Bound & Determined

Host Meg McKeen shares more about her digital nomad lifestyle, answering the questions she's asked most frequently. Have a listen to learn more about the logistics and the lessons she's learned in her nomad life.For fun stories and anecdotes, captured in her Dear #digitalnomad Diary series, head on over to Instagram and check Meg's stories there!To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors.  Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!To show your support for this podcast, consider making a donation to Insure Equality, a non-profit whose mission is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to work in an environment that supports them for who they are.

Before we get started, a special shout-out to listener Wendy for her lovely feedback about the podcast and her financial support. Learn more here. 00:00 - 02:24 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Dustyne Bryant and Cat Ferris!  Dustyne and Cat are each one-half of the duo that hosts the podcast Awkward Insurance, sponsored by The National Alliance. 02:25 - 05:54 | Meg is checking from Denver this time - the sun is shining for her today. Dustyne is in central Arkansas and has a different feeling about winter weather after a recent trip to Florida. Cat is in north-central Florida - where you can wear both a parka and flip-flops in the very same day. Meg shares more about the wardrobe challenges she faces as a #digitalnomad. Limited options mean she's wearing things out which helps her to appreciate what she has in a different way.05:55 - 06:44 | When three podcast hosts come together on a podcast, it's natural to talk about...a podcast! Meg was previously a guest on Awkward Insurance and is viewing this conversation as a continuation of the great dialogue they started there. One of the challenges of hosting a podcast is the willingness to go deeper into topics - holding space for our guests to do the same.06:45 - 09:30 | Cat shares more about her start in podcasting; Dustyne hosted for a full year before Cat joined the show, which helped her to see her own path to success. Embracing social media has been the true challenge for her in this season of her life - letting others have a glimpse into our personal lives can be a real shift - and a rush. 09:31 - 11:32 | The 5 Love Languages are a real thing - Meg shares that hers is "words of affirmation" and social media can provide that dopamine hit that she craves. But strangers on the internet are just that - and unless those consuming content with those who create it choose to engage, there can be a loneliness to showing up on social media. Social media helped provide a bridge during the pandemic, too, in many cases.11:33 - 12:44 | Do you have a best friend at work? Both Cat and Dustyne started in their current roles working remotely. Building and maintaining connection in the virtual world is a challenge. 12:45 - 16:59 | Dustyne shares more about the origin of Awkward Insurance - she didn't start hosting willingly, but has been able to embrace the role of host beautifully. Having a mentor who sees our abilities and pushes us in a healthy way to see our potential is an invaluable gift.17:00 - 18:53 | We are 100% our own worst critics. Dustyne felt a vulnerability - keeping her in her head and up at night. It gets better with time, but can feel so heavy. 18:54 - 20:09 | Dustyne talks through the idea of having split social media personalities - work and personal - and how she's challenged to do this. She's created a work-around that allows her to share the open parts of her life, but it's not a perfect solution. 20:10 - 22:59 | Boundaries are so important - even as podcast hosts, there are things we still won't talk about, and that's the decision each of us has to make. Some push those boundaries and others don't - either way, this is real life and is different for each of us. Cat reminds us that we don't owe anyone more of ourselves than what we're willing to share. 23:00 - 24:59 | Parenting opens up a whole new set of challenges when it comes to sharing on social media. Young adults today have had so many of their life's milestones shared on social media, and are now living with the consequences of having that information so accessible.25:00 - 26:59 | Meg recently changed her Instagram handle from her business name to her personal name. When we show up in different ways, it can be hard to bundle them up in one cohesive way and opens up a whole new sense of vulnerability. Meg reflects on her experience with the podcast and all that she's learned as a result.27:00 - 30:43 | Cat shares more about her disdain for small talk. Deep, meaningful conversations fill her up - her love language is an extra one - sharing secrets. We talk about passion - do we need to have passion for the work we do? Meg shares more about her passion - holding space for stories. Relationships are fuel - the good, real, raw stuff - and Meg relates so closely to Cat in this way. 30:44 - 34:09 | Let's chat about building relationships in the virtual world. Those of us who have been at this for a while have the benefit of past experience and credibility. Starting from the beginning is a totally different story. Dustyne shares more about her decision to join an organization remotely just before the pandemic shut-down.34:10 - 37:04 | We circle back to the concept of having a "workplace bestie" - but making and growing connections with colleagues is a real thing. How do you approach someone? How do we navigate different work styles? Dustyne and Cat have had to navigate this as they go, creating a safe and bold dynamic despite the distance.37:05 - 40: 19 | How many times have you over-shared on a Zoom or Teams meeting? It's Meg's nature to second-guess what she shares from time to time. It's an experience so many of us share. Communication isn't a perfect journey; how can we give one another the grace to share, even when it's uncomfortable for us?40:20 - 42:19 | Cat's love language isn't words of affirmation; honoring the space that others take to share their stories is so important. Self-awareness is required in order to see others' love languages - but the rewards from doing so can be so fulfilling.42:40 - 44:56 | Dustyne leaves us with an important final thought on communication. Thanks for being here, Dustyne and Cat, and for having this conversation with us.To learn more about the work they're doing to support insurance professionals, connect with Dustyne on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram, and connect with Cat on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram. Learn more about Awkward Insurance and join the community when you head on over here.To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors.  Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

00:00 - 03:29 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Carrie and Patty! Carrie and Patty are girlfriends - and the co-founders of Hello Again Products. In this episode, we're talking about menopause. Whether you're thinking ahead, in menopause, or on the other side of it, there's something for you here. We take a minute to celebrate that we are living in a time when open conversations like this can take place as we honor the individual journeys we are on. 03:30 - 08:11 | Let's dig into the signs and symptoms of menopause - it will be different for each of us. It manifested differently for both Carrie and Patty.  Sleep, hot flashes, and brain fog are just a few things on the list.08:12 - 11:00 | Carrie and Patty learned by accident that they were navigating their individual experience with menopause - and that the support they needed didn't exist. Their unique, yet shared experience led them to a dispensary where they started the journey that would become Hello Again.11:01 - 13:59 | Cannabis has turned the insurance industry on its head - which is exactly how Carrie and Patty felt as they began to develop the knowledge they'd need in order to build their business. We talk about what other people think, naysayers, and the nagging doubts that creep in when we're trying something new. What happens when we just say out loud what we want? For Carrie and Patty, so many doors opened.14:00 - 17:59 | With age comes wisdom, right? Carrie and Patty share some of their own experiences - starting with the awkward conversation about menopause itself - and it doesn't have to signal the end of life, but rather a new and vibrant chapter. We talk about perfection - that's boring, right? 18:00 - 22:09 | Carrie and Patty have developed a CBD-infused vaginal suppository to alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. Carrie and Patty are customers and advocates - and Meg shares a couple of fun asides about makers of products who are also users of them! Meg is so much more aware today of the products she consumes as well as the businesses she supports.22:10 - 25:19 | What do you wish you would've known as you were navigating your own menopause journey? Patty shares more about the knowledge she wishes she'd had - and Carrie talks about the very real fluctuations our hormones have leading up to and during menopause. Our hormones are fluctuating so much - and it can't be said enough. Aging is a physical process - fine lines, wrinkles, age spots  - all provide evidence that our bodies are moving into the next phase of life. 25:20 - 30:44 | How can we support a woman who is in menopause? Understanding is key - and we acknowledge that both men and women are aging, our bodies manifest this change very differently. Meg shares more about her decision to stop coloring her hair - and the learning that experience provided. Leading with a sense of curiosity is key in the process.29:00 - 30:44 | Thanks for being here, Carrie and Patty, and for having this important conversation with us.In Carrie + Patty's words: Curiosity drove long-time friends Carrie Mapes and Patty Pappas to a dispensary for the first time. There they asked questions about all the products, brands, and delivery systems.  What they learned led to them creatively solving their own menopause experiences.  They formulated the product they wanted to use but didn't exist on the dispensary shelves.  Hello Again is a menopause solution that uses cannabis to help women feel healthy, not high.To learn more about Carrie + Patty, visit www.helloagainproducts.com, or follow Hello Again on Instagram (@helloagainproducts).To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors.  Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

Before we get started, know that we'll be talking about infertility in this episode. If this is a topic that's a little too close to your heart today, please skip past this episode - and we'll see you next time.00:00 - 03:24  | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Jaimie Selwa! Jamie is no longer a woman working in the insurance industry, but that doesn't lessen the impact of her story. 03:25 - 06:29 | Meg is recording this episode from an Airbnb in Denver, Colorado, and Jaimie is in Columbus, Ohio, where she lives with her husband and two rescue dogs. Jaimie accepted a new position in August of 2021 and shares more about the decision she made to pursue a role in customer marketing. 06:30 - 12:44 | Jaimie's new role her to both use the skills she naturally possesses and actually enjoys, and to learn new skills, too. We talk about the value of transferable skills and how to use that awareness of our skills as we make future career plans. Though Meg is an advocate for careers in the insurance industry, there is beauty in recognizing that perhaps you can find alignment in something new, too.12:45 - 17:14 | Meg shares more about her infertility journey with a big disclaimer - she's not a medical professional, and neither is Jaimie! Infertility, like insurance, is a language of its own and one you hope you don't have to learn unless/until you need to. 17:15 - 21:09 | Mental health is a huge component of infertility that is often overlooked. The feelings of disappointment and loss can be so heavy and can impact so many relationships. Jaimie reminds us that infertility is a medical diagnosis and while there's been so much research, there's still so much to do.21:10 - 24:29 | Jaimie honors that not all fertility journeys conclude with a baby. It is healing to have conversations like these and Meg is grateful. 24:30 - 31:29 | We've talked in the past on the podcast about the ways we diminish how we experience loss. Jaimie continues to be a support to those on their fertility journeys, even though she's now herself expecting a child, and shares a smart perspective to help us support those who need us, but also find joy in our own experiences. 31:30 - 34:26 | This experience changes you - and connects you with others on a similar journey, too. It changes our relationships, too, which Jaimie describes as she shares a glimpse into the conversations she and her husband have needed to have along the way.34:27 - 38:44 | One of the missions of this podcast is to help us understand how we can be supportive, even when we aren't experiencing the same thing as someone else. Jaimie describes what it feels like to feel supported - and what it doesn't.38:45 - 42:45 | Jaimie authored a book, First There Was Me, The Journey to You, and shares more about that creative process and her decision to take it from an idea to a finished product. The book is a lovely representation of the various ways families are made.42:46 - 46:23 | We just can't know where the paths we are on will go. Jaimie continues to share her story, inspiring others along the way. Thank you for being a light, Jaimie!In Jaimie's words: I am a digital marketer by day and an infertility advocate, celebrating, championing, and raising awareness of the various ways families are made. I am the author of the children's book, First There Was Me, The Journey to You.To learn more about Jaimie Selwa and follow along on her journey, visit www.jaimieselwa.com, follow her on Instagram (@infertilechronicles), or connect with her on LinkedIn.To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors.  Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

00:00 -  02:09 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Abi Potter Clough! Abi has been so generous with her support of Meg and is again supporting her in this conversation on the podcast. Change is a constant and conversations like this are an important part of the process.02:10 - 07:35 | Abi recently relocated from New York to Tampa, Florida. She shares more about the winding path she took to get there, in both her personal and professional life, where she began her insurance career in claims. Fear and loss are a real part of making change and she shares more about how she experienced both.07:36 - 11:23  | So many of us have change in common, but change can look different for each of us. Abi's work  centers on managing change - and she shares more about the relationship between her own story and the work she does today. Meg shares more about the evolution of her business and how it looks today versus when she started four years ago. A mix of excitement and fear, change isn't without emotion. Abi reminds us that we are allowed to change course and the results can be better than we could've planned for.11:24 - 15:30 | Leaving what is familiar is hard. There can be so much pressure we feel to get it right and to have it all figured out. Abi and Meg talk about expectations and Meg shares more about how she's navigating the expectations she feels from others. Abi reminds Meg that the people who care about us aren't always able to express that concern in the most healthy and productive ways.15:31 - 18:30 | There is safety in what we know. It's easy to understand why people don't make changes in their lives and careers because it can feel so overwhelming. But, we really, truly do only get one chance at this life. Change is hard, important work, but Abi reminds us that not making change is painful, too.18:31 - 20:31 | Abi long-identified as her location and her work and unraveling that identity has been a journey. She's learned that work doesn't have to define her and instead the things and activities - and people - she loves can shape who she is today.20:32 - 24:49 | Meg has been grappling with the definition of success and unraveling what it looks like for her today. Abi has so much wisdom on this topic and has had her own journey to redefining it, too.24:50 - 26:00  | Meg and Abi do not have their morning routine in common! Entrepreneurship is a risk, but also provides unexpected benefits like skipping setting an alarm in the early morning. A reminder that if you're not working, you're not getting paid - and planning and preparation are key. 26:01 - 28:29 | We talk about what it feels like to have the freedom to share your own message and to build your own brand. Alignment between work, values, and how we support ourselves is key.28:30 - 35:19 | Abi shares more about the work she does as a freelance writer in the insurance industry. Through this work, she's able to highlight some interesting changes in the industry. She's writing her next book, Crazy Confident, sharing unique ways to build confidence, rooted in her public speaking journey. We share some of the "bad day" stories we've experienced as professional speakers - it's not glamorous! 35:20 - 37:52 | Abi, you are a gift! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with me on this episode.In Abi's words: I am an author, keynote speaker, and freelance insurance writer, writing and speaking about insurance, risk, leadership, and change. I've authored the books Life After Leaping In and Top 10 Lists For Relocation.To learn more about Abi Potter Clough and follow along on her journey, visit Life After Leaping In, follow her on Twitter @AbiLeads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals visit Adjunct Advisors.  Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

00:00 - 02:10 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Nikki Brandt! Nikki brings a fresh perspective into recruiting in the insurance industry. 02:11 - 04:49 | Meg shares more about how she lines up the guests on the podcast; they are usually people she knows, but today is the first time she and Nikki have connected. Meg knew as soon as she saw a post that Nikki recently shared that she just had to be on the show.04:50 - 06:29 | Nikki shares more about the lessons she's learned since starting NB Talent 10 months ago; when we stop worrying about doing things the "right" way, new opportunities can present.06:30 - 09:34 | An insurance career path doesn't have to be what it used to be - Nikki and Meg had some overlap but have landed in very different places. Nikki shares more about why she started the business she's building - we've all received one of those spammy messages on social media from a recruiter, right? 09:35 - 17:10 | How many times have you had a hunch - but never acted on it? We talk through the emotions we feel when we are ready for change and Nikki shares more about her career path - from a degree in fashion merchandising to underwriting to sales.17:11 - 20:19 | Many people are evaluating the alignment between career and life - and challenging the current status quo. Nikki shares openly about the feelings she experienced when making the decision to choose a different path in her career, including the importance of the support of her network.24:39 - 25:29  | A quick note about co-working; Meg is a big fan of this concept (shared office space for professionals) and it's something Nikki is exploring, too. 25:30 - 26:29 | Mentorship takes different shapes and we often struggle to recognize when we are ready to be a mentor, or when we need a mentor.26:30 - 30:29 | Business is booming for Nikki - a sign that she's on a good path.  She's helping organizations connect with underwriters, account managers, and producers/salespeople. Happy employees aren't typically looking for a new opportunity, which is a compliment to the organizations they work for who have made a commitment to employee satisfaction a priority.30:30 - 35:59 | People want to work with individuals who value their work and are engaged in the work they do - Nikki is both. Nikki shares more about the non-negotiables for candidates today. Spoiler alert: employees want flexibility.36:00 - 37:17 | A fun reminder that even when our business cards don't say "sales," we still need to focus on building our networks and developing new business. Thanks for joining Meg on the podcast, Nikki - you're welcome back anytime!In Nikki's words: I'm a wife, mom of 2, dog lover, and I love to network and connect people! I've had much success in insurance, but saw an opportunity in the recruiting space to do it differently so here I am!  I have a second business in the anti-aging beauty space, and I love all things that help women look and feel their best - both personally and professionally!To learn more about Nikki Brandt and follow along on her journey, visit NB Talent, follow her on Instagram @blondestgirlintheroom, or connect with her on LinkedIn.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals visit Adjunct Advisors.  To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

Before we get started, know that this episode will include discussion around addiction. If you or someone you know is navigating addiction, please call 800-662-HELP (4357) or visit SAMSA. You are not alone.00:00 - 01:19 | Welcome to Bound & Determined Erin Bahadur℠! Erin is a talented writer and photographer - and the creator of Erin's Inside Job, a blog that she curates filled with approachable ideas to support her unique viewpoint on wellness. 01:20 - 04:19 | Meg shares more about how she came to know of Erin, during a time in her career when so much of what influenced her came through the lens of insurance. How refreshing a fresh perspective can be! Keep listening for an update on Meg's travels, too.04:20 - 06:11 | Erin and her family relocated during the pandemic - from Chicago to North Carolina. We chat about the idea of home - is it a feeling or a place? 06:12 - 8:59 | Erin is a writer and photographer, and in her blog, she tackles the idea of wellness, but understands that it means something different to each of us. Erin shares more about the beginning of the blog in 2013, when she was in recovery. Erin knew she needed to share about the things she was feeling - and decided that writing was the best avenue.09:00 - 10:49 | We talk about the "punishment culture" that we often experience - in fitness and in business. There's an energy around success that if it isn't painful, or you're not at your breaking point, then you haven't truly earned it. What would it feel like if we celebrated rest, too? 10:50 - 13:07 | Erin's addiction shifted - to a focus on her body and nutrition - revealing that her recovery wasn't finished - and won't ever be.13:08 - 18:04 | We talk about our changing bodies - Meg's with age, and Erin's with motherhood. The view we have of our bodies changes with time, just like our bodies change, too. Erin shares honestly about "sucking it in" - we do that literally, but also figuratively when we don't exposure our whole, true selves.18:05 - 21:59 | Erin's experience has evolved - and as such, her personal experience with motherhood fuels a new passion for changing the post-partum experience for new mothers. While Meg isn't a mother, this awareness helps us all to be more supportive to those who need it. 22:00 - 24:59 | Capturing the changes to her own body and her daughter's over this past year, take a peek at this amazing photo sequence. It's just so honest and beautiful. This sharing isn't about entertainment - but real life.25:00 - 27:19 | A reminder that social media doesn't always tell the whole story. Sometimes we need a break or to be silent. We celebrate consistency, but can we celebrate taking a break, too? 27:20 - 28:24 | Thanks for joining the podcast, Erin, and for being out there doing this good work!To learn more about Erin Bahadur and follow along on her journey, visit Erin's Inside Job and follow her on Instagram @erinsinsidejob.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals visit Adjunct Advisors.  To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

Before we get started, know that this episode will address topics including harassment and discrimination in the workplace. 00:00 - 02:35 | Elisa Stampf joins host Meg McKeen in this episode. Elisa was a guest on the podcast in a previous season, but a lot has changed since our last conversation. 02:36 - 04:29 | Elisa has observed the experience of many women in the workplace and she found herself at a breaking point. Elisa shares her story of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. It's a tough - but necessary - listen.04:30 - 10:08 | Elisa made a career pivot at the start of the pandemic. She decided to take a stand for someone she didn't even know and realized she could no longer be silent. She was alienated in the workplace, first in small ways, and then in others, much larger. She shares more about the physical and emotional effects of such a workplace culture - some of which we can't even see.10:09 - 11:45 | Non-disclosure agreements are common - and can be damaging. They control a perception that behavior like this doesn't happen, or happens on a very limited basis. Elisa and Meg have a shared experience in hearing the stories of many women in the insurance industry, which highlights that we are not alone.11:46 - 16:37 | Meg has challenged Elisa for the feasibility and practicality of the work she is doing - to change the system that has perpetuated these experiences. Meg has struggled to reconcile that many of the perpetrators of this behavior are well-respected in the industry - and some are even friends. How can seemingly good people not know - or are they being protected?16:38 - 19:17 | Elisa unpacks the idea of "good" or "bad" people and how we respond in situations like we've described. The goal in addressing these instances isn't about punishment but rather understanding and atonement - and moving forward. 19:18 - 21:59 | So often we diminish the experience we've had - ranking it as it compares to others. This equates to devaluing - and often accepting - the experience we've had as somehow acceptable. Elisa challenges us to focus on the little things - the decisions we make every day that perpetuate the outcomes we're trying to change. Can we stop prioritizing profits over people?22:00 - 25:59 | Elisa is channeling this desire for change into the work she is doing today through Insure Equality, focusing on the small changes that can make a great impact. She acknowledges that this work has been underway for years, and we are all qualified to be on the journey to make change together.26:00 - 28:59 | Elisa encourages a culture where 1) there is safety in coming forward, 2) leadership takes these allegations seriously, 3) confidentiality will not be required, unless asked for by the victim, and 4) client and vendor partnerships won't be valued more highly than the well-being of their employees.29:00 - 32:29 | Individuals can tell their stories - confidentially - to support this work, providing necessary research and data. A toolkit is also available to help champion this movement within organizations that may be reluctant to see the need for change. This collaborative effort is intended to shine a light on organizations - helping potential employees to see their ability to see their success there, too. 32:30 - 37:52 | Culture, equity, and inclusion are business priorities and this tool simply makes good business sense. A reminder that just because you can't see something doesn't mean it doesn't happen - we can choose to look away or we can choose to lean in.37:53 - 40:50 | So many people are surviving  - not thriving - working in the insurance industry today. Changing this is overwhelming - but necessary - and won't be perfect. And there is beauty in knowing we are still moving forward.Visit Insure Equality to learn more and to share your story.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals visit Adjunct Advisors.  To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

Before we get started, know that this episode will address topics including miscarriage, infertility, and infant loss. 00:00 - 01:26 | Now in its 4th season, Bound & Determined℠ returns with a new episode. In this season, we'll go even deeper, beyond our roles in insurance and the title on our business card,  exploring the richest relationships we have in our lives, including our relationship with ourselves. 01:27 -  03:44 | Michelle Valiukenas joins host Meg McKeen in this episode. Michelle is on a mission to change the experience of loss parents and so bravely shares her experience with us here. We acknowledge that it's hard to get hard conversations like this right, and while it's not Michelle's responsibility to give us that space, she has done so for Meg so graciously. 03:45 - 05:54 | Michelle recently shared a poignant post on LinkedIn, expressing her experience when a flippant comment was made, changing the trajectory of her experience that day, which is not a 05:55 - 08:21 | Meet Colette Louise; while she lived a very short life, it is so meaningful. Michelle shares more about her journey to pregnancy through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and how she just knew her baby was a girl.08:22 - 13:20 | With severe pre-eclampsia, at 21 weeks, Michelle was admitted to the hospital; at 24 weeks 5 days, Colette was delivered by emergency cesarean section. Colette defied the odds in her short 9 days of life.13:21 - 14:43 | Terminology matters and Michelle helps us understand what it means to be a "loss parent." Michelle likes this term because it encapsulates infertility struggles, and the loss of experiences of pregnancy and childbirth, too.  14:44 - 15:51 | Meg introduces the idea of "ranking" of loss and how often diminish our experience because it's not "that bad." Meg shares more about her experience with infertility in a time when the desire to become a mother was so strong.15:52 - 21:29 | What did grief look like for Michelle in 2018? What does it look like today? Michelle shares a memory about wanting to go back to "normal," realizing "normal" will forever be different. Michelle is raising her rainbow baby (a baby born after loss) and reflects on the nuances of his life experience without Colette.21:30 - 25:34 | So many women grieve in silence because our grief can feel inconvenient to others. Michelle shares how she honors Colette's memory in her day-to-day and how many others shared their own personal experience with loss, helping her to know she was not grieving alone.25:35 - 32:19 | It didn't take Michelle long to know she needed to be part of changing the experience of other loss parents, and she created the Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation to offer a hand in support to others experiencing loss. Through financial assistance, education, and advocacy, Michelle is changing outcomes for families in a time they need it most.32:00 - 33:59 | Learn more about the important work Michelle is doing at https://www.colettelouise.com, or on social media @colettelouisetisdahl.34:00 - 36:29 | Entrepreneur to entrepreneur, Meg asks Michelle what she does on the days that it all feels so hard. Hint: grace and why! 36:30 - 36:59 | Thanks for the important work you do, Michelle, and for sharing your story with us.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals visit Adjunct Advisors.  To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

This is Meg's first solo episode - where she's the host and the guest. Thanks for tuning in!00:00 – 04:00 | It's the final episode of season 3 of the podcast and the recording is taking place on the shore of Lake Michigan, where Meg is spending the next month. For context, earlier this year, Meg sold her home and most of her things and has been traveling while growing Adjunct Advisors LLC. So much learning and so many lessons learned! 04:01 - 5:59 | Meg's decision to stop coloring her hair has nothing to do with insurance - but rather being a woman. There's been a lot of curiosity surrounding her decision, and she talks about the emphasis - and value - we place on our physical appearance in the insurance industry. She knew there could be consequences and likely wouldn't have had the courage to make this change if not for the path she's currently on.06:00 - 7:09 | Changing our appearance is a personal choice and Meg found her first gray hair when she was 21 - and they don't stop once they start.7:10 - 8:39 | In Meg's early 30s, after her divorce, Meg started to color her hair - every 6 weeks, and then eventually as often as every 3 weeks.8:40 - 10:49 | In the fall of 2019, life changed again - three things happened - a trip, a death, and a break-up - and Meg knew it was time to “ditch the dye.”10:50 - 12:23 | Once you decide to embrace your silver, how do you do it? Meg shares the three options as she saw them and the one that she chose. P.S. from Meg: Brené Brown and I aren't actually friends - but thanks for thinking I could ever be that cool! If you've been listening for awhile, you'll hear me talk about her work a lot as it has very much influenced my own.12:24 - 13:38 | There's no way to avoid "the awkward phase" as Meg described it. It seemed like time had stopped! Having the support of other women experiencing this at the same time was key.13:39 - 14:59 | Meg chose to embrace the journey and chronicle her experience in photos and by sharing her experience through social media. There was a lot of curiosity - and questions - about the decision and the process. Our attitude makes so much difference as people are looking to us for a reaction - and we set the tone.15:00 - 17:29 | It took about a year and a half for the transition to be complete, but there was frustration in thinking it would never get there! And Meg learned that investing in high-quality hair products enhances her silver - and they're worth it!17:30 - 18:31 | Maybe this isn't about gray hair for you - but something else. What tiny next step can you take?18:28 - 22:16 | Meg reflects back on a few of her favorite podcast episodes, including episode 1.01 Style is Personal with Alison Hamilton-Rohe, episode 2.02 Matters of the Heart and Home with Elizabeth Abramson, a dating coach, and episode 2.07 Strength in Her Story with my friend Nichole Johnson. We could use your prayers.19:00 - 20:24 | Season 4 is underway and we're going to go there - planned topics include infertility, menopause, and body image. What else is on your mind?20:25 - 21:27 | Before we go, if you'd like to show your commitment to supporting women in insurance financially, consider becoming a sponsor of the podcast. And keep an eye out for information about the series of events Meg will be hosting around the country when Bound & Determined hits the road this fall. 21:28 - 22:16 | We made it! Thank you for supporting the podcast and every single way you show up to support Meg and the work she does.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance salespeople, through private coaching and workshop facilitation, visit Adjunct Advisors.To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

Welcome to Bound & Determined℠ Ania Caruso!00:00 – 05:09 | Ania shares more about a recent trip she took – we need to remember to fill our cups before we can give to others. Slowing down and refocusing gave Ania the energy she needs to tackle the rest of 2021.05:10 – 07:29 | Ania reminds us that we don't have to make a choice between parenting and having a career. Ania's heritage informed her career choices and she's observed the choice that many women feel they have to make between being a parent and a professional.07:30 – 10:29 | Let's talk about allyship. In insurance sales, such an opportunity exists for women to be successful, and having strong allies that see that potential can be an asset.10:30 – 12:49 | Ania returned to the office after having her second child – and was presented with a significant career opportunity. She talks through the decision she made to pursue the role and how an ally helped her to see the possibility, too.12:50 – 14:54 | Insurance sales has historically had a masculine energy about it. Meg shares more about her belief that we don't have to be what we're not in order to succeed in sales. Ego is a common thread in success in insurance sales and isn't a requirement for success.14:55 – 16:42 | Ania shares more about the feelings she experienced as she got started in her new role. Fear and doubt – and excitement and confidence – they're all there! Having a strong support system, including her husband, has been key to Ania's success.16:43 – 18:29 | Ania introduces the concept of developing your personal board of directors and shares ideas for creating your own.18:30 – 20:59 | Meg's board of directors includes a mentor and friend with a different viewpoint on sales – which can be such a valuable counterpoint. Mentors, after all, aren't always right.21:00 – 23:59 | Here's how to create your own board of directors if you're not sure where to start. And don't forget that your board of directors will change as you do.24:00 – 27:35 | Meg shares a clever way that someone looking for mentorship was able to give back for the time and ideas shared. Remember that mentorship works both ways, and we have much to learn from everyone.27:36 – 34:29 | We unpack Queen Bee Syndrome, common among women in male-dominated fields. Success is such a personal thing 34:30 - 37:41 | Growth is important - but it's hard work. Ania shares a story about the assumptions we make – and how often they're not right! Practice, by continuing to put ourselves out there, is so key.37:42 – 40:41 | Let's talk about sales. Sales comes with rejection – yes, it's a numbers game, but, it's also about problem-solving and mastering the soft skills. Curiosity and listening are so important, too.40:42 – 41:34 | Creativity is welcome – and necessary - in insurance sales. Ania shares more about the skills she believes are important, too.41:35 – 44:39 | Meg shares more about her start in the insurance industry. She hasn't always loved the insurance industry and it definitely chose her – rather than the way around! We have an awesome responsibility to listen to our clients 44:40 – 47:59 | “Don't take it personally.” Have you heard this advice? What if we did take our work personally? What would the relationships we create look like then? Even those we assume know what they're doing when they make a decision to buy insurance from us really don't.48:00 - | There are so many ways – tactics and methods – to find success in insurance sales, but as salespeople, we won't be for everyone. Knowing when to walk away, and feeling supported by the organization you work for, is key.In Ania's words: I am passionate about building authentic relationships in the risk & insurance industry while being a problem solver for all stakeholders around.  I am a strategic risk leader as well as casualty nerd that seeks innovative & client-centric solutions in the ever-changing world of risk management. I get excited when I can give back to the industry community via mentorship and championing DE&I.  In my spare time, I love to hike and bike with my two kids and husband as well as cooking for anyone that enters my home. Learn more about Ania when you connect with her on LinkedIn.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance salespeople, through private coaching and workshop facilitation, visit Adjunct Advisors.  To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Kim Beach!In this episode, Kim shares more about her decision to start an insurance agency after an established career in the television industry - and the unique perspective that provided on a business that many of us are too close to have. Kim used this perspective to launch InsureWomen in early 2021, and shares more about the process and emotion of naming - and then launching - a new business. We talk about the unique opportunity women have to be successful in sales and how to work through the feelings that can often get in our way.  Kim Beach is the founder of Village Insurance and InsureWomen. InsureWomen's mission is to empower women in the insurance buying process to feel confident, educated, and respected - with the attention they deserve. The company also provides a marketing platform for other female-identifying agents who are passionate about helping women in this process.To learn more about the work Kim is doing, connect with her here.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance salespeople, through private coaching and workshop facilitation, visit Adjunct Advisors.  To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

00:00 -  03:29 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Maria Goy! Maria is dialing in from Austin, TX, and Meg is currently in New Orleans! Maria shares more about her decision to move to Austin; sometimes home finds us, after all.03:30 -  05:29 | Maria is a newlywed; she shares more about marrying her husband in what ended up to be the perfect way.05:30 - 09:09 | How do you balance building a new business - and a new relationship? Maria talks about her priorities - and the relationship she keeps with herself.09:10 -  17:29 | We share the lessons we learned from our mothers. Maria shares more about her Korean-American heritage and how that has influenced the career choices she's made. Maria shares more about the strong influence she felt from the former president of New York Life, John Kim.17:30 - 24:20 | Maria shares more about her decision to leave her last corporate role - which was rooted in a better understanding of herself and how she wanted to show up in the world. Even when outwardly "successful," something was still missing.24:21 - 26:59 | So much clarity can come from grief; Maria shares more about a period of sadness that helped her to see more clearly her next steps.27:00 - 29:44 | What does it look like to choose yourself? What are you willing to risk? What are you willing to let go of? 29:45 - 36:29 | Meet Spot, a new alternative to traditional accident insurance, changing the view consumers have on insurance and the way they access it.  When was the last time a buyer of insurance heard from the co-founder of a company asking for feedback? Maria gets it.36:30 - 38:34 | Making insurance approachable helps everyone; it's true that a rising tide lifts all boats.38:35 - 43:13 | Maria leaves us with two pieces of wisdom - one: no judgment, and two: we have earned the right to ask for help. There is such beauty in community.Resources Mentioned:How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton M. Christensen {Book}The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown (TED Talk)The Call to Courage by Brené Brown (Netflix Special)Maria Goy is the Co-founder and COO of Spot. Learn more about the work she does when you connect with her on LinkedIn, or send her a message here.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance salespeople, through private coaching and workshop facilitation, visit Adjunct Advisors.  To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

00:00 - 03:20 | Meg welcomes Kristy Sanford to Bound & Determined℠.  Kristy is an insurance agent, helping small business owners to build business insurance programs.03:21 - 06:00 | Kristy shares more about her decision to join an insurance agency after spending time as a small commercial sales rep for an insurance carrier.06:01 - 08:59 | The past year helped Kristy to realize she missed being close to the small businesses she was helping. After some deliberation, Kristy knew she was content but not happy. 09:00 - 10:53 | Change can be hard; it means saying goodbye to friends and colleagues, but it also means welcoming new colleagues and clients into your world.10:54 - 12:09 | When relationships can transcend a conversation about insurance, you  know you've made an impact on your client. It's the best feeling, isn't it?12:10 - 14:59 | Kristy shares more on the difference between being content and being happy.  Why don't we take more chances in our lives and careers?15:00 -  16:49 | It's okay to question our job satisfaction - to wonder if there might be something else out there.  So much of our past experience informs our future decisions.16:50 - 18:59 | The leap? It doesn't have to be huge!  Meg waxes on divorcing our careers - will this be normalized in our lifetime?19:00 - 22:21  | What makes Kristy Sanford great? What makes you great? Kristy is an expert listener and  will never "always be closing." 22:22 - 24:23 | Kristy talks us through an example of her sales style. What works in role-playing won't work in reality.24:24 - 26:39 | Empathy goes a long way in building long-term relationships. Fear-based sales may have worked in the past, but our clients are craving something different.26:40 - 27:44 | When you are 100% who you are, the people who value you for that will find you.  27:45 - 29:29 | Kristy's roots are in small business. Though she's not up for entrepreneurship, she respects it and is glad to be part of solving the insurance puzzle - and others - for her clients.29:30 - 31:59 | It can be hard to make a living selling small  business insurance. The numbers don't always make sense. Kristy shares her perspective and why she's here for the long term.32:00 - 34:49 | You don't know when small business might become big business! And even insurance agents don't get it right every time. 34:50 - 37:43 | Holding space for these conversations is important, and we're not alone. And a final thought on competition. There's more than enough to go around, isn't there?Kristy Sanford is a commercial lines account manager for Robertson Ryan & Associates. Learn more about the work she does when you connect with her on LinkedIn, or send her a message here.To learn more about the ways Meg McKeen supports insurance salespeople, visit www.adjunctadvisors.com. Like what we're up to on Bound & Determined℠? Please leave your review on iTunes.

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Megan Bock Zarnoch to Bound & Determined. 00:00 – 02:00 | Welcome to Bound & Determined, Megan Bock Zarnoch! Here we hold space to tell the stories of women in the insurance industry. 02:01 – 05:12 | Meg and Megan first met when, years ago, Megan would've been Meg's boss - and then again during an event supporting women in insurance, and then again, as we are carving our paths, consulting within the insurance industry. 05:13 - 05:59 | Despite the challenges, Megan and Meg have stayed connected this past year - brainstorming business ideas during chilly walks and in a virtual yoga session that Megan teaches.06:00 – 09:00 | Megan shares more about the experiences that led to the consulting work she's doing now through her company, Boundless Consulting Group LLC. 09:01 – 9:50 | Megan and Meg both experienced a misalignment of their personal and professional values while working in a traditional corporate insurance setting. Can you relate?  09:51 – 13:30 | Megan shares relatable stories about those moments when we blend to fit in while working in a corporate environment - think golf! and whiskey! and cigars! It's no surprise to learn that business is taking place in these spaces where we don't always feel like we belong.13:31 – 15:00 | Should we apologize for not liking golf? There is so much to forgive - and forget - as we change the face of what a career in insurance looks like.  15:01 – 17:20 | Megan is focused on helping companies see their culture as it is - and helping them to shape a culture that attracts the clients and employees they want to serve. 17:21 – 19:14 | Megan's extensive experience in commercial underwriting leadership uniquely qualifies her to do this work. Diversity in corporate cultures drives business outcomes and both Meg and Megan are uniquely positioned to be part of the change we want - and need - to see.19:15 - 21:29 | Every organization has a culture - the culture informs how people show up in their work and engage with their customers. And, simply, how they feel at work. Does the culture of an organization support and enable its employees?21:30 - 25:34 | What does an empowered underwriter look like? Meg and Megan talk about punitive underwriting cultures and what that looks like in practice. We aren't going to get it right 100% of the time.25:35 - 27:09 | There is such an advantage to having an outside perspective. The unspoken rules can often shape culture - and their legacy can be long.27:10 - 28:37 | As we see more technology utilized in business practices, it brings a lot of change. Change can bring confusion and uncertainty and understanding the cultural implications is key.28:38 - 31:25 | Meg and Megan are collaborating on a new project, creating space for open and honest dialogue between agents and underwriters to drive relationships - and business outcomes.31:26 - 35:19 | The pandemic created space for Megan to explore her passion for yoga. She earned her teaching certification and is integrating many of those teachings in the work she does today.35:20 - 37:59 | Are we ready for yoga in the workplace? Let's hope so!38:00 - 40:39 | Work-life integration feels a lot more attainable than work-life balance. Can we undo some of the behaviors that have historically supported the hustle culture?40:40 - 42:42 | Thanks for joining the conversation, Megan!To learn more about Megan Bock Zarnoch and to connect with her on LinkedIn, head here. Continue the conversation when you send her an email at megan@boundlessconsult.com or join her Sunday yoga series at yogapractice@boundlessconsult.com.To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance salespeople, through private coaching and workshop facilitation, visit Adjunct Advisors.  To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.

Host Meg McKeen is joined by Sharon Carter in this episode of Bound & Determined. Have a listen to learn more about Sharon's life before insurance - including her experiences navigating the corporate world as a woman of color, the value of being - and receiving - mentorship, and the humanity she brings to the often intimidating process of buying life and health insurance. 00:00 – 01:20 | Welcome to Bound & Determined, where we hold space to share the stories of women in the insurance industry. 01:21 – 02:29 | Meet Sharon Carter. Sharon is currently living and working in New York - and feeling this cold weather a little too close to home!02:30 – 04:49 | Sharon shares more about her career path and her journey to the insurance industry – it wasn't a straight line. Sharon reinvented herself 6 years ago after furthering her education and working in accounting and finance at the start of her career.04:50 – 07:29 | Job changes, including mergers and lay-offs, spurred the career change Sharon was looking for. Welcome to insurance! Sharon's prior skills translated in many ways, and she committed to learning more about insurance – and what she wanted out of her work.07:30 – 09:29 | Approaching her 40th birthday, Sharon asked herself “If I don't do this now, when will I?” Sharon shares more about her life at that time and the strength of her faith as she made the decision to pivot in her career.09:30 – 11:34 | We chat more about mentorship; Sharon has been a mentor, helping to create exposure for inner-city youth. 11:35 – 15:39 | Sharon shares about her experience in corporate America as a woman of color, including the micro-aggressions she and her colleagues experienced. 15:40 – 16:39 | Sharon created an outlet for the dissatisfaction she was feeling in her work and a way to give back through the camps and coaching she provided to girls and their parents.16:40 – 18:19 | Sharon is fueled by a genuine desire to help people – in the mentorship work she does, and in the insurance work she does, too. Such an opportunity for change we have in the insurance industry to change the experience for others joining the industry.18:20 – 21:59 | Alignment in our work and our beliefs can be a challenge. Life circumstances often dictate the choices we make – and the changes we make. Sharon and Meg relate as they are both not married and have no children, but recognize that's not the case for all women contemplating change.22:00 – 24:29 | We talk about the power of a niche and identifying who your clients are – the ones that can pay you, but also value you for the important work you do. Technology has made this big world so much smaller!24:30 - | Meg gets a crash course in life insurance! Working with someone like Sharon, who can make the complex simple, is such a blessing. Listen as she shares more about her customer's journey.28:50 – 29:39 | Meg issues a poignant reminder that insurance agents are paid when they sell a policy – that's how the industry works - but that doesn't mean they don't honor their clients' needs front and center.29:40 – 31:59 | Sharon provides food for thought for a young woman embarking on a sales career. What will satisfy you? Excite you? Can you see yourself doing this work in 20 years? To make progress, we have to be honest with ourselves.32:00 – 33:32 | There's a pressure to get it all right, right? A reminder that there are others looking to us for support, and there truly is enough to go around.33:33 – 35:23 | Sharon is creating her own path, with flexibility and upward income potential – all while honoring who she is and working with those who value her.Sharon Carter is an insurance agent, helping individuals and their families to secure their futures. Learn more about Sharon and connect with her here. Meg McKeen is the founder of Adjunct Advisors, LLC, offering a fresh perspective on insurance sales through private coaching, workshop facilitation, and corporate speaking. Learn more and stay up to date when you subscribe to the twice-monthly newsletter Meg curates, To Taking the Risk.

1:37 – 6:04 | By definition, Kelly Augspurger is an insurance agent, helping her clients to design insurance programs for their longer-term care needs. But in practice, Kelly uses her own experience and expertise to help her clients feel safe and confident that the decisions they are making today are the right ones for the future.6:05 – 8:14 | Kelly and her husband own an insurance agency. Her experience as a caregiver has prepared her for the work she is doing now. 8:15 – 10:33 | Kelly helps us to understand “What is long-term care insurance?” and keeps it kindergarten smart (thank you, Kelly)!10:34 – 11:29 | Let's talk about creating a niche. What if it's not about a product or business type and instead about an emotional connection? 11:30 – 21:47 | Kelly helps us to understand what motivates her as we learn more about her relationships with her aging grandparents, and Meg shares a bit more about hers.21:48 – 25:47 | Kelly and her husband, Adam, decided to start an insurance agency, but Kelly already had another job! Learn more about her transition to becoming an insurance agent.25:48 – 27:49 | Boundaries? What are those? Kelly shares more about the balance in the work, the growth of their business and the needs of their family for her.27:50 – 32:28 | Kelly shares more about the challenges she's faced – and continues to face – as she grows in her sales career. You just can't speed up time!32:29 – 34:49 | When your partner in life is also your partner in business, finding a balance isn't without its challenges!34:50 – 36:34 | Kelly shares a bit of the wisdom she's accumulated along the way – and it involves passion.Learn more about Kelly Augspurger and the work she does when you connect with Kelly on LinkedIn, or visit Steadfast Agency online.Don't miss monthly Office Hours with Meg, the third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Central.Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

Meg McKeen, Founder, Adjunct Advisors, welcomes Erin Brown, Founder & CEO, Lead Connext, to Bound & Determined. In this episode, we'll talk about Erin's decision to pursue an immersive work experience abroad, and how that shaped her future career plans. Erin shares the ins and outs - and ups and downs - of starting her business and more about the lessons she's learned about imposter syndrome and making it work. 00:00 - 3:44 | Meg welcomes Erin to the show; Meg and Erin have a lot in common as they both have flexibility in their work in the current environment.3:45 - 5:14 | Let's get to know Lead Connext; Erin is building a community for first-time and middle managers, offering knowledge and support to support individuals on their leadership journey. 5:15 - 6:00 | Erin's work focuses on supporting the community members as a whole person, a journey she's been on as well.6:01 - 8:24 | Erin spent her corporate insurance years working on the agency side of the business and grew into a variety of leadership roles. She's passionate about travel and knew that she was ready for a change - and the chance to marry the two through her experience with Unsettled. 8:25 - 10:34 | How do you tell - not ask - your boss that you'll be working abroad for a month? Lots of interesting conversation, to say the least! 10:35 - 12:14 | 30 days living abroad with 30 people you've never met will change you, no matter how you look at it. Erin felt all the emotions as she embarked on this adventure.12:15 - 18:14 | If you've ever felt you've not been able to be your whole self in the workplace, or your values aren't in alignment, you'll relate as Erin shares her experience. 18:15 - 19:44 | Change doesn't happen overnight; Erin returned to work following her travel and 19:45 - 20:44 | Quitting your job without a job isn't something that everyone can do,  but we can all ponder what else is available to us.20:45 - 25:09 | Entrepreneurship is hard! Erin shares the biggest challenges - and surprises - she's learned along the way. Planning for change is key - both emotionally and financially - and there's so much learning to do.25:10 - 26:59 | Your support system changes when you change course - it has to.27:00 - 30:44 | There's no right way to start a business - and you can't eliminate all the challenges. Erin and Meg chat the ways they've created sustainability during uncertain economic times, so they can stay committed to their individual missions.30:45 - 38:33 | Imposter syndrome is a topic that comes up often on the podcast and in the work both Meg and Erin do. They share more about their collaboration on the subject, as well as Erin's experience with imposter syndrome and how she has learned to work with it as she grows her business. Having an accountability partner can be key!38:34 - 40:46 | How to learn more about Erin and the Lead Connext community - Meg is a member! Thank you for your friendship and your support, Erin!To learn more about Erin Brown and Lead Connext:Connect with Erin Brown on LinkedInVisit the Lead Connext websiteFollow Lead Connext on Instagram To learn more about Meg McKeen and Adjunct Advisors:Connect with Meg McKeen on LinkedInSubscribe to To Taking the Risk

Join host Meg McKeen, founder of Adjunct Advisors, LLC, as she welcomes Nichole Johnson, Field Manager for Frankenmuth Insurance to Bound & Determined.00:00 – 01:09 | Introduction to Bound & Determined; in this episode, we'll talk about Nichole Johnson's unexpected cervical cancer diagnosis. It's a tough, but necessary, conversation for all women to hear.01:10 – 03:01 | Meg shares more about the first time she and Nichole met – during Meg's first and only time as a manager of people – and she's been a big fan ever since.03:02 – 22:29 | Nichole shares more about the changes she noticed in her body in mid-2020 and the discovery that turned out to be cervical cancer. We talk about how often we dismiss what appears to be not-normal in our bodies, sometimes because we don't want to be “difficult,” because we don't know what to expect from our changing – and aging - bodies, and because we are afraid. Nichole shares more about her treatment plan and her health today.22:30 – 26:23 | The things to say – and not to say – to someone who has cancer. Spoiler alert: “I'm hoping for the best” is one to keep for yourself.26:24 – 32:50 | Nichole shares more about her support system – including her sweet son, James - and her faith.32:51 – 37:01 | What Nichole would like women to know, including the importance of an annual pap smear, leaving medical diagnoses to the professionals, and sharing your feelings. Thank you, Nichole, for sharing your story with us.Learn more about - and connect with - Nichole Johnson here.Stay up-to-date on events, workshops and learning opportunities through Adjunct Advisors when you subscribe to To Taking the Risk.Enjoy the podcast? Please leave your review on iTunes.

Join host Meg McKeen, founder of Adjunct Advisors, LLC, as she welcomes Erin Keller, Business Relationship Manager at Donegal Insurance Group to Bound & Determined!0:00 - 03:04 | Let's meet Erin Keller! We talk about the plans that changed earlier this year and Erin's reality in this moment.03:05 - 03:59 | Erin is a mother to four, ages ranging 15 to 5; her life changed in a big way when COVID hit.04:00 - 04:49 | Erin's kids have become her co-workers. Can you relate? 04:50 - 05:19 | Research indicates women working outside the home will be most significantly impacted as a result of the pandemic. The pressure to do it all has never been greater.05:20 - 08:09 | A day in Erin's life - physically and emotionally. Even with a background in education, Erin wasn't ready to be a teacher as well as a mom and employee. There's a certain mourning that we do when plans change unexpectedly.08:10 -  08:59 | Summer provided a welcome break. Erin shares more about the importance of validating your own feelings.09:00 - 10:19 | School resumed this past fall with a hybrid schedule; part-time school presents its own unique challenges.  Clear communication has been so necessary.10:20 - 12:18 | As a non-parent, Meg appreciates that the challenges parents face are real.  Life hasn't stopped because of the pandemic.12:19 - 14:34 | Erin shares her experience in her work during the pandemic and her shift from working in a headquarters environment to being in the field. She shares more about working in a larger company and her current role, being able to have a more direct impact on the bottom line, and the challenge of getting to know your teammates when you're not working side-by-side.14:35 - 15:24 | Erin's days now are spent in her home office; she recognizes the silver lining in her current reality. 15:25 - 18:44 | Meg recognizes Erin's use of social media to stay engaged with the insurance agents she works with. Her use of social media to express her personality and connect despite the opportunity to do so in person is so smart.18:45 - 23:59 | Let's talk about golf. Meg expresses her lack of love, to put it mildly, for the sport, and Erin shares the opposite - how she's learning to love the sport. We talk about its presence in the insurance industry and ponder what an alternative might be, if any.24:00 - 25:49 | What does "self-care" even mean in today's reality? "Unplugging" doesn't always have the desired effect - and we're learning as we go. 25:50 - 27:46 | Driving as an act of self-care; our time today is so different now that we don't have a commute - and the blank space we do have often leads to more questions than answers.27:47 - 29:21 | One silver lining for Erin - more sleep!  and more time with family - while there's still so much to worry about, those she loves are home and safe. 29:22 - 30:24 | A silver lining for Erin at work? Better systems and more efficiency - and time for more meaningful conversations with her customers. A reminder that we are humans having a human experience.30:25 - 33:21 | Connect with Erin on LinkedIn or by email (erinkeller@donegalgroup.com). And Erin started a "mom blog!" Check it out here.Join Meg for Plan Your 2021: A Workshop for Insurance Agents on November 8 or 9. Learn more here. Stay up-to-date on events, workshops and learning opportunities through Adjunct Advisors when you subscribe to To Taking the Risk.

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Elisa Stampf on this episode of Bound & Determined. Listen as we explore Elisa's recent decision to pursue an opportunity as an independent insurance agent following success working for various insurance carriers.00:00 –  01:41 | Introduction to Bound & Determined. Thanks for listening!01:42 – 03:23 | Let's meet Elisa Stampf and hear more about her current reality in this COVID environment03:24 – 06:41 | Elisa shares more about her recent career transition, from an insurance carrier sales representative to an insurance agent and agency owner06:42 – 07:33 | Meg's observations of Elisa as she's shifted in her roles – and reflections on her own shift07:34 – 09:15 | People with an insurance carrier background have an advantage when it comes to selling insurance 09:16 – 10:15 | The challenges when leaving what you know and trying something new 10:16 – 12:35 | Elisa's experience demonstrating authentic leadership in a large corporate, and now small, more intimate environment12:36 – 16:10 | Let's talk about instinct and intuition – and the important distinction between the two16:11 – 19:53 | How imposter syndrome manifests for Elisa – and a reminder that it's not the same for everyone19:54 – 22:14 | The importance of self-coaching and our belief in ourselves22:15 – 24:21 | We're talking about loving ourselves on an insurance-related podcast. Pinch me!24:22 – 25:21 | What insurance is actually about, in Elisa's words. What buyer of insurance wouldn't want to feel this way?25:22 – 26:10 | How Elisa resisted her career in insurance – and how she's achieved the alignment she's been seeking26:11 – 28:34 | Saying out loud that your job isn't working for you – and the shame that can accompany the admission28:35 – 29:59 | Did you grow up knowing an insurance agent that looked like you?30:00 – 32:44 | What the “average” insurance agent looks like today32:45 - 40:39 | The opportunity that's arisen from the pandemic and what Elisa is optimistic about, in the industry, her business, and for her personallyLearn more about the insurance services offered by Elisa Stampf when you connect with her by phone at (309) 648-8524 or send her a message. Insurance Agents! Join Meg McKeen for an interactive and inspirational 2021 planning session here.

Listen as host Meg McKeen and Lawanda "Elle Michell" Hall talk about their less traditional insurance career paths. With a foundation in the industry, you're qualified to do a lot more than you might think!0:00 - 1:49 | Get to know Lawanda "Elle Michell" Hall and her reality in this COVID environment1:50 - 3:17 | Co-working as a strategy for staying connected and building new connections in this virtual world3:18 - 4:24 | Elle's great interview on Profiles In Risk where she shares more about her less traditional career paths4:25 - 5:09 | Elle's intentional decision to pursue a career in corporate risk management that started with an interest in actuarial science5:10 - 9:59 | The choice to honor her whole self in the work she does led Elle to a job in claims as her entry to risk management - and ultimately entrepreneurship10:00 - 11:19 | Elle's curiosity with entrepreneurship and the opportunity we have in the insurance industry to leverage our individual talents11:20 - 12:59 | There is no "right" way to navigate your career and the importance of honoring who you are13:00 - 13:59 | Careers are like dating - eventually people will find out who you really are!14:00 - 15:29 | Elle's transition to entrepreneurship was a pretty obvious shift - but less conventional career paths aren't the norm in the insurance industry15:30 - 16:59 | The risk of staying put and living an unfulfilled life - and living at the intersection of who you are and what you do17:00 - 18:59  | Elle is in her sweet spot in risk management and career consulting with individuals who are thoughtful and ready for change - from "now to next."19:00 - 23:08 | Commonalities between Elle's clients - in their careers and their job satisfaction. #LiveLove, #SpeakLife, and #Free People are the pillars of Elle's practice23:09 - 24:59 | Connecting the dots for early career professionals as they envision a career in insurance. We are living our lives while we are building our careers, right? 25:00 - 25:42  | A few thoughts on imposter syndrome - the inner critic, not going for it and watching opportunities pass you by25:43 - 26:53 | What makes Elle Michell amazing?26:54 - 27:59 | A client story about the assumptions we make and Elle's clever "lifework" that made a difference28:00 - 29:44 | Confidence comes and goes and building it requires effort29:45 -  31:24 | In addition to career coaching, Elle is also a consultant for small businesses and continuing education provider for insurance agents31:25 - 31:59 | There's so much opportunity in the insurance industry with a foundation of discipline in risk management32:00 - 33:19 | The freedom that comes from a consulting career in insurance33:20 - 35:07 | Thanks for joining the podcast, Elle!Learn more about Intelligent Intentions and schedule your complimentary discovery call with Elle Michell here. Learn more about host Meg McKeen and the approachable and accessible resources available to insurance salespeople here. Stay up-to-date when you subscribe to To Taking the Risk here. 

Listen as host Meg McKeen and Tammy Feller talk about Tammy's journey with sobriety, embracing a health-centered lifestyle, and the importance of the support system we create. We chat about goal setting and challenging ourselves - but most significantly, loving ourselves.00:00 -  03:52 | Introduction to Tammy Feller - and how she and Meg met in the big, small world of insurance03:53 -  05:33 | Tammy's role in the insurance industry and how life looks for her during COVID05:34 -  09:44 | Tammy shares about her decision to stop consuming alcohol* 09:45 - 10:25 | A reminder that memories are still being made when we're not feeling our best10:26 - 12:04 | What did the next day look like?  What does support look like?12:05 - 12:59 | Meg's experience with virtual happy hours during COVID13:00 - 14:59 | How alcohol permeates the culture in the insurance industry and advocating for what you need within it15:00 -  17:33 | The lessons we learn simply by living - the confidence and strength we accumulate over time17:34 - 20:47 | A medical concern leads to Tammy's decision to change her eating choices and adopt a vegan lifestyle, which Meg has embraced, too20:48 - 21:45 | Gratitude for the choice to make a change21:46 -  22:48 | Where does Tammy's "all or nothing" mindset come from? 22:49 - 24:10  | The unexpected impact of setting short term goals24:11 - 26:21 | The magic of the "messy middle" and Tammy's guidance for taking the next step 26:22 - 27:12 | The hardest part is showing up; thank you, Tammy, for sharing your storyDon't miss it! Join Meg for the next Ask Me Anything coming up on September 15th, and the next Navigating Imposter Syndrome Mastermind - kicking off on September 16th.*If you or someone you know needs help navigating substance abuse, you are not alone. Learn more about the resources available here.

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Elizabeth Abramson in this episode to talk about Elizabeth's very personal experience with insurance in her own life. Meg lands in the hot seat as Elizabeth, a dating coach, shares her ideas and insights into the personal relationships that professional women keep.0:00 - 9:53 | Elizabeth shares her experience with insurance at the time of a loss9:54 - 11:00 | Why not have a dating coach on the podcast?11:01 - 15:45 | How Elizabeth transformed her love of research into a business15:46 - 19:08 | How COVID-19 has impacted the way we connect & our "whirly" thoughts19:09 - 20:27 | The difference between dating and a relationship 20:28 - 21:22 | A reminder that relationships can take so many shapes21:23 - 22:41 | How dating changes as we change22:42 -  24:56 | What putting yourself out there really looks like24:57 - 25:35 | Why is prospecting for clients so much easier than for romantic partners?25:36 - 29:09 | When relationships end and being SAFE*29:10 - 30:53 | Ghosting - partners and clients!30:54 - 33:21 | Working with Elizabeth Abramson*If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of a relationship, please call 800-799-7233 for help. To join Meg for the next Ask Me Anything, coming up on August 25th, register here. Subscribe to To Taking the Risk for twice-monthly updates from Adjunct Advisors.

Join host Meg McKeen and Deidre Wright in a candid conversation about risk-taking in business - and life - and the importance of investing in yourself. 0:00 - 9:50 | Meet Deidre Wright and learn more about her insurance career journey9:51 - 11:45 | Moving on in order to advance in your career11:46 - 14:40 | The creation of Deidre's business, Strategic Stories14:41 - 19:40 | Using the principles of risk management to take little leaps19:41 -22:10 | Leaning on your network for support22:11 - 25:30 | Discipline and staying committed to self-care25:31 - 30:00 | Setting boundaries - and the guilt that often follows30:01 - 32:17 | Doing the deep work: the ugly side of self-care that isn't so glamorous32:18 - 33:39 | Learn more about the ways you can work with Deidre at DeidreWright.com Let's keep in touch! Subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.

Host Meg McKeen is joined by Catherine Johns for a frank discussion about all the ways we play small as women in business - and life  - and inspires us as we consider the ways we can take up more space. Learn practical steps for gaining expertise in speaking publicly and navigating imposter syndrome - if you didn't know this already, we all feel it!Learn more about working with Catherine here, and be sure to sign up for her newsletter. Catherine's wisdom is a gift - delivered right to your inbox! Don't forget to subscribe to the bi-weekly newsletter curated by Meg to receive her unique insights into the insurance industry, too. 

Join host Meg McKeen as she chats with Barb Provost, founder of Purse Strings, about women as powerful decision makers in financial transactions - and our potential as salespeople, too. We talk candidly about what makes a perfect happy hour and how simple it can be to curate a perfect customer experience.Learn more about becoming a Purse Strings approved provider here. Interested in joining women in insurance sales in The Collective? Head here to learn more.

Join Meg McKeen and Olivia Schmitt as they wear all the hats in this week's episode. Meg and Olivia take turns being the host - and the guest - in this Q&A and the insights are gold. Have a listen as we talk about the importance of doing the work - and sometimes the time - sitting with discomfort and the seasons of life. We talk about career changes - are we ever too old for one? - and the importance of taking care of #1.Learn more about Momentum: 21 Insurance Sales Strategies and Bound & Determined: The Collective. Don't miss an episode of You Don't Know Schmitt by subscribing here.

In this episode, host Meg McKeen talks with Tiffanie Demasters about her decision to transition from an insurance service role to sales - and the lessons she could only learn once she got started.We talk about about the good days - and the bad - and the importance of knowing yourself, and surrounding yourself with others who know themselves, too.We'll also share opinions on insurance agent licensing requirements, compensation and why so many insurance agents have such bad reputations.Learn more about the in-person events for women in the insurance industry taking place in cities around the country throughout 2020 by subscribing to the newsletter here.

Join host Meg McKeen and Maggie Germano as we dig deep into our relationship with money; we talk about the feelings - all the feelings - and she offers up some practical solutions for working through common money missteps. We talk salary negotiation and mindset, shame and confidence. You don't want to miss this one!You can learn more about Maggie's work here, and don't forget to check out the Money Circle Podcast and to join the Money Circle Facebook Group.Bound & Determined is hitting the road! To learn more about the salon-style events coming soon to a city near you, subscribe to the newsletter here.

Join Meg and Amy Waninger, founder of Lead At Any Level, as they talk about networking - you don't have to hate it - and putting people first. We chat about blind spots in many insurance industry leaders today and how to overcome them. We dive deeper into the use of our pronouns as we create inclusive cultures; so much goodness in this conversation.You can learn more, and download Amy's eBook, 21 Insights for Inclusive Networking, here.

Listen in as host Meg McKeen and Natalie Gingrich, the founder of The Ops Authority, chat about career path - it's rarely a straight line.Learn about the skills that translate - even when the language we speak in insurance doesn't - and the value of, well, values...and of boundaries, too.Natalie sheds light on her own approach to taking risks, on loving both her work and her family, and the legacy she's creating.Learn How to Define (or Refine) Your Mission, Vision, & Values here.

Listen in as host Meg McKeen and Allison Hamilton-Rohe, the founder of Daily Outfit, chat about style - it's so much more than the clothes we wear.Learn about fluctuating body sizes, why a work uniform may not be right for you, loving the body you're in, dressing for the job - and the client - you want, and why Meg was inspired to upgrade her pajama game!Want to learn more about the about the upcoming summit, Daily Outfit Presents: Vision 2020? Head here for details.