100 Women in Insurance

078: How to say yes when fear holds you back: from career in insurance to a racecourse

This episode is sponsored by Markel International.
Summary
In this episode, Sandra is joined by Sophie Forsyth and Philippa Hartrick-Morris, colleagues at Markel and this year’s riders in the Markel Magnolia Cup, the UK’s most prestigious charity horse race. Held each summer at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, this all-female amateur race celebrates women leading in business, sport, fashion and media.
Their stories take us far beyond the racetrack. Sophie shares how a career in insurance led her back to horse riding after more than a decade away, while Philippa reflects on receiving the call while on maternity leave, and how training just 12 weeks after giving birth became a powerful way to rebuild strength and reconnect with herself and embrace a once-in-a-lifetime challenge.
From renewal season and nursery drop-offs to four-minute planks and dawn gallops, this conversation explores what it means to say yes to something that scares you, and the transformation that follows.
Sophie and Philippa are riding in support of Project Lehar, a King’s Trust International programme supporting girls in India to access education, build skills and create pathways to employment.
This is a story about courage, visibility and what becomes possible when insurance creates space for women to grow.
Takeaways
The Markel Magnolia Cup is an all-female amateur race that has raised over £2.7 million for women’s causes since 2011.
Training includes demanding fitness tests, race-day preparation and weekly riding sessions at professional yards, all balanced alongside full-time roles.
Sophie and Philippa are only the second and third women from Markel ever to compete in the race.
“Just say yes.” It’s the advice Sophie has followed throughout her career and one that’s led to challenge, growth and unexpected opportunities.
Postpartum doesn’t have to mean pressing pause. Philippa’s journey shows how ambition and new motherhood can coexist with the right support.
You don’t need experience to step forward. Both riders started from scratch, proving that courage and commitment count for more than credentials.
Progress looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a promotion. For others, it’s holding a plank for four minutes and getting back in the saddle.
None of it happens alone. From family to teammates, support made all the difference, especially on the hardest days.
A career in insurance can open doors to extraordinary and unexpected places.
About the guests
Connect with Sophie Forsyth on LinkedIn
Connect with Philippa Hartrick-Morris on LinkedIn
Resources
Donate to the riders’ JustGiving page
Explore the 2025 Magnolia Cup lineup and cause
Follow Markel International on LinkedIn and Instagram for race day coverage
About the host
Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn
Learn more about the 100 Women in Insurance Collective: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective

077: Don’t outsource your career, live event recording with Sam Tymms

This episode is sponsored by RPC.SummaryIn this live recording from event at RPC FIG Network, Sandra is joined by Sam Tymms for a powerful and honest conversation about what it really means to own your career.
Sam shares reflections from a career spanning regulation, advisory and governance, and speaks openly about the common traps women fall into when it comes to progression. Too often, women wait to be tapped on the shoulder, rely on their employer to plot the next step, or assume success will be recognised without saying a word.
Together, Sandra and Sam explore how career ownership starts with self-awareness, clarity and courage. From navigating networking with curiosity, to preparing for non-executive roles, this episode unpacks what it takes to get boardroom-ready and why authenticity and failure are essential parts of leadership.
The conversation also dives into the evolving nature of diversity and inclusion in financial services, and how regulation, unconscious bias and cultural expectations continue to shape the experience of women in the industry.
Whether you're just starting out, pivoting mid-career or stepping up into leadership, this episode is a reminder that you are your own best advocate, and that sisterhood, celebration and support go a long way.
Takeaways
Women often don't do enough to own their career
Outsourcing your career management can hinder progress
Success looks and feels different at every stage, and that’s OK
Networking works best when you lead with curiosity
Sisterhood is about support and empowerment
Non-executive roles can provide valuable experience
Know your value and be ready to articulate it in board setting
Diversity and inclusion discussions are evolving
Networking can be less intimidating with the right mindset
Career ownership is essential for professional growth. Diversity and inclusion are ongoing challenges in financial services
Regulatory interviews often lack awareness of gender dynamics
Future leaders must be tech-savvy and self-aware
Authenticity is crucial in leadership; accept your strengths and weaknesses
Failure is a natural part of career growth
Recognising personal value is essential for career advancement
Cultural perceptions can influence women's career choices
Self-doubt can create barriers to success
Owning your career means challenging societal expectations
Celebrating achievements fosters a supportive professional community
About the Guest
Connect with Sam Tymms on LinkedIn
About the host
Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn
Learn more about the 100 Women in Insurance Collective: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective

076: It’s never too late: career change, purpose and sustainability with Cristina Galindo

SummaryIn this episode, Sandra is joined by Cristina Galindo for a thoughtful conversation on career transitions, sustainability, and the changing world of work.
Cristina shares her journey from a career in HR across financial services and tech to her current focus on sustainability and talent. She reflects on the benefits and challenges of moving abroad, the realities of career breaks, and the importance of embracing change at any age or stage. From the rise of sustainability roles in insurance to the need for organisations to retain knowledge as professionals approach retirement, Cristina brings fresh insight into how careers, and workplaces, are evolving.
Together, Sandra and Cristina explore the concept of the “empty box,” a space for reflection and reinvention, and discuss why transferable skills, introspection, and storytelling are essential in today’s job market.
They also tackle the shifting language of CVs, how to balance legal compliance with company culture, and why kindness and performance are not mutually exclusive.
This episode is packed with practical advice and quiet encouragement, for anyone navigating change, rethinking their purpose, or creating more human-centred ways of working.
Takeaways
It's never too late to change careers or pursue new opportunities
Moving abroad can be a great learning opportunity but comes with challenges
The traditional linear career path is becoming less common
Career breaks can develop leadership, negotiation and project management skills
The "empty box" is a space to pause, reflect and explore new directions before taking your next step
CVs need to evolve to focus on skills, strengths and stories, not just job titles
Introspection helps you reconnect with your values and design a career that fits with your authentic self
The job market is changing rapidly, with sustainability roles expanding across insurance and beyond
People are living and working longer, but many organisations are not prepared for longer careers
Knowledge retention is a growing challenge as senior professionals retire without transition plans
Equal and inclusive parental leave policies send a powerful message about what a company values
Kindness and high performance can coexist
Creating human-centered workplaces enhances employee loyalty
About the guest
Connect with Cristina on LinkedIn
About the host
Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn
Learn more about the 100 Women in Insurance Collective: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective

075: Map Your Next Move: Navigating Your Insurance Career with Confidence

This episode is sponsored by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
SummaryIn this episode, Sandra is joined by Vanessa Riboloni, Professional Capabilities and Insight Manager at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), for a conversation about visibility, growth, and the story behind the CII Professional Map.
Vanessa shares how she found her way into insurance by chance. A researcher at heart who followed her curiosity rather than a fixed plan. Vanessa reflects on how she built a meaningful career by leaning into learning, taking calculated risks, and staying open to where her skills were needed.
As someone who doesn’t naturally seek the spotlight, Vanessa speaks candidly about visibility in the workplace, and the realisation that competence isn’t always enough.
She offers practical reflections on how to become your own PR manager, especially in a hybrid environment where it’s easy to go unnoticed if you don’t actively show up.
The episode centres on the CII Professional Map, a free, open-access tool designed to help individuals, line managers and teams reflect on development needs and define what “good” looks like at every stage of an insurance career.
Vanessa walks us through how the map was built, from field research and behavioural interviews to user testing and team workshops, and shares how it’s being updated to reflect evolving expectations around skills, sustainability and AI.
Whether you’re navigating your next move, supporting others as a manager, or returning to work after time away, this episode is a practical guide to making growth feel possible, even when you’re not sure where to start.
Takeaways
You don’t need a fixed plan to build a fulfilling career, sometimes the path reveals itself along the way
Curiosity is a powerful driver of growth, learning and connection
Visibility matters, being good at your job isn’t always enough if people don’t see your impact
If you’re more introverted or focused on delivery, you may need to be more intentional about showing your value
The Professional Map is a free tool designed to support career development at every level
It’s useful for return-to-work planning, confidence building, interview preparation and team reviews, are all things that the Professional Map can help with
About the guest
Connect with Vanessa Riboloni on LinkedIn
About the host
Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn
Learn more about the 100 Women in Insurance Collective: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective
Resource Explore the CII Professional Map

074:There’s always a story to be told: PR, mental health & belonging in insurance with Kirsty Plank

This episode is sponsored by Full Circle Communications.
⚠️ Content note
This episode includes open reflections on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and stress leave. Sandra and Kirsty speak from personal experience and are not medical or mental health professionals. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed, please contact your GP or reach out to a trusted mental health organisation such as My Black Dog, Mind, or BetterHelp.
SummaryIn this episode, Sandra is joined by Kirsty, Executive Director at Full Circle Communications, for a powerful and personal conversation about PR, mental health, and building confidence on LinkedIn.
Kirsty shares her insurance journey shaped by curiosity, a love for writing, relationship-building, and storytelling, which helped her carve out a meaningful career in PR and communications.
She talks about finding her voice through storytelling, challenging the myth that insurance is ‘boring,’ and why every business (and person) has a story worth telling.
She speaks candidly about living with anxiety, taking time off for stress, and the real emotions tied to returning to work.
Kirsty offers reflections on the importance of leadership support and the role psychological safety plays in cultivating better workplaces.
The conversation also explores how to navigate LinkedIn with intention. From overcoming visibility blocks to showing up authentically, Kirsty shares practical guidance for anyone wanting to grow their presence online, without the pressure to overshare or perform.
This is a thoughtful, insightful, and honest episode about finding your pace, owning your story, and leading with care.Takeaways
Insurance careers can evolve in unexpected and fulfilling ways
PR is about building relationships and sharing stories, not just crisis management
Every business in insurance has a story worth telling
Mental health is an integral part of an employee's overall wellbeing and performance
Supportive management can significantly impact an employee's mental health journey
There is a stigma around mental health that needs to be addressed in workplaces
Taking time off for mental health should not be seen as a weakness
Open conversations about mental health can help reduce stigma and promote healing
Returning to work after a break can be less daunting than expected
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking
Authenticity is key in social media engagement
Avoid posting overly personal content on professional platforms
Start slow with social media engagement and build confidence
Resources: If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed, please contact your GP or reach out to a trusted mental health organisation such as My Black Dog, Mind, or BetterHelp.
About the guest
Connect with Kirsty 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.

073: How to make networking fun with Suzy Berry

Grab a 'Coffee with Sandra' on a fortnightly basis by signing up for her fortnightly newsletter and staying up to date on all 100WII news, Sandra's behind-the-scenes and gender equality matters. Sign up here.
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Summary
In this episode of 100 Women in Insurance, Sandra sits down with Suzy Berry, Sales Director, for a wide-ranging conversation on self-belief, shifting definitions of success, and the realities of juggling career and motherhood.
Having entered insurance by chance after raising her children, Suzy shares how she carved out a fulfilling career path, first by saying yes to opportunity, then by taking control of her narrative. From becoming a single mother mid-career to leading in a high-performing sales role, Suzy speaks candidly about the myths we hold around working parents, networking, and what it really means to “do it all.”
The conversation also challenges common assumptions about sales. Suzy reframes it as problem-solving with purpose, built on trust, credibility and honesty. Whether you’re a parent, in sales, or simply navigating the next step in your career, this one is packed with relatable insights.
Takeaways
Careers often evolve from unexpected beginnings. Embrace the chance moments
Becoming a single mother can shift your perspective on career and success
Progression often comes from being seen, showing up and doing the work
Balancing work and family is possible, but it doesn’t mean giving 100% to everything
Sales isn’t about selling. It’s about solving problems and building trust
Knowing your worth helps you say yes to the right things
Being honest, with yourself and others, leads to better outcomes
You can be a present parent and still pursue a fulfilling career
Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start with simple, human connection
Believing in yourself helps you grow in the right direction
Travel and career exposure can open unexpected doors
About the guest
Connect with Suzy 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.

072: Redefining Leadership with Donna Scully

Grab a 'Coffee with Sandra' on a fortnightly basis by signing up for her fortnightly newsletter and staying up to date on all 100WII news, Sandra's behind-the-scenes and gender equality matters.Sign up here.
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Summary
In this conversation, Sandra is joined by the inspiring, honest and fun insurance leader Donna Scully who shares her journey into the insurance, emphasising the importance of continuing learning.
Donna shows that is it possible to be both professional and friendly leader. What is more, she also shows that it is possible to create a company where flexible working comes in many shapes and forms, whilst continuing to drive a positive outcome for both business and employees.
She dispels common myths surrounding women in leadership roles and emphasizes the value of experience in the workforce, advocating for a supportive environment that recognizes the contributions of all employees.
In this conversation, Donna Scully and Sandra discuss the multifaceted challenges and opportunities women face in the workplace, particularly in leadership roles.
Donna highlights the significance of mentorship, especially when it comes to learning from the younger generations, while also addressing the challenges of leadership, particularly for women.
The discussion also touches on the significance of work-life balance, the impact of family on career progression, and the need for flexible work environments.
They emphasize the power of intentional diversity initiatives and the importance of being open-minded in creating a more equitable workplace.
Finally, they reflect on personal growth and the influence of role models in shaping their careers.
Takeaways
Courage is needed for the days when it goes wrong.
Continuous learning is essential for personal growth.
Technology should enhance, not replace human interaction.
Be yourself and don't conform to societal molds.
Women in leadership should embrace their true selves.
Bridging the leadership gap requires both men and women to step up.
Inclusivity and diversity should be at the forefront of business practices.
Networking and mentorship play a vital role in women's career advancement.
Work-life balance is a significant challenge for many women.
Flexible work environments can help retain talent and support families.
About the guest
Connect with Donna 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.

071: An honest conversation with the founder of @insurancewomen instagram account

Grab a 'Coffee with Sandra' on a fortnightly basis by signing up for her fortnightly newsletter and staying up to date on all 100WII news, Sandra's behind-the-scenes and gender equality matters.Sign up here.
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Summary
Note: The founder’s voice in this episode has been altered to protect their identity.
In this powerful and insightful episode, Sandra sits down with the founder of the widely followed Instagram account @insurancewomen—a platform now inspiring over 15k followers.
This isn’t a “complain and point fingers” conversation.
Instead, it’s a deeply insightful look into what’s really happening in the industry and how we can practically come together—men and women alike—to build a better, more inclusive environment for current and future generations.
Key takeaways:
The origin story behind the Insurance Women account and the purpose that fuels it
Why anonymity matters—and what it reveals about the industry culture
Misconceptions about the account and why it’s not about blame
Real-life stories and observations from the community
A practical call to collaboration: how men and women can work together, not in opposition
What the founder wants every insurance professional to reflect on—regardless of their gender or seniority
This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at a platform that’s become a powerful voice in insurance.
It’s an honest, and constructive conversation that goes beyond surface-level discussions. Whether you’re early in your career or leading teams, this episode will inspire you to think differently about inclusion, leadership, and shared accountability in the industry.
About the guest
Follow InsuranceWomen 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.

070: The Power of Kindness in Leadership with Sheila Cameron

Grab a 'Coffee with Sandra' on a fortnightly basis by signing up for her fortnightly newsletter and staying up to date on all 100WII news, Sandra's behind-the-scenes and gender equality matters.Sign up here.
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Summary
In this episode, Sheila Cameron shares her journey in insurance, discussing her career path, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of work-life balance.
She emphasizes the need for clear boundaries and flexibility in the workplace, particularly for parents.
Sheila also addresses the issue of diversity in leadership roles and shares insights and statistics on the progress made so far vs work yet to be done.
This is a very honest conversation about leadership and diversity, giving incredible insights into what intentional leadership means for gender equality.
She emphasizes the need for leaders to create supportive environments for women, particularly during career dips and maternity.
Sheila and Sandra share practical and simple tips on how to create impactful change in your organisation to attract and retain diverse talent.
Ahead of Mother’s Day, Sheila ends the episode with a personal story, shared first time in the public domain, which may bring a tear to your eye, whilst also making you smile.
This is both an insightful and personal episode that is worth adding to your podcast playlist.
Takeaways
Leadership programs should focus on systemic change rather than fixing women.
Retention during career dips is vital for long-term success.
Recognizing weaknesses in leadership is a strength, not a flaw.
Paternity leave should be normalized and equally valued as maternity leave.
The journey towards equality in leadership roles is ongoing. Leadership intent is crucial for fostering diversity and inclusion.
Being a parent can enhance leadership qualities and perspectives.
Setting clear boundaries and transparency are key aspects of making work-life balance a success
Women are present in the talent pool but often not considered or attracted to the leadership roles.
Kindness and high performance can coexist in effective leadership.
A mindset shift is necessary to embrace both motherhood and career aspirations.
About the guest
Connect with Sheila Cameron.
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.

069: Career pivot is possible at any time, from yoga to corporate with Gillie Fairbrother.

Grab a 'Coffee with Sandra' on a fortnightly basis by signing up for her fortnightly newsletter and staying up to date on all 100WII news, Sandra's behind-the-scenes and gender equality matters.Sign up here.
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Summary
In this episode, Gillie Fairbrother shares her journey into insurance, from the creative industry, via yoga teacher around the world, to the ESG role in insurance.
Gillie shares the skills required to work in ESG and career opportunities that come with it.
Having travelled across the world teaching yoga, as well as building her own business, Gillie shares her top tips on building a network, increasing confidence in public speaking and being your true self at work (including pink hair at work post Glastonbury festival).
This episode is great for any one doubting they can pivot their career, find their niche and enjoy what they do, whilst navigating passions and side hustles outside of work.
Takeaways
Public speaking skills can be developed through practice and genuine interest in the audience.
Breathing techniques can help manage stress and improve focus.
Every career journey is unique and can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Making a difference in the industry requires a receptive leadership and a commitment to change.
Imposter syndrome is a common experience, but it can be managed.
Authenticity in the workplace fosters better relationships and engagement.
Balancing personal passions with corporate responsibilities is essential for well-being.
Networking is crucial for career growth and opportunities.
About the guest
Connect with Gillie Fairbrother.
Join Gillie at her next Sound Bath event.
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.