100 Women in Insurance

022: Navigating Career Break and Work-Life Harmony, whilst building a successful career with Sarah Sutton

Sarah Sutton, Chief Marketing Officer at Send, shares her career journey from the West End to the insurance industry.
She discusses the importance of being true to oneself and the value of adaptability in one's career. Sarah also emphasises the need for a balance between work and personal life and the importance of celebrating small wins.
She highlights the benefits of working in a startup environment and the opportunities for growth and impact. Sarah also discusses the challenges of perception and diversity in the insurance industry and the need for collective action to drive change.
Takeaways
Be true to yourself and embrace adaptability in your career.
Find a balance between work and personal life and celebrate small wins.
Consider opportunities in both large companies and startups, focusing on alignment with values and culture.
Tap into diverse talent and create inclusive hiring practices.
Challenge the perception of the insurance industry and highlight the commercial value of diversity.
Embrace career transitions and the opportunities they bring.
Focus on the benefits and experiences gained from being in the insurance industry.
Thanks to Send (https://send.technology/) for sponsoring this this episode.
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 worldwide 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.

021: Navigating Career Breaks and Return-to-Work Strategies with Shazia Deenally

Summary
In this conversation, Shazia Deenally shares her career journey in the insurance industry. She discusses her transition from working at Manchester United Football club into insurance.
Shazia emphasises the importance of seeking challenges and growth in different roles and being proactive in career development. She also highlights the significance of supporting social mobility initiatives and broadening horizons for underprivileged communities.
Shazia addresses misconceptions about Ramadan and offers advice for navigating career breaks and returning to work. She emphasizes the importance of communication and seeking support from a strong network.
The conversation explores the importance of honest conversations in the workplace, particularly regarding career progression and support during maternity leave. It highlights the positive experiences that can result from open conversations with line managers.
The impact of maternity leave on career progression is discussed, emphasising the need for communication and support from employers. The conversation also touches on the importance of shortening the period away from work and utilising the skills of returners.
The need for training on supportive conversations and the financial impact of career breaks are addressed. Finally, the value of relationships in the insurance industry is emphasised.
Takeaways
Seek challenges and growth in different roles to expand your skills and knowledge.
Be proactive in your career development and seek opportunities aligning with your goals.
Support social mobility initiatives and contribute to broadening horizons for underprivileged communities.
Communicate your career goals and seek support from your network to navigate career breaks and return to work. Honest conversations are crucial for career progression and support in the workplace.
Open conversations with line managers can lead to positive experiences during maternity leave.
Maternity leave can significantly impact career progression, highlighting the need for communication and support from employers.
Shortening the period away from work and utilising the skills of returners are important for career advancement.
Training on supportive conversations and addressing the financial impact of career breaks are necessary in the insurance industry.
Building relationships is valuable in the insurance industry, providing a network of support and opportunities.

020: TikTok Tales: Sam Ridgewell's Journey from Chance to Empowerment in Insurance

Summary
In this episode, Sam Ridgewell, Managing Director of Empower Development and insurance TikToker, shares her journey in the insurance industry and the impact of social media's impact on promoting careers in insurance, particularly TikTok.
She discusses how her insurance career resulted from chance and how she transitioned to starting her own business. Sam also talks about the importance of personal branding and the challenges of changing her name due to marriage.
She emphasizes the power of social media in changing industry perceptions and provides insights on how individuals can get involved and make an impact through platforms like TikTok. In this conversation, Sam and Sandra discuss the impact of social media, specifically TikTok, in changing public opinion about the insurance industry and attracting young talent.
The conversation highlights the power of building authentic relationships, networking and asking for opportunities.
Takeaways
Opportunities in the insurance industry can arise by chance, and it's important to be open to unexpected paths.
Transparency and open conversations with managers and employers can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes and career progression.
Personal branding is crucial in promoting careers in insurance, and social media platforms like TikTok can be powerful tools for reaching a wider audience.
Contributing to the insurance industry through social media can significantly impact changing industry perceptions and attracting diverse talent.
Consistency, authenticity, and a sense of humour are key when creating content on social media platforms like TikTok.

019: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and Building a Successful Career with Zoe Parsons

Summary
In this conversation, Zoe P discusses her journey into the insurance industry and her challenges as a young professional. She shares her experiences with imposter syndrome and the importance of self-reflection and positive thinking. Zoe also highlights the significance of diversity and inclusion events and the need for organizations to invest in developing young talent. She emphasizes the value of networking and relationship-building in the insurance industry and encourages women to take the leap and explore new opportunities. Overall, Zoe's story inspires those starting their careers in insurance and highlights the importance of empowerment and support in achieving success.
Takeaways
Overcoming imposter syndrome and anxiety requires self-reflection and positive thinking. Organizations should invest in the development of young talent to retain them and promote diversity and inclusion. Networking and relationship building are crucial in the insurance industry. Women should take the leap and explore new opportunities in the industry.

018: From law to insurance; the importance of finding your tribe at work with Malene Bye Rasmussen

Summary
In this conversation, Malene Bye Rasmussen discusses her career in the insurance industry and provides insights into transitioning from law. She emphasizes the importance of networking and putting oneself out there to explore different career paths. Malene also shares her experience working at Insurance Europe and advocating for the insurance sector. She encourages individuals to find their tribe and connect with colleagues who can provide guidance and support. Additionally, she highlights the impact of insurance in facilitating various aspects of life and business.
Takeaways
• Networking and speaking with colleagues can provide valuable insights and help identify new career opportunities.
• Being open to change and willing to explore different paths can lead to fulfilling careers in the insurance industry.
• Building a diverse network and connecting with individuals from different backgrounds and industries can broaden perspectives and open doors to new opportunities.
• Insurance is crucial in facilitating everyday life and business operations, providing protection and enabling growth.
• Finding your tribe is key to a successful career

017: Beyond the Back Office: Transforming Insurance Careers with Nicola Chapman

Summary
In this conversation, Nicola Chapman, Chief Claims Officer of Consilium Insurance Brokers, discusses her career journey in the insurance industry and the challenges she has faced.
She emphasizes the importance of supportive managers and networks in shaping her career. Nicola also highlights the need to eliminate the term 'back office' and promote equality within the industry.
She shares her experiences of balancing work and personal life and challenges the notion of 'having it all'.
Nicola concludes by discussing the valuable knowledge and experiences she has gained through her work in insurance.
Takeaways
Supportive managers and networks play a crucial role in shaping a successful career in the insurance industry.
The term 'back office' should be eliminated to promote equality and recognize the importance of all roles within the industry.
Balancing work and personal life requires setting boundaries and open communication with employers and colleagues.
The pressure to 'have it all' can be overwhelming, and individuals should prioritize their own well-being and make choices that align with their values and goals.
Working in insurance provides opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in various industries and try new things.
Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-chapman-26066b6a/
 

016: From Underwriting to Consulting. How to identify when it is time for a career change with Svenja Pinkepank

Summary
In this conversation, Svenja shares her journey from starting in underwriting to transitioning into consulting. She discusses the misconceptions about consulting and the importance of being authentic and collaborative in the industry. Svenja also provides insights on how to establish yourself as a consultant and navigate meeting new people. She emphasises the significance of role models and representation in creating inclusive cultures within companies. The conversation explores the importance of creating an inclusive culture, supporting women in their careers, true collaboration, and the rewards of a career in insurance.
Quotes
Ask yourself, ‘Can I accept this role/culture/environment, or do I want to change it (move on)?’
What drove me to make a change in my career was the realisation that I am not at my best, and when I am not feeling like I am in the right place, It is tough to do.
At the end of the day, everyone has an accent
Takeaways
Consider insurance as a career choice, even if it may not align with your background or interests.
Transitioning from one career path to another requires networking, reaching out to others, and being open to new opportunities.
Authenticity, collaboration, and flexibility are key to success as a consultant.
Building bridges and finding common ground with others can help establish strong working relationships.
Role models and representation are important for creating inclusive cultures in companies.
An inclusive culture should not solely rely on minorities to drive change; it requires big statements from the top and tangible support for women throughout their careers.
True collaboration across different companies, cultures, and countries can solve complex problems and improve the insurance industry.
A career in insurance offers opportunities to make a difference, work with passionate experts, and contribute to solving challenging problems.
Resources:
Announcement of Janet Truncale, EY Global Chair and CEO, appointment
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.

015: Mastering Social Media to Change the Face of Insurance with Anna Dilku

Looking to see how social media can totally transform the insurance world? This is the episode you can't miss. We're joined by the amazing Anna Dilku, Group Social Media Manager. She's here to share her incredible journey in the insurance industry, filled with eye-opening stories and tips that'll totally wow you. Get ready to be swept up in a world where digital-savvy meets traditional business, and see Anna is making waves.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Anna's squiggly career from a media agency to the insurance world.
The sweet spot of when your personal and professional passions align.
How Anna's approach is diversifying the industry.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Anna began her career as a Graduate Media Buyer at WPP in Manchester, later moving to Bristol. She joined AXA's Graduate Leadership Programme, gaining experience across IT, Customer Services, and Marketing Strategy, and played a key role in AXA's first Diversity Forum. Anna's career journey took her through various roles in Communications at AXA, Friends Life and Aviva, focusing on areas like internal communications, event management, and creative strategy. She now manages Aviva's corporate social media and leads the award-winning multicultural network Aviva Origins. Outside work, Anna is a "Squiggly Career Advocate," a UN Women Delegate, and has been recognized as a prominent female and ethnic minority role model, receiving multiple awards for her work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
LINKS:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annacv/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anskee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaSocials
Learn more about Anna's journey (Post that went Viral): https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6853209456411521024/ 
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Aviva UK on TikTok: Catch a glimpse of the innovative and entertaining content Aviva is creating on TikTok. A fresh take on insurance that's not to be missed! https://www.tiktok.com/@avivauk 
FOLLOW US:
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Website: https://www.100womenininsurance.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/97034609/admin/feed/posts/

014: Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Insurance Leadership with Hannah Pring

Why are there so few women in senior leadership roles in insurance? How can culture shifts within organisations facilitate female talent retention? How can we encourage companies to consider DEI initiatives not simply as tick-box exercises but as integral means of driving positive change?
In this episode, we are thrilled to be speaking with Hannah Pring, Head of Compliance at Lockton and host of the incredible Miracle Working Mums podcast! In conversation with Sandra Lewin, Hannah discusses the importance of women establishing a supportive network both within and beyond their organisations to support them, particularly as they rise the ranks to more senior positions. She explores the importance of challenging the hegemony of ‘alpha male’ energy in insurance and the broader finance sector, and the power of feminine energy and active listening.
 
Quote of the Episode
“How business is done needs to be more diverse… the pitfall for some organisations can be to appoint somebody into a diversity role… and that does an excellent job. I really believe all contribution is really valuable, and everything's turning the dial. But, how do you turn the next notch,? It's been really important to make sure the messages are getting out there. But we need to make sure we're not tell[ing] a story that doesn't really ring true day-to-day in people's roles.”
Hannah argues that while the insurance industry is beginning to make great strides in its diverse recruitment efforts, this will not have a significant, long-term impact within companies unless their culture also changes. Diversity needs to be embedded into the fibre of everything an organisation does. When designing and distributing products; when thinking about clients, is your company thinking about the diversity of its clients, all of their needs, and how accessible these products might be for them? Thus, whilst bringing in diverse talent is a great first step, the culture in-house also needs to shift. Otherwise, companies may find that this new talent doesn’t stay for very long.
 
Key Takeaways
Hannah argues that, historically, feminine traits have been considered ‘degrading’ within insurance, and across the financial sector. In an industry where the ‘alpha male’ mindset continues to prevail, actively displaying and celebrating one’s femininity often may lead to others thinking less of you. Hannah suggests that women have typically progressed more successfully when they have presented more generically ‘masculine’ attributes, thereby suppressing their ‘feminine’ qualities. This is particularly the case in the upper echelons of the industry which continue to be dominated by men. Those women who do reach senior leadership roles may feel a pressure to assimilate themselves into that environment, and become homogenised, rather than embracing and displaying their diverse feminine approach.
It’s about time that the perpetuation of ‘alpha male’ energy in insurance is challenged. Hannah argues that the incorporation of alternative energies can be extremely powerful, and can foster a more supportive and inclusive environment in the workplace. There’s a lot of power in silence, and actively listening in a leadership position can help new voices and ideas be heard.
This is particularly important as we endeavour as an industry to promote female talent retention, which often drops off as women begin to plan families. We need to have open conversations within the industry about how we can support women who decide to have children, and who often wish to retain their careers. These topics, along with issues around women’s health, remain highly taboo across insurance, but they need not be. Hannah’s ‘Miracle Working Mums’ podcast aims to fill this void, enabling women to share their stories of planning a family alongside their working lives.
 
Best Moments/Key Quotes
“I feel a huge responsibility to other women in insurance… there’s so few beyond mid-levels. Most organisations are managing to recruit 5050. And to keep up to mid management sort of 5050. But you really see that sort of proportionality drift off beyond manager level.”
‘All sorts of underrepresented groups have the capacity to do what everybody else does, but not the opportunity.’
‘The best skill that you can have as a leader is actually active listening, but in order to actively listen, you have to be quiet.’
“I feel like talking about planning a family and starting a family is something that is actually difficult for women to do, because we often talk about our personal life with our friends and our peers. But actually, oftentimes, you are approaching [having a family], at different times to your peers, or with different challenges. And you may or may not have someone at work that you feel you can talk to, because there's a whole dynamic when you're talking about trying to get pregnant, or challenges with getting pregnant, or what have you, at work.”
 
Resources
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Work Like a Woman: A Manifesto for Change by Mary Portas
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Miracle Working Mums Podcast: – https://miracleworkingmums.podbean.com/
Miracle Working Mums Episode 13 – Helping female business owners get clear on their goals to turn their desires into revenue – with Eleshia Harris: https://miracleworkingmums.podbean.com/e/e13-helping-female-business-owners-get-clear-on-their-goals-to-turn-their-desires-into-revenue/
 
About the Guest
Hannah currently specialises in Regulatory Compliance with a wealth of experience in the London Insurance Market. She has developed a high performing team and actively leads projects that develop Lockton’s wider corporate culture. Hannah is an Executive MBA candidate at King’s College London, and recipient of the Women Excelling in Business scholarship award, funded by The 30% Club. Hannah is the host of the Miracle Working Mums podcast, and is passionate about supporting women in business and increasing the female contribution to economic growth.
Hannah’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-pring-compliance/
Miracle Working Mums Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32Ebke3ft40hhbYuV3kmTt
 
Miracle Working Mums Instagram: https://instagram.com/miracleworkingmums
 
Miracle Working Mums Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/miracle-working-mums/id1696196096
 
About the Host
Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives.
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin

013: Shifting Perceptions of Insurance Careers with Florence Dennis and Charlotte West

Why should insurance companies invest in the personal development of their new employees through additional events and opportunities?
What opportunities are available to young insurance professionals looking to boost their personal brands?
What is CII New Generation Programme and Insurance Influencer Project?
 
In this episode, we are very pleased to be speaking with two insurance powerhouses: Florence Dennis, Lead Client Advisor at Partners & Charlotte West, Account Executive at WTW
 
In conversation with Sandra Lewin, they discuss their ‘Insurance Influencers’ project developed as part of the CII New Generation Programme, highlighting the importance of repositioning public perceptions of insurance careers and inspiring the next generation of industry professionals.
 
Furthermore, they discuss the importance of insurance companies implementing schemes and opportunities to develop their new talent, in order both to boost retention and interest in the wide range of exciting careers our industry has to offer.
 
Key take aways
Hear Florence and Charlotte career story
Find out about the CII New Generation Programme and how it can help you build your personal brand and expand networking circle (with ease)
Florence and Charlotte share their CII New Generation Programme journey of collaboration on the campaign aiming to dispel misconceptions about insurance careers, which resulted in the ‘Insurance Influencers’ initiative
Gain tips and insights on how to build your personal brand online
Learn what insurance companies can improve on to attract more diverse talent
Find out how to share your experience in insurance and use the ‘Insurance Influencer’ material
Best Moments/Key Quotes
“I think [The CII New Generation Programme] was a great opportunity to get in a room with other future leaders and people who are going to be big in insurance… I've met some wonderful, amazing people on the course.”
 
“[A career in insurance] is not this really boring thing where we all sit in dingy offices and speak to people on the phone all the time. We thought, everyone's got this misconception that insurance is really boring. So we wanted this video that can be shared on social media, thinking about our target audience, being the younger generation. We wanted to capture their imagination, using social media, to shine a light on the industry so that people start thinking, ‘Oh, yeah, it looks quite cool working in insurance’.”
 
“[Social media is] a really powerful tool to influence people. You can use your social media to influence and put things out there positively.”
 
“Job adverts don't do justice to the careers that are actually on offer. There's definitely a lot of work to be done on companies selling themselves. I think insurance companies, brokers and insurers alike, bear responsibility to try and keep the young talent invested once they're in the door, so you can get them in the door [to start with].”
 
“Networking fills me with dread... [but] you have to network. It’s so essential to build your network. So, I put myself in positions where I get to work with people to build my network. [Through] the CII New Generation Programme, I've now expanded my network, not by just walking into a room and having to introduce myself to people. I've worked on a project with them. So now I've probably got a deeper relationship and connection with them and built my network.”
 
Resources
CII New Generation Programme: https://www.cii.co.uk/new-generation-programme
CII – Insurance Influencer: https://www.cii.co.uk/about-us/initiatives/engagement/new-generation-programme/insurance-influencer/
Regional Committees – BIBA: https://www.biba.org.uk/regional-committees/
Next Generation in Insurance Network: https://www.nginlondon.com/
 
About the Guest
Florence Dennis is the Lead Client Advisor at Partners&. She is also the Chairwoman of BIBA East Midlands Committee and the Vice President of CII Leicester. Florence’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florencedennis/
 
Charlotte West is an Account Executive in the UK Retail Practice at WTW, and a Chair of Next Generation in Insurance Network.
Charlotte’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotteelizabethwest/
 
About the Host
Sandra Lewin started her career in insurance as a broker and has since taken on many different roles. Alongside being a host of this podcast "100 Women in Insurance", she also specializes in helping insurance businesses and professionals establish a social media presence, delivers change programs, and provides one-on-one coaching for women looking to take control of their careers and lives.
Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and find out more: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandralewin