InsHER

In this episode, I interview Natalie Golubski, Professional Lines Broker at Jencap Group. Natalie shared how she initially found insurance through a family connection at Russell Bond and why she's stayed: the incredible people, the deep-rooted Buffalo insurance community, and an office culture where colleagues truly feel like family. We dive into how mastering operational foundations built the strong base she relies on as a producer today, and why she believes bringing your 100% authentic self to work beats wearing a corporate mask every single time. Natalie also shares her deep commitment to giving back, from her leadership roles across local insurance organizations like the Insurance Women of Buffalo to her viral "Bald for Bucks" challenge where she raised over $6,300 for the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and donated her hair to support children facing hair loss. Natalie also shares her vision for a more equitable playing field in our industry by introducing diverse, lower-income students to insurance careers early on. 

In this episode, I interview Stephanie Dewald, Executive Vice President and Zonal Distribution Leader for Major Accounts at Chubb, who brings over three decades of exceptional industry experience. Stephanie shares her unexpected journey into insurance after starting out as a computer science nerd, and how those early tech roots continue to fuel her adaptability and curiosity today. We also dive deep into her powerhouse background as a Division I tennis alumna and endurance athlete, exploring how the discipline, structure, and lessons learned from handling defeat gracefully have shaped her professional resilience. Beyond her athletic and career milestones, Stephanie offers powerful insights into modern leadership, discussing how she fosters a safe, collaborative environment for her team by treating mistakes as solvable learning opportunities rather than reasons for fear. We also examine the evolution of female leadership since the 1990s, the importance of embracing authentic strengths, and what it truly takes to drive sustainable, top-down equity and inclusion in the insurance industry so that leadership genuinely reflects a diverse customer base.

In this episode, I interview Angela Ripley, President of VW Brown Insurance Service and national chairperson of the Big I, who shares her journey growing up around an insurance agency and later rising to lead a 130-year-old organization. Angela shares the evolution of leadership styles, the power of mentorship, and why she believes in focusing on true talent and skill development across the board rather than siloing demographic groups. Angela also shares the special connections she has made with female agency owners across the country in states like Alaska, Montana, and Maine. We also explore exciting industry topics, from breaking away from gimmicky insurance advertising to attract the next generation of professionals to the positive impact of technology and AI on our daily work. 

In this episode, in partnership with the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), I interview Susan Johnson, Chief Culture Officer at The Hartford and Vice Chair of NAAIA's Board of Directors, for a deeply insightful conversation about what it truly means to build sustainable, value-driven inclusion within the insurance industry. Susan shares her unique journey into insurance from outside the traditional mold, offering a refreshing perspective on why we need to look beyond the same talent sources, rethink job descriptions, and tell a much broader, more compelling story about the diverse career paths available in our industry. Susan also shares how organizations can move past surface-level checklists and embed cultural belonging directly into everyday business operations, leadership behaviors, and talent systems. Susan provides incredible wisdom on navigating organizational transformation without putting culture on hold, fostering non-judgmental curiosity among all employees, and how executives can leverage strategic partnerships with organizations like NAAIA to drive real business and talent results. 

In this episode, I interview Mary O’Leary Dronson, Managing Director, Corporate Segment Team Leader, and Senior Account Executive at Marsh, to explore her inspiring journey from starting as an accounting clerk with tuition reimbursement to leading corporate segments. Mary shares how growing up as the middle child taught her to continually advocate for herself and adopt the powerful mindset of "why not me?" when pursuing career growth. We unpack the systemic barriers and societal conditioning, from traditional media tropes to passive expectations, that often hold women back from speaking up or stepping forward for major professional opportunities. Balanced with humor, Mary also recounts memorable career milestones, including completing her degree at Temple University in just 18 months while working full-time and turning a nerve-wracking interview moment featuring a severe cold sore into an ice-breaking triumph. Mary emphasizes the vital roles that authenticity, mentorship, and proactive sponsorship play in reshaping the insurance industry.