In this episode of the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast, I interview Sven Gade, an executive coach and triathlon enthusiast. We discuss the parallels between sports and leadership, the importance of meaningful conversations, and the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Sven shares several tools that will help you to lead diverse teams successfully.

In this episode of Insurance Leaders Lab, I’m joined by Doug Noll—a lawyer turned peacemaker—who brings decades of wisdom in conflict resolution to the table. Doug has taught thousands how to defuse tension and resolve conflict in seconds. You will learn how to instantly calm any angry person—yes, in under 90 seconds. It’s a game-changing tool for leaders who want to create more peace, clarity, and connection in high-pressure moments.

Modern leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about presence, empathy, and the ability to transform conflict into progress. Doug shares real-life examples and simple practices to help anyone strengthen conflict resolution skills and lead with emotional intelligence. If you’re ready to upgrade how you lead in challenging situations, this episode is packed with practical takeaways that will shift how you think, listen, and communicate forever.

Every leader deserves an executive coach.

But what does that really look like? In this episode, I sit down with Karen Power, an executive coach and advisor on organizational culture and talent, to take you inside the coaching process.

Together, we explore how coaching can help leaders tackle the top three challenges they face:

• Lack of focus

• Building confidence

• Leading change in uncertain times.

If you’ve ever wondered how an experienced coach can help you overcome these challenges, tune in for some invaluable insights!

Have you recently been promoted to a next-level leadership position?

What can you do from day one to succeed in a new role? In this episode, I discuss five proven strategies to set you on the right path.

We review one of the strategies in detail so that you have a better understanding and can apply it to your situation right away.

In this episode of the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast, I discuss five common mistakes leaders make when transitioning to the next-level role and offer specific strategies to avoid those mistakes.

In this episode of the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast, I talk to Shelagh Grubb, a seasoned insurance professional with a rich background in the industry.

Shelagh shares a story of her personal growth through overcoming a significant life challenge. Shelagh's secret formula in personal and professional life is Always Be Growing and Always Be Grateful.

In this special episode of the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast, host Nina Shepard summarizes the common themes that emerged during the conversations in the first quarter.

✨ Building Self-Awareness as the First Step to Becoming a Leader Others Want to Follow

True leadership starts with self-awareness and emotional regulation. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re essential skills that set great leaders apart.

✨ Leadership Is All About Your People

Every guest echoed the same powerful truth: the best leaders put people first. Success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about supporting, inspiring, and empowering those around you.

✨ Get Involved and Give Back

Great leaders don’t just climb the ladder; they lift others up along the way. Whether by organizing seminars, speaking at conferences, or contributing to industry associations, leadership thrives on service and paying it forward.

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to dive into these insightful episodes of the Insurance Leaders Lab at https://ninashepard.com/podcast/ or on your preferred podcast platform.

Listen, reflect, and join the conversation! What leadership lessons have shaped your journey? Let’s keep learning together.

The insurance industry offers diverse career paths. We discuss with Karyn Roeling how to choose what's right for you. Even if seemingly effortless, it still involves a lot of hard work behind the scenes, learning, and taking risks.

We talk about how corporate experience allows you to leverage your family business and what it takes to execute a smooth transition between generations.

We also discuss what it means to be a female insurance leader and the best strategies for becoming a strong, confident, and influential leader.

In this episode of the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast, I speak with Dawn Kristy, an expert in AI and cybersecurity. We discuss strategies for small businesses to navigate the complexities of AI and cybersecurity, the future landscape of these fields in 2025, and the critical need to empower women in STEM.

What risks and opportunities does AI present from the insurance industry perspective? How can we gain a competitive advantage using AI, and what role does education play in this process?

Listen to our conversation to better understand the complex environment.

In this episode of the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast, Kyle Ulrich, the President and CEO of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, shares unique insights from his leadership journey. He discusses strategies that have proven successful in navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and Florida's turbulent property insurance market.

He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, walking the talk, and finding time to connect with people genuinely.

We also delve into FAIA's promising plans to provide more support to its members in the near future, with a special emphasis on workforce development and technology.