InsHER

In this episode, I interview Jennifer (Jen) Marino, Chief Marketing Officer at MSIG USA, to talk about her impressive career journey and the evolving role of marketing in insurance. Jen shared how she transitioned from consumer products into financial services, bringing with her a sharp focus on data, customer experience, and brand strategy. We explored how she’s used data-driven insights to move marketing beyond activity metrics and into real business impact, shifting the conversation from spending to effectiveness, and earning marketing a true seat at the leadership table. Jen also shared how marketing can be a powerful growth accelerator when aligned with underwriting and distribution strategies, strengthening broker relationships, and helping insurers become more proactive and relevant in the market. What I loved most about this conversation was Jen’s perspective on influence and equity in leadership. We talked about how moving from execution to impact requires business fluency, visibility, and courage, and how influence is built over time through credibility and consistency. Jen also shared her passion for advancing women in leadership, emphasizing the importance of intentional opportunity, transparency, and mutual support in the C-suite. 

In this episode, I interview Marya Propis, Executive Vice President of Retail Distribution at RT Specialty, to continue an important conversation she had recently sparked alongside Leanne Berry through RT’s WOW (Women Opportunity Winning) program and APIW, Inc. The engagement from that virtual event was buzzing, proof that ageism in our industry, especially for women, deserves more space. We unpacked the familiar “Goldilocks” assumption that women are either too young and underestimated or too experienced and overlooked, never just right. Marya offered a powerful reframe: the real shift happens when you decide you’re appropriately positioned in your life and career, regardless of outside perception. We also talked about how men often seem to gain value with age while women are expected to fade quietly, and why Marya believes it’s time we take a page from their playbook. She shared how she’s learned to wear her decades of experience proudly, leveraging depth and perspective as strengths instead of something to minimize. Toward the end of our conversation, Marya bravely brought perimenopause and menopause into the spotlight, advocating for more thoughtful support for women navigating physiological changes. This episode is a reminder that experience is not a liability, it’s an asset, and that advancing women in insurance means honoring every chapter of their careers.

In this episode, I interview Layna Thompson, Founding Head of Customer Success and Growth at PowerBroker.ai, to talk about how insurance can modernize without losing its humanity. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Layna brings a refreshingly grounded perspective on AI and automation, emphasizing that talent has never been the issue, it’s the amount of time insurance professionals spend stuck in administrative work. We discuss how thoughtfully applied technology can clear space for better thinking, stronger advising, and more meaningful human connections. What I loved most about this conversation is Layna’s unwavering belief that curiosity, trust, and real human connection are still the foundation of our industry, and always should be. We talked about why trust isn’t built through forms and e-signatures alone, but through moments that people remember. Layna shared how thoughtful automation can move busy work into the background so insurance professionals can spend less time typing and more time thinking, interpreting, and showing up when it matters most.

In this episode, I interview Kaiza Molina, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at StretchDollar. Kaiza discusses how we think about health insurance and why it so often feels overwhelming, emotional, and inaccessible. She shares how many people equate choice with risk, questioning whether coverage is “good” or even legitimate, and how much of her work is rooted in myth-busting and helping people move through the fear and uncertainty tied to healthcare decisions. We discussed how health insurance is rarely a rational, spreadsheet-based decision and is often a household-level choice shaped by trust, past experiences, family needs, and risk tolerance.  We also dug into her “why” behind StretchDollar and her mission to empower small business owners to offer meaningful health benefits without carrying impossible pressure. Kaiza reframed the problem in a way that feels immediately approachable: the job isn’t picking the perfect plan for everyone, it’s setting the right budget. Kaiza emphasized that there is no longer an “average employee,” and that solutions must account for real life, from unplanned medical needs to caregiving, fertility, and mental health. Ultimately, Kaiza believes that accessible health insurance starts with simplicity, empathy, and designing systems that respect how people actually make decisions.

In this episode, I interview Angelina Vereshchagina, a sophomore student at St. John’s University. Angelina shares what initially drew her into insurance, the sheer scope of what can be insured, and the realization that this industry touches nearly every part of the world around us. We talk about that moment of curiosity when you start to see insurance not as rigid or boring, but as endlessly complex, creative, and full of opportunity.  Angelina also discusses what it takes to attract and engage the next generation of insurance professionals, and why young voices need to be at the forefront of that effort. Through her work with Gamma Iota Sigma and as a university ambassador, she’s on the front lines of introducing students to the industry. We discuss how early exposure, honest conversations, and visible role models can significantly impact the way students perceive insurance as a career filled with purpose and growth.

One year ago today, the LA wildfires changed lives, neighborhoods, and the way many of us think about risk, resilience, and recovery. In the first episode of season 3, I interview Shanna McIntyre, co-founder and Chief Data Officer at Delos. Shanna’s journey into the industry began far from it, with a background in physics, aerospace, and satellite data, before she and her co-founder recognized the urgent need to apply serious science to one of the most personal challenges facing homeowners today. We talk about why insurance is such a critical enabler of stability and recovery, how wildfires have exposed the limits of traditional risk models, and what the industry has learned in the year since communities were forced to rebuild. Shanna shares how Delos’s wildfire hazard models performed during recent fires, and how better data, automation, and climate-aware science can actually expand insurability rather than restrict it. We discuss the role insurers played in recovery, the emotional weight these moments carry for homeowners, and why understanding the full insurance ecosystem is essential to creating equitable, sustainable solutions. What stayed with me most was Shanna’s belief that curiosity is a catalyst for progress: when we truly understand risk, we can price it more fairly, respond faster, and design coverage that meets people where they are, especially when they need it most.

In my final 2025 collaboration episode with ISC Group, I interviewed Alisa Grafton for a timely and intriguing conversation about Generation Z and how their digital-first upbringing is reshaping the workplace. Alisa breaks down what truly sets Gen Z apart, from being the first generation to never know an analog world, to growing up amid constant global crises and identity-driven conversations around diversity and authenticity. We talked about how this exposure has shaped a generation that is purpose-driven, entrepreneurial, and deeply values transparency, while also sometimes struggling to build offline connections in a hyper-connected world. We also dug into the real challenges leaders are facing as Gen Z enters the workforce, especially after the pandemic disrupted traditional professional development. Alisa debunks common myths, reframing Gen Z as pragmatic, transactional, and intentional about where they invest their energy. Our conversation explores how this generation is rewriting workplace rules through flexibility, side hustles, and reverse mentorship, and what leaders can do to meet them where they are. 

In this episode, I interview Carrie Conejo, Executive Vice President of Client Services at C3. Carrie shares her journey from claims into leadership, and how building systems, processes, and efficiencies became her way of supporting the people who serve clients every day. We also talk about the impact of a supportive company culture, leadership that models positive behavior, and colleagues who work passionately towards the company's goals and have fun while doing it.  My favorite part of my conversation with Carrie was her openness about life outside of work. As a remote professional long before it became common, she shares how that flexibility allowed her to show up fully for her youngest son, who has Down Syndrome, and how navigating therapy schedules, appointments, and milestones deepened her understanding of what real support looks like in the workplace. We talk about the power of finding “your people,” of getting into the room with others who understand your stage of life, and of leadership that lifts, not stifles, talent. Carrie is someone whose honesty, heart, and operational brilliance shine through in everything she does. 

In this episode, I interview Dana Marie Applegate, and we discuss her destiny in claims. After participating in mock interviews while looking for her lifelong career path, every single evaluator told her that claims were for her. With her legal background, her ability to think critically, and her lifelong superpower of asking a million questions (a self-proclaimed five-year-old “but why?” kid), she stepped into a field where every claim is a puzzle, sometimes missing pieces, sometimes oddly shaped, always uniquely human. And that complexity is what made her fall in love with the work. Claims, she says, will always be home. We also dive deep into the leadership lessons Dana has learned along the way, starting with some of the toughest and most transformative feedback she ever received. Dana is the opposite of a “yes woman.” She’s a truth-teller, someone who believes bad news is manageable when paired with solutions and honesty. She also opens up about navigating the hard moments with other women and how she actively restores her faith by reaching out to the women who lift her up. Dana has a grounding belief that you must always return to who you are at your core and carry yourself with integrity, even when others don’t deserve that kindness.

At the RISE Summit in Fort Lauderdale this June, I had the privilege of sitting down with six extraordinary young women who were recognized as part of the RISE 35 Under 35 Awards, and this conversation left me completely energized about the future of our industry. These women aren’t just rising talent; they’re already shaping what insurance will look like in the years ahead. I was joined by Alyssa Sanchez (RYZE Claim Solutions), Angel Song (Sunereum Labs), Emily Cameron (Gain Life), Mykaela Ionta (The Hartford), Peyton Rudolph (GradGuard), and Siena Pizzano (Sompo), a powerhouse group representing recruitment, innovation, underwriting, product, marketing, and then some. If these six are any indication of what's ahead, our industry’s future is in exceptional hands. I’m deeply grateful to RISE Professionals for creating a platform that uplifts, celebrates, and invests in emerging talent, and honored to showcase the voices of the next generation of insurance leaders.

In this episode, I interview Caryn Siebert, Vice President, National Director of Carrier Engagement at Gallagher Bassett, and a respected leader, mentor, and advocate. Caryn’s career has spanned law, claims leadership, and executive roles across the industry, but an unchanging value is her lifelong commitment to developing people and leading with purpose. We talk about her journey, from navigating complex claims and litigation to building inclusive, high-performing teams. Caryn shares how her work has always been about more than results, it’s about raising the bar for professionalism and creating a culture where people feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow. Caryn also discusses the importance of effective communication, what it means to listen, to mentor with intention, and to make space for new voices at the table.

In this episode, I sit down with Heather Blevins, Content Programming Lead at JS Held, and a passionate leader and advocate who’s shining a much-needed light on the mental health challenges faced by claims professionals. Heather shares how her own experiences in the field inspired her to take action, to name what so many in the industry feel but rarely talk about: burnout, compassion fatigue, and the emotional toll of the work.  Heather discusses the important work of Project 55, a non-profit examining the mental well-being of insurance professionals, and a study she is working on, Heather is helping bring data and humanity together to drive meaningful change. Heather also talks about what it means to create psychological safety in an industry built around other people’s hardest moments.

In this episode, I interview two incredible women who turned connection into community impact: Maggie Potter, Managing Shareholder at Segal McCambridge’s Tampa office, and Misty Carson, Business Development Executive and Workforce Strategist at OneDigital. What began as a chance meeting at an APIW Tampa event quickly blossomed into a deep friendship and shared purpose. Together, Maggie and Misty founded the Florida chapter of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a vision born from their desire to create something lasting and meaningful in their state.  Throughout our conversation, Maggie and Misty reflect on how friendship, purpose, and community are all beautifully intertwined. Their work with organizations like the PACE Center for Girls has not only changed lives but also reshaped their own perspectives on leadership, opportunity, and self-belief. Misty shared, “Our mindset can get in our way so much… if we don’t believe that we deserve opportunity, it’s really difficult to take that opportunity and do something with it.” Together, they embody what it means to “build a longer table”, lifting others as they lead, challenging each other to grow, and reminding us that true impact starts when we combine passion with partnership.

In this episode, I interview Dr. Claire Muselman, Founder of DCM, professor at Drake University, and then some. Plus, one of the most passionate advocates for human-centered experience in workers’ compensation. Claire is challenging the industry to replace compliance-driven checklists with compassion, curiosity, and connection. We talked about her journey from claims professional to educator and thought leader, and how she’s rewriting the narrative around recovery and work. Claire’s perspective is deeply grounded in empathy: that healing, whether physical or professional, starts when people feel seen and valued. I love Claire’s ability to bridge the gap between process and purpose. Her powerful message is that every claim, every case, and every data point represents a human being, and that compassion and accountability go hand-in-hand. We also explored her mission to educate the next generation of professionals through storytelling, mentorship, and advocacy for women in the industry, and her involvement with the Global Insurance Accelerator, where she is seeing exciting advancements for products and solutions designed for the future of insurance. 

In this episode, I interview Cara McFadyen, Founder and Principal Consultant at Ooshka, for a conversation that’s equal parts raw, inspiring, and real. Cara shared how she’s found her footing as both a leader and a founder, channeling purpose into something new during a period of transition. That clarity helped her move past expectations of what life should look like and start creating a career path she never expected. We also talk about the courage it takes to step out on your own, to become the product, the operator, and the brand — and how Cara stays grounded through it all with storytelling, connection, and a deep belief in culture-driven leadership. She emphasizes that the insurance industry was built on relationships and that marketers and leaders alike have the opportunity to humanize the business. From tackling talent retention and equity to reframing how the industry tells its story, Cara believes that when culture sits at the top of the agenda, everything else flows from it.

In this special crossover episode, I sat down with another women in insurance podcast host, Meg McKeen of Bound & Determined℠. We came together for an open, honest conversation about purpose, community, and the power of sharing women's stories. With deep respect for one another’s work, we reflected on what it means to create space for women in the insurance industry, why collaboration matters more than ever, and how podcasting has transformed the way we show up as leaders, listeners, and women. This conversation was held live on October 1st.

In this episode, I interview Alex Eidenberg, President of The Insurance People, to hear her inspiring story of designing a career where she could be her authentic self, and her team could too. Alex shares how she has built her career by leaning into curiosity, authenticity, and a deep commitment to people-first leadership. From navigating challenges in the industry to stepping into her role as President, she opens up about what it means to lead with empathy while still driving strong business results. Alex is dedicated to creating an environment where both clients and colleagues feel valued and supported. She talks about how intentional culture-building fuels growth, how confidence evolves when you trust yourself, and why women should never shrink themselves in spaces of leadership. What I loved most is Alex’s passion for mentorship, especially among women. She reflects on the importance of women supporting women, creating a ripple effect that lifts others up and broadens opportunities across the industry.

In this episode, I interview Trindl Reeves, Chief Revenue Officer at Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA), whose journey into insurance was shaped by resilience, perspective, and a little wisdom from her grandmother. Trindl shares how her dream of becoming an Olympic athlete shifted after a health challenge, leading her to pursue insurance, a path that has given her both opportunity and fulfillment. With more than 30 years in the industry, she’s grown alongside MMA, helping it expand from a regional firm into a national powerhouse. I admire how her early experiences taught her not to fear challenges, but to embrace them with focus and resilience. We also discuss her leadership philosophy and the impact of her GROW initiative, Growth and Relationships and Opportunities for Women, which began small at Barney & Barney and is now a full-fledged program across MMA. Trindl is passionate about mentoring young talent, empowering women to see what’s possible, and encouraging everyone to step into stretch opportunities, even (and especially) if failure is part of the journey. Trindl believes that success comes from curiosity, human connection, and making your aspirations known, and of course, women and men working together along the way. 

In this episode, I interview Morgan Scott, Chief Operating Officer at The Mahoney Group, to talk about her career path, leadership philosophy, and what it means to drive meaningful impact in the insurance industry. Morgan shared her journey from starting in the business at a young age to rising into executive leadership, reflecting on the resilience, adaptability, and intentionality it took along the way. We talked about how her diverse experiences shaped her perspective on operations, culture, and strategy, and why she believes insurance remains a people-first business at its core. Morgan has so much openness about growth, both personal and professional. She shared how mentorship and collaboration have shaped her leadership style, how she balances data-driven decisions with empathy, and why creating inclusive, supportive teams is central to her role as COO. Morgan also gave powerful advice for women in the industry about stepping into leadership with confidence, finding their voice, and redefining what success looks like on their own terms. My favorite part of our conversation was her idea to revisit the construction paper chains we made as kids. Listen to her episode to hear more!

In this episode, I interview Loretta Worters, Vice President of Media Relations at the Insurance Information Institute (III). Loretta has been a steady voice during some of the most challenging moments for the insurance industry, everything from natural disasters to civil unrest to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond crisis communications, Loretta has devoted her career to improving understanding of insurance and the pivotal role it plays in people’s lives. Her ability to take complex industry issues and translate them into accessible, human-centered stories is one of her greatest strengths. What I loved most about our conversation is how Loretta ties her professional work to her personal passion for advocacy, particularly for women. She’s helped shape initiatives that spotlight women leaders in insurance and continues to mentor and amplify voices across the industry. We also discussed the evolution of media relations, the importance of trust and credibility in communications, and how she approaches telling stories that resonate not just with reporters, but with everyday consumers.