InsHER

The More You Hear No, The Less It Hurts: Amora Wood on Putting Yourself Out There

Amora Wood’s journey in insurance is a testament to the power of self-advocacy, asking for what you want, and not letting a “no” deter your ambition. She landed her first insurance job simply by striking up a conversation with a restaurant regular. That same curiosity led her to explore policies beyond her first role as a receptionist, sparking a passion that carried her into production. Throughout her career, Amora has embraced rejection as part of the process, encouraging others to do the same: “The word no, and rejection, get less powerful the more you hear it. Keep putting yourself out there.” Amora also challenged competitive workplace dynamics by fostering collaboration, choosing to uplift other women rather than compete.
As a wife and mother, Amora confronted self-imposed guilt about balancing career and family, ultimately redefining success on her own terms. By seeking counsel of a working mothers she admired, she embraced the idea that pursuing her career was not just beneficial for her, it was an inspiring lesson for her children. “It's not about being there for every single thing, but about being the best version of yourself when you are.” Looking ahead, Amora hopes to create a supportive community for women in insurance, a space where they can share experiences and seek guidance.

Pursue What Matters: Dalesa Bady on Aligning Passion and Profession

In this episode, I interview Dalesa Bady, Founder of Pursue What Matters, to explore how she helps women, primarily women of color, in insurance land purpose-driven roles and build fulfilling careers. Dalesa’s journey from actuary to career alignment coach was fueled by a deep curiosity about people’s career paths and a passion for development. With nearly 15 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance space working at USAA, Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, and GuideOne Insurance, she has seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the industry. We discuss her transition into coaching, how she balanced launching her business while working full-time, and why she’s committed to helping women take control over their careers.
Dalesa shares insights on the struggles women of color face in the insurance industry, including the barriers to leadership and the need for greater representation. She explains how she guides clients toward career clarity, well-being, and financial growth, helping them uncover hidden opportunities and navigate career transitions with confidence. We also dive into the shifting priorities of today’s professionals and what’s next for Pursue What Matters, including expanding corporate partnerships and increasing access to career development resources. 

Neurodivergent Women in Re/Insurance with Dr. Emma Mahoney in Partnership with ISC Group

In my first collaboration episode with ISC Group, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Emma Mahoney, a consultant clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with neurodivergent adults, young people, and families. Dr. Emma has conducted groundbreaking research on neurodivergence in women, specifically within the re/insurance industry, shedding light on the unique challenges and strengths these professionals bring to the workplace. Throughout our conversation, she demystifies neurodiversity, clarifies common misconceptions, and explores how companies can better support neurodivergent talent. 
Dr. Emma shares why neurodivergent women are frequently underdiagnosed and how societal norms and workplace expectations add layers of complexity to their experiences. We discuss the impact of masking, the role of hormonal fluctuations, and the ways companies can create environments where neurodivergent professionals can thrive. By understanding these nuances, businesses can attract, retain, and elevate diverse talent while fostering innovation. Dr. Emma also encourages women who suspect they may be neurodivergent, to do their research, speak with a trusted expert, and decide if a formal diagnosis, or self-identifying, is right for them. 
For interest in participating in Dr. Emma’s research, please connect with her on LinkedIn, or contact ISC Group: admin@isc-group.co 

Listen Closely: Leslie Carlson on Hearing the Needs of Your Team

In this episode, I speak with Leslie Carlson, Head of International Servicing at Zurich North America where she has invested 27 years of her career. When Leslie heard claims that women on her team weren’t interested in leadership roles at the onset of the pandemic, she gathered the women on her team and fact-checked. What she found wasn’t a lack of ambition, but a deep exhaustion from caregiving, household responsibilities, and financial strain. Once she knew the truth, Leslie began asking more and more questions and advocated for what her team truly needed.
Through her efforts, Leslie not only fostered meaningful conversations but also initiated real change. Her advocacy led to salary adjustments, the introduction of practical benefits like cleaning services, and a forum that remains active, empowering women and educating allies. Leslie’s impact is undeniable: higher retention, career advancements, and a culture of allyship that continues to grow. Leslie encourages women who feel exhausted by the fight for equity to lean on their network and replenish the energy to keep going.  

Karma Boomerang: The Power of Connection, Kindness, and Paying It Forward with Jessica Peskin

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Peskin, CEO and Chief Finder of Keepers at Global Recruiters of Denver, to talk about the power of connection, strategic career moves, and building a more inclusive insurance industry. Jessica’s journey started by chance in real estate title insurance, but it quickly turned into a lifelong career. After realizing the economic and personal toll of constant travel, she made the bold move to Denver, where she launched her boutique recruiting firm in 2019. Unlike high-volume recruiters, Jessica focuses on strategic placements that create long-term success, finding a special joy in matching the right candidate with the right opportunity. Her approach is all about looking at the bigger picture: what clients need, what candidates bring to the table, and how to ensure both sides thrive.
Beyond recruitment, Jessica is a dedicated contributor to InsurTech Denver, a passionate advocate for women in insurance, and a firm believer in the power of relationships. She shares why building a “board of advisors” is essential for career growth, how women can break into leadership roles, and why compensation transparency and workplace flexibility matter. Jessica encourages young women to find their niche within insurance, speak up, and stay curious. 

The Business of You: Leveraging Your Strengths for Career Growth with Stacey Divers-Turner

In this episode, I interview Stacey Divers-Turner, a servant leader with over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. From shaping strategic policies at Allstate, Nationwide, and Farmers Insurance to optimizing distribution channels and recruiting small business owners, Stacey has seen firsthand how diverse talent can thrive in insurance. Now, as a career ownership coach, she’s passionate about helping others discover new opportunities, guiding individuals from all backgrounds to leverage their strengths in meaningful ways. Stacey shares how her experience in compliance, project management, and sales leadership prepared her to coach professionals into business ownership. 
We also explore the evolving role of women in business, the power of mentorship, and the shift from corporate careers to entrepreneurship. Stacey emphasizes that success isn’t about fitting into a mold, but about having the right support and recognizing your unique value. She discusses how women are creating businesses that align with their lives, breaking through barriers of ageism, and redefining leadership on their own terms. This conversation is packed with insights on transforming your career, building a mission-driven business, and embracing the confidence that comes with experience.

Rise Up: Feel Seen, Heard & Valued with Diana Patton

In today's special episode of #InsHER, I sit down with Diana Patton, the Rise Advocates® Academy, and International Speaker, Consultant, and Author. Diana founded the Academy in 2016 to empower professional women by helping them build confidence, embrace their personal journeys, and advocate for themselves and others. She equips women with tools to navigate workplace challenges and drive meaningful change. Additionally, her Rise with Diana platform offers coaching, consulting, and corporate training to foster inclusive workplace cultures.
Reflecting on her journey, Diana acknowledges the struggles of past generations, particularly her grandmother, who overcame systemic barriers. She remains committed to ensuring women feel valued, understand their worth, and rise above external validation, even as DEI initiatives face challenges. Her defining moment came in 2020, prompting deep self-reflection and a focus on character, resilience, and internal strength. She emphasizes that true power comes from within, beyond titles and appearances, and encourages women to embrace their authenticity, personal growth, and leadership without diminishing others.
Join Diana's March 9, 1 PM CST webinar: https://lnkd.in/gUu6akWq. Also, attached is a graphic for the webinar.
Sign up for weekly downloads that Diana shares every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am: https://lnkd.in/gHPvq_Aj

WISE Women: Building Community in Wholesale & Specialty Insurance

In this roundtable episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with the seven incredible women who came together to form WISE: a community dedicated to supporting and uplifting women in wholesale and specialty insurance. What started as a casual happy hour among colleagues quickly evolved into an empowering network focused on fostering relationships, mentorship, and inclusivity. Leah Ohodnicki, Mallorie Harper, Shawnae Bentley, Kathy Colangelo, Dana DiLullo, Dawnmarie Black, and my first returning guest, Meghan Leary, share how WISE was built organically from existing friendships and a shared desire to create a welcoming space. From helping newcomers navigate industry events to expanding professional networks, these women emphasize that true success comes from connection, collaboration, and showing up for each other.
We also dive into the power of authenticity, the role of male allies in advancing women’s careers, and the importance of building confidence early on. The guests reflect on their own journeys, offering advice to younger women on embracing their strengths, speaking up in the room, and trusting that they belong. As WISE continues to grow, the focus remains on keeping the community open, supportive, and free from expectations. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to navigate your career alone.
Interested in learning more about WISE? Contact connect@wiseinsurance.org and include InsHER podcast in the subject line.

Strategic Storytelling: Making Risk Management Resonate with Tracey Swift

In this episode, I interview Tracey Swift, Editor-in-Chief and the founder of HigherEd Risk, to discuss how risk management goes beyond insurance. It's about asking the right questions, fostering resilience, and empowering businesses to proactively navigate uncertainty. Tracey’s journey spans both brokerage and higher education, including nearly eight years at Arizona State University, where she built a risk management program that complemented the university’s mission. From implementing policies to protect minors on campus to shaping boardroom discussions on strategic risk, Tracey has consistently focused on making risk management proactive, accessible, and aligned with long-term goals. 
Post-pandemic, Tracey saw an increased appetite for risk awareness at the board level, leading her to create a platform that delivers actionable intelligence in a concise, digestible way. Taking a leap into entrepreneurship was a risk in itself, but Tracey embraced the challenge, leveraging LinkedIn to build her brand and connect with like-minded professionals. She shares valuable insights on the power of consistency, authenticity, and patience in building an online presence. We also discuss the importance of getting young women into strategic meetings early in their careers, ensuring they gain visibility and access. 

Engineering a Safer Future: How Valkyrie Holmes is Changing Climate Risk

In this episode, I interview Valkyrie Holmes, founder and CEO of Faura. Valkyrie and her female co-founder are working at the intersection of climate, insurance, and technology. Valkyrie’s journey is incredibly impressive - from working at NASA, to engineering for SpaceX’s Falcon team, and now leading a female-founded startup tackling the insurance crisis of natural disasters. She shares how insurance plays a crucial role in society’s resilience, and why it’s time to rethink traditional risk models. Instead of just identifying high-risk properties, her company is pioneering solutions to make them more insurable, offering underwriters actionable insights grounded in climate science.
Valkyrie also shares the power of putting yourself out there, and why young people shouldn’t wait to chase big opportunities. She opens up about the importance of visibility for women in leadership in niche and interesting industries, especially STEM, and her commitment to helping other women and young founders. Like many, Valkyrie didn’t plan to work in insurance, but it has become an industry she loves and respects, and she is here to make it better in more ways than one.