100 Women in Insurance

This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment. Summary In this conversation, Sandra interviews Gemma Lines about her squiggly career journey moving from banking to insurance and from marketing to HR. Gemma's experience goes beyond her own, as she also wrote a master's dissertation on gender differences in networking and is a qualified executive coach. In this episode, Gemma highlights the challenges faced by women in the insurance industry and provides plenty of useful tips on how to develop a successful career. Gemma points out the importance of being happy in your career, the need for flexibility and support for women in the workplace, and the power of networking and building strong connections. She also emphasises the need for organisations to address women's health issues and create inclusive policies and practices. Takeaways Be happy in your career and listen to what makes you happy and gives you energy. Flexibility and support are crucial for women in the workplace, especially during difficult life stages. Networking and building strong connections can open doors and create opportunities. Organisations should address women's health issues and create inclusive policies and practices. Navigate your career by identifying the behaviours and patterns you want to bring with you and leaving behind those that no longer serve you. "The happier you are doing something, the more energy you have doing something." About the sponsor Are you ready to take your insurance career or business to the next level? Meet Arthur, your trusted insurance search and recruitment partner. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Arthur specialises in connecting top talent with the biggest names in insurance. They can help you with your next career step or offer dynamic hiring solutions to help you achieve lasting success. Discover how Arthur can take your career or business to the next level at arthur.co.uk or call 0203 5877 234.

This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment. Summary In this conversation, Sandra interviews Sima Ruparelia about the importance of finding happiness in what you do, strategies for climbing the career ladder and showing up authentically at work. Sima emphasises the importance of research and networking when exploring career opportunities and highlights the need for authenticity and transparency in leadership. She explains how to let go of your work baggage when moving to a new role and not let negative criticism define you. She also encourages women to turn words such as ‘bossy' and ‘difficult' into positive traits of a successful career woman. As Chairwoman of ISC Global: Women From Black And Underrepresented Ethnic Backgrounds Forum, Sima discusses the significance of diversity of thought and creating a culture of acceptance in the workplace. She also explains the key challenges faced by women from ethnic backgrounds in the insurance industry. Sima shares plenty of amazing tips to enhance your professional and personal growth. Takeaways Explore different opportunities and gain diverse experiences to determine your career path. Conduct thorough research on companies and seek advice from trusted sources before making career moves. Create a culture of acceptance and embrace diversity of thought in the workplace. The lack of role models is a significant challenge for women in the insurance industry, especially black women. Hiding and working from home may feel safer, but it can hinder career progression. Building confidence to challenge the status quo and be authentic is crucial for success. Let go of baggage when moving to a new role, and don't let negative criticism define you. Words like 'difficult' and 'bossy' are often assigned to strong women, and being assertive is not a negative trait. The insurance industry provides opportunities for personal growth and unique experiences. About the sponsor Are you ready to take your insurance career or business to the next level? Meet Arthur, your trusted insurance search and recruitment partner. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Arthur specialises in connecting top talent with the biggest names in insurance. They can help you with your next career step or offer dynamic hiring solutions to help you achieve lasting success. Discover how Arthur can take your career or business to the next level at arthur.co.uk or call 0203 5877 234.

This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment. Summary Tammy Richardson shares her amazing career journey and insights on how to become a successful business leader in insurance. She emphasizes the importance of gathering diverse skills and experiences, managing a business as if it were your own, and being open to new opportunities. In this episode, apart from amazing career tips, Tammy shares her incredible personal story of moving to a new country (UK) with a young child and being a new single mother. She is a true role model for many who experience  ‘guilt', with wanting to do it all and taking control of your career along the way. Tammy also discusses the challenges of making tough business decisions and the role of empathy in leadership. She advises managers and companies to better understand their employees by engaging with them and creating opportunities for growth. Tammy's top tip for building a successful career in insurance is to engage with industry groups and gain an external perspective. Takeaways Gather diverse skills and experiences to become a well-rounded leader. Be open to new opportunities and willing to take on different roles. Make tough decisions with empathy, respect, and transparency. Engage with employees and create opportunities for growth and understanding. Think like a business leader and consider how you would run the business as if it were your own. Join industry groups to gain an external perspective and expand your network. Sound Bites "Thinking about how you would run the business as if it were your own." "Hold your head high, be accountable, and adapt in tough situations." "Learning to say no and prioritize what is important to you." About the sponsor Are you ready to take your insurance career or business to the next level? Meet Arthur, your trusted insurance search and recruitment partner. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Arthur specialises in connecting top talent with the biggest names in insurance. They can help you with your next career step or offer dynamic hiring solutions to help you achieve lasting success. Discover how Arthur can take your career or business to the next level at arthur.co.uk or call 0203 5877 234.

Summary This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment. Get ready to be inspired by Vicki Filer, Divisional Director at Arthur, as she shares her incredible career journey and valuable insights into building a successful career in insurance. In this episode, Vicki takes us on a thrilling adventure through her professional milestones and personal triumphs, including conquering Mount Kilimanjaro!

Apryle Oswald shares her career journey, from starting as a math major to becoming the Chief Analytics Officer for Aerial Re in Bermuda. She shares her story of working in insurance across a variety of roles and locations. She also discusses her experiences working in Bermuda and the unique aspects of the insurance market there. She also reflects on imposter syndrome and the importance of finding work-life balance. The conversation covers various topics related to life in Bermuda, importance of community and networking, authenticity in the workplace, psychology and coaching, the human connection in business, confidence and public speaking, We Speak Bermuda, the overstretching of talent, and work-life balance. The episode emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and setting boundaries in order to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance. Takeaways Career paths in insurance can often be influenced by chance and opportunities that you take along the way. Taking on a variety of roles can provide valuable experience and knowledge in different areas of the industry. Finding work-life balance is essential for long-term career satisfaction and personal well-being. Imposter syndrome can affect professionals at any stage of their career, but confidence in one's abilities is key to overcoming it. Thanks to Send (https://send.technology/) for sponsoring this this episode. Send is an award-winning insurance software company. It's flagship product is an AI-enabled Underwriting Workbench – a single platform from submission to bind, and beyond. The platform helps commercial and specialty insurers around the world drive greater efficiency, control and effectiveness. It has rich out-of-the-box functionality, workflow templates for over 40 lines of business, and proven deployments in multiple geographies.

Summary Pamela Thomson-Hall, CEO and Head of International Businesses at WTW, shares her career journey and pivotal moments, including her involvement in the World Trade Center claims process and acquiring a French broker. Pamela emphasizes the importance of not trying to do it all and finding a balance between work and personal life. She also provides tips on establishing a presence in a room and overcoming mum's guilt. Pamela highlights the benefits of a career in insurance, including the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures. In this conversation, Sandra interviews Pamela Thomson-Hall about her journey to finding happiness and success on her own terms. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, defining success for oneself, and finding happiness and fulfilment in life. Pamela shares her personal experiences and insights, providing valuable lessons for listeners. Takeaways Self-reflection is crucial for understanding one's values, passions, and goals. Success should be defined based on personal fulfilment and happiness rather than external validation. Finding happiness and fulfilment requires aligning one's actions and choices with their values and passions. Taking the time to explore and understand oneself leads to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Summary Emma White, a senior underwriter at Liberty Specialty Markets, shares her journey in the insurance industry and her specialisation in fine art and species insurance. She discusses the benefits of graduate schemes and offers advice on making the most of these programs. Emma also highlights the challenges of transitioning from a graduate scheme to a full-time role and provides insights on career progression. She delves into the world of fine art insurance, explaining the diverse range of items that can be insured and the global nature of the industry. Emma also discusses her involvement in committees and networks, emphasising the importance of collaboration and open-mindedness. She concludes by reflecting on the unique experiences and opportunities she has had in her insurance career, particularly in terms of travel and meeting people from different backgrounds. Takeaways To make the most of a graduate scheme, be proactive, say yes to opportunities, and build relationships with colleagues. Transitioning from a graduate scheme to a full-time role may require patience and persistence, but staying dedicated and open to learning can lead to career progression. Fine art insurance involves insuring a wide range of items, including artwork, fossils, and high-value interests like cash and precious metals. Involvement in committees and networks can provide valuable experiences, opportunities for personal growth, and a platform for collaboration and idea-sharing. Graduate schemes provide valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and exploring different areas of the insurance industry. A career in insurance can offer unique experiences, such as travel and the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds.

Summary We are a quarter of the way to the 100 Women in Insurance Goal! In this conversation, Vicky Carter, Chairman of Global Capital Solutions International at Guy Carpenter and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Lloyd's, shares her journey in the insurance industry and discusses the importance of taking opportunities and building relationships. She emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion in the industry and highlights the role of insurance in a changing world. Vicky also talks about the value of honesty and bringing your whole self to work. She encourages young professionals to join the insurance industry and make the most of its opportunities. Takeaways Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it's not part of your original plan. Build strong relationships based on trust and honesty. Embrace diversity and inclusion to bring different perspectives and skill sets to the industry. Insurance is critical in managing risk and supporting societies in a volatile world. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of their employer or any other organization with which they may be affiliated. The guest is speaking in their personal capacity, and any information or statements made should be attributed to them individually. Our podcast aims to provide a platform for diverse perspectives, and the opinions expressed by guests are not endorsements by the podcast or its host. Listeners are encouraged to consider multiple viewpoints and form their own conclusions.

In this episode, Sandra speaks to the amazing Laura Harvey, Director and Head of the Property Desk at the Davies Group. Laura is a mum of two beautiful children and was highly commended at the 2023 Women in Insurance Event for the most inspiring returner. Laura shares her journey in the insurance industry and discusses the challenges faced by women, particularly during key life stages. She emphasizes the importance of open and honest conversations between employees and employers and the need for supportive policies and a culture that recognizes and accommodates personal needs. Sandra and Laura also discuss the issue of sexual harassment at industry events and suggest ways to prevent such behaviour. For example, it highlights the importance of team-building activities that cater to the needs of all participants and move away from a heavy drinking culture. Instead, create fully inclusive events that challenge the norm and change behaviours. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box for networking events and the value of smaller, more intimate gatherings. There is a lot to take away from this episode, and we hope you enjoy it. Takeaways Open and honest conversations between employees and employers are crucial for navigating personal and professional challenges. Supportive policies and a culture that recognizes and accommodates personal needs are essential for retaining and empowering employees. Companies should strive to prevent sexual harassment at industry events by creating inclusive and respectful environments. Flexibility in working arrangements benefits employees and the business, increasing productivity and employee satisfaction. The insurance industry should move towards more engaging and inclusive events. Create team-building activities that cater to the needs of all participants. Shift away from a heavy drinking culture at events. Challenge the norm and change behaviours to create fully inclusive events. Think outside the box for networking events and provide options for staff members. Value smaller, more intimate gatherings for better networking opportunities. Experience the diversity of the insurance industry and learn from different perspectives.

Summary Bijal Patel, co-founder and CTO of Aurora, shares her journey from actuarial to digital commercial InsurTech. She discusses the importance of finding happiness in work and how to navigate career transitions.   Bijal also opens up about imposter syndrome and the challenges of being a leader in a startup. She emphasizes the value of building a strong culture and the power of reaching out to others for inspiration and guidance.   Takeaways Finding happiness in work is crucial for career satisfaction. When considering a career change, focus on what you enjoy and what brings you value. Building a strong culture and values is essential for a successful team. Imposter syndrome can be overcome by recognizing your strengths and focusing on your intentions. Reaching out to others for guidance and inspiration can lead to valuable connections and opportunities. Thanks to Send (https://send.technology/) for sponsoring this this episode. Send is an award-winning insurance software company. It's flagship product is an AI-enabled Underwriting Workbench – a single platform from submission to bind, and beyond. The platform helps commercial and specialty insurers around the world drive greater efficiency, control and effectiveness. It has rich out-of-the-box functionality, workflow templates for over 40 lines of business, and proven deployments in multiple geographies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:09 Choosing Actuarial Role 06:10 Transitioning to Commercial Insurance 08:10 Finding Happiness in Work 09:20 Building a Network and Exploring Options 10:32 Transitioning to a Startup 14:11 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome 15:47 Developing Confidence 19:09 Becoming a Leader 20:18 Finding Your Leadership Style 23:13 Building a Strong Culture 25:05 Bringing Talent Together 27:06 The Reality of Starting a Business 29:53 Skills and Traits in Startups vs. Corporations 32:15 Advice for Your Younger Self 33:13 Opportunities in Insurance 35:07 Reaching Out and Inspiring Others

Sarah Sutton, Chief Marketing Officer at Send, shares her career journey from the West End to the insurance industry. She discusses the importance of being true to oneself and the value of adaptability in one's career. Sarah also emphasises the need for a balance between work and personal life and the importance of celebrating small wins. She highlights the benefits of working in a startup environment and the opportunities for growth and impact. Sarah also discusses the challenges of perception and diversity in the insurance industry and the need for collective action to drive change. Takeaways Be true to yourself and embrace adaptability in your career. Find a balance between work and personal life and celebrate small wins. Consider opportunities in both large companies and startups, focusing on alignment with values and culture. Tap into diverse talent and create inclusive hiring practices. Challenge the perception of the insurance industry and highlight the commercial value of diversity. Embrace career transitions and the opportunities they bring. Focus on the benefits and experiences gained from being in the insurance industry. Thanks to Send (https://send.technology/) for sponsoring this this episode. Send is an award-winning insurance software company. Its flagship product is an AI-enabled Underwriting Workbench – a single platform from submission to bind and beyond. The platform helps commercial and speciality insurers worldwide drive greater efficiency, control and effectiveness. It has rich out-of-the-box functionality, workflow templates for over 40 lines of business, and proven deployments in multiple geographies.

Summary In this conversation, Shazia Deenally shares her career journey in the insurance industry. She discusses her transition from working at Manchester United Football club into insurance. Shazia emphasises the importance of seeking challenges and growth in different roles and being proactive in career development. She also highlights the significance of supporting social mobility initiatives and broadening horizons for underprivileged communities. Shazia addresses misconceptions about Ramadan and offers advice for navigating career breaks and returning to work. She emphasizes the importance of communication and seeking support from a strong network. The conversation explores the importance of honest conversations in the workplace, particularly regarding career progression and support during maternity leave. It highlights the positive experiences that can result from open conversations with line managers. The impact of maternity leave on career progression is discussed, emphasising the need for communication and support from employers. The conversation also touches on the importance of shortening the period away from work and utilising the skills of returners. The need for training on supportive conversations and the financial impact of career breaks are addressed. Finally, the value of relationships in the insurance industry is emphasised. Takeaways Seek challenges and growth in different roles to expand your skills and knowledge. Be proactive in your career development and seek opportunities aligning with your goals. Support social mobility initiatives and contribute to broadening horizons for underprivileged communities. Communicate your career goals and seek support from your network to navigate career breaks and return to work. Honest conversations are crucial for career progression and support in the workplace. Open conversations with line managers can lead to positive experiences during maternity leave. Maternity leave can significantly impact career progression, highlighting the need for communication and support from employers. Shortening the period away from work and utilising the skills of returners are important for career advancement. Training on supportive conversations and addressing the financial impact of career breaks are necessary in the insurance industry. Building relationships is valuable in the insurance industry, providing a network of support and opportunities.

Summary In this episode, Sam Ridgewell, Managing Director of Empower Development and insurance TikToker, shares her journey in the insurance industry and the impact of social media's impact on promoting careers in insurance, particularly TikTok. She discusses how her insurance career resulted from chance and how she transitioned to starting her own business. Sam also talks about the importance of personal branding and the challenges of changing her name due to marriage. She emphasizes the power of social media in changing industry perceptions and provides insights on how individuals can get involved and make an impact through platforms like TikTok. In this conversation, Sam and Sandra discuss the impact of social media, specifically TikTok, in changing public opinion about the insurance industry and attracting young talent. The conversation highlights the power of building authentic relationships, networking and asking for opportunities. Takeaways Opportunities in the insurance industry can arise by chance, and it's important to be open to unexpected paths. Transparency and open conversations with managers and employers can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes and career progression. Personal branding is crucial in promoting careers in insurance, and social media platforms like TikTok can be powerful tools for reaching a wider audience. Contributing to the insurance industry through social media can significantly impact changing industry perceptions and attracting diverse talent. Consistency, authenticity, and a sense of humour are key when creating content on social media platforms like TikTok.

Summary In this conversation, Zoe P discusses her journey into the insurance industry and her challenges as a young professional. She shares her experiences with imposter syndrome and the importance of self-reflection and positive thinking. Zoe also highlights the significance of diversity and inclusion events and the need for organizations to invest in developing young talent. She emphasizes the value of networking and relationship-building in the insurance industry and encourages women to take the leap and explore new opportunities. Overall, Zoe's story inspires those starting their careers in insurance and highlights the importance of empowerment and support in achieving success. Takeaways Overcoming imposter syndrome and anxiety requires self-reflection and positive thinking. Organizations should invest in the development of young talent to retain them and promote diversity and inclusion. Networking and relationship building are crucial in the insurance industry. Women should take the leap and explore new opportunities in the industry.

Summary In this conversation, Malene Bye Rasmussen discusses her career in the insurance industry and provides insights into transitioning from law. She emphasizes the importance of networking and putting oneself out there to explore different career paths. Malene also shares her experience working at Insurance Europe and advocating for the insurance sector. She encourages individuals to find their tribe and connect with colleagues who can provide guidance and support. Additionally, she highlights the impact of insurance in facilitating various aspects of life and business. Takeaways •Networking and speaking with colleagues can provide valuable insights and help identify new career opportunities. •Being open to change and willing to explore different paths can lead to fulfilling careers in the insurance industry. •Building a diverse network and connecting with individuals from different backgrounds and industries can broaden perspectives and open doors to new opportunities. •Insurance is crucial in facilitating everyday life and business operations, providing protection and enabling growth. •Finding your tribe is key to a successful career

Summary In this conversation, Nicola Chapman, Chief Claims Officer of Consilium Insurance Brokers, discusses her career journey in the insurance industry and the challenges she has faced. She emphasizes the importance of supportive managers and networks in shaping her career. Nicola also highlights the need to eliminate the term 'back office' and promote equality within the industry. She shares her experiences of balancing work and personal life and challenges the notion of 'having it all'. Nicola concludes by discussing the valuable knowledge and experiences she has gained through her work in insurance. Takeaways Supportive managers and networks play a crucial role in shaping a successful career in the insurance industry. The term 'back office' should be eliminated to promote equality and recognize the importance of all roles within the industry. Balancing work and personal life requires setting boundaries and open communication with employers and colleagues. The pressure to 'have it all' can be overwhelming, and individuals should prioritize their own well-being and make choices that align with their values and goals. Working in insurance provides opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in various industries and try new things. Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-chapman-26066b6a/  

Summary In this conversation, Svenja shares her journey from starting in underwriting to transitioning into consulting. She discusses the misconceptions about consulting and the importance of being authentic and collaborative in the industry. Svenja also provides insights on how to establish yourself as a consultant and navigate meeting new people. She emphasises the significance of role models and representation in creating inclusive cultures within companies. The conversation explores the importance of creating an inclusive culture, supporting women in their careers, true collaboration, and the rewards of a career in insurance. Quotes Ask yourself, ‘Can I accept this role/culture/environment, or do I want to change it (move on)?' What drove me to make a change in my career was the realisation that I am not at my best, and when I am not feeling like I am in the right place, It is tough to do. At the end of the day, everyone has an accent Takeaways Consider insurance as a career choice, even if it may not align with your background or interests. Transitioning from one career path to another requires networking, reaching out to others, and being open to new opportunities. Authenticity, collaboration, and flexibility are key to success as a consultant. Building bridges and finding common ground with others can help establish strong working relationships. Role models and representation are important for creating inclusive cultures in companies. An inclusive culture should not solely rely on minorities to drive change; it requires big statements from the top and tangible support for women throughout their careers. True collaboration across different companies, cultures, and countries can solve complex problems and improve the insurance industry. A career in insurance offers opportunities to make a difference, work with passionate experts, and contribute to solving challenging problems. Resources: Announcement of Janet Truncale, EY Global Chair and CEO, appointment Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of their employer or any other organization with which they may be affiliated. The guest is speaking in their personal capacity, and any information or statements made should be attributed to them individually. Our podcast aims to provide a platform for diverse perspectives, and the opinions expressed by guests are not endorsements by the podcast or its host. Listeners are encouraged to consider multiple viewpoints and form their own conclusions.

Looking to see how social media can totally transform the insurance world? This is the episode you can't miss. We're joined by the amazing Anna Dilku, Group Social Media Manager. She's here to share her incredible journey in the insurance industry, filled with eye-opening stories and tips that'll totally wow you. Get ready to be swept up in a world where digital-savvy meets traditional business, and see Anna is making waves. HIGHLIGHTS: Anna's squiggly career from a media agency to the insurance world. The sweet spot of when your personal and professional passions align. How Anna's approach is diversifying the industry. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Anna began her career as a Graduate Media Buyer at WPP in Manchester, later moving to Bristol. She joined AXA's Graduate Leadership Programme, gaining experience across IT, Customer Services, and Marketing Strategy, and played a key role in AXA's first Diversity Forum. Anna's career journey took her through various roles in Communications at AXA, Friends Life and Aviva, focusing on areas like internal communications, event management, and creative strategy. She now manages Aviva's corporate social media and leads the award-winning multicultural network Aviva Origins. Outside work, Anna is a "Squiggly Career Advocate," a UN Women Delegate, and has been recognized as a prominent female and ethnic minority role model, receiving multiple awards for her work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. LINKS: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annacv/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anskee/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaSocials Learn more about Anna's journey (Post that went Viral): https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6853209456411521024/  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Aviva UK on TikTok: Catch a glimpse of the innovative and entertaining content Aviva is creating on TikTok. A fresh take on insurance that's not to be missed! https://www.tiktok.com/@avivauk  FOLLOW US: Stay updated with our latest episodes by hitting the follow button! You can also check out our exciting content by following us on social media. Website: https://www.100womenininsurance.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/97034609/admin/feed/posts/

Why are there so few women in senior leadership roles in insurance? How can culture shifts within organisations facilitate female talent retention? How can we encourage companies to consider DEI initiatives not simply as tick-box exercises but as integral means of driving positive change? In this episode, we are thrilled to be speaking with Hannah Pring, Head of Compliance at Lockton and host of the incredible Miracle Working Mums podcast! In conversation with Sandra Lewin, Hannah discusses the importance of women establishing a supportive network both within and beyond their organisations to support them, particularly as they rise the ranks to more senior positions. She explores the importance of challenging the hegemony of ‘alpha male' energy in insurance and the broader finance sector, and the power of feminine energy and active listening.   Quote of the Episode “How business is done needs to be more diverse… the pitfall for some organisations can be to appoint somebody into a diversity role… and that does an excellent job. I really believe all contribution is really valuable, and everything's turning the dial. But, how do you turn the next notch,? It's been really important to make sure the messages are getting out there. But we need to make sure we're not tell[ing] a story that doesn't really ring true day-to-day in people's roles.” Hannah argues that while the insurance industry is beginning to make great strides in its diverse recruitment efforts, this will not have a significant, long-term impact within companies unless their culture also changes. Diversity needs to be embedded into the fibre of everything an organisation does. When designing and distributing products; when thinking about clients, is your company thinking about the diversity of its clients, all of their needs, and how accessible these products might be for them? Thus, whilst bringing in diverse talent is a great first step, the culture in-house also needs to shift. Otherwise, companies may find that this new talent doesn't stay for very long.   Key Takeaways Hannah argues that, historically, feminine traits have been considered ‘degrading' within insurance, and across the financial sector. In an industry where the ‘alpha male' mindset continues to prevail, actively displaying and celebrating one's femininity often may lead to others thinking less of you. Hannah suggests that women have typically progressed more successfully when they have presented more generically ‘masculine' attributes, thereby suppressing their ‘feminine' qualities. This is particularly the case in the upper echelons of the industry which continue to be dominated by men. Those women who do reach senior leadership roles may feel a pressure to assimilate themselves into that environment, and become homogenised, rather than embracing and displaying their diverse feminine approach. It's about time that the perpetuation of ‘alpha male' energy in insurance is challenged. Hannah argues that the incorporation of alternative energies can be extremely powerful, and can foster a more supportive and inclusive environment in the workplace. There's a lot of power in silence, and actively listening in a leadership position can help new voices and ideas be heard. This is particularly important as we endeavour as an industry to promote female talent retention, which often drops off as women begin to plan families. We need to have open conversations within the industry about how we can support women who decide to have children, and who often wish to retain their careers. These topics, along with issues around women's health, remain highly taboo across insurance, but they need not be. Hannah's ‘Miracle Working Mums' podcast aims to fill this void, enabling women to share their stories of planning a family alongside their working lives.   Best Moments/Key Quotes “I feel a huge responsibility to other women in insurance… there's so few beyond mid-levels. Most organisations are managing to recruit 5050. And to keep up to mid management sort of 5050. But you really see that sort of proportionality drift off beyond manager level.” ‘All sorts of underrepresented groups have the capacity to do what everybody else does, but not the opportunity.' ‘The best skill that you can have as a leader is actually active listening, but in order to actively listen, you have to be quiet.' “I feel like talking about planning a family and starting a family is something that is actually difficult for women to do, because we often talk about our personal life with our friends and our peers. But actually, oftentimes, you are approaching [having a family], at different times to your peers, or with different challenges. And you may or may not have someone at work that you feel you can talk to, because there's a whole dynamic when you're talking about trying to get pregnant, or challenges with getting pregnant, or what have you, at work.”   Resources Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge Work Like a Woman: A Manifesto for Change by Mary Portas Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain Miracle Working Mums Podcast: – https://miracleworkingmums.podbean.com/ Miracle Working Mums Episode 13 – Helping female business owners get clear on their goals to turn their desires into revenue – with Eleshia Harris: https://miracleworkingmums.podbean.com/e/e13-helping-female-business-owners-get-clear-on-their-goals-to-turn-their-desires-into-revenue/   About the Guest Hannah currently specialises in Regulatory Compliance with a wealth of experience in the London Insurance Market. She has developed a high performing team and actively leads projects that develop Lockton's wider corporate culture. Hannah is an Executive MBA candidate at King's College London, and recipient of the Women Excelling in Business scholarship award, funded by The 30% Club. Hannah is the host of the Miracle Working Mums podcast, and is passionate about supporting women in business and increasing the female contribution to economic growth. Hannah's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-pring-compliance/ Miracle Working Mums Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32Ebke3ft40hhbYuV3kmTt   Miracle Working Mums Instagram: https://instagram.com/miracleworkingmums   Miracle Working Mums Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/miracle-working-mums/id1696196096   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin

Why should insurance companies invest in the personal development of their new employees through additional events and opportunities? What opportunities are available to young insurance professionals looking to boost their personal brands? What is CII New Generation Programme and Insurance Influencer Project?   In this episode, we are very pleased to be speaking with two insurance powerhouses: Florence Dennis, Lead Client Advisor at Partners & Charlotte West, Account Executive at WTW   In conversation with Sandra Lewin, they discuss their ‘Insurance Influencers' project developed as part of the CII New Generation Programme, highlighting the importance of repositioning public perceptions of insurance careers and inspiring the next generation of industry professionals.   Furthermore, they discuss the importance of insurance companies implementing schemes and opportunities to develop their new talent, in order both to boost retention and interest in the wide range of exciting careers our industry has to offer.   Key take aways Hear Florence and Charlotte career story Find out about the CII New Generation Programme and how it can help you build your personal brand and expand networking circle (with ease) Florence and Charlotte share their CII New Generation Programme journey of collaboration on the campaign aiming to dispel misconceptions about insurance careers, which resulted in the ‘Insurance Influencers' initiative Gain tips and insights on how to build your personal brand online Learn what insurance companies can improve on to attract more diverse talent Find out how to share your experience in insurance and use the ‘Insurance Influencer' material Best Moments/Key Quotes “I think [The CII New Generation Programme] was a great opportunity to get in a room with other future leaders and people who are going to be big in insurance… I've met some wonderful, amazing people on the course.”   “[A career in insurance] is not this really boring thing where we all sit in dingy offices and speak to people on the phone all the time. We thought, everyone's got this misconception that insurance is really boring. So we wanted this video that can be shared on social media, thinking about our target audience, being the younger generation. We wanted to capture their imagination, using social media, to shine a light on the industry so that people start thinking, ‘Oh, yeah, it looks quite cool working in insurance'.”   “[Social media is] a really powerful tool to influence people. You can use your social media to influence and put things out there positively.”   “Job adverts don't do justice to the careers that are actually on offer. There's definitely a lot of work to be done on companies selling themselves. I think insurance companies, brokers and insurers alike, bear responsibility to try and keep the young talent invested once they're in the door, so you can get them in the door [to start with].”   “Networking fills me with dread... [but] you have to network. It's so essential to build your network. So, I put myself in positions where I get to work with people to build my network. [Through] the CII New Generation Programme, I've now expanded my network, not by just walking into a room and having to introduce myself to people. I've worked on a project with them. So now I've probably got a deeper relationship and connection with them and built my network.”   Resources CII New Generation Programme: https://www.cii.co.uk/new-generation-programme CII – Insurance Influencer: https://www.cii.co.uk/about-us/initiatives/engagement/new-generation-programme/insurance-influencer/ Regional Committees – BIBA: https://www.biba.org.uk/regional-committees/ Next Generation in Insurance Network: https://www.nginlondon.com/   About the Guest Florence Dennis is the Lead Client Advisor at Partners&. She is also the Chairwoman of BIBA East Midlands Committee and the Vice President of CII Leicester. Florence's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florencedennis/   Charlotte West is an Account Executive in the UK Retail Practice at WTW, and a Chair of Next Generation in Insurance Network. Charlotte's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotteelizabethwest/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin  

Why is women's health so heavily stigmatised within the insurance industry, both from an employee and client perspective? How can increased collaboration between specialist corporates and insurance companies create positive touch points for clients, granting them bespoke solutions and aiding our industry's reputation? In this episode, we're thrilled to be speaking with Emily Napier, New Business Development Leader for Europe at Philips, focusing on women's health and maternity care. Emily discusses how, through her role, she collaborates with insurance companies to develop bespoke products offering solutions to the challenges raised by women's health conditions and pregnancy. Furthermore, in conversation with Sandra Lewin, she discusses how increased awareness of women's health within insurance companies could not only help with maintaining client loyalty, but also talent retention.   Quote of the Episode “[When starting a family], all of a sudden, you're thinking about so many different insurance options for the first time… Women make 80% of all the household decisions for themselves and spending for the family, but particularly on insurance. So, to be able to reach these people and to target them,; that's how we can help insurers, because we have access, to 80% of all pregnancies [across Europe through the Pregnancy+ app]. It's about helping the pregnant individual, finding the best deals, the best benefits, and the best solutions for them, so that they can get everything in one place. And they can make cost savings, but ultimately, it [also] helps the insurer because it's providing positive touch points.” Philips Avent is collaborating with insurance companies across Europe to integrate their digital women's health and maternity solutions into insurance products. For example, they have recently launched a partnership with Swiss insurer Zurich. This gives Pregnancy+ users access to Zurich's digital platform LiveWell, and vice versa. This highlights the huge potential for insurer collaboration with corporate partners, to integrate solutions for women's health and other areas underserved by the market into our industry's offerings. Not only can this increase brand satisfaction and engagement; it can also increase loyalty and client retention. We have a huge opportunity to support clients through monumental changes such as pregnancy and women's health conditions, which can yield huge benefits for their personal journeys and our businesses.   Key Takeaways Insurance is typically perceived as a grudge purchase. Yet, it is something people consistently need, and which becomes a significant consideration particularly when one is considering starting a family. At the same moment, one might be contemplating life insurance, car insurance, home insurance, and supplementary health insurance cover simultaneously. What can we do as an industry to support those making these decisions? What amenities or support can we incorporate into our insurance offerings, in collaboration with specialist corporates, to support people along those journeys? Through incorporating women's health consideration into insurance offerings, which Emily is negotiating with insurance companies across Europe, they are providing services which can make a substantial difference to people's lives, whilst also affording them a solution they needed to purchase anyway. Yet, women's health in particular remains a fairly taboo topic across the industry. What can we do to start the conversation about developing women's health provisions in insurance policies? Emily and Sandra suggest championing women's rights and equal opportunities across the workplace as a great place to start. Furthermore, the circulation of training around the various health conditions that affect women of all ages can encourage these conversations to take place. Increasing these conversations from a client perspective may also assist with the female talent retention issue within the industry. Approximately 45% of women leave insurance and do not return when starting a family. Educating employers about the suite of things that someone could be experiencing during the maternity process, to help them provide the best support and care, could help to retain talent, thereby lowering recruitment costs. Consequently, if employers endeavour to educate and empower women to understand their options if they do want to start a family, helping them to have the healthiest possible pregnancy outcome for themselves and their baby, can reap benefits both for the business and the individual. To incentivise this internal and external consideration of women's health within insurance companies, we need to share these stories. These issues will remain stigmatised for as long as we remain silent about them. There is already significant media focus on these issues, so if we follow these headwinds, we can make great progress in propelling the conversation and thereby securing improved benefits for women at every stage of their insurance careers, and for women purchasing insurance products.   Best Moments/Key Quotes “Women's healthcare products are seen as niche, certainly in the insurance industry. Yet, when we look at the population, it's 50% women. So how are we a niche? Women tend to buy most of the insurance products for their house; yet again, the products are not really catered for their needs.” “If you have more corporations partnering with insurance companies, or public health organisations, together, we have the innovation to create solutions, I don't think one person, or one party can do it on its own.” “Women have different hormones, different organs, different bodies to men. So, we do need specific treatment and plans, and different options available. I think, because it's complex, a lot of people put up their barriers straight away, rather than trying to break them down.” “The problem is, even if you do work on your diversity pipeline, and you bring talent in, if your company is not set up to support that talent, because it doesn't take into consideration women's lifecycle and how it impacts them throughout the various stages, then these women won't stay, because they have to adapt.”   Resources Philips – Philips Avent and LiveWell by Zurich announce partnership: https://www.philips.co.uk/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2023/20231108-philips-avent-and-livewell-by-zurich-announce-partnership Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado-Perez   About the Guest Emily Napier is the New Business Development Leader for Europe at Philips, focusing on Philips Avent and Women's Health. Emily's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-napier-8420aa77/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin          

What are ‘silent opportunities' and how do they present themselves to us, perhaps without us even noticing? Why might it preferable to motivate ourselves with a broader career journey in mind than specific, concrete goals? What mindset should you deploy when attempting to expand your network? In this episode, we are very pleased to be speaking with Sonia Habib, Head of Product Development at the Jensten Group. In conversation with Sandra Lewin, Sonia articulates her philosophy for career self-motivation, rooted in a commitment to broadening your industry understanding and discovering how your unique skills can facilitate personal and company success. She explains the concept of ‘silent opportunities' that may catch us unawares until we begin to recognise the blind spots curtailing our personal development.   Quote of the Episode “Silent opportunities are silent for a reason. You have to want it. You have to want to want more. There's this facade that insurance is all about the people, and that you can only be an insurance if you're a really social person, but actually don't need to be social. Asking yourself, ‘What do you want?' and speaking to the right people to help you, having a really good support mechanism around you, [is the real key]. I think sometimes you need that character assassination; at some point in your career, you need someone to say, ‘These are what I think your blind spots are'.” During the episode, Sonia explains what she terms ‘silent opportunities' – moments when we may be able to further our career and/or personal development but that we either fail to recognise or decide to ignore. She argues that missing silent opportunities can often be attributed to a misguided dedication to specific material goals (such as earning X amount of money by the time one turns 30), which may lead you to deny or ignore alternative opportunities that could accelerate your industry progress in another way. Both Sonia and Sandra concur that we should always be open-minded to the multifarious opportunities that may present themselves to us, and to only make plans in the knowledge that they are very likely to shift later down the line. As such, she argues that we should curate a network of trusted people and ask them to point out your ‘blind spots' – areas in which you may be stunting your personal development or undermining your potential career progress. Identifying how you can work on yourself is a great way to open yourself up to ‘silent opportunities' as and when they come about. The path that is meant for you, Sonia suggests, will only pass you by if you let it.   Key Takeaways The start of Sonia's insurance career was a time of self-discovery. She describes herself as having been a blank canvas, guided by motivation to progress within the industry, but not by specific goals. For Sonia, committing to particular plans is likely to lead to frustration and disappointment. Conversely, she suggests that you should be open to anything, particularly at the start of your career. Dedicating yourself to a journey of progress in the knowledge that your material goals are likely to shift as you meet new people and encounter new opportunities or ideas is crucial. In this way, you will open yourself up to different avenues of success whilst committing to a broader journey underpinned by motivation and self-belief. Sonia argues that being inquisitive is absolutely crucial at the start of your insurance career. There's always more to know in our industry, and there's an entire other language of acronyms and shorthand phrases to be learned. Frequently asking questions not only highlights your initiative to executive members of your company; it also expands your knowledge which can only ever help your career progression, given the constant state of flux in which our industry currently operates. Furthermore, Sonia is ‘a massive believer in over-communicating'. In her role as Head of Project Development, she argues that reiteration of the same message is key to prevent important messages from being lost in the flurry of information transmitted within an insurance business each day. Insurance thrives or fails on productive communication, or a lack thereof. As a profoundly people-based industry, networking is at the core of any opportunity, be it a new job or an alternative role within your company. As such, the more people you know, and the further your network branches out, the more frequently new opportunities will present themselves to you. However, Sonia notes that you should form connections with people who recognise your particular skills and experience as being assets. Not everyone who meet at networking events will necessarily be the ‘right' contact. Additionally, ensure that when you are meeting new people, that your discussion is balanced. People want to be heard, and giving them an opportunity to speak about themselves is very important. Ultimately, new industry opportunities will emerge when you're not in the room. To make your name be the one that crops up in board-level conversations, connect with people both within and beyond your business and actively demonstrate how you add value to it. In doing so, silent opportunities will start to come your way.   Best Moments/Key Quotes ‘Plan for the fact that your plans will not work out.'   “I think the best plan is to not have a plan. Goals are great, because they keep you motivated, and they allow that discipline to kind of be instilled in you. But I think ultimately, you meet so many people in life that you don't know you're going to meet. And they can change those goals.” “We all have a purpose, and you create your purpose; you discover your purpose. I think the infant time of my career was more about discovering who I was, and less about my career. What I discovered over the first few years of doing what I was doing was actually I was capable of more than I thought I was.”   “With insurance being such a people-based industry, networking is like the core of any kind of opportunity… if you know a lot of people, there's gonna be that ripple effect. They're going to know of someone that knows someone that can help you. So, the bigger you branch your network and base, that you're you've naturally threefold of that, because those people that you know, know a lot of people.”     Resources Work Like a Woman: A Manifesto for Change by Mary Porter   About the Guest Sonia Habib is Head of Product Development in the Jensten Group. With ten years of industry experience under her belt, she was the winner of the MGAA Rising Star 2023, the IBUK Rising Star 2021, and a shortlisted nominee for the Women in Insurance Awards 2022. Sonia's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-habib-dip-cii-5143869a/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin    

How do you navigate impostor syndrome when aiming for managerial roles? What methods should we implement whilst climbing the insurance ladder to secure competitive promotions? What role can an established personal brand play towards this end? In this episode, we are thrilled to be speaking with Yelhis Hernández, Mexico Country Manager and Central America Market Development Manager for Lloyd's. Openly sharing her inspirational journey, spanning a variety of fascinating insurance roles across seven countries, Yelhis is clear about the importance of resilience, and the curation of a supportive network, when pursuing your goals. She demystifies the presence of impostor syndrome in c suite managerial positions, and highlights the importance of proactivity and clear vocalisation of your ambitions to those empowered to fulfil them.   Quote of the Episode “I've faced [imposter syndrome] many, many times during my career. If somebody says, ‘Oh, no, I don't know what that is', they are lying to themselves. We all have a fear of sitting in a room with a lot of people that are senior, and that probably have more experience than you.” In the episode, Yelhis emphasises that while you may not necessarily have years of experience behind you, potentially fuelling fears of inadequacy or uncertainty in your role, you will possess unique skills that may otherwise be missing in the room. You have something different to offer, which is why you have been given this position. Using that knowledge will give you the strength to sit at the table proudly, and enable you to begin to unravel impostor syndrome. Ultimately, she argues that this phenomenon will recur throughout your career, whenever you are given a new opportunity or responsibility. At every stage of your career, you are taking something new on, reigniting those feelings of uncertainty. Yelhis suggests that you must learn to live and work with it, whilst always keeping in mind that you have been granted that opportunity for a reason.   Key Takeaways Yelhis has worked in a variety of different countries and markets across her illustrious career. While some of these roles were offered to her in a more traditional sense; others she created herself. Her initial move from Venezuela to Switzerland, for example, was prompted by a business case she delivered, demonstrating that if she continued to work in her home country, her ability to perform her role would be jeopardised due to prevailing political circumstances. This facilitated her first international move. Similarly, later on, she rationalised the need for her to move to Mexico, presenting a business case to the local CEO, evaluating the pros and cons of centralising and thereby improving operational processes in the market. This led to her being offered the job, which she had herself demonstrated the need for and value of. This decisiveness is indicative not only of Yelhis' relentless drive and ingenuity, but also of the possibilities and opportunities that are unlocked by being well-researched and steadfast in your ambitions. If you can demonstrate how and why you could do more to help a company in its endeavours, you could very well open some new doors in your own career. One of the key skills Yelhis deploys in her day-to-day activities is preparation. She argues that being well-prepared for every meeting and presentation will always give you the advantage, ensuring that you are never caught off-guard with a question or concern. Furthermore, intensive rehearsal and research will enable you to speak clearly and confidently in pressurised situations. Similarly, when dealing with clients, Yelhis suggests that you must thoroughly understand what they do, and what they need. You must be prepared to respond to any question they might have, and to provide a detailed answer with an understanding of their specific needs. The ability to ask them questions in return, before telling the client what they might need, is what could make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. For Yelhis, networking is absolutely crucial, particularly early in your career, for rising up the ranks of insurance. Contrary to the military, in which you can transition from one role to another purely on the basis of a certain amount of years' experience, in insurance, you have to build your profile yourself. Everyone must know your potential and ability to excel. She attributes her current role to a large degree to her knowing a lot of people in the region, who could provide positive feedback relating to her character and commitment. Thus, building your network base as early as possible is crucial for when you are seeking to climb the ladder later down the line. She argues that curating your own ‘personal brand' is key towards this end. While this may seem a vague and bewildering notion, she argues that a strong personal brand is developed through a consistent demonstration of your willingness to work hard for your goals, and a clear expression of those goals to those within your company who can fulfil them. You must never assume that you will reach a goal – you must actively work for it, and demonstrate to those in managerial positions that you deserve a certain role, for example. Yet, Yelhis is also keen to highlight the importance of a strong work-life balance. Dedicating yourself entirely to your company will not guarantee promotion. To perform your best during your workday, you must also take part in activities or hobbies that enrich and fulfil you.   Best Moments/Key Quotes “In the case of Brazil and Mexico, I also made a business case, those roles had not been created yet. So, I put together the facts and demonstrated the need for those roles. And this helped move me to from London to Brazil, and eventually to Mexico.” “I will never go into situation, whatever it is, without being prepared. I have a team that supports me in London with content and material if I have to deliver something. Once we have that content together, I start a routine of preparation, that includes recording myself with or without video. During that rehearsal, I'll stand in front of my dog and my cat, reading the material, studying the material as much as possible. So, I never go into a situation not knowing what I have to say. You must be prepared. And that will give you a position of advantage in any situation.” ‘Building your network very early in your career will make a difference.' “I think every success comes with a great deal of work that you have to do yourself, no one is going to do it for you. But if you demonstrate that you are here to learn, and work towards a goal, and you will find the support.” ‘It is time for companies to recognise those individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds that often face a lack of opportunities and exposure to professional sectors like insurance.' “As a senior woman in this industry, what I want to do is pay it forward. And I hope that my journey shows that determination, belief in your abilities, and the support and guidance and encouragement from others can help people overcome any hurdles.”   Resources InsureTV – Samantha Ridgewell Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRP9R6B6AeA&ab_channel=EmpowerDevelopment   About the Guest Yelhis Hernández is the Mexico Country Manager and Central America Market Development Manager for Lloyd's. She leads a prolific insurance career, with experience across a multitude of roles in seven different countries. Yelhis' LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yelhish/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin  

How do you navigate negotiations with your employer to change your role, the nature or base of your employment? How can we shift the optics around job share opportunities and other flexible work solutions within the insurance industry? In this episode, we are very pleased to be speaking with Emma Smith, a Senior Property Underwriter at Atrium Underwriters! In conversation with InsurSocial's Sandra Lewin, Emma explains why insurance was always her chosen career, her experience working in Singapore for 7 years, and the origins, flexibility and functionality of her current job share role. She highlights the importance of approaching negotiations with management armed with solutions rather than problems, with a lens on how any shift to your current position could ultimately prove beneficial to the business.   Quote of the Episode “You continue to develop [and] expand your knowledge. I think you need to be reading the newspapers, seeing what's going on at a global level in different countries, because it all comes back to you; it can have an effect on the risks that you'll seen on your desk the next day. That's what I love about it: you get to do a little bit of everything within an underwriting role.” Emma crystallises that at any given point in your insurance career, you can never know anything about the industry. There is always more to learn, particularly given the extent to which our market is interwoven with external events. A key means by which we can highlight the exciting nature of an insurance career to those external to the industry is the vital socioeconomic function that insurance plays on a national and global scale.   Key Takeaways A recurring theme for many guests on the podcast thus far is that in any insurance role, every day is a school day. One of the most exciting aspects of an insurance career, the emphasis of which could alter external perceptions of our industry, is the mutable nature of every role in the industry; no day will ever be the same. For example, Emma notes that, as an underwriter, she has to be a marketer, to analyse and price risks, to contemplate risk exposure, and much more. There is no standing still in this role, and as a people-based industry, every day is new and exciting. Yet, talent retention within insurance typically takes a huge hit amongst women in their thirties and forties. Both Emma and Sandra suggest that insurance should be exploring and investing in new flexible working opportunities to retain this talent and knowledge, and to ensure business continuity. Emma works in a job share; she and another underwriter share the role evenly and work for three days each week. This setup is rare in the industry, but it has proven extremely beneficial to both women, and to Atrium Underwriters. Both women come into work motivated, energised and committed, and their collective years of experience and understanding bolster their team's productive output. Emma was initially concerned about how misconceptions about working in a job share might affect her reputation within her business and the industry. She feared that people would perceive her as ‘just' working part-time or ‘only' in a job share, and that as a result of this discourse she would be taken less seriously. Yet, she hasn't found this to be the case. As both women are highly ambitious, their careers have grown. They always go the extra mile, and due to their shared trust and collaborative communication, they productively challenge and bounce off one another's ideas. If you are intrigued by a flexible work solution of this nature and would like to raise the topic with your employer, how should you approach this conversation? For Emma, it is key to come with the solution if you want the change. Do your research beforehand, and come up with a plan for how your proposition could work for the business. Examine examples in other industries, particularly at a senior level, to demonstrate how your proposal could ultimately be beneficial rather than obstructive. You shouldn't necessarily expect immediate acceptance: alternatively, approach the conversation with the question – ‘here is my situation, how can we make this work?'. If you want to find out more about job shares or alternative work solutions, reach out to Emma – her contact details are linked below!   Best Moments/Key Quotes “[In] a job share, we essentially have two people doing one role. We do three days each, and have a crossover day on a Wednesday. I work first part of the week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and my job share works Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.” “Do your research, come up with a plan of how you think it will work; what you need to make it work. Just think through, look at examples. There are some great examples in other industries where job shares have worked. At a very senior level, I think there's two ladies who hold one of the most senior positions in GCHQ as a job share. Do your research, find examples of how you can make it work, and how it has worked in either similar positions, or similar industries.” “For many at the beginning, [a job share] will be a solution to a problem. But actually, it could just be another offering that a company has to retain the staff.” “The power of a network is so strong. That's not just from a business perspective, but from a personal perspective as well… Sometimes we take our network for granted, and actually it is worth assessing, and reaching out to more people. The greater your network, the more knowledge you gain.”   Resources Atrium Underwriters Ltd: https://www.atrium-uw.com/   About the Guest Emma Smith is a senior property underwriter at Atrium syndicate and is Chair of the recently established Women at Atrium network.  Emma has worked in the Insurance market for over 20 years and been with Atrium for the last 10 years, having studied Insurance at University.  Emma is a Chartered Insurer and ACII qualified and has spent time working in Singapore as well as in London and more recently is part of a job share flexible working arrangement.   She was instrumental in setting up the Women at Atrium network and is passionate about inspiring and empowering women through education and knowledge sharing.  To ensure that they are equipped with the right tools to succeed.  Emma's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-smith-5b666a1/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin      

How can insurance companies deploy educational material to boost talent acquisition and retention? What skills are needed for educative insurance roles? How can we use TikTok to change persisting misconceptions about our industry? In this episode, we're very pleased to be speaking with Emma Ackers, Senior Learning Consultant at Empower Development! In conversation with Sandra Lewin, Emma highlights the opportunities available through TikTok and LinkedIn to promote the opportunities available within insurance to an external audience. Additionally, she impresses the importance of employer-employee trust as we transition into a broadly hybrid working industry. Quote of the Episode “If you want to apply for a job, but you don't think you're going to get it, just do it anyway. You need to put yourself out there. I think there's more people coming into the market now by choice than there were before. I've seen a massive shift in that, especially with the young people that I speak to now, they're actively seeking out these roles. I think the change here is… we use social media a lot more, and more effectively.”   Emma suggests that recruitment across insurance may soon be on the rise as companies increasingly learn how to harness the tool of social media to better advertise the various roles and opportunities on offer in an insurance career. We need to push ourselves out of our collective comfort zone as an industry, to explore how TikTok and other social media platforms could assist us in reaching new potential talent. Empower Development offers a free course called Into Insurance for people who want to learn about the industry. In one of the most recent cohorts, 98% of the attendees were drawn to the course from TikTok, accentuating the vast amount of talent that can be accessed through such platforms.   Key Takeaways Emma also highlights that social media can be deployed more effectively to educate those already within the industry. She notes that it's impossible to know everything in our industry, as it is so reactionary to broader socioeconomic shifts and is constantly changing in accordance with them. If you wish to use TikTok or LinkedIn to encourage new talent to join the industry, you shouldn't simply leap in at the deep end. It is key to devise a strategy of the type of content you would like to make. Showcasing insurance to a younger audience via social media can be achieved in so many different ways, and you don't have to chase the prevailing trends. The personal nature of such content is often what people latch onto initially, so telling people how you got into insurance is a great start. You needn't worry about whether you're saying the right things. Telling your story is what an external audience are most likely to want to hear about. Whilst working as an Operations Coordinator (amongst many other roles) at an insurance brokerage, Emma discovered that the company was struggling with compliance in relation to client assets. Many people didn't understand what the rules were, why it was important, and were making mistakes and omissions. This prompted Emma to devise some compliance-related training and deliver it to her company. She discovered that the best way to educate people about insurance topics is through anecdotes and storytelling, thereby bringing to life what can go wrong when different errors occur. This experience served as a springboard for her branching into insurance education. This is a role which may not initially come to mind when industry outsiders think of insurance. Yet, as Emma emphasises, there are so many roles that make up an insurance company. A role in this industry isn't simply limited to being in a call centre with a headset on. Her storytelling and people skills ultimately guided her to an educational insurance role. Equally, your own unique skillset will also apply to a role in insurance. Furthermore, wherever you start in the industry, you can transition into as many different roles as you like until you find one that fits. Emma argues that in our increasingly hybrid working world, it is essential that companies trust their employees. This can be achieved by affording them the flexibility to start earlier and finish earlier, or start later and finish later. Furthermore, having consistently good communication with your team, reiterating the company's broader goals and individual workers' targets can foster a positive and productive distant working environment.   Best Moments/Key Quotes “I stayed in broking for a long time and progressed through lots of different roles. I've done every single role you could ever imagine. I think it's a great way to learn. I've even done credit control. I was like, ‘Yeah, I'll try it. Why not?' It was a good way to learn all the different functions in the business.”   ‘There's a specific role for everybody in insurance, and I don't think a lot of people realise that.”   ‘As an industry, we can do better on talking about the variety of roles [available]?'   “I think about people who worked in London five days a week, [who] travelled hours to get to work. It's wild when we think about it now, that that's what used to happen… Being at home and feeling trusted, and having that flexibility, then you feel calmer as a worker. You're going to get more joy, and you're going to be more motivated, and you're going to be happier. And happier people produce better results.”   Resources Why Can't I Learn Like I Used To? – Emma Ackers – CII Journal: https://thejournal.cii.co.uk/2023/06/20/why-cant-i-learn-i-used TikTok – EmpowerEmma: https://www.tiktok.com/@empoweremma TikTok – Empower Development: https://www.tiktok.com/@empower.development Empower Talks Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/empower-talks   About the Guest Emma Ackers is a Senior Learning Consultant at Empower Development, which provides training for insurance professionals across the London and Company Markets. Emma's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaackers/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin              

How do you navigate the transition from a corporate role to owning your own business? How can we encourage more women to enter revenue-generating positions in the insurance industry? How could we alter the parlance pertaining to insurance sales to be more inclusive of alternative methods for closing sales? In this episode, we're thrilled to be speaking with Ema Roloff, co-founder and principal consultant of the newly established Roloff Consulting! In conversation with Sandra Lewin, she discusses how she transitioned from teaching into the world of technology, and subsequently insurance, sales. She emphasises the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset when negotiating sales, and the ability to cultivate good business relationships.   Quote of the Episode “My clients know that they're my partners, and that I'm not looking at them, as they say, to ‘kill and eat' so that I can make money. They know that I'm in there for a, a long-standing partnership that's beneficial on both ends. So, I do think that there is some work that we need to do in terms of that perception around sales, and getting more women into these types of roles because they might sell differently, but they can be really good at it.” Ema suggests that the terminology frequently attributed to the sales process, particularly in financial services, can be profoundly violent or combative. This may contribute to the broader perception of sales positions as cutthroat and uncompromising, which may discourage and alienate many women from considering such roles. Ema herself was initially apprehensive about taking up a sales role before devising her own approach to navigating sales from a more mutually beneficial, relationship-building perspective.   Key Takeaways Ema highlights persistence, problem-solving, resilience, and relationship-building as the essential tenets of being a good salesperson. She highlights the latter point in particular as being crucial. Even if you may not be able to negotiate a sale with a client at one point in time, establishing and maintaining a good relationship with them could facilitate a sale later down the line. The aggressive, hunting-oriented language commonly attributed to sales arguably alienates a lot of women from revenue-generating positions, as this isn't how they see themselves. Neither gender has a greater propensity for closing deals than the other. However, an article from the Harvard Business Review (linked below) notes that women tend to align with the traits needed to be a strong B2B salesperson, more so than their male counterparts. As such, the arguably masculine-oriented language used with regards to sales needs to change in order to encourage more women to consider such roles. As Mercy Komar argued in a previous episode (Episode 2), a lack of women in commercially minded roles may also be a significant factor preventing women from taking up senior leadership positions. Sales roles provide an opportunity to lead within your company, and the skills that accompany sales positions grant an inherent acumen for leadership, hence why so many board members and CEOs tend to have backgrounds in insurance. Ema argues that to be a good salesperson, you need to have an entrepreneurial mindset, geared towards how the services or products you are offering can help to address the specific needs of a given prospective client. The same is true of being a business owner. Ultimately, in transitioning from a corporate role to owning her own business, she suggests that the ability to establish and maintain good business relationships is perhaps the most fundamental skill of all, particularly in such a people-facing industry as insurance. Learning to build good relationships can also afford a wide array of opportunities for you, particularly given the current talent gap facing the industry. In insurance, the opportunities to change roles, to grow into something new, to develop skills and transfer them elsewhere, are endless. Furthermore, Emma highlights that the industry is full of people who are willing to help and guide you in your career, if only you're willing to say yes.   Best Moments/Key Quotes “I honestly think of sales, especially in an industry like insurance, where things are so driven by relationships and the sales cycle is so long, that to be successful as a sales rep in this industry, you really have to have an entrepreneurial mindset. You can't rely on other people to hand you leads, you have to be out there cultivating those relationships, and building a reputation as somebody that helps solve your specific problem.”   “That relationship piece is so important. And I think it goes back to what the industry is here for: we're here to make a promise and deliver on that promise. And so that mentality of being true to your word, showing up for people, in good times and in bad flows through the entire insurance ecosystem.” ‘The best choices in life are both exciting and terrifying.'   “I think within the insurance industry, there is specific lingo and technical knowledge that comes with it. And especially when you go to your first insurance event, and you hear people using the acronyms and throwing around these terms, it can feel really intimidating. But behind all of those terms are just standard business practices. We just have different names for them, and different names for our processes.”   Resources Flow: The Psychology of Happiness by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Harvard Business Review – Why Women are the Future of B2B Sales: https://hbr.org/2020/05/why-women-are-the-future-of-b2b-sales Leading Change with Ema Roloff Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@emaroloff7690/podcasts Ema Roloff: https://www.emaroloff.com/ Roloff Consulting – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roloff/   About the Guest Ema Roloff trained as a high school teacher before transitioning to a career in technology, and later insurance, sales. Based in Wisconsin, USA, she is the co-founder and principal consultant for Roloff Consulting, which helps companies digitally transform the way that they sell. Ema's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emaroloff/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin            

What are the different roles available within the insurance industry, and how might one transition from one type of role to another? What is the career advantage of participating in additional activities in the workplace? What educational steps do we need to take to alter misconceptions about our industry at an early stage? In this episode, we're very pleased to be speaking with Louise Clemments, Senior HR Business Partner at HDI Global Specialty. In conversation with Sandra Lewin, Louise discusses the nature of her role and how HR underpins the fundamental infrastructure of insurance businesses. She suggests that insurance is a uniquely advantageous industry to work in due to the versatility of the skills that you acquire, which are transferrable across a wide array of roles. Furthermore, she suggests that active participation in the additional activities available at your workplace, particularly in the early stages of your career, is instrumental to a healthy career progression.   Quote of the Episode “I'm very passionate about finding the right person for the job. And in the insurance market, we know there is a talent drain with not enough young diverse talent coming in, thinking about careers in this field. But rather than just sitting around complaining about this, I feel we all have a responsibility to make changes and spread the word about what an interesting and fulfilling career insurance can be.” For Louise, the onus is on everyone within the insurance industry to help to promote it to the general public. This is particularly essential on an educational basis. Insurance and the broader financial services remain male-dominated industries, with many girls dissuaded from considering such a career due to the prospect of being the only woman in the office. To alter this mindset, we need to have an educative presence in schools and universities, discussing the various benefits of working in our ever-evolving industry. Consequently, this year HDI launched an Early Careers Programme offering formal internships and apprenticeships. They have also partnered with an outreach provider to ensure that candidates come from socially diverse economic backgrounds. For Louise, it is key that we spread the word to people who may not have considered a career in financial services, who will have skills that can undoubtedly be transferred to insurance.   Key Takeaways For Louise, when onboarding new employees and retaining those employees, it is fundamental that we listen to them to understand what they want from their roles and their careers in the long-term. Similarly, we must be transparent about what we can offer as employers to facilitate those goals. Many people consider work culture to be a key factor in which roles they apply for, and a greater emphasis on this when advertising roles, clarifying how the business operates, may help substantially to boost insurance recruitment efforts. Louise suggests that the Great Resignation observed in recent years is proof that a ‘job for life' is not inevitable. She suggests that there is great value in trying lots of different roles in order to gain different types of exposure and experience. The insurance industry is particularly well-equipped for this kind of experimentation, with many types of roles requiring different skills on offer. For example, Louise herself works in HR, but there are various skills held by brokers or underwriters which could fluidly transfer to a role in this department. In HR, you are advising business leaders on strategy, so a general background in insurance would make you very well-placed to facilitate this kind of decision-making. In addition to her role in HR, Louise holds a book club at work which communes every four to five weeks, focusing on books with a business or leadership leaning. Engaging in such activities at work can have huge career advantages. Being present and volunteering for additional activities at work showcases your willingness to be involved with and contribute to the business to the senior people who make decisions about your career when you're not in the room. This type of visibility can be instrumental to your future career progression.   Best Moments/Key Quotes “I think it's quite an old-fashioned mentality to have a ‘job for life'. I think some of our European counterparts may still believe that to be true. But I think that one of the nice things, certainly in my career, is I've worked for small to medium sized firms, and the exposure you get, because you're having to do everything, you have fingers in many pies, is great.”   “There's a slight myth that the younger generation don't want to do things outside of their pay exclusively. We've actually found these are the individuals who do want to be good corporate citizens and make a difference.” ‘I would love to see more people going from insurance roles such as claims, underwriting, broking to transfer into HR because I think it will give you excellent grounding.'   “If you want to showcase yourself to other senior people who quite honestly make decisions about your career when you're not in the room, you have to you have to be present in those other aspects of the organisation that are not necessarily part of your day to day.”   Resources Empower Development – TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empower.development Mindset by Carol Dweck Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg Atomic Habits by James Clear   About the Guest Louise Clemments is the Senior HR Business Partner at HDI Global Specialty. She has 15 years of generalist HR experience, working predominantly with small to medium sized firms in the financial services sector. Louise's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lclements1/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin

What can we do to further champion greater inclusion and diversity in insurance recruitment? Will we eventually see an even gender split at the board table across our industry, and how can we accelerate progress towards this end? In this episode, we are thrilled to be speaking with Dame Inga Beale about her illustrious, globetrotting insurance career! In conversation with  Sandra Lewin, Inga elucidates the importance of retaining and promoting women in the insurance world, and the role both individuals and companies can play in facilitating this. She recommends the PIE model for women seeking senior roles, and offers advice for those seeking to establish stronger networks.   Quote of the Episode “Many women are choosing to [leave the corporate world], and I absolutely get it, because they are fed up with the things that go on sometimes in the workplace of big corporations… I decided I needed to really start being serious about trying to keep women in the world of insurance, promote women in the world of insurance. [We need to] be proactive, have targets, have quotas. Companies can set their own targets and measure against them just like any other business targets.” During the episode, Inga provides an anecdote about a close friend who was a senior executive for a Swiss bank, who chose to leave that role due to the inequality she identified against women in the workplace, and the microaggressions they were subjected to. Whilst Inga recognises why many women choose to become entrepreneurs and leave the corporate world behind, she argues that if others follow suit, who will remain to break down the barriers for other women to enter these businesses and ascend the ranks? Inga suggests that women need to stay in the corporate world and fight the good fight, actively pushing for increased inclusivity, ensuring that women are recruited and promoted, with targets and quotas to ensure this if necessary.   Key Takeaways Many women don't wish to be seen as token hires, offered opportunities or promotions simply for the sake of inclusivity targets. Inga argues that this hesitance should be set aside. She herself was selected for a more senior position whilst working at General Electric on this basis. As a result of that opportunity, she built a hugely successful career. For Inga, instituting programmes that encourage women, taking people management and gender equality seriously, are essential for effectuating long-lasting change. If targets or quotas are not upheld to ensure that companies recruit and promote women, the gender disparity within insurance may endure. For women seeking senior insurance roles, Inga recommends the PIE model (Performance, Image, Exposure). For your efforts to be recognised within your company, it's not enough to do your job well (Performance). You must also interrogate how you come across to others (Image). The only way to know this is to ask others: request feedback about how you are perceived in the workplace, and on this basis begin to develop the image you wish to project. The more accurate and personal the feedback you receive, the better. How you are perceived within your company and to external onlookers is crucial if you want to get ahead. As you begin to climb the ladder of seniority within a company, your network will become increasingly important (Exposure). Hiring managers typically consider the candidates they recognise before anyone else. To get your name on the list of known candidates, you have to do strategic marketing, making yourself known to important figures within your company and in the broader market. Exposure is perhaps the most important factor in the PIE model if you are determined to reach a senior position. Whilst networking can be very uncomfortable, you never know what doors it might open for you. Furthermore, you can network regardless of the level you are at within an organisation. Requesting to work on cross-departmental projects, or going to events and seeking out the people you don't know, can all prove highly fruitful in raising your profile across the industry. Many people find networking hugely daunting. Inga suggests that having a few specific questions lined up before approaching someone can be really helpful for having meaningful conversations. Additionally, it's key to project confidence in these environments. It's key to give yourself enough airtime in networking conversations, whilst also being inquisitive; actively asking others questions and listening their opinions. To ensure that you persevere, consider setting yourself a goal – introducing yourself to ten new people, for example.   Best Moments/Key Quotes “There were centuries where men were the only choice. [It was a] 100% [recruitment] quota for men. We need to kickstart the change to get equality going. And that's what we need to keep doing because we're still not making fast enough progress.”   “You can't just sit there and do a fantastic job. You have to do a good job, but that is not it, you [also] have to think about your image, you have to think about how you're coming across to others. And the only way you actually know your image is to ask other people.”   “You have to do the networking. Sometimes it's the most uncomfortable. And depending what level you are in organisation, you might not be networking with CEOs, but you can even ask your manager to open some doors for you. You can volunteer to do cross-department work projects… Make sure you go to events and seek out the people that you don't know. This is hard work, particularly for introverts. It's not necessarily very comfortable. But I can assure you it pays off.”   Resources Insurance Supper Club: https://www.isc-group.co/en-gb/home   About the Guest Dame Inga Beale is a prolific insurance executive with over 40 years of experience in global financial services. The first female CEO of Lloyd's for a tenure of five years, she is also an influential speaker and advocate for increased inclusion in the workplace. Inga's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingabeale   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin  

What is the BIBA Conference and why is it such a crucial event on the insurance industry calendar? To what extent are skills from external industries transferrable into insurance careers? How can the mobility of such external skills into insurance roles be better communicated in the current recruitment landscape? In this episode, we're very pleased to be speaking with Emma Chapman, Head of Conference at BIBA. This year's BIBA Conference held in Manchester in May attracted 9000 people across two days. The event aims to unite brokers, insurers, and the wider insurance community to do business, establish and build relationships, and much more. In conversation with Sandra Lewin, Emma discusses how her background in theatre has informed her decision-making in curating and arranging the annual conference over the past eight years. As such, she is a testament to the transferability of skills from seemingly unrelated industries into the wide array of roles available in insurance.   Quote of the Episode “You go to conferences for so many reasons. Number one is to do business, we know that. Fundamentally, people say [that, at BIBA,] they get a month's worth of business done in two days. Brilliant. But what else can you get?” The BIBA Conference is, first and foremost, a springboard for networking, bolstering existing business relationships and fostering new ones. Yet, in a post-COVID landscape in which many people have hybrid work schedules and a more intertwined work-life balance, it is harder to entice people to attend these events. BIBA's first in-person conference after the pandemic was in 2022, and it was a huge success, which can largely be attributed to people's glee at being able to attend such events and network face-to-face. In 2023, Emma and her team faced a challenge of how to improve upon this warm reception, now that hybrid working patterns are seemingly here to stay. They decided to bring a flavour of fun and theatricality to the conference, with puppies available to cuddle at a Wellness Zone, and with a speech from Sir Mo Farah.   Key Takeaways Emma studied a Drama and Theatre Studies degree at Exeter, and went into Stage Management in the West End. After several successful years managing a variety of big productions, she sought a change and became involved in event organising, eventually working for BIBA via an agency before being invited to arrange the conference in-house post-pandemic. Theatre and insurance are undoubtedly very different industries, but Emma's role at BIBA entails a need to put on a spectacle for conference attendees. She argues that her theatre background has significantly informed her work at BIBA, emphasising that if and when you do decide to switch roles or even industries into insurance, your past experience will always be beneficial in one way or another. You should never consider your previous working roles or plans as a barrier to entry or transition within the industry. Emma's daily work at BIBA is extremely varied, but it is ultimately founded upon building and maintaining mutually beneficial business relationships, organisation, and an ability to meet deadlines – all skills she developed in her previous career which are transferrable to and crucial in an insurance career. Indeed, Emma suggests that taking skills from external and ostensibly unrelated industries into insurance is extremely beneficial to ensure a consistent inflow of fresh ideas and perspectives. Emma argues that we must actively combat the common misconception that insurance careers are boring, noting that she's never had an uninteresting day on the job. She emphasises that insurance is something which everyone must experience and engage with from a client perspective. As such, irrespective of which industry one initially works in, everyone is in a strong position to contribute ideas to insurance, as every year, we all have to purchase or renew car insurance, home insurance, life insurance, and so on.   Best Moments/Key Quotes “Because we now live in a semi hybrid world, it takes even more to get people out of their homes. You have to deliver something that you cannot get at home, more so than when everyone was in offices, because everyone was always leaving their home. Everyone was always travelling; it was very easy to go to things after work.”   “What I love about my job is it's so varied. I mean, we organise literally everything to do with the exhibition… So, my day could be, depending on where we are on the lifecycle of the event, it could be signing off on social media, ordering 1000s of chairs, approving budget, briefing contractors, sorting out the advertising, paying for things, booking things. It's a real smorgasbord of things. And that's why I love what I do so much.”   “If you spent some time understanding the insurance industry, you could be an excellent addition, [if you] come with outside ideas. That's what I'm always passionate about: there are these transferable skills in so many different career choices.”   “For example, as an event organiser, someone who does event organising for a pharmaceutical company, something totally different to insurance, but because you are still organising a live event, an engaging thing for delegates, you still need to listen to the feedback, and work out whether what you're giving is what people actually want to receive. They would come with amazing ideas, and vice versa. There almost needs to be this give and take between industries, so that you constantly have fresh ideas coming.”   Resources BIBA – The BIBA Conference wins Best Association Event Award: https://www.biba.org.uk/press-releases/the-biba-conference-wins-best-association-event-award/   About the Guest Emma Chapman is the Head of Conference at BIBA (British Insurance Brokers' Association), leading a team who organises its annual conference. Emma's LinkedIn Profile: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/emma-chapman-29a97610b    About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin

What is intrapreneurship, and how can it help you or your employees to promote innovation within your organisation? What is the value of generalist skills and knowledge when considering executive positions? Why is it so important to establish a personal brand and network prior to leaving the corporate environment to pursue your own industry ambitions? In this episode, we're thrilled to be speaking with Caroline Bedford, Chief Executive at EDII! With a background in the technology sector, Caroline undertook a career in insurance, working in various exciting roles before departing the corporate world to build her own business. In conversation with Sandra Lewin, she highlights the key values underpinning good leadership, emphasising the importance of promoting innovation at every level of a business in order to sustain growth and talent retention.   Quote of the Episode “With the intrapreneurial roles, you know, it's in company's interest to be able to cultivate those kinds of passions and capabilities in their staff, and to really nurture that. I don't see any specific job applications from organisations seeking to employ an ‘intrapreneur'. However, I do now see that in terms of people's development programmes, creativity, authenticity, curiosity. Those types of mindset and behaviours are now being welcomed, and expected in many cases. Those are all attributes that people who work for organisations can also share with entrepreneurs who, who work for themselves and take the risks that are associated with that.” Intrapreneurship refers to the application of entrepreneurial skills to promote growth within one's organisation. Caroline asserts that developing these skills is a key way of building up your reputation within your organisation, thereby establishing valuable connections which you will retain if and when you move elsewhere. Furthermore, she argues that fostering these skills within one's employees can facilitate talent retention. A key demographic of talented employees who leave the insurance sector every year is women in their 30s-40s. Caroline argues that this is fuelled by companies failing to allow these employees to creatively innovate in order to solve real problems. It is crucial to invest in your staff at all levels and ages, and give them an outlet with which to apply their unique skills, thereby achieving personal growth and developing the business simultaneously.   Key Takeaways Caroline highlights the value of generalist knowledge at all levels of the insurance industry. Upon leaving school, she joined the technology sector, and ultimately chose insurance to practice that specialism. Consequently, she brought a wealth of external knowledge and skills to the industry that has fuelled her individual growth and that of the firms she has worked for. Additionally, she notes that having external skills and expertise provides an excellent foundation for entering executive positions. Today's CEO requires an understanding of the broader business environment in which they are operating, with generalist capabilities ranging from business development, operations, strategy, deliverables, product development, and more. For Caroline, as a business owner it is crucial to prioritise one's staff above all else. A key tenet of leadership is the capacity to motivate and inspire people even when the chips are down; to work through challenges and frustrations whilst recognising that you are ultimately responsible for the livelihoods of your team. Caroline recalls ‘Don't wait till you need a network to build one' as the best piece of advice she has ever received. You need connections, especially when transitioning from one role to another, or from a corporate environment to your own business, who can support you and verify your credibility. Before departing the comfort zone of the corporate world, it is crucial to establish your personal brand. Many of your industry connections will likely be a product of the brand with which you are affiliated. Once this recognisable credibility is gone, many of these connections could be severed. As such, you must invest in your individual brand in addition to that afforded by your corporate employment. It is ultimately the value others see in your personal name that will secure you future opportunities or investment. LinkedIn can be a fantastic tool for building a community and demonstrating the unique value you can bring to a business, or the industry at large. However, it must be approached as a two-way street. You shouldn't simply put information about your personal triumphs out there; you must also engage in what your connections are doing, and participate appropriately in conversations and debates. In using this platform in a consistent, engaged, and authentic manner, people will soon recognise your individual value, which will be instrumental in developing your personal brand.   Best Moments/Key Quotes That's a great thing about insurance – there are lots and lots of opportunities. You don't just find yourself in an organisation and stuck in the role that you joined in. If you exhibit talent, passion, and skill, and capability, then there will be opportunities there for you. Throughout my career, I have worked for technology companies, I have worked for insurers. And I was part of the acquisition team when DXC was acquiring Xchanging a few years ago.”   “One of my specialist passions is the rise of the generalist. This is something that's really helped propel me through my career. Once I recognised the value that comes with having those generalist capabilities, it kind of freed me from some of the sort of anchors that held me back in the past where I felt that to be able to succeed, you needed to have deep specialisms in one specific area. Since I did research and have started to really take, ironically, a deep dive into the role of the generalist, that kind of led me to understand firstly, the type of capabilities that everybody in industry needs now is no longer just that vertical career path, but also the horizontal. It also stood me in good stead for the role of a CEO.”   “People will often engage you because of that big name, [but] if you wish to then go out on your own, you have lost that Golden Shield that is going to make people gravitate towards you. So even when you work for that big name, it's important that people see you as Caroline or Sandra, or whoever you may be.”   Resources Caroline Bedford – Fifty Over Fifty: https://fiftyoverfifty.org.uk/list/caroline-bedford-edii/ The Rise of the Generalist: Caroline Bedford speaks at The Women In Tech Conference 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftAmGzKmj3s&ab_channel=EDIIGroup   About the Guest Caroline Bedford is the Chief Executive of EDII, home of Digital Minds, helping insurance and business professionals understand how innovation, design and entrepreneurship can help to futureproof their work. Caroline's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bedford-a0225212/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin

Why is it so important to build a personal network within your company and across the industry early in your insurance career? What steps should you take to overcome a fear towards networking events? How can graduate schemes facilitate steady career progression? In this episode, we're thrilled to be speaking with Bamishe Alao, who is currently enrolled on the WTW CRB Graduate Programme, in the Director and Officers Liability team. In conversation with  Sandra Lewin, Bamishe explains the innerworkings of her graduate scheme and her reasoning behind pursuing an insurance career. Furthermore, she highlights the profound importance of establishing a broad network early in your career, thereby cementing professional connections that will follow you across your progression in the industry.   Quote of the Episode “I think everyone should be networking at any point in their career. Whether you're trying to change industry, move into insurance, move your way up insurance, you have to just know how to… not market yourself, but put yourself out there. Because if no one knows who you are, how are you going to find opportunities for volunteering, or leadership roles, or anything besides your day-to-day role.” Throughout the episode, Bamishe elucidates the importance of networking to cement your reputation in the industry. She also notes that networking will remain a vital skill across your insurance career, particularly if and when you decide to change roles or companies. The connections that you establish within your own company or at external networking events may prove to be vital if you later decide to pursue a new role. Immersing yourself in these networks will automatically open a lot of doors for you that you may otherwise not have even known existed.   Key Takeaways During Bamishe's three-week-long graduate induction, she attended three talks demonstrating how to conduct oneself at networking events. She argues that this training was fundamental to building her own personal network and in encouraging her to take up leadership positions in company networks. She highlights that joining a network early in one's career is key, as this is when you have the most time to get involved in events and to build new connections. By immersing yourself in these networks whilst simultaneously cultivating your own personal network, your name becomes more broadly known across the industry, establishing your presence, after which it's much easier to take a step back and embrace the opportunities that these connections can unlock. Cultivating an extensive network in this way can sound daunting. If you have very few, or even no connections within the industry, it's easy to feel like an outsider when attending networking events, or that your hierarchy within your company disqualifies you from making connections higher up the chain. However, Bamishe suggests that it's crucial not to conflate your industry title or position with your individual value. She argues that the best way to approach networking events is to try and find common ground with whoever you might be speaking to. ‘How did you get into insurance?' is always a great icebreaker, and asking general personal questions can be a great way to establish something in common with someone before veering into more business-oriented conversation. Focusing on who they are as a human being, first and foremost, is much more likely to lead to a fruitful personal and business relationship. That being said, you might not always be able to identify something in common with everyone, and that's okay. You don't need to overthink every networking attempt you make. Your seniority (or lack thereof) within a company is never as important as your passion and commitment to your career. Bamishe argues, ‘don't let anyone tell you that your experience is too little' with regard to the goals you are pursuing. The connections you forge across your career may later become instrumental, and being headstrong and ambitious at networking events will only ever work in your favour. Bamishe highlights that there are several brokers whose entire jobs are managing relationships, because they know so many important industry figures who they met early in their careers, and who now maintain these connections in support of their company. Bamishe is also a rising insurance TikTok star. She started making TikToks in order to demonstrate the fun aspects of working in insurance, an industry in which the opportunities for travel and socialising are too often downplayed. While not every part of an insurance career is glamorous, this is undoubtedly an excellent way of highlighting the fantastic opportunities that an insurance career can provide, and it may prove very powerful in drawing new young talent into our industry.   Best Moments/Key Quotes ‘I think insurance [carries] a negative narrative. But actually, work-life balance is one of the biggest benefits here.'   ‘You'd never know what's out there until you go out and look for it. And a lot of people just don't think to look for it, which is why I think networking is so important.' “You can't really form connections based on titles. I think it's more a case of, ‘Oh, we have something in common; we both study for these exams.' If you're on an apprenticeship programme, you might find a grad doing the same exams. That's a great place to start.” ‘If you follow people's trajectories and careers, you can tell who was actively networking.' ‘If you're networking within the company, if you're helping to lead and execute event and seminars, it's going to help your career by default.'   Resources Bamishe's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bamishe55   About the Guest Bamishe Alao is currently enrolled on the WTW CRB Graduate Programme working in the Director and Officers Liability Team. She was recently shortlisted for the Insurance Age Young Broker of the Year Award. Bamishe's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bamishe-alao-cert-cii-244642194/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin

Are you unsure if you are entirely suited to your insurance role, and looking to make a change? Is the industry becoming more inclusive of women, and what can we do to further push these boundaries? What can we do to make insurance more appealing to the general public, and why is it important that we do so? In this week's episode, we are thrilled to be speaking with insurance's self-proclaimed Cyber Diva, Mercy Komar! In conversation with  Sandra Lewin, Mercy emphasises the vast array of roles on offer within insurance, granting it a ‘sexy' appeal for anyone looking to join the industry or who may wish to make a change whilst remaining in the same business. She argues that women are at a natural advantage for selling insurance, and that a key area for boosting equality across the industry must be in the increased appointment of women in sales roles.   Quote of the Episode “You've got all kinds of different jobs in the insurance industry. Once you're in the industry, somebody will help you move into something else, if you're not happy where you are. If you're not happy with what you do, and you think it's [to do with] the business, then you should leave, because you're not ever going to be happy. But if you like the people, and you like generally like the business, just find another position. There's plenty of them!” Mercy has worked in a wide range of insurance roles across her prodigious career. She highlights that one of the key benefits of our industry is that, having accrued an understanding of its innerworkings, you can seamlessly shift into different roles, thereby gaining new skills and experience. Sandra herself began her insurance career as a broker, before later realising that she works better behind the scenes in operations, and she was able to make that transition. If your dissatisfaction with your role is derived from your environment and the culture of the company you are working for, you should make a broader change. Conversely, if you are no longer finding satisfaction with your role, or believe that your skills could be better used elsewhere, consider having a chat within your business to identify what other roles you might be suited for.   Key Takeaways If the prospect of exploring new roles in insurance sounds daunting, Mercy notes that there are thousands of women on LinkedIn who would be more than happy to help with any queries or concerns you might have in this regard. The platform offers a fantastic opportunity to network and connect with other women in the industry, particularly for those who don't always have time to go to in-person networking events. Mercy suggests that, while insurance continues to be male dominated, a key factor to facilitating future change is the need for more women to take up sales positions. She argues that sales can generate equality, as the centre of power within all insurance businesses, and the most visible and direct driving force of profit acquisition. Thus, the more women who get into sales, the greater bargaining power we will attain when demanding that companies become more inclusive of women at strategic levels. Furthermore, she argues that women are naturally predisposed to be trusted in sales roles, as many people will instinctively take on the advice of mature women by identifying their maternal characteristics. For Mercy, securing the long-term future of the industry necessitates emphasising its allure, its ‘sexy' qualities. She argues that in advertising our industry to the broader public, we need to highlight the following: Insurance offers a wide range of roles which you can experiment with. You can make a good living, and we get excellent benefits. The industry is constantly evolving. We are a people-centred industry, dealing with people on a daily basis. In order to onboard great new insurance talent in the future, we need to promote ourselves better to the public. A great way to start is by emphasising the human element of insurance. Sharing posts on LinkedIn celebrating our successes and giving insight into our personalities can really humanise us as individuals and our industry as a whole.   Best Moments/Key Quotes “I have done every job in an insurance office except accounting. I've sold agencies, bought agencies, I have done sales, I've done all the CSR work, I've done claims. I've done it all. And that's one of the things that's great about insurance, you can move!” “There are thousands of women on LinkedIn, that you can turn to and say, ‘This is what I do now. What should I try instead?' And they'll give you help; they'll give you suggestions and tell you what other things you can do.” “In sales we're equal. That's one area where we can force ourselves to be equal whether somebody likes it or not. And I think the more of us to get into sales, the better off we're going to be. I think that way we can demand more at the companies in the way of boards of directors having more women, because more women are out there [selling] the product. That's my opinion.”   Resources Awkward Insurance Podcast: https://awkward-insurance.simplecast.com/ Bound and Determined Podcast: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/bound-determined-1008066   About the Guest Mercy Komar leads an illustrious insurance career, with 53 years of experience in the industry in various roles. She currently works as a Risk Consultant for L Calvin Jones & Co. specialising in cyber risk coverage, and is also an experienced insurance educator. Mercy's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercyk/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin

What is the 100 Women in Insurance podcast, and what are the intentions behind it? What can you expect from each episode? In this introductory episode, we're discussing the reasons why the podcast was created, the messages it seeks to promote, and the community it hopes to cultivate. Your host,  Sandra Lewin, introduces herself and her history with the insurance industry, before delving into the podcast's broader objectives of inspiring listeners in their career journeys and encouraging talent acquisition and retention.   Quote of the Episode “I thought, ‘Well, what a great way to showcase women in their amazing roles,' because there are some incredible women out there achieving wonderful things on a career and personal level. [The podcast will also] showcase the variety of roles available in the market and share various career tips.” Insurance is an incredibly diverse and versatile industry with regard to the number of different roles available. While most people might typically imagine brokers or underwriters when thinking of insurance, there are so many other branches of our sector which might afford a thrilling transition in your career journey. The 100 Women in Insurance podcast seeks to highlight this range of different roles, and inspire you to take the leap in exploring alternative roles, whether you're contemplating joining or leaving the industry.   Key Takeaways Sandra Lewin  worked in the insurance industry for many years. Initially joining the industry as a broker, she later joined Lloyd's and worked in business development, before transitioning to a focus on operations and project management. In 2021, she left the corporate world to start her own business. This career shift was prompted by Sandra's struggles with endometriosis, a debilitating health condition which forced her to take six months off work in order to deal with various operations. During that time, she reflected on how she envisioned the future of her career, and ultimately decided to go solo. She hasn't looked back since, and while she'd never wish her condition on anyone, she is grateful for having undergone it as it inspired her to take this plunge. Sandra conceptualised the 100 Women in Insurance podcast as she is passionate about promoting the variety of roles available in the insurance market. Through interviews with a range of wonderful guests, the podcast will showcase women in different insurance roles, thereby offering alternative pathways for women into this industry, and new opportunities for those already within the industry to explore. A key question she will always ask in each episode is whether a guest's insurance career was by chance or by choice. The podcast aims to promote the industry to women, who area woefully underrepresented in the financial services sector, particularly at the strategic level. As such, Sandra wishes to discuss ways that we can better advertise our industry to outsiders and veterans, to tackle our prevailing issues with talent acquisition and retention, and to inspire the future generation of insurers, brokers, underwriters, and more. From each episode, you can expect an interview with typically one, and sometimes two, women working in the insurance industry, be it those working in compliance, IT, product development, underwriting, or companies which offer insurance as part of a wider offering. Excitingly, these guests are not all London-based. Upcoming guests hail from California, Ohio, New Zealand, Mexico, Poland, Belgium, and more. The podcast will cover a wide range of topics related to insurance career journeys, such as navigating stakeholders, negotiating salary, or building a personal brand. Sandra strongly encourages feedback from the podcast audience. She wants to cultivate a supportive community through this podcast, to provide a springboard for networking opportunities which could lead to wonderful new things for listeners. To help with this endeavour, please get in touch and share what topics you would like to hear about, and who you would like to hear from! Best Moments/Key Quotes ‘I hope that by speaking to these amazing guests, and there are so many of these that are in the pipeline, who have made incredible career changes, incredible negotiations of career setups and role setups, I hope that inspires women to find the roles that work for them.'   “This podcast is not just for women, it's for those who really want to think differently about how we can help the insurance industry with the talent shortage, and with talent retention. We lose a great percentage of women in their late 30s-early 40s due to lack of flexibility in ways of working. So, I hope this podcast also inspires change so that we can retain more talent.”   “I also hope to create a network off the back of this podcast, where we can reach out to the amazing guests… There is lots of great support out there, and I speak from my own experience that there is a great community here that is keen to help and support.”   Resources Sandra Lewin: https://sandralewin.com/ Podcast: http://100womenininsurance.com/   About the Host Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives. Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin