100 Women 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.

052: Gender equality insurance products, Endometriosis and Career pivots with Hayley Budd

This episode is sponsored by Apollo. 
 
Trigger Warning: 
Please note, from minute 40:24, we discuss Endometriosis, period pain, and fertility, which can be triggering for some. This section was added post-recording as a bonus episode to share our personal experiences, which may be sensitive for some listeners.
 
Summary:
Join us for a fun and laughter-filled episode of the 100 Women in Insurance podcast where Hayley Budd, Class Leader for innovation at Apollo, delves into her squiggly career path, explains the new insurance product "Just Parent" which can help gender equality in the workplace and shares her experience of living with Endometriosis. 
Starting from claims handler, through operations to becoming an underwriter Hayley shares her experience of finding new opportunities, insights on self-promotion and personal growth through career choices we make. 
Key Takeaways:
Self-promotion is crucial for career advancement.
Innovation in insurance is challenging and resilience to failure is crucial skill 
Cultural shifts are necessary for true equality in parental leave.
Embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities.
It's important to test new career paths to find fulfillment
Creating a supportive and open workplace is crucial for employees dealing with chronic health issues.
Health insurance plays a critical role in managing endometriosis effectively.
Resources:
 
UK accredited Endometriosis Speciality centres
 
About Sponsor:
Apollo is an innovative integrated insurance Group dedicated to providing high quality products and services to clients, brokers, and capital partners at Lloyd’s.
Our wide range of products put us in a unique position where our entrepreneurial approach and service excellence delivers creative and flexible solutions for our clients and partners all in one place.
We have a growing and diverse team of empowered and passionate experts who focus on bringing innovation, data driven decision making and collaboration to every relationship and every risk.
Follow Apollo LinkedIn Page for most recent career opportunities. 
About the Guest: 
Connect with Hayley Budd on LinkedIn
Learn more about Just Parent and its initiatives 
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.

051: How to be kind and professional at the same time - authentic leadership with Tammy Kocher

Summary
In this episode Tammy Kocher brings positive light and energy into the conversations, whilst sharing her journey into the insurance industry, particularly focusing on her transition into cyber insurance.
She discusses the importance of personal branding, authenticity, and the evolving landscape of leadership in the age of AI.
Tammy emphasizes the need for supportive work environments and the value of personal connections, drawing parallels between her experiences in sports and her professional life.
She concludes with reflections on the legacy she hopes to leave in the industry.
Takeaways
Cyber insurance is an exciting and evolving field.
Career paths can be non-linear, reflecting 'squiggly careers'.
Building a personal brand on LinkedIn is a great way to promote the industry and find unique connections.
Authenticity is key in personal and professional branding.
Leadership must adapt to the needs of diverse teams.
Celebrating small wins is important for team morale.
Personal connections enhance professional relationships.
AI will augment but not replace human critical thinking.
Leaving a legacy of kindness and support is essential.
Resources:
Connect with Tammy Kocher
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.

050: How to Create Your Own Version of a Happy Career with Claire Fox

Summary:
Join Claire Fox as she offers invaluable coaching advice for those feeling stuck or unhappy in their careers. With a background that spans the insurance industry and law, combined with her passions for acting and coaching, Claire provides insights into taking control of your career path. She discusses the importance of authenticity and setting boundaries, which helps create a supportive work culture.
Key Insights:
Embrace the opportunities to move between careers, allowing personal growth and new challenges.
Use self-reflection to recognise dissatisfaction in your career and take proactive steps to change.
Authenticity in the workplace leads to better relationships and a more fulfilling career.
Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining well-being and effectiveness at work.
Sound Bites:
"Your career can take so many different paths—it's about finding the one that makes you happy."
"Being kind to yourself and remaining curious can open up a world of opportunities."
"Pursuing creative passions isn't just fulfilling—it's transformative for your professional growth."
Resources:
Connect with Claire Fox on LinkedIn
Find out more about Claire’s book and coaching
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.

049: Becoming a mum while launching the first US based Pet Insurance Company - From idea to success with Laura Bennett

Summary:
This episode is sponsored by Send.
Join us on for an episode where Laura Bennett shares her inspiring journey through actuary to entrepreneur. From sparking an idea during her MBA to building the first pet insurance company in the US, Laura’s story is one of determination and innovation. As she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship alongside motherhood, the company, Laura co-funded, grew to an astounding $1.5 billion in sales, showcasing her remarkable impact on the industry.
Takeaways:
Laura transitioned from a traditional actuary role to launching a startup.
Balancing the demands of motherhood with her entrepreneurial ambitions, Laura underscores the importance of having a supportive partner.
Laura candidly discusses the challenges of securing venture capital, highlighting the specific hurdles faced by women in the startup ecosystem.
Sound Bites:
"Starting a company while becoming a mother taught me resilience on an entirely new level."
"Navigating venture funding was as challenging as it was rewarding, leading to monumental success."
Resources:
Connect with Laura Bennett on LinkedIn
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.

048: Best Practices for Retaining Female Talent in Insurance, panel discussion recording.

Summary 
This episode is sponsored by Arthur.  
On 12th September, 100 Women in Insurance, Arthur Recruitment, and MS Amlin collaborated on an event titled "Cultivating Inclusive Cultures: Best Practices for Retaining Female Talent in Insurance."  
To capture these incredible insights, we recorded the panel discussion, which included the inspiring women in insurance, Gemma Lines, Vicki Filler, and Susan Andrew.  
The panel discussion explores themes surrounding women's careers in the insurance industry, focusing on the realities of flexible working, the purpose behind returners' programmes and proven strategies to create an inclusive culture that increases female talent retention.  
The panellists share their stories, expertise, and honest views on this topic, offering best practices for making an impact on individuals and organisations.  
Takeaways 
The perception of a lack of senior female talent is misleading. 
Flexible working should be defined by outcomes, not rigid hours. 
Inclusive cultures require understanding and adapting to individual needs. 
Honest conversations are crucial for addressing workplace challenges. 
Instead of returners' programmes, we should focus on hiring women without assumptions. 
Diverse hiring practices must go beyond traditional networks and number targets. 
Retention strategies should prioritise individual development and satisfaction. 
Chapters 
00:00 Introduction and panel overview 03:04 Career paths: choice or chance? 05:54 The gender gap in senior roles 08:50 Flexible working: myths and realities 11:50 Creating an inclusive work environment 14:47 The importance of having honest career conversations 17:54 Returners' programmes: opportunities and challenges 20:49 Diverse hiring practices 24:05 Retaining talent: strategies for success 27:13 Final thoughts 

047: The Benefits of Providing Reproductive Healthcare in the Workplace with Farirai Gora

Summary:
Join Farirai Gora, an independent consultant in the insurance industry, as she shares her journey through her career, starting her own insurance company, and her transformative experiences in the Oxford Executive Leadership Programme.
Her commitment to improving reproductive health support in workplaces is impressive. Farirai’s story is one of resilience and powerful advocacy.
Takeaways:
Explore the pros and cons of contracting a career in insurance.
Learn about the deeper roots of imposter syndrome, often linked to systemic oppression, and how it particularly affects women, people of colour, and marginalised groups.
Understand the urgent need for better reproductive healthcare in workplaces—a need historically overlooked by the insurance industry.
Recognise how ignoring reproductive health can cost economies billions and how addressing it can drastically improve corporate productivity and employee satisfaction.
Find out more about the Oxford Executive Leadership Programme
Sound Bites:
"I fell into insurance like many of us, finding it a rich field for growth and never looking back."
"Contracting gives you the freedom to tackle specialised, complex issues that are often overlooked internally."
"Imposter syndrome reflects deeper systemic issues, impacting those who are often left out of the mainstream narratives."
"Addressing reproductive health in workplaces is not just a healthcare issue but a significant economic concern."
"When companies support reproductive health, they see tremendous gains in loyalty and reduced absenteeism."
Farirai’s insights provide a powerful look into how personal experiences and professional challenges can drive significant industry changes, making a strong case for more inclusive and supportive corporate policies.
About the Guest:
Visit We Are Eden: www.we-are-eden.com
Connect with Farirai Gora on LinkedIn: Farirai Gora | LinkedIn
Interest Form: Join Us
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.