In this episode, I interview Jana Byron, SVP and Practice Leader for Texas Marine at Lockton. With Greek roots and family ties to shipping, Jana’s journey into marine insurance was destined. She shares how her experience at a UK P&I Club, a place where she initially hesitated to join an all-female team, became a powerful experience that reshaped her views on women in leadership. From marine law to underwriting to now leading at Lockton, Jana opens up about embracing bold career moves, like asking for the job she wasn’t sure she’d get by channeling what she calls her “act like a man” moment.

Jana also shares how much the industry has evolved from being the only young woman in a room to now seeing more diverse and dynamic representation. We talk about the power of hiring for culture over credentials, the necessity of psychological safety in high-performing teams, and the importance of creating space for spirited (but respectful) debate. Jana’s passion for building inclusive community is clear in her work with LEMI (Ladies of Energy & Marine Insurance), a network she co-founded to empower women across the industry.

In this episode, I interview Cortney Helfrich, Chief Personnel Officer at Wilber Group, one of the top subrogation agencies in the country. Cortney’s story is anything but linear. In her words, it’s a series of “left turns that got her to the right place.” From being ranked sixth in the nation in pole vaulting to walking away from the sport to pursue a career in insurance, her journey is full of unexpected pivots, each one leading her closer to her purpose. We talk about the powerful article that first sparked her passion for risk management, and how she’s spent 14 years growing with Wilber. She has tried nearly every role in the organization and now leads their People Resources department with authenticity and heart.

Cortney opens up about what it means to be the only woman on the executive team, and how she uses that platform to champion mentorship, create psychological safety, and model what it looks like to lead while staying true to yourself. She shares her belief that it's okay to do what's best for you and your family, and that it's also okay to chase your dreams. We also talk about how to make insurance more visible and inspiring for future generations (yes, she’s dreaming of a subrogation specialist Halloween costume), and why she believes this industry offers the kind of stability and purpose young professionals are searching for.

In this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Corrie LoGiudice, keynote speaker, coach, and founder of Corrie Lo & Co LLC. Corrie shared her powerful journey from being the only woman, and the youngest person, in a senior executive role within a male-dominated industry to launching her own business after experiencing an unimaginable series of traumatic events. From miscarriage, abuse, divorce, and the devastating loss of a partner to suicide, Corrie opened up about what it means to keep showing up as a leader and a mother in the face of adversity. Her ability to transform personal tragedy into fuel for transformation and leadership is deeply inspiring, especially for women navigating both professional ambition and personal struggle.

Corrie also speaks about taking the leap to build her business, not just for herself, but for her daughter and the future of women in leadership. We talked about what it means to invest in yourself, to shift your mindset from “what if it goes wrong?” to “what if it goes right?” and how she helps clients tackle burnout and overwhelm through her five-part framework: Clarity, Confidence, Community, Conditioning, and Consistency. Corrie’s message is clear—systemic change starts with courageous women stepping into leadership, and she’s here to help more of us do just that.

Amora Wood’s journey in insurance is a testament to the power of self-advocacy, asking for what you want, and not letting a “no” deter your ambition. She landed her first insurance job simply by striking up a conversation with a restaurant regular. That same curiosity led her to explore policies beyond her first role as a receptionist, sparking a passion that carried her into production. Throughout her career, Amora has embraced rejection as part of the process, encouraging others to do the same: “The word no, and rejection, get less powerful the more you hear it. Keep putting yourself out there.” Amora also challenged competitive workplace dynamics by fostering collaboration, choosing to uplift other women rather than compete.

As a wife and mother, Amora confronted self-imposed guilt about balancing career and family, ultimately redefining success on her own terms. By seeking counsel of a working mothers she admired, she embraced the idea that pursuing her career was not just beneficial for her, it was an inspiring lesson for her children. “It's not about being there for every single thing, but about being the best version of yourself when you are.” Looking ahead, Amora hopes to create a supportive community for women in insurance, a space where they can share experiences and seek guidance.

In this episode, I interview Dalesa Bady, Founder of Pursue What Matters, to explore how she helps women, primarily women of color, in insurance land purpose-driven roles and build fulfilling careers. Dalesa’s journey from actuary to career alignment coach was fueled by a deep curiosity about people’s career paths and a passion for development. With nearly 15 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance space working at USAA, Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, and GuideOne Insurance, she has seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the industry. We discuss her transition into coaching, how she balanced launching her business while working full-time, and why she’s committed to helping women take control over their careers.

Dalesa shares insights on the struggles women of color face in the insurance industry, including the barriers to leadership and the need for greater representation. She explains how she guides clients toward career clarity, well-being, and financial growth, helping them uncover hidden opportunities and navigate career transitions with confidence. We also dive into the shifting priorities of today’s professionals and what’s next for Pursue What Matters, including expanding corporate partnerships and increasing access to career development resources.

In my first collaboration episode with ISC Group, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Emma Mahoney, a consultant clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with neurodivergent adults, young people, and families. Dr. Emma has conducted groundbreaking research on neurodivergence in women, specifically within the re/insurance industry, shedding light on the unique challenges and strengths these professionals bring to the workplace. Throughout our conversation, she demystifies neurodiversity, clarifies common misconceptions, and explores how companies can better support neurodivergent talent.

Dr. Emma shares why neurodivergent women are frequently underdiagnosed and how societal norms and workplace expectations add layers of complexity to their experiences. We discuss the impact of masking, the role of hormonal fluctuations, and the ways companies can create environments where neurodivergent professionals can thrive. By understanding these nuances, businesses can attract, retain, and elevate diverse talent while fostering innovation. Dr. Emma also encourages women who suspect they may be neurodivergent, to do their research, speak with a trusted expert, and decide if a formal diagnosis, or self-identifying, is right for them.

For interest in participating in Dr. Emma’s research, please connect with her on LinkedIn, or contact ISC Group: admin@isc-group.co

In this episode, I speak with Leslie Carlson, Head of International Servicing at Zurich North America where she has invested 27 years of her career. When Leslie heard claims that women on her team weren’t interested in leadership roles at the onset of the pandemic, she gathered the women on her team and fact-checked. What she found wasn’t a lack of ambition, but a deep exhaustion from caregiving, household responsibilities, and financial strain. Once she knew the truth, Leslie began asking more and more questions and advocated for what her team truly needed.

Through her efforts, Leslie not only fostered meaningful conversations but also initiated real change. Her advocacy led to salary adjustments, the introduction of practical benefits like cleaning services, and a forum that remains active, empowering women and educating allies. Leslie’s impact is undeniable: higher retention, career advancements, and a culture of allyship that continues to grow. Leslie encourages women who feel exhausted by the fight for equity to lean on their network and replenish the energy to keep going.

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Peskin, CEO and Chief Finder of Keepers at Global Recruiters of Denver, to talk about the power of connection, strategic career moves, and building a more inclusive insurance industry. Jessica’s journey started by chance in real estate title insurance, but it quickly turned into a lifelong career. After realizing the economic and personal toll of constant travel, she made the bold move to Denver, where she launched her boutique recruiting firm in 2019. Unlike high-volume recruiters, Jessica focuses on strategic placements that create long-term success, finding a special joy in matching the right candidate with the right opportunity. Her approach is all about looking at the bigger picture: what clients need, what candidates bring to the table, and how to ensure both sides thrive.

Beyond recruitment, Jessica is a dedicated contributor to InsurTech Denver, a passionate advocate for women in insurance, and a firm believer in the power of relationships. She shares why building a “board of advisors” is essential for career growth, how women can break into leadership roles, and why compensation transparency and workplace flexibility matter. Jessica encourages young women to find their niche within insurance, speak up, and stay curious.