Ignite Podcast

AnnMarie Fereday is the Owner and Digital Strategist at Refine Digital Marketing, where she helps businesses grow by turning complex digital challenges into simple, effective strategies. AnnMarie is not only a digital expert. She is also a wife and mother who has built her career around caring for her family and creating balance in her life. For the past two years, she has been a key part of the Ignite Women in Business and Insurance community. She is the creative mind behind the digital presence that has helped elevate the brand. Outside of work, AnnMarie loves to travel. In 2025, she took her family on a memorable trip through the Greek Islands where they enjoyed time together, incredible food, and great wine. In this episode, she shares practical digital strategy tips, useful insights, and the fun, witty personality that makes her such a standout in her field.

You can find AnnMarie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmariefereday/.

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Libby Henry, Vice President of Sales at ParetoHealth—a leading captive management company—is not only a dynamic business leader but also a proud wife and mom to two hockey-loving daughters. In this episode, Libby opens up about the power of building strong female relationships rooted in authenticity and direct communication. Known for her intensity at work and her love of being playful when the moment calls for it, Libby champions the idea that women can show up as bold, honest, and loyal; bringing all their greatness into the same space.

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liz Ring Carlson, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Ameritas, is also a Mindset and Leadership Coach and the founder of Mom Boss Method, a platform dedicated to empowering working moms as they balance career and family. She’s currently writing a book that expands on this mission. Liz’s work is deeply personal, rooted in her passion for self-care, intentional leadership, and the belief that taking care of yourself first is essential. In this episode, Liz dives into her Self-Discipline Camp and shares how quiet time helps her “Fill her Still Cup.” She explains how these moments of stillness allow her to focus, set daily intentions, and create space for clarity and purpose.

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mandy Ryle’s mission is clear: to empower women to reclaim their vitality and independence. Through a unique, holistic approach that blends nervous system re-education, mindset cultivation, nutrition coaching, and exercise, Mandy helps her clients systematically unravel and overcome chronic pain issues. Her work goes beyond physical health—it’s about restoring confidence, resilience, and freedom. Mandy will set the tone for the Ignite Conference in 2026 by offering our conference intention at the very start, inspiring attendees to embrace growth and transformation. Discover more about Mandy and her programs at https://empoweredself.me/.

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet Molly Ducker, Employee Benefits Consultant at Gallagher in Omaha and the Emcee for the upcoming Ignite Conference in March 2026. Molly brings her signature style, grace, and wit to every stage, making her the perfect host for this inspiring event. Her values are simple yet powerful: kindness, integrity, and doing what you say you’ll do. Molly is passionate about learning from diverse perspectives and is excited to connect with others at the conference. One of her favorite mottos? “This too shall pass.” Get to know Molly and her work by connecting with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymducker/.

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Abby DiSanti, VP of HR at FNIC and a passionate advocate for women in business. Abby is the driving force behind an incredible partnership for the 2026 Ignite Women in Business & Insurance Conference. With courage and vision, she reached out to connect Ignite with Village Roots, ensuring this Omaha-based nonprofit; and the families it serves; will be honored on a national stage. Her bold outreach reflects true leadership and a deep commitment to creating meaningful change for our community.

Joining Abby is Janece Ferris, Executive Director of Village Roots. Under Janece’s leadership, Village Roots is transforming how communities support families at risk through proactive care, mentorship-driven housing, and essential resources. Their programs, including Integrated Family Care and the Community Closet, help children remain safely at home, reduce foster placements, and build long-term stability; all rooted in the power of collective, compassionate action. Together, Abby and Janece share the story behind this partnership, the impact Village Roots is making, and why collaboration matters now more than ever.

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you have a friend or colleague who is your, “Hell Yes Girl”? If you don’t, you need one! Today on the Ignite Women in Business and Insurance podcast, we spoke with Katie Zulkoski, the co-founder of Zulkoski Weber in Lincoln, Nebraska. This small-town girl is far from small – she shows up in big ways, taking up space as she builds her confidence in the people she serves. She’s a wife, a momma, a sister and a daughter and believes firmly in the business community serving the community. She is not afraid to manifest the things she wants and takes the time to be an “issue spotter”. To learn more about the women who is my, “Hell Yes Girl”, take a list to this episode.

Katie Weichman Zulkoski is an attorney specializing in lobbying and government affairs. Katie started Zulkoski Weber in 2015, offering a client-focused, solutions-oriented, professional conduit for businesses and associations to interact with elected officials and public policy leaders. Over the last 10 years, Katie has created successful legislative strategies for Fortune 50 businesses, national non-profits, and Midwest-grown industries. Outside the firm, Katie dedicates much of her time to public service on state-wide, non-profit boards. Katie has received the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group 4 under 40 award; was selected as a Finalist for the Inspire Lincoln’s Woman of the Year and has been recognized by the community for her work in founding Rise Lincoln, a speaker series and coaching community for Lincoln women in business. Katie graduated first in her class from Creighton University School of Law with a certificate of concentration in Business Law.

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growing up with her Grandparents, Kristen Rivers has demonstrated grit and tenacity as she has worked tirelessly to change the trajectory of her life. Forced to face life as an adult while still a child herself, she was committed to staying out of the foster care system and remain independent. Today, Kristen is a thriving Senior leader with Pareto Health and is working to change the way employers view the financing of their healthcare plans. The people she works with breathe confidence into her every single day which helps her stay aligned personally and professionally. She loves to travel and is a foodie and most of all loves to be outside with her pups. Join us as we dive into Kristen’s story of confidence, bravery and grit. 

00:00 – Welcome Kristen Rivers

08:08 – Failing is How You Learn

32:03 – The Role of Insurance Companies

43:44 – Pareto Helps Controls Healthcare Costs

49:08 – Networking is Important

53:45 – What Do You Do for Fun?

Resources:

Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenrivers

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is a human centric leader? Someone who sees the whole person in the hopes of helping them find the best version of themself. In this episode of the Ignite podcast, we share how Tracy Ward, Chief Human Resource Officer with PartnerHero-Crescendo is doing just that – focusing on the people within her organization. Her behavioral health background helps her dive deep into understanding how people’s behaviors contribute to the strength of their company. Not only is Tracy a “minister” of her workplace, but she is also a recovering people pleaser and now stands firmly in her truth. She is an adrenaline junky and loves spending time with her wife and life partner, LaToya and their 9-month-old Boxer, Maximus. Join us to learn more!

00:00 – Welcome Tracy Ward

09:57 – Questioning Yourself

15:07 – Separating Personal Life and Professional Life

34:12 – What Do You Do for Fun?

39:00 – Challenges for Young Women of Color

Resources:

Partner Hero

https://www.partnerhero.com/blog/meet-tracy-l-ward-partnerheros-new-chief-people-officer

Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlward

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy New Year and welcome to Season #2 of the Ignite Women in Business podcast. In this episode, Cara shares some best practices in terms of reflecting on 2024 and leaning into your goals and dreams for 2025. What are you most proud of? What do you want to continue to focus on? What do you want to stop doing? What lessons did you learn. Take some time to write down (and it does not have to be perfect) what you want to accomplish in 2025! If you need support as you are doing your 2025 planning, reach out to Cara – she will remind you of how amazing you are and help to get you started!

Don’t forget to register for the 8th annual 2025 Ignite Women in Business Conference on March 4, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. Register here: Ignite Women in Business | Fueling the Future of Female Leadership

Get Connected!

LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance

Twitter: @IgniteNebraska

Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska

Instagram: ignitenebraska

Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.