100 Women in Insurance

061: The Energy of Success, Chakras and Corporate Dynamics with Ingrid Woodward

Summary
In this episode of 100 Women in Insurance, Sandra interviews Ingrid Woodward, who shares her journey from the insurance industry to becoming a coach and healer.
Ingrid discusses her experiences with self-doubt, the importance of spirituality in the corporate world, and how she transitioned from a successful corporate career to follow her passion for helping others.
She emphasizes the significance of mental health, the challenges of self-sabotage, and the transformative power of connecting with one's true purpose.
Ingrid emphasizes the importance of embracing one's shadows, authenticity, and values in both personal and professional life. She also explores the integration of spirituality and the chakra system in the workplace, highlighting how energy flow impacts business dynamics.
The discussion culminates in her approach to working with individuals and organizations to foster growth and healing.
Takeaways
Spirituality can coexist with corporate life.
Personal power is about aligning with one's values.
Career paths can be non-linear and filled with opportunities.
Mental health is crucial in making career decisions.
Self-sabotage is a common challenge for many professionals.
Transitioning to a new career requires courage and self-trust.
Coaching can address root causes of personal challenges.
Perfectionism can lead to mistakes and self-doubt.
Loving your shadows can lead to greater self-acceptance.
The chakra system can influence workplace dynamics.
Businesses are living entities that require healthy energy flow.
Reference
Akashai records
Ingrid website and LinkedIn
Free Webinar “The High Achiever’s Dilemma”
Book Existential Kink
Throat Chakra at work
About the guest
Connect with Ingrid Woodward on LinkedIn and on Instagram.
About the host
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn
Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.

Bonus: Three questions I get asked and 2025 plans

In this bonus solo episode, Sandra Lewin shares her experiences with 100 Women in Insurance so far, including the three questions she frequently receives.
She then sets the stage for the year ahead. 
From career-defining insights to personal challenges, Sandra shares lessons learned from the episodes so far, upcoming plans, and actionable tips to inspire your own career success.
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and Instagram. 
Find out about the Collective Membership. 
 

060: Making the most of career opportunities with Heather McKenna

This episode is sponsored by Fidelis Insurance Group.
Summary
In this episode Heather McKenna, the UK CFO for Fidelis Insurance Group, shares her inspiring journey through South Africa, London and Bermuda, highlighting the importance of seeking opportunities in her career.
She discusses the importance of mentorship, navigating challenges of parenthood, and the significance of creating an inclusive work culture.
Heather also contrasts her experiences in startups versus established companies, emphasizing the need for adaptability and resourcefulness in a rapidly changing industry.
Takeaways
Heather's career path was shaped by chance rather than a predetermined plan.
Mentorship can come from informal relationships rather than formal programs.
Taking risks and seeking opportunities is essential for career growth.
Work-life balance is challenging but achievable with support and prioritization.
Quality time with family can be prioritized even in a busy career.
Listening is a crucial skill for leaders to foster an inclusive culture.
Startups require a willingness to take on diverse tasks and adapt quickly.
It's important to communicate career aspirations to create opportunities.
Regret from not trying is often greater than the regret of failure.
About the guest
Connect with Heather McKenna.
About the sponsor Fidelis Insurance Group
Fidelis Insurance Group is a global specialty insurer, leveraging strategic partnerships to offer innovative and tailored insurance solutions.
We have a highly diversified portfolio focused on three segments: Specialty, Bespoke, and Reinsurance, which we believe allows us to take advantage of the opportunities presented by evolving (re)insurance markets, proactively shift our business mix across market cycles, and produce superior underwriting returns.
Headquartered in Bermuda, with worldwide offices including Ireland and the UK, Fidelis Insurance Group operating companies have a financial strength rating of A from AM Best, A- from S&P and A3 from Moody’s. For additional information about Fidelis Insurance, our people, and our products please visit our website at www.FidelisInsurance.com or LinkedIn Page.
About the Host
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn
Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.

059: Proactive approach to career opportunities with Katy Simpson

Summary
This episode is sponsored by IMS.
In this episode of the 100 Women in Insurance podcast, host Sandra speaks with Katy Simpson, about her squiggly career, innovative insurance and creating inclusive culture for everyone.
They discuss the importance of being proactive in career development, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the need for gender equality in the workplace.
Katie shares her insights on networking, the impact of technology on the insurance industry, and the importance of collaboration in a hybrid work environment.
The conversation highlights the evolving nature of insurance and the opportunities available for women in the field.
Takeaways
Katy emphasizes the importance of being proactive in career development.
Women often underestimate their qualifications when applying for jobs.
It's essential to focus on what you don't know and seek help.
Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement.
Flexible working should prioritize collaboration and communication.
The insurance industry is evolving with technology and innovation.
Gender equality requires cultural change, not just policies.
Imposter syndrome is common, but it can be overcome.
About the guest:
Connect with Katy Simpson on LinkedIn.
About the sponsor:
IMS Women’s Working Group is the sponsor of this episode. This community within IMS is passionate about supporting women in insurance, within our business and across the insurtech sector. We truly believe that this is an exciting space to work in and an opportunity to forge long-lasting, successful careers in a sector that remains ripe for disruption.
IMS is an award-winning, world-leading, connected insurance solution provider. They use telematics data to help improve insurer pricing, policyholder engagement, risk management and claims handling. IMS is committed to making roads safer by driving change across the industry with the use of technology and actionable, data-driven insights.
Follow IMS on LinkedIn.

058: Creating a successful flexible working culture with Taryn McHarg

Summary
This episode is sponsored by Apollo.
In this episode of the 100 Women in Insurance podcast, Taryn McHarg, the group CFO at Apollo, shares her journey from consulting to becoming a CFO.
She discusses the importance of authenticity in the workplace, the differences between consulting and business roles, and the significance of self-pitching and networking.
Taryn also highlights the importance of taking time during the recruitment process to find the right talent, focusing on transferrable skills, flexible working approach and long term career plan for the employee.
She emphasizes the need for visibility in career development, benefits of flexible working for both companies and individuals and shares valuable career tips along the way.
Takeaways
Career paths can be a mix of choice and chance.
Authenticity at work is crucial for career satisfaction.
Transitioning from consulting to business requires different skill sets.
Self-pitching is essential for career advancement.
Flexible work cultures enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
Diverse talent acquisition is vital for organizational success.
Visibility and open communication with managers can lead to development opportunities.
Resources
Connect with Taryn McHarg on LinkedIn.
Find out more about Apollo on their website and LinkedIn.
About the Host
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn
Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.

057: Honest conversation about inclusion at work with Teniola Tijani

This episode is sponsored by Send.
Summary
In this episode of the 100 Women in Insurance podcast, Sandra Lewin is joined by Teniola Tijani who shares her journey into the insurance industry, setting up LTL Collective and highlights the importance of creating inclusive cultures in the organisaion.
In this honest conversation, Tijani reflects on her experiences as an underwriter, the importance of personality in career decisions, and the challenges of public speaking.
Teniola also highlights the significance of her collective, the LTL Collective, which aims to support women diverse in the insurance industry and promote diversity and inclusion.
Through her insights, she emphasizes the continued need for different communities and the power of collective action in overcoming industry challenges.
In this conversation, Teniola and Sandra discuss the critical importance of diversity and inclusion within the insurance industry. They explore the discomfort that often accompanies diversity initiatives, the necessity of allyship through listening, and the role of representation and storytelling in fostering understanding.
The discussion also touches on generational expectations, particularly the demands of Gen Z for inclusive environments, and the distinction between diversity and inclusion.
They emphasize the need for safe spaces for honest conversations and the importance of building trust and common ground among colleagues.
Ultimately, Teniola shares her personal growth experiences within the industry, highlighting the value of community and connection.
Takeaways
Diversity is easier to achieve than true inclusion.
Inclusion is about how individuals feel in the workplace.
Gen Z has different expectations for workplace diversity.
Listening is a crucial part of allyship.
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but it's essential to embrace it.
Community and safe spaces are crucial for personal and professional growth.
Building relationships is key to success in insurance.
Opening the door for diversity does not take away from others.
Representation matters in creating inclusive environments.
Building trust is key to meaningful conversations.
Commonalities can help bridge differences among colleagues.
About Guest:
Connect with Teniola Tijani.
Find out more about LTL Collective.
About Send:
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 speciality 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.
About the Host:
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn
Find out more about 100 Women In Insurance Collective, where we bring together women in insurance to network, enjoy fun events and find their own career success. The vision is to increase gender equality as well as senior female talent retention in insurance.

056: Embracing transferable skills in career progression with Melody Linden-Stanford

This episode is sponsored by Send.
Summary
In this episode Melody Linden-Stanford shares her unique journey into the insurance industry, discussing her transition from public relations to underwriting and eventually to client relationship management.
She emphasizes the importance of being proactive, the value of transferable skills, and the impact of motherhood on career choices.
Melody also highlights the significance of networking, communication skills, and building a personal brand on LinkedIn.
Throughout the conversation, she offers valuable advice for young professionals entering the industry, encouraging them to be open-minded and to leverage their relationships for career growth.
Takeaways
The average person changes careers seven times in their life, highlighting the fluidity of career paths we can all take along the way.
Proactivity and seeking work experience are crucial for building a successful career.
Leveraging existing knowledge and skills when transitioning from underwriting to client relationship management role.
Motherhood can significantly influence career decisions and aspirations.
Transferable skills from previous roles can be applied in new areas of work.
Networking is vital for career advancement and should be approached with confidence.
Building a personal brand on LinkedIn can open doors and facilitate connections.
Successful careers are often built on the relationships and support from colleagues.
Resources:
Connect with Melody Lyndon-Stanford.
About Send:
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 speciality 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.
About the Host:
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn
Find out more about 100 Women In Insurance Collective, where we bring together women in insurance to network, enjoy fun events and find their own career success. The vision is to increase gender equality as well as senior female talent retention in insurance.

055: Stepping out of the comfort zone with Sam Bagnall

Summary
In this episode Sandra interviews Sam Bagnall, who shares her career journey from oil and gas to banking and finally into insurance.
During their conversation they discuss the importance of practising to step out of your comfort zone, as well the networking games that we can set to help us develop confidence to network and even speak up.
Sam shares her views on the importance of bringing talent from outside of the insurance industry, and ability to recognise transferable skills, highlighting the opportunities for transformation within the insurance industry.
In this honest conversation, Sam shares insights on networking, building confidence, and her experiences as a non-executive director.
The conversation concludes with a look at the future of leadership in insurance and the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.
Takeaways
Self-promotion is crucial for career advancement, especially for women.
Networking can be daunting, but preparation can ease the process.
Imposter syndrome is common, but it can be managed with support.
Career mobility is essential for personal growth and satisfaction.
Understanding transferable skills can help in changing industries.
Non-executive director roles offer a way to give back and learn new skills.
Future leaders in insurance need to be comfortable with ambiguity and change.
Collaboration within the insurance industry can drive collective progress.
About the Guest:
Connect with Sam Bagnall on LinkedIn
About the Host:
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn
Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.

054: Defining career success, without comparison trap with Suneeta Padda and Sam Nowell

Summary
In this episode Suneeta Padda and Sam Nowell, share their unique career journeys in the insurance industry.
They are successful business owners, who despite many challenges and odds along their way build successful careers and firms.
In the conversation Sam and Suneeta, discuss the importance of collaboration over competition, the realities of entrepreneurship and deep dive into defining success on personal terms.
They share views on the role of role models in professional growth, and risk of comparison over learning.
In this conversation, they share top tips for navigating career stagnation, and advice on the distinction between diversity and inclusion. They emphasize the significance of personal connections within the insurance industry and the ongoing journey towards creating an inclusive culture.
The discussion highlights the value of mentorship, goal setting, and the evolving nature of career paths, ultimately underscoring the need for continuous reflection and adaptation in one's professional journey.
Takeaways
There is no traditional career path anymore; it's about lifestyle choices.
Success is defined by personal achievements, not societal expectations.
Collaboration can lead to greater success than competition.
Entrepreneurship is rewarding but requires hard work and dedication.
Role models can inspire but should not be a source of comparison.
It's important to focus on your own journey and goals.
Life experiences can shape your career path significantly.
Support networks are crucial for navigating career hurdles.
It's important to reflect on what you don't want to become.
Setting goals and vision is crucial for career progression.
Manifesting your goals is a powerful tool.
Diversity is improving, but inclusion needs more focus.
Sound Bites
"Success starts with not comparing yourself to others."
"It's not a career ladder, it's more like a soft play."
About the Guests:
Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn 
Connect with Suneeta on LinkedIn
About the Host:
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn
Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.

053: Positive Self-Talk: A Key to Success with Ana Gomes-Freire

Summary:
Join Ana Gomes-Freire as she shares her journey from broking to underwriting, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, overcoming limiting beliefs, and the power of positive self-talk. She discusses the significance of community engagement, networking, and building a personal brand on LinkedIn. Anna also highlights the role of volunteering in professional growth and the challenges of networking in regional areas. Throughout the conversation, she shares valuable insights on happiness in one's career and the impact of personal experiences on professional life, along with her favorite book recommendations.
Key Insights:
It is never too late to change your career
It is ok to change from broking to underwriting
Self-reflection every two years helps assess career satisfaction.
Overcoming limiting beliefs is crucial for personal growth.
Positive self-talk can significantly impact self-perception.
Engaging with the community can lead to professional opportunities.
Building a personal brand on LinkedIn is important for visibility.
Volunteering can enhance professional growth and networking.
Personal experiences shape professional happiness and fulfillment.
Lifelong learning through books is essential for personal development.
Sound Bites:
"You can't just sit there and complain. Focus on action instead"
"I always think to myself what's the worst that can happen?”
Resources:
Connect with Ana Gomes-Freire
Book recommendations:
NLP by Ali Campbell
Write it down and make it happen by Henriette Anne Klauser
Feel the Fear and do it anyway by Susan Jeffers
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat
Notes on Nervous planet by Matt Haig
Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Happier Life by Arianna Huffington
About the Host:
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn
Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.