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InsHER Podcast is dedicated to celebrating and elevating women shaping the insurance industry. Hosted by Megan Bell, each episode features inspiring conversations with remarkable women who share their unique stories, insights, and advice. By highlighting diverse voices and experiences, the podcast fosters community, promotes leadership, and showcases the incredible impact women are making in the industry. Edited by Michael Landry.
80 Episodes
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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.
In this episode, I interview Rose Shamash, Supervising Partner at Jones, Jones, LLC, to explore her journey into insurance litigation, a path she stumbled into after law school but quickly grew to love. Rose describes the field as dynamic, complex, and even strategic, comparing it to a game of chess. Rose speaks passionately about the relationships she’s built along the way and her ability to transform challenges into opportunities, like leading the formalization of her firm’s dedicated construction practice. Rose also shared that she is exploring guest lecturing at her former law school, opening students’ eyes to underexplored career paths like workers’ compensation defense, roles that offer both intellectual challenge and the possibility of true work-life balance.
Rose and I also delved into her experiences as a woman in traditionally male-dominated fields like construction law and insurance. She shared relatable stories about overcoming gender assumptions early in her career, including the time she was mistaken for a paralegal, and how she developed confidence and quiet certainty in her expertise. I loved hearing how her role as a parent has also shaped her professional life, making her more empathetic, efficient, and skilled at negotiation and team management.
In this episode, I sit down with Keri-Lynne “KL” Shaw, Founder of The Salary Bump. KL’s career began in the automotive industry before she built a long career in HR, eventually serving as a Chief People Officer. Along the way, she discovered a calling: helping professionals confidently own their worth, navigate career transitions, and negotiate for the pay and opportunities they deserve. I admired her calm authority when I first heard her speak, and in our conversation, KL shares the same mix of strategy, authenticity, and actionable tools that make her work so impactful.
KL also explains how salary negotiation is about so much more than just numbers, it’s about alignment, self-worth, and creating win-win outcomes that empower both professionals and organizations. KL also reflects on the ways women, in particular, can step into their power by reframing the conversation around value, not just compensation. Whether you’re in insurance or not, KL’s approach will inspire you to take the driver’s seat in your career and find a road that feels both ambitious and authentic.
In this episode, I interview Paige Roepers, CEO of Ocean Ledger, whose career path took her from marine biology to banking, consulting, and ultimately to creating a company at the intersection of the Blue Economy and insurance. Paige shares how her passion for the ocean inspired her to build technology that uses satellite imagery and machine learning to map coastal risk, offering insurers and real estate investors sharper insights into storm surge exposure. What started as curiosity about the lack of financial support for marine conservation has evolved into a mission-driven business bridging risk gaps across the globe, from the US Gulf Coast and Northeast to APAC and the Caribbean.
We also discuss Ocean Ledger’s participation in Lloyd’s Lab, where Paige’s team demonstrated how their shoreline data could have generated significant savings during past hurricane events. Paige opens up about her experience as a young female founder navigating the insurance space, her belief in collaboration over competition with existing risk modeling vendors, and her vision for making insurance more inclusive and equitable, from simplifying industry jargon to prioritizing cultural fit and diverse skillsets in hiring. Paige shares how building a sustainable insurance future is about acting as the “glue” between stakeholders and staying anchored in transparency, equity, and innovation.
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 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 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.
In this episode, I interview Sheila Dye, Chief Operating Officer at Latitude Segregation Services, who found insurance through her husband. He even got a referral bonus for recruiting her to Nationwide! Sheila spent an impressive tenure there before finding Latitude. Her journey at a large organization, followed by a move to a smaller one, influenced her leadership style and approach to processes. Sheila shares the pivotal lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of listening, mentorship, and intentionally stepping out of your comfort zone to grow.
What struck me most about Sheila is her blend of operational discipline and genuine care for people. We talk about leading through change, how to navigate tough transitions, and why creating a culture of accountability and compassion matters. Sheila also opens up about how motherhood shaped her leadership and the value she sees in investing in other women.
In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Ramos, Director of Student Relations for Young Risk Professionals of Denver, to explore how she turned a chance moment in an urban auto insurance office into a life of purpose, leadership, and fierce love. Her resilience, shaped by a childhood marked by instability, hunger, and survival, is awe-inspiring. In spite of her hardship, she speaks of it not with bitterness, but with profound reflection, saying, “Only in the past few years have I truly embraced how resilient I am.”
Lydia opens up about being a gang-involved teen, a young mother in an abusive relationship, and a woman who found her footing in insurance when she needed a new path most. Today, she’s not just building a career, she’s building a legacy. With six children under one roof (and one already in her own house), Lydia’s home is a multigenerational, love-filled hub of support, laughter, and safety. We talk about authenticity in leadership, the future of the industry, and how Lydia’s mission is to create the kind of family, community, and professional space she never had growing up. “Insurance,” she says, “was my segway to a real life.”
In this episode, I sit down with someone whose digital presence precedes her in the best way possible. Ema Roloff, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Roloff Consulting, joins me to talk about her journey from the classroom to the world of digital transformation. With a background in teaching and more than a decade of experience helping companies modernize, Emma brings a powerful mix of curiosity, compassion, and communication to the table. We dig into how her unique approach to change management empowers businesses to not only adopt technology but truly embrace it with purpose and clarity.
What I loved most about our conversation is Ema’s commitment to being a thoughtful leader in a space that’s often dominated by buzzwords and complexity. She breaks things down in a way that feels personal and actionable, whether she’s talking about automation, customer experience, or the empathetic side of leading change. We also talk about what it means to show up authentically online, the power of building in public, and how Emma’s role as an educator still shows up in her work every day.
In this episode of InsHER, I interview the one and only Miranda Fischer, Producer at Alliant Insurance Services and a total force in the construction and surety space. From riding at the Grand Prix level in both Show Jumping and Dressage to operating heavy machinery and now representing some of the top AEC firms in New York, Miranda’s insurance story is anything but ordinary. We talk about how her unconventional background gives her a unique edge, and how she shows up authentically with neon multi-chrome eyebrows, full-body tattoos, and all. Miranda shares what it's like to be one of only a handful of female producers in her specialty and how she’s pushing boundaries simply by existing as her full self.
We also get into the power of industry associations and the confidence they can instill, especially for women stepping into volunteer leadership roles. Miranda is involved in organizations like the Women Builders Council and Professional Women in Construction, and she explains how those spaces not only build community but spark lifelong friendships. She’s brutally honest, fiercely authentic, and endlessly bold, reminding us that we do deserve the seat we’ve earned and should have twice the audacity of everyone in the room. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or questioned whether you belong, this episode is the reminder you didn’t know you needed.
In this episode of InsHER, I interviewed Jen Miller, founder of Power Sales and Strategy. With more than 25 years of experience and over a decade coaching thousands of insurance professionals, Jen brings sharp insights, authenticity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed. But in a way you can feel happy with.
What stood out to me most was Jen’s powerful perspective on building confidence, especially for young women and introverts in an industry that often rewards the loudest voices. We dig into mentorship, intentional networking, and visibility in a remote world. From expressing your needs, to honoring your most productive hours, to designing a life and career that actually works, Jen demonstrates how leadership starts from within.
In this episode, I interview Rocio Luna, Workers’ Compensation Specialist and Risk Management Strategist. Rocio’s journey into insurance began with a simple yes. When a local agency needed help fast, she jumped in headfirst with no prior knowledge of workers’ comp. She candidly shares how Google became her best friend, how kind adjusters helped shape her foundation, and how she leaned into transparency, humility, and determination to earn her footing in a male-dominated space. Rocio opens up about those early years, the steep learning curve, and how developing client trust, especially when delivering tough news, was a cornerstone of her growth.
We also talk about how Rocio’s experience in claims gave her the structure and insight to later build out scalable processes for risk management. Her transition into sales, while brief, taught her invaluable lessons about communication, confidence, and rejection. As a 25-year-old Latina woman surrounded by seasoned "golf guys," Rocio used her intuition and deep listening skills to form real connections with clients, and realized that being different was her strength. Her message to other women in the industry is powerful: don’t let intimidation or a number define your worth. You belong at the table, and your voice matters.
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