career in captive insurance
Could you share any insights or experiences you have had in the captive insurance industry? What types of companies have you assisted in captive formation, and what specific risks were they aiming to protect against?
I was exposed to internal captive owner operations and the external service provider role from a young age, as my mother directed captive operations for a large hospital system while I was growing up. I have also worked for companies with complex insurance needs for the past decade. Having recently joined Helio Risk, I am now working with our captive management and risk consulting clients, including healthcare, education, and a wide variety of other businesses. Right now, property is a high-growth area for captives, and many clients are seeking to expand the protection a captive affords there. Traditional casualty lines are also increasing captive participation. I recently learnt about how parametric coverage is enabling companies to be strong community members and practise positive corporate social responsibility, which is an area close to my heart. It is an exciting time for the industry.
How has your previous experience prepared you for your current role?
I have spent most of my career in businesses with a startup mindset. I have discovered that the entrepreneurial skills I learnt — thinking big for the future, being willing to raise my hand for new projects, and tracking many small details along the way — have well prepared me to work in such a booming industry. I was also an educator before that, and being able to structure my thoughts, build trusting relationships, and communicate clearly has really prepared me for the client-facing portion of my role.
Based on your experience, what would you say are the key benefits of working in this industry?
There are not many industries you can jump into and get so much high-quality professional development right away, but captives are one of them. The work done by the International Centre for Captive Insurance Education (ICCIE) is outstanding, and I have been particularly impressed by the emphasis on supporting newcomers at conferences. Everyone I have met so far has been incredibly willing to share their expertise, which makes me excited about how quickly I will be able to grow my skills and expand my network in this field.
Can you name your main influences in the industry?
I would have to start with my mom, Heather McClure. From a young age, I saw the profound impact her work had on people’s lives. She used captives to build robust risk management programmes in healthcare systems, where employees felt proud to contribute to better patient outcomes and had a sense of ownership in the process.
Although it took me a while to come around to working in captives myself, the impact I witnessed always stayed with me.
I also learnt a great deal from Kyle Sweet, who has known me since I was a kid. I have had the honour of watching his businesses evolve and his expertise in captives grow, both as a lawyer and now as a captive manager. Additionally, I have to credit Garry Bright from McGill and Partners and others who encouraged my interest early on, showing me just how expansive the captive world truly is.
What are your aspirations for your future career in the industry?
I am eager to identify how my unique experiences can drive growth within the captive industry. What excites me most is the creativity involved in tailoring systems that work for various organisations. I believe I can contribute to solving challenges in chronically under-insured areas of business and society.
Ultimately, the organisations we serve play a crucial role in supporting our communities, and I hope to always centre my career on how we help take care of people and the neighbourhoods we live in.
What advice do you have for someone considering a role in captive insurance?
Jump with both feet and don’t look back! Surround yourself with mentors, take advantage of all the conferences and educational opportunities, and ask lots of questions.
Personal bio
Grace has dedicated her career to fostering growth and development in both people and organisations. Currently serving at Helio, her journey began in nonprofit consulting, where she played a pivotal role in launching the Nonprofit Impact Institute at SVP Dallas. Grace also led the Dana Juett Residency, a unique capacity-building programme that equips young professionals from various industries with the skills to contribute effectively to social impact organisations. She is also a Standards for Excellence licensed consultant.
Before her shift to the social impact sector, Grace had a diverse career in education, ranging from teaching freshman biology to working at an educational video game startup. Her work has consistently focused on finding innovative ways to foster growth and self-determination, both in individuals and organisations. As an accomplished academic, Grace was a McDermott scholar at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) and the inaugural graduate Charles Butt scholar at the Southern Methodist University.
In addition to her professional achievements, Grace serves as president of the McDermott Alumni Association, a charitable giving organisation, and is a member of both the UT Dallas executive board and the City of Richardson Community Inclusion and Engagement Commission. Grace and her husband, both passionate about the arts and social justice, live in Dallas with their family.
Industry recommendation
“We are thrilled to continue to grow the Helio team around the US as our practice expands. Grace brings not only deep business experience in Texas, but also skills that can be transferred to clients across the country. Her passion for client service is evident, and she has hit the ground running on many accounts."
Blake Kerr
Partner and chief financial officer
Helio Risk
