In this episode, I interview Gemma Ros, Chief Technology Officer at The Zebra, to talk about her fascinating journey from Wall Street to tech leader in insurance. Gemma shares how her passion for technology and problem-solving ultimately led her to The Zebra, where she’s on a mission to simplify insurance shopping through innovation, personalization, and intelligent automation. We explore how her teams are modernizing data infrastructure, cutting quoting times, and enhancing the customer experience, while never losing sight of the human side of insurance. 

What really struck me was Gemma’s commitment to building teams, and products, that reflect the world we live in. She describes The Zebra’s inclusive culture, from its Employee Resource Groups to its support for different work styles, and shares why connecting everyday work to a bigger purpose is critical for engagement and decision-making. We also talk about the value of risk-taking, learning from failure, and creating psychologically safe environments where innovation can thrive. 

In this episode, I interview Chantelle Davis, Business Manager, Turnkey Reinsurance at Beazley, to talk about her incredible journey through the insurance industry—from studying finance and working at the FDIC during the wake of Dodd-Frank, to finding her niche in cyber, product development, and now turnkey reinsurance. Chantelle is one of those people who brings thoughtful strategy and creativity to every seat she’s held, and her story is a tapestry of when curiosity, mentorship, and the right culture come together to shape a career. We also discuss the human element of regulation, the value of learning through failure, and the leaders who helped her lean into her questions with confidence.

What I loved most about our conversation was how deeply personal Chantelle’s definition of success has become. We explore how her passion for sustainability led to launching her own fashion brand, Beau Davis, and how her commitment to community now drives her leadership style. Chantelle is thinking big, about equity in the industry, about wealth-building in under-served communities, and about helping the next generation find their footing. She’s proof that you don’t have to choose between analytical excellence and creative expression. You can make space for both, and still make an impact.

In this first-of-its-kind episode, I interview the anonymous force behind the Instagram account @Insurancewomen, a platform that has quickly become a trusted voice for equity, transparency, and real talk in the insurance industry. She created the account over three years ago to address the gender pay gap and make it easier for women to access honest information, like parental leave policies and company culture insights. What started as a small idea is now a growing movement, fueled by DMs, community crowdsourcing, and the collective will of women who want better, better pay, better support, and a better future in this industry.

We talked candidly about everything from return-to-office mandates and open-plan distractions to the surprising intel she receives from women across the country. She’s building something powerful, balancing hard truths with humor, and creating a safe space for connection, advocacy, and actionable change. Her hope? That leaders are paying attention. That women feel less alone. And that the industry starts meeting the moment. This conversation was raw, real, and a much-needed look at what happens when women build something for each other, with no corporate filter.

If you aren’t already, make sure to follow @insurancewomen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancewomen/ 

In this episode, I speak with Natalie Kojababian, Vice President at Amwins Access, whose journey into insurance started at just 18 through a summer job in her university’s risk management department. From sorting through policies to sitting in on broker calls and meetings, she got a hands-on introduction that sparked something bigger. At USC, she helped revive a risk management course on the verge of cancellation, ultimately laying the groundwork for what has now grown into a full minor open to all majors. It’s a powerful reminder that even small actions can ripple into lasting impact for future generations in our industry.

Now leading an all-women team at Amwins Access, Natalie brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does. We talk about her two-year grind to build a book of business, what it means to lead with intention, and her commitment to creating space for other women to thrive. She’s also the creator of “Be Kind & Bind”, a mantra that’s more than a personal brand; it’s a culture rooted in being a good human. 

In this episode, I interview Seraina Lamlin, Associate Vice President at USI Insurance Services. From starting her insurance career as a receptionist in a small Florida agency to leading client strategy at USI, Seraina’s story is a powerful example of growth and self-belief. We talk about how she navigated a sink-or-swim learning environment, pursued her degree while raising three boys, and made a bold move from Florida to Philadelphia in pursuit of something greater, not just for her career, but for her life.

But what makes Seraina’s journey especially compelling is the personal transformation she shares with courage and candor. Now celebrating two years of sobriety, Seraina opens up about overcoming addiction, finding clarity, and the confidence that comes with living in alignment with your values. We explore the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in corporate spaces and the importance of leading with empathy, vulnerability, and integrity. Seraina is a beautiful reminder that reinvention is possible.

In this episode, I interview Lawanda "Elle Michell" Hall, CEO and Founder of Intelligent Intentions LLC, for a powerful and inspiring conversation. Elle is one of my only guests who intentionally pursued a career in insurance. She opens up about her early passion for math and her decision to pursue actuarial science at Georgia State University. She eventually transitioned to a concentration in risk management and insurance as she was drawn to the problem-solving possibilities. It’s no surprise she excelled in her career, but ran into limitations in corporate, which inspired her to seek out her “Oz” - somewhere Elle could show up fully herself and feel the fullness of her passion for insurance. 

We talk about her visionary work with the Professional Development Academy (PDA), which is a career readiness program that equips students in risk management with real-world coaching, exposure, and tools to confidently navigate their careers. Elle also shares an amazing perspective on integrity being something evergreen and not selectively applied. Elle challenges us to think differently about how we value people inside organizations, viewing employees as complex, volatile, and highly valuable assets. 

In my second collaboration episode with ISC Group, I interview Carmen Powell, CEO of the ISC Group, to explore a topic that’s rarely addressed out loud: ageism in the insurance industry. Carmen shared eye-opening insights into how age-related bias against women often hides in plain sight: being overlooked for promotions, subtle pay inequities through job title manipulation, or job descriptions written to favor younger candidates. We discussed how this issue is deeply intertwined with gender bias and how it quietly impacts confidence, career progression, and leadership visibility. Carmen shared that many of the barriers women face begin as early as 45, and for some, even earlier.

We also talked about the incredible untapped value of experienced women in insurance and the need for inclusive re-entry pathways, particularly for those returning after caregiving. Carmen highlighted how ISC Group is actively building networks and opportunities for mid- to late-career women to reclaim their professional power and stay visible. We discussed the importance of intergenerational collaboration, male allyship, and intentional policy change. Carmen’s message is clear: experience isn’t a liability. And we need to create space for women to own it, share it, and thrive at every stage of their careers.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Erika Duda, Founder and CEO of InsureQuest, about her refreshingly human approach to building confidence, clarity, and career growth in the adjusting world. With 20+ years of experience, Erika brings a well-rounded perspective to what adjusters really need to thrive. We talked about the inspiration behind InsureQuest, her mission-driven training and onboarding company, and how she’s closing critical education gaps in the industry. Erika also shared how the 2008 recession helped her realize that careers are personal, and the most powerful thing we can do is take ownership of our path.

Our conversation also explores Erika’s recent diagnosis with a brain disorder and her neurodivergent identity, experiences that have challenged her deeply but also reshaped the way she leads and creates. From introverted conference strategies to resilience in entrepreneurship, Erika speaks with honesty and strength about what it takes to show up fully as yourself. 

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Cayce Lynch and Ashley Paige Fetyko of Tyson & Mendes. Two women whose friendship and leadership journey exemplify what it means to rise together. Cayce, the firm’s National Managing Partner, first crossed paths with Ashley years ago in another firm, and what began as shared office walls and parallel seasons of life has grown into a deep bond rooted in shared purpose. We talked about how their connection has shaped not only their careers but also the culture they're building at Tyson & Mendes, where authenticity, growth, and support aren’t just words, but they’re the foundation. From leading national educational initiatives to standing firm on their values, they’re creating real change in the legal and insurance defense industries.

What I appreciated most was their commitment to showing up fully, not just as professionals, but as women, mothers, and mentors. Cayce and Ashley shared the risks and rewards of living their values out loud. They spoke truthfully about the realities of caregiving, the power of asking for what you need (like pumping breaks at court), and how to create inclusive spaces where others feel seen. And of course, creating content that bridged the ideals of two very different powerhouse females: Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Taylor Swift, to share their wisdom with their firm and the broader industry. 

In this episode, I interview Molly Stewart, Regional Sales Operations Leader at High Street Insurance and Financial Services. Molly brings a rare 360-degree view of the insurance world, having worked across frontline operations, outside sales, agency ownership, and sales leadership. Her holistic experience informs a leadership style grounded in purpose, strategy, and heart. We dive into how she empowers agents to lead with integrity, reminding them that selling insurance isn't about pushing products; it's about protecting people and businesses from life’s worst moments.

Molly shares powerful insights on what it means to truly serve clients, including when to walk away from the wrong fit and how vulnerability and storytelling can strengthen relationships. She challenges the outdated stigma of insurance sales and offers a compelling vision of what happens when agents ask the hard questions and stand confidently in their expertise. Molly proves that real impact in our industry comes from showing up with authenticity, courage, and care.