100 Women in Insurance

032: Top networking tips for saving time and maximising your connections with Gemma Lines

This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment.
Summary
In this conversation, Sandra interviews Gemma Lines about her squiggly career journey moving from banking to insurance and from marketing to HR. Gemma's experience goes beyond her own, as she also wrote a master's dissertation on gender differences in networking and is a qualified executive coach.
In this episode, Gemma highlights the challenges faced by women in the insurance industry and provides plenty of useful tips on how to develop a successful career.
Gemma points out the importance of being happy in your career, the need for flexibility and support for women in the workplace, and the power of networking and building strong connections.
She also emphasises the need for organisations to address women's health issues and create inclusive policies and practices.
Takeaways
Be happy in your career and listen to what makes you happy and gives you energy.
Flexibility and support are crucial for women in the workplace, especially during difficult life stages.
Networking and building strong connections can open doors and create opportunities.
Organisations should address women's health issues and create inclusive policies and practices.
Navigate your career by identifying the behaviours and patterns you want to bring with you and leaving behind those that no longer serve you.
"The happier you are doing something, the more energy you have doing something."
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.

031: Strategies for Climbing the Professional Ladder through authenticity, transparency and happiness with Sima Ruparelia

This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment.
Summary
In this conversation, Sandra interviews Sima Ruparelia about the importance of finding happiness in what you do, strategies for climbing the career ladder and showing up authentically at work.
Sima emphasises the importance of research and networking when exploring career opportunities and highlights the need for authenticity and transparency in leadership. She explains how to let go of your work baggage when moving to a new role and not let negative criticism define you. She also encourages women to turn words such as ‘bossy’ and ‘difficult’ into positive traits of a successful career woman.
As Chairwoman of ISC Global: Women From Black And Underrepresented Ethnic Backgrounds Forum, Sima discusses the significance of diversity of thought and creating a culture of acceptance in the workplace. She also explains the key challenges faced by women from ethnic backgrounds in the insurance industry.
Sima shares plenty of amazing tips to enhance your professional and personal growth.
Takeaways
Explore different opportunities and gain diverse experiences to determine your career path.
Conduct thorough research on companies and seek advice from trusted sources before making career moves.
Create a culture of acceptance and embrace diversity of thought in the workplace. The lack of role models is a significant challenge for women in the insurance industry, especially black women.
Hiding and working from home may feel safer, but it can hinder career progression.
Building confidence to challenge the status quo and be authentic is crucial for success.
Let go of baggage when moving to a new role, and don't let negative criticism define you.
Words like 'difficult' and 'bossy' are often assigned to strong women, and being assertive is not a negative trait.
The insurance industry provides opportunities for personal growth and unique experiences.
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.

030: How to be an effective leader in insurance, make tough decisions, embrace empathy, and find your own work life balance with Tammy Richardson.

This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment.
Summary
Tammy Richardson shares her amazing career journey and insights on how to become a successful business leader in insurance. She emphasizes the importance of gathering diverse skills and experiences, managing a business as if it were your own, and being open to new opportunities.
In this episode, apart from amazing career tips, Tammy shares her incredible personal story of moving to a new country (UK) with a young child and being a new single mother. She is a true role model for many who experience  ‘guilt’, with wanting to do it all and taking control of your career along the way.
Tammy also discusses the challenges of making tough business decisions and the role of empathy in leadership. She advises managers and companies to better understand their employees by engaging with them and creating opportunities for growth.
Tammy's top tip for building a successful career in insurance is to engage with industry groups and gain an external perspective.
Takeaways
Gather diverse skills and experiences to become a well-rounded leader.
Be open to new opportunities and willing to take on different roles.
Make tough decisions with empathy, respect, and transparency.
Engage with employees and create opportunities for growth and understanding.
Think like a business leader and consider how you would run the business as if it were your own.
Join industry groups to gain an external perspective and expand your network.
Sound Bites
"Thinking about how you would run the business as if it were your own."
"Hold your head high, be accountable, and adapt in tough situations."
"Learning to say no and prioritize what is important to you."
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.

029: Strategies for a successful career in insurance with Vicki Filer

Summary
This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment.
Get ready to be inspired by Vicki Filer, Divisional Director at Arthur, as she shares her incredible career journey and valuable insights into building a successful career in insurance.
In this episode, Vicki takes us on a thrilling adventure through her professional milestones and personal triumphs, including conquering Mount Kilimanjaro! 🏔️
She shares the lessons she learned from this solo expedition and how they apply to her career and the work she does with both clients and candidates. Vicki also highlights the importance of maintaining an ongoing relationship with a recruiter to navigate career growth and find the right opportunities.
Highlights from the conversation include:
🌟 Questions to ask yourself when you want to move to another role
🌟 Overcoming self-doubt and celebrating accomplishments to build confidence.
🌟 Tops tips for building a successful career in insurance
🌟 The importance of having difficult conversations with managers and addressing burnout.
🌟 The benefits of an ongoing relationship with recruiters for career guidance and opportunities.
🌟 Flexibility in work arrangements and setting long-term career goals for personal and professional growth.
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.

028: Insights into Bermuda’s unique insurance community, career success and finding work-life balance with Apryle Oswald

Apryle Oswald shares her career journey, from starting as a math major to becoming the Chief Analytics Officer for Ariel Re in Bermuda. She shares her story of working in insurance across a variety of roles and locations.
She also discusses her experiences working in Bermuda and the unique aspects of the insurance market there. She also reflects on imposter syndrome and the importance of finding work-life balance.
The conversation covers various topics related to life in Bermuda, importance of community and networking, authenticity in the workplace, psychology and coaching, the human connection in business, confidence and public speaking, We Speak Bermuda, the overstretching of talent, and work-life balance.
The episode emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and setting boundaries in order to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance.
Takeaways
Career paths in insurance can often be influenced by chance and opportunities that you take along the way.
Taking on a variety of roles can provide valuable experience and knowledge in different areas of the industry.
Finding work-life balance is essential for long-term career satisfaction and personal well-being.
Imposter syndrome can affect professionals at any stage of their career, but confidence in one's abilities is key to overcoming it.
Thanks to Send (https://send.technology/) for sponsoring this 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 specialty 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.

027: Finding your authentic career success with Pamela Thomson-Hall

Summary
Pamela Thomson-Hall, CEO and Head of International Businesses at WTW, shares her career journey and pivotal moments, including her involvement in the World Trade Center claims process and acquiring a French broker.
Pamela emphasizes the importance of not trying to do it all and finding a balance between work and personal life. She also provides tips on establishing a presence in a room and overcoming mum's guilt.
Pamela highlights the benefits of a career in insurance, including the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures.
In this conversation, Sandra interviews Pamela Thomson-Hall about her journey to finding happiness and success on her own terms. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, defining success for oneself, and finding happiness and fulfilment in life. Pamela shares her personal experiences and insights, providing valuable lessons for listeners.
Takeaways
Self-reflection is crucial for understanding one's values, passions, and goals.
Success should be defined based on personal fulfilment and happiness rather than external validation.
Finding happiness and fulfilment requires aligning one's actions and choices with their values and passions.
Taking the time to explore and understand oneself leads to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

026: Successful journey from Grad Scheme to Specialised Underwriting with Emma White

Summary
Emma White, a senior underwriter at Liberty Specialty Markets, shares her journey in the insurance industry and her specialisation in fine art and species insurance. She discusses the benefits of graduate schemes and offers advice on making the most of these programs.
Emma also highlights the challenges of transitioning from a graduate scheme to a full-time role and provides insights on career progression. She delves into the world of fine art insurance, explaining the diverse range of items that can be insured and the global nature of the industry. Emma also discusses her involvement in committees and networks, emphasising the importance of collaboration and open-mindedness. She concludes by reflecting on the unique experiences and opportunities she has had in her insurance career, particularly in terms of travel and meeting people from different backgrounds.
Takeaways
To make the most of a graduate scheme, be proactive, say yes to opportunities, and build relationships with colleagues.
Transitioning from a graduate scheme to a full-time role may require patience and persistence, but staying dedicated and open to learning can lead to career progression.
Fine art insurance involves insuring a wide range of items, including artwork, fossils, and high-value interests like cash and precious metals.
Involvement in committees and networks can provide valuable experiences, opportunities for personal growth, and a platform for collaboration and idea-sharing.
Graduate schemes provide valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and exploring different areas of the insurance industry.
A career in insurance can offer unique experiences, such as travel and the chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds.

025: Navigating Opportunities and Relationships for a Successful Career in Insurance with Vicky Carter

Summary
We are a quarter of the way to the 100 Women in Insurance Goal!
In this conversation, Vicky Carter, Chairman of Global Capital Solutions International at Guy Carpenter and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Lloyd's, shares her journey in the insurance industry and discusses the importance of taking opportunities and building relationships.
She emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion in the industry and highlights the role of insurance in a changing world.
Vicky also talks about the value of honesty and bringing your whole self to work. She encourages young professionals to join the insurance industry and make the most of its opportunities.
Takeaways
Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it's not part of your original plan.
Build strong relationships based on trust and honesty.
Embrace diversity and inclusion to bring different perspectives and skill sets to the industry.
Insurance is critical in managing risk and supporting societies in a volatile world.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest in this episode are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of their employer or any other organization with which they may be affiliated. The guest is speaking in their personal capacity, and any information or statements made should be attributed to them individually. Our podcast aims to provide a platform for diverse perspectives, and the opinions expressed by guests are not endorsements by the podcast or its host. Listeners are encouraged to consider multiple viewpoints and form their own conclusions.

024: From returner to role model: Navigating Motherhood, Career, and Leadership with Laura Harvey

In this episode, Sandra speaks to the amazing Laura Harvey, Director and Head of the Property Desk at the Davies Group. Laura is a mum of two beautiful children and was highly commended at the 2023 Women in Insurance Event for the most inspiring returner.
Laura shares her journey in the insurance industry and discusses the challenges faced by women, particularly during key life stages. She emphasizes the importance of open and honest conversations between employees and employers and the need for supportive policies and a culture that recognizes and accommodates personal needs.
Sandra and Laura also discuss the issue of sexual harassment at industry events and suggest ways to prevent such behaviour. For example, it highlights the importance of team-building activities that cater to the needs of all participants and move away from a heavy drinking culture. Instead, create fully inclusive events that challenge the norm and change behaviours.
The conversation also emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box for networking events and the value of smaller, more intimate gatherings.
There is a lot to take away from this episode, and we hope you enjoy it.
Takeaways
Open and honest conversations between employees and employers are crucial for navigating personal and professional challenges.
Supportive policies and a culture that recognizes and accommodates personal needs are essential for retaining and empowering employees.
Companies should strive to prevent sexual harassment at industry events by creating inclusive and respectful environments.
Flexibility in working arrangements benefits employees and the business, increasing productivity and employee satisfaction. The insurance industry should move towards more engaging and inclusive events.
Create team-building activities that cater to the needs of all participants.
Shift away from a heavy drinking culture at events.
Challenge the norm and change behaviours to create fully inclusive events.
Think outside the box for networking events and provide options for staff members.
Value smaller, more intimate gatherings for better networking opportunities.
Experience the diversity of the insurance industry and learn from different perspectives.

023: From Actuarial to InsurTech Founder and Imposter Syndrome Along the Way with Bijal Patel

Summary
Bijal Patel, co-founder and CTO of Aurora, shares her journey from actuarial to digital commercial InsurTech. She discusses the importance of finding happiness in work and how to navigate career transitions.
 
Bijal also opens up about imposter syndrome and the challenges of being a leader in a startup. She emphasizes the value of building a strong culture and the power of reaching out to others for inspiration and guidance.
 
Takeaways
Finding happiness in work is crucial for career satisfaction.
When considering a career change, focus on what you enjoy and what brings you value.
Building a strong culture and values is essential for a successful team.
Imposter syndrome can be overcome by recognizing your strengths and focusing on your intentions.
Reaching out to others for guidance and inspiration can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.
Thanks to Send (https://send.technology/) for sponsoring this 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 specialty 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.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:09 Choosing Actuarial Role
06:10 Transitioning to Commercial Insurance
08:10 Finding Happiness in Work
09:20 Building a Network and Exploring Options
10:32 Transitioning to a Startup
14:11 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
15:47 Developing Confidence
19:09 Becoming a Leader
20:18 Finding Your Leadership Style
23:13 Building a Strong Culture
25:05 Bringing Talent Together
27:06 The Reality of Starting a Business
29:53 Skills and Traits in Startups vs. Corporations
32:15 Advice for Your Younger Self
33:13 Opportunities in Insurance
35:07 Reaching Out and Inspiring Others