Life of a CEO | The Naked business leader who loves to lose herself in books

Sumarie Greybe, co-founder of insurtech company Naked, has a fondness for fantasy novels as a way to escape the world of business. A former actuary and mathematician, Greybe initially considered a career in academia but was dissuaded by her father, a mathematics professor, who believed she lacked the patience for teaching. Her impatience has been both an advantage and a challenge in building and growing Naked.

As the company has expanded, Greybe has become increasingly aware of the bureaucracy that can arise with larger organizations, where layers of approval may hinder employees' ability to make decisions. To avoid this, she strives to provide guidance while preserving employees' autonomy. Greybe also acknowledges the need to let go of her strong opinions and reconsider advice that she initially dismissed.

Her decision to leave a secure corporate career to start Naked was influenced by her passion for insurance and her belief in the potential to improve customer experiences. She considered the potential consequences of failure for her family and the sacrifices they would need to make. Despite her focus on business, Greybe enjoys baking, gardening, and teaching her daughters about her work.

She has seen her daughters become early app testers for Naked, ensuring the company's products are user-friendly. Greybe believes that leadership requires providing individuals with the freedom to exercise their judgment, even if their decisions differ from her own. She also emphasizes the importance of reliability and admitting mistakes to build trust.