100 Women in Insurance

046: Story of Resilience and Growth with Hamide Tekin Karakaya

Summary
Join us on the 100 Women in Insurance Podcast as Hamide Karakaya shares her compelling journey of resilience and overcoming imposter syndrome. Hamide discusses the unique challenges she faced moving to a new country during the pandemic and navigating a significant cyber attack at her company. She also delves into the power of storytelling through her podcast and the critical role of building relationships in the insurance sector.
Takeaways
Moving to a new country during a pandemic can be challenging, but it also builds resilience.
Imposter syndrome is common, but you can overcome it by asking questions, seeking support, and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Sharing stories and experiences through a podcast can inspire and connect with others.
Building relationships and networking are essential in the insurance industry for both personal and professional growth.
Emphasising human connection and vulnerability is key to personal and career development.
Sound Bites
"Moving from one country to another in the middle of a pandemic was very challenging."
"I gained more confidence after the cyber attack. I realised I'm good at my job."
"Sharing my podcast with others made me feel more connected and accepted."
Resources
Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.
About the Host
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn
 

045: Finding shared values: The Key to Career Progression with Lorraine Harfitt

Summary
This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment.
Lorraine Harfitt, shares her journey in the insurance industry and discusses significant topics such as career progression, retention, and gender inclusivity. She highlights the importance of finding shared values within an organisation and the value of recognising individual contributions beyond gender. Lorraine delves into the necessity of open conversations and workplace flexibility, particularly for women mid-career. She highlights the value of diversity for businesses and suggests that promoting internal role models and allies can help close the gender gap.
Takeaways
Finding shared values in an organisation is crucial for career progression and job satisfaction.
Open conversations and flexibility in the workplace are essential, especially for women mid-career.
Diversity is a valuable asset for businesses, and promoting role models and allies internally can help close the gender gap.
The insurance industry has made progress in terms of gender inclusivity, but there is still work to be done.
Sound Bites
"Coming up to London was definitely a big turning point."
"A gender-inclusive culture values individuals for their contributions, not their gender."
"The best time to look for a job is when you have a job."
"Diversity is a good thing for businesses and promotes innovation."
Resources:
Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.
Episode 032 with Gemma Lines - Top Networking Tips for Saving Time and Maximising Your Connections
About the sponsor
Are you ready to take your insurance career or business to the next level? Meet Arthur, your trusted insurance search and recruitment partner. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Arthur specialises in connecting top talent with the biggest names in insurance. They can help you with your next career step or offer dynamic hiring solutions to help you achieve lasting success.
Discover how Arthur can take your career or business to the next level at arthur.co.uk or call 0203 5877 234.
About the Host:
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn

044: Redefining networking, career in consulting and the power of vulnerability in Leadership with Veronika Field

Summary:
This episode is sponsored by Send.
Veronica Field, a Director at Deloitte's Insurance Practice, shares her journey in the insurance industry, highlighting the blend of chance and luck that guided her career. She discusses how leveraging her technical background helped her carve a niche in insurance. Emphasising the importance of genuine relationships over superficial networking, Veronica explores the entrepreneurial nature of consulting that allows for shaping one's own destiny. She also highlights the value of vulnerability in leadership and the significant role it plays in problem-solving and building meaningful connections across the industry.
Takeaways:
Embracing chance and luck to guide your career, discovering passions in unexpected places.
Key skills required to become a consultant.
Value genuine relationships over superficial networking to build lasting professional connections.
Leverage authenticity and vulnerability in leadership to enhance problem-solving and inspire your team.
Stay open to new experiences and seize opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Sound Bites:
"If you don't risk, you don't drink champagne."
"In consulting, the world is your oyster."
"Building genuine relationships with colleagues leads to a sense of connectivity and community."
Send is an award-winning insurance software company. Its 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.

043: Networking, AI Challenges, and Unexpected Opportunities with Hélène Stanway

Summary:
This episode is sponsored by Send.
Join Hélène Stanway, an independent insurance advisor, as she shares her career journey and key insights. Hélène discusses the value of embracing unexpected opportunities and the continuous pursuit of learning. She explores the role of authenticity in diverse workplace cultures and delves into how AI is reshaping the insurance industry by addressing specific challenges. Hélène also emphasises the importance of developing expertise, continuous training, and the challenges of retaining talent. Additionally, she offers practical tips for effective networking and building professional connections.
Takeaways:
Be open to unexpected opportunities and continuously learn throughout your career.
Adapt to different workplace cultures while staying true to your authentic self.
Focus on the problems AI can solve in the insurance industry and use it to provide better services to clients.
Develop expertise and invest in ongoing training to stay ahead in the industry.
Build connections and network with others to expand your professional opportunities.
Soundbites:
"I think a lot of people go into leadership positions or new jobs and think they have to be brilliant at everything…You don’t have to be"
"You don't have to be the one that completes or fulfils your weakness. Guess what? Somebody else is going to be really good at the thing that you're not good at. So find that person. But double down on the stuff that you're really, really good at."
"Take time to learn and think. Carve out time in your day for learning and reflection."
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.

042: Beyond the 9-to-5: Effective Flexible Working with Donna Wayman

TRIGGER WARNING - Please note that from minute 29 of the episode, we discuss baby loss, which may be triggering for some!
Summary
Donna Wayman, Chief Operating Officer at Zurich Legacy Solutions, shares her career journey and insights on flexible working in the insurance industry.
She discusses how she entered the insurance industry by chance and embraced opportunities for growth and development.
Donna emphasizes the importance of being open to different roles and experiences, even if they don't align with a strict career plan. She also highlights the value of having a generalist skill set and the ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities.
Donna shares her experience with flexible working and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain work-life balance. Sandra discusses the importance of setting boundaries and finding a work-life blend that works for you.
Donna also shares her experience as a trustee for the charity Aching Arms, which provides support for families who have experienced baby loss.
Sandra and Donna emphasize the need for policies and training around baby loss in the workplace to support employees and their managers going through this difficult experience. Donna highlights the importance of empathy, listening, and avoiding insensitive comments when supporting someone who has experienced baby loss.
Takeaways
Embrace opportunities for growth and development, even if they don't align with a strict career plan.
Having a generalist skill set and the ability to adapt to different roles and responsibilities is valuable in the insurance industry.
Setting boundaries and finding a work-life blend is crucial for maintaining a fulfilling personal and professional life.
Consider the business needs of a role when seeking flexible working arrangements.
Focus on what you enjoy and what aligns with your skills and values, rather than pursuing a specific job title.
Supporting employees who have experienced baby loss requires policies and training in the workplace.
Empathy, listening, and avoiding insensitive comments are key when supporting someone who has experienced baby loss.
Sound Bites
"There are jobs out there that you probably don't even know about, but they are the jobs for you."
"I think the boundaries are about the things that are non-negotiable."
"Aching Arms are a charity that provide, fundamentally provide comfort bears. They are a gift from one family to another given to a family when they lose a baby."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Career Journey
03:10 Embracing Opportunities and Adaptability
06:03 Navigating Career Changes and Redundancy
08:41 Flexible Working and Work-Life Balance
15:53 Setting Boundaries for Successful Flexible Working
21:13 Choosing What You Enjoy and What Aligns with Your Skills
29:39 Supporting Employees Through Baby Loss
39:14 Empathy and Sensitivity
Resources
Aching Arms Charity for family who experienced baby loss
Episode 003 with Caroline Bedford - discussing generalist role in insurance
Episode 032 with Gemma Lines - discussing flexible working
About the Host
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn

041: The importance of role modelling with CJ De Guzman

Summary
Join Sandra in this enlightening episode as she engages in conversation with CJ De Guzman, an analytics engineer who has made significant strides in the insurance industry. Starting with a background in international business, CJ discusses her transition into insurance, fuelled by her passion for data analytics and strategic development. She shares insights into the pivotal role of mentors and supportive communities throughout her career and talks about her journey in overcoming imposter syndrome to become a role model herself.
Key Takeaways
Role models and supportive communities are crucial for overcoming imposter syndrome and enhancing industry support networks.
Being a role model involves setting an example and sharing knowledge and expertise.
Engaging with communities and maintaining visibility online is essential for connecting with peers and expanding professional networks.
The insurance industry offers unique and exciting opportunities for those interested in data and analytics.
The insurance sector provides significant career growth and development opportunities, even for those starting without a technical background.
Resources
Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.
About the Host
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn

040: Positive Psychology, AI in Insurance, and Conscious Decision-Making with Gill White

Summary 
Gill White, Executive Director of Member Engagement and Learning for the Chartered Insurance Institute, shares her journey into the insurance industry, her interest in positive psychology, and the importance of professional qualifications. She emphasises the value of continuous learning and the impact it can have on one's career. Gill also discusses the role of positive psychology in personal and professional development, highlighting the power of conscious decision-making and choosing happiness. She explores the potential of AI in the insurance industry, noting that it will augment human roles and create more time for meaningful client interactions. Gill calls for greater diversity and retention efforts in the industry, emphasising the need for a positive culture and continuous development for younger professionals.
Takeaways
Continuous learning and professional qualifications are essential for personal and professional growth in the insurance industry.
Positive psychology and conscious decision-making can lead to greater happiness and success in one's career.
AI will augment human roles in the insurance industry, creating more time for meaningful client interactions.
The industry needs to prioritise diversity and retention efforts to attract and retain young talent.
A positive culture and continuous development are crucial for the success and satisfaction of younger professionals.
Sound Bites
"Making conscious decisions and choosing happiness can lead to greater success in your career."
"AI will augment human roles in the insurance industry, creating more time for meaningful client interactions."
"Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth."
Resources
Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck 
AGES Model 
Thinking, Fast and Slow: Daniel Kahneman 
AI book “Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI
Find out more about the collective at 100 Women in Insurance
About the Host
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin

039: Career progression isn't always upwards with Amy Ing

Summary
In this conversation, Sandra interviews Amy Ing, an incubation underwriter for Beazley.
Amy shares her journey into the insurance industry, starting as a box assistant at Lloyds and eventually finding her passion for innovation.
They discuss the role of innovation in the insurance market and how it can drive change and create new opportunities.
During their talk, Amy also provides insights into breaking into innovation in the industry. Additionally, they touch on the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, debunking common myths about parenting, the importance of support networks, and the need to recognise and value different career paths and progression.
Takeaways
Career progression doesn't always have to mean moving up the corporate ladder. There are valuable roles and contributions that don't involve management positions.
Balancing work and motherhood is a challenge, and it's important to have support networks and flexible work arrangements to accommodate the needs of working parents.
Companies should recognise and value the diverse experiences and perspectives that employees bring to the table, and provide opportunities for growth and development that go beyond traditional promotions.
Authenticity and flexibility are key in finding a work-life balance that works for individuals and allows them to thrive both personally and professionally.
Resources
Related resources: Caroline Bedford and the EDII initiative here: Caroline Bedford and EDII
Thanks to Send for sponsoring this episode.
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 to explore more insights and episodes: Sandra's LinkedIn

038: Embracing Neurodiversity Career and the Importance of Diverse Hiring with Caroline Taylor

Summary
Join us as Caroline Taylor shares her inspiring journey into the insurance industry, beginning when she left school at 16. Caroline's career has been driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to change. She discusses the vital role of networking, the importance of supporting entry-level talent, and the need to challenge conventional recruitment to enhance diversity and inclusion.
She also opens up about her personal experience with imposter syndrome and neurodiversity, advocating for better support for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.
Caroline reflects on how her experiences in the insurance industry have shaped her career, highlighting the benefits of coaching and therapy for neurodivergent traits to help with professional growth.
She also points out the importance of diverse hiring options, and embracing different entry levels, including early school leavers.
Takeaways
The traditional recruitment process may exclude diverse talent and limit opportunities to expand talent in the industry.
Supporting entry-level talent and increasing diversity in the industry is essential for innovation and better customer service. Diversity in hiring is crucial to bringing in different perspectives and talents.
Imposter syndrome affects both men and women, and it's important to address and overcome self-doubt.
Understanding and embracing one's neurodivergent traits can lead to personal growth and success.
Coaching and therapy can be valuable tools in navigating neurodiversity and improving communication and self-awareness.
Networking and building genuine connections are crucial for career growth and opportunities.
Reaching out to the network for support and opportunities can lead to unexpected job offers.
About the Host
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin

037: From Underwriting to Broking, the Power of Embracing Opportunities with Alice Glenister

Summary
Alice Glenister, Head of Parametrics at Miller, shares her journey in the insurance industry, from underwriting, insurtech to broking. In this episode, Alice points out the value of resilience, flexibility, and embracing opportunities. She emphasises the importance of understanding rejection, shaping one's career, and the impact of mentorship. Alice's experience highlights the diverse paths and opportunities within the insurance industry, emphasising the value of personal and professional growth.
Takeaways
Success is not always defined by a rigid plan, but by the ability to embrace opportunities and remain flexible in one's journey.
Resilience and flexibility are key to navigating a successful career in the insurance industry.
Understanding rejection and using feedback to address concerns is essential for personal and professional growth.
Mentorship and the ability to shape one's career path are valuable aspects of the insurance industry.
About the Host
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin