100 Women in Insurance

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

036: Navigating maternity leave, strategic career planning and no spam networking with Susan Andrew

This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment.
Summary
In this episode, Susan Andrew, operations director at Brit, shares her unique career journey, moving from a compliance role in Banking to operations in Insurance. Susan shares valuable insights on career progression, maternity leave, and networking. Her career journey navigating two maternity leaves, promotion during maternity leave, career change and leadership style are great examples of what is possible and how to build a successful career on your own terms.
Susan emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking about our future careers, focusing on measurable value, and building meaningful connections through 'no spam networking'.
Key takeaways include:
Strategically think about your future career by understanding your core skills and what makes you happy at work.
Focus on measurable value and understand your contribution to the commercial and strategic goals of your company.
Don't be afraid to take side steps in your career as long as they align with your long-term goals.
Prepare for maternity leave by having honest conversations with your manager about your expectations and goals.
Build meaningful connections through authentic networking, focusing on shared experiences and mutual support.
Resource
Ted Talk 'Career Advice you probably didn't get'
'Lean In' Sheryl Sandberg
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.

035: Navigating International Insurance Careers with Catherine Farnworth

This episode is sponsored by Arthur Recruitment.
Summary
Catherine Farnworth, Chief Actuary for UK and Europe at DUAL Group, shares her experiences as an 'insurance nomad' and offers insights on moving and working in different countries.
She emphasises the importance of considering both professional and personal factors when deciding to move, as well as maintaining a network and having a way back if needed.
Three key turning points in her career include her accidental move to Bermuda, transitioning from actuarial to risk to broaden her experience, and then returning to her actuarial roots to refocus on analytics.
These experiences shaped her career and provided valuable exposure and opportunities. In this conversation, Catherine discusses the different stages of her career and the importance of being flexible and open to new opportunities.
She emphasises the need to define success on your own terms and finding a balance between work and personal life.
Catherine also highlights the importance of building authentic relationships in the insurance industry and being true to oneself as a leader.
Takeaways
Consider both professional and personal factors when deciding to move to another country
Maintain a strong network and integrate into the local community
Have a plan for a way back (if needed)
Accidental opportunities can lead to valuable experiences and career growth
Transitioning to different roles within the industry can provide new perspectives and opportunities
Exposure to senior executives and building a network can accelerate career development
Be open to new opportunities and be willing to take risks in your career
Define success on your own terms
Build authentic relationships in the insurance industry based on mutual respect and trust
Embrace your authentic self and be true to your values and beliefs as a leader
Imposter syndrome is common, but learning to live with it and having tools to manage it can help
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.

034: From Heartache to Hope: Journey into Insurance Entrepreneurship with Emma Astley

Summary 
Emma Astley from CoverMyBubble shares her journey of starting her own insurance brokerage and the personal experiences that inspired her.
She emphasises the importance of listening to clients and providing personalized insurance solutions. Emma also discusses the challenges she faced in the early stages of her business, including dealing with lead generation companies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She highlights the need for education and awareness around different types of insurance, such as bump cover and children's cover.
Despite the difficulties, Emma's resilience and determination have led to the success and growth of her business. Emma discusses the challenges of changing the old-school persona of insurance and the importance of authenticity. She highlights the lack of awareness around pregnancy complications and the need for bump cover. She also talks about the misconceptions about insurance and the importance of consulting with an advisor to understand the available options.
Emma’s story behind building the business is a true inspiration to many of us.
Takeaways
Educate and raising awareness about different types of insurance is key in supporting families' health in the long term
Resilience and determination are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success in business and life
Authenticity is key in changing the old-school persona of insurance.
Better training for advisors and collaboration between insurers and advisors can raise awareness about different insurance options.
Building strong relationships within insurance is rewarding and impactful.

033: The Story Behind the Podcast with Sandra Lewin

Summary
In this episode, Sandra, the host of the 100 Women In Insurance Podcast, reflects on the journey of creating the podcast so far.
She shares her motivation for starting the podcast, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned along the way.
Sandra emphasizes the importance of showcasing the variety of roles available in the insurance industry and providing role models for women. She also highlights the need for knowledge and support in career progression and retention.
Sandra shares her key lessons from the episodes and guests so far, including definitions of success, the importance of authenticity, being kind to oneself and the power of sharing personal stories.
In this episode, Sandra also talks about upcoming plans for the podcast and community.
Takeaways
The 100 Women in Insurance podcast was created to showcase the variety of roles available in the insurance industry, celebrate role models and share career tips.
There is a need for knowledge and support in career progression and retention in the insurance industry.
Success can be defined in many ways, and there is no one path to achieving it.
Anyone can be a role model, regardless of their experience.
Authenticity is a personal choice and it's important for you to show up in a way that feels confident and comfortable.
Sharing personal stories can be empowering and inspiring to others.
Being kind to oneself is crucial for personal growth and well-being.
Running a podcast requires more than just recording and releasing episodes.
A new website and a community membership are upcoming plans for the podcast.
Sound Bites
"If I'm biased, anyone that doesn't think there is talent out there, they really need to learn because there is talent."
"Anyone can be a role model. It doesn't have to be a person that significantly has more years of experience."
"Success is defined in so many ways. And at various stages in your career."
"Success means different things to different people."
"You get to define your own authenticity."
"Be kind to yourself and understand your own needs and challenges."

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.