InsHER

Built to Last: Chelsy Bell Carpenter on Burnout Resiliency

In this episode, I interview Chelsy Bell Carpenter, a leadership strategist whose work sits at the intersection of high performance and humanity. Chelsy’s journey into insurance started in marketing, but quickly evolved as she became deeply connected to the human side of claims and the real impact of loss on people’s lives. From there, she stepped into claims adjusting and even helped build out claims operations at an Insurtech startup, gaining a full view of the industry along the way. Chelsy's experiences ultimately led her to question what success actually looks like.
We spent a lot of time talking about burnout, not just as a buzzword, but as something very real that many professionals navigate. Chelsy shared her own experience of running on autopilot and how it forced her to completely shift from constant output to sustainable, intentional performance. What I appreciated most was her honesty and her mission to normalize these conversations, especially for women who often carry the weight of being both high achievers and caretakers. Through her “Built to Last” program, she’s helping leaders build resilience in a way that’s actually realistic through simple, repeatable practices that support both well-being and performance. 

The 4 C's: Kim Cathey on Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, and Consideration

In this episode, I interview Kim Cathey, Release Manager at RGA, whose career journey is anything but linear, and exactly the kind of story that reminds me there’s no one “right” path into this industry. From a high school internship at a State Farm agent’s office to roles across fashion, banking, aerospace, and ultimately insurance, Kim has built her career through curiosity, adaptability, and connection. What made this conversation especially meaningful for me was hearing how a simple LinkedIn post, one connected to this very podcast, led Kim to an introduction to Sandy Hubert. It was such a full-circle moment and a reminder of how powerful visibility and community can be in shaping someone’s path.
We spent a lot of time talking about what leadership really looks like in practice, and Kim shared something that stuck with me: kindness and niceness are not the same thing. She leads with genuine care for her team, while still having the hard conversations and driving meaningful change. We talked about how she approaches leadership through what she calls the four C’s: collaboration, communication, coordination, and consideration, and how that balance is critical when guiding teams through change. Kim is grounded in authenticity, being honest when she doesn’t have all the answers, creating space for others to speak up, and leading in a way that makes people feel both supported and challenged. 

Ride the Wave: Alexis Simmons on Authenticity, Advocacy, and Growth

In this episode, I interview Alexis Simmons, a Senior Builder’s Risk Underwriter at Axis Capital. Over the past decade, Alexis has built her career across organizations such as Liberty Mutual and The Hartford, and today she leads with both technical expertise and heart, managing her book of business and partnering closely with brokers. But what I’ve always admired most about Alexis is how she shows up. From her leadership in industry initiatives like Dive In to her commitment to advocacy and inclusion, she brings intention and authenticity into every space she’s part of.
Our conversation went beyond career milestones and into the realities behind them. Alexis opened up about her experience as a Black woman and a single working mother in this industry, the challenges, the growth, and the importance of creating environments where people feel psychologically safe and truly seen. We talked about the responsibility we all have to advocate for more equitable practices, from supporting neurodivergent colleagues to rethinking policies that impact working parents. What stayed with me most was her advice to trust yourself, listen to your intuition, and lead as your full, authentic self. 

The Women in Insurance Initiative: Candace Duncan, Yolanda Austin, and Katie Hughes on Building a Community of Women Supporting Women

In this episode, I interview three incredible women: Yolanda Austin, Katie Hughes, and Candace Duncan. Each of them has built a unique path in insurance, from claims to data and AI governance to industry standards, but the common thread is community. We talked about our involvement in the Women in Insurance Initiative and how it’s created a space where women can connect across roles, companies, and experiences, not just to network, but to truly support one another. 
There are honest moments around confidence, mentorship, and growth. We talked about the pressure to be perfect, the tendency to put others first, and how mentorship, community, and even small moments of encouragement can change the trajectory of a career. We also explored what the future of our industry requires, not just technical skills, but empathy, communication, and ethical thinking. 
To get involved with the Women in Insurance Initiative, visit: https://womenininsurance.stemconnector.com/home

From Existing to Living: Sharné Liebenberg on How Purpose Transforms Work and Leadership

In this episode, I interview Sharné Liebenberg, founder of Unrisked, a boutique risk consultancy based in Johannesburg, whose path into insurance is anything but traditional. With a background in journalism, Sharné brings a unique lens to underwriting, one rooted in curiosity, empathy, and a deep commitment to understanding people before assessing their risk. We talked about how that perspective has shaped her work in the trucking and logistics space, where she focuses not just on data points, but on the human decisions behind the wheel. 
Sharné also shared how the loss of her brother reshaped her outlook on life and work, pushing her to prioritize meaning, autonomy, and intentionality. That shift has influenced everything from how she shows up for clients to her recent work in building AI-driven safety tools designed to support, not replace, human decision-making. What stood out most to me is Sharné’s belief that insurance is, at its core, about people, and that we have a responsibility to reflect that in how we assess risk, build technology, and serve our clients. 

Safety Starts with Trust: Marla Carangi on Building Teams and Technology That Prevent Risk

In this episode, I interview Marla Carangi, Director of Sales and Partnerships at Embark Safety, to talk about a critical area of risk management: fleet safety. Marla shares how Embark Safety uses near-real-time driver record monitoring to help companies identify risk before it turns into an accident, supporting more than 400,000 drivers across 1,000+ organizations. We explore the origin story behind the company, sparked by a near-miss accident that inspired its founder to rethink how businesses approach driver safety. Marla also explains how their technology partners with insurers to reduce auto liability exposure while helping companies proactively protect their people and operations.
Beyond the technology, this conversation dives into the human side of safety, leadership, and culture. Marla shares why empathy plays such a powerful role in risk conversations and what it looks like to build trust in a traditionally male-dominated space. We also talk about the collaborative culture at Embark Safety, a majority-women team built on transparency, accountability, and shared ownership, and the importance of hiring for abilities and cultural fit. 

Full-Circle POV: Tracie Thompson on Leadership Lessons in Risk, Talent, and Trust

In this episode, I interview Tracie Thompson, Global Leader of Strategic Accounts at Cytora, whose career journey  spans the globe. From her start in Australia to senior leadership roles across Europe, the UK, and the U.S., Tracie brings a powerful perspective shaped by decades in the industry, including time with AIG and Aon. We talked about how her work in crisis management and climate risk has deepened her appreciation for insurance’s real-world impact, and why the industry must do a better job telling that story. Tracie shared her belief that clearer, more intentional communication about insurance’s role in enabling businesses and supporting the transition to a greener future is critical if we want to attract diverse, next-generation talent.
Our conversation also went deep on leadership, culture, and what it really takes to move the industry forward. Tracie spoke candidly about the gap between DEI commitments and real execution, the importance of sponsorship for women advancing into leadership, and why vulnerability is actually a strength, not a liability. We discussed why creating workplaces where people feel heard, valued, and supported is essential for retention and growth. 

Safe to Be Yourself: Danielle Rohr on Leading by Example

In this episode, I interview Danielle Rohr, AVP and broker at Wholesure, to talk about her dynamic path into transportation insurance and the leadership mindset that has fueled her growth. Danielle shared how she went from a background in theater and writing to building a successful wholesale career specializing in cargo and stock throughput, a transition sparked in part by her husband’s early encouragement and her own adaptability during industry shifts like the rise of Uber. We talked about her boutique, relationship-first approach, the art of positioning risk between retailers and underwriters, and why honesty and transparency continue to be her most powerful differentiators. Danielle also shared what inspired her to found the Las Vegas chapter of the Young Risk Professionals Network and her passion for developing the next generation of insurance talent. 
Danielle also spoke candidly about her health journey. After Danielle received a BRACA1 diagnosis which put her at a 70% lifetime risk for breast cancer she made the decision to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy last fall to reduce her lifetime risk. She also details her IVF experience and the emotional realities many women, especially working mothers, carry while building their careers. We discussed the importance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability, why empathy from leadership drives stronger performance (not weaker), and how mindfulness and boundaries help her stay present both at work and at home. 

From Anywhere: Lindsey DiGangi on Leading from Any Role

In this episode, I interview Lindsey DiGangi, Vice President of Field Operations and Marketing at Pennsylvania Lumberman's Mutual Insurance Company to talk about her leadership journey and what it really looks like to grow a career from the inside out. Lindsey shared how a single risk management class in college sparked her interest in insurance, which eventually led her to an internship and then a 12-year career spanning field operations, marketing, process improvement, and customer relationships. We talked about the creativity required to make complex insurance topics resonate, how gaining diverse perspectives across an organization shapes better solutions, and why meaningful projects and strong support matter so much when developing interns and early-career talent.
Lindsey also offered honest insights about career growth in smaller organizations, where progress may feel slower but often comes with deeper experience and broader exposure. She points out that titles matter far less than the skills you build along the way, and that saying yes to unexpected opportunities can open doors you didn’t even know existed. We also discuss employee engagement, lateral mobility, and her vision for creating a more equitable playing field in insurance through accessible entry points and upskilling opportunities. 

Execution to Impact: Jen Marino on Developing Professional Influence

In this episode, I interview Jennifer (Jen) Marino, Chief Marketing Officer at MSIG USA, to talk about her impressive career journey and the evolving role of marketing in insurance. Jen shared how she transitioned from consumer products into financial services, bringing with her a sharp focus on data, customer experience, and brand strategy. We explored how she’s used data-driven insights to move marketing beyond activity metrics and into real business impact, shifting the conversation from spending to effectiveness, and earning marketing a true seat at the leadership table. Jen also shared how marketing can be a powerful growth accelerator when aligned with underwriting and distribution strategies, strengthening broker relationships, and helping insurers become more proactive and relevant in the market.
What I loved most about this conversation was Jen’s perspective on influence and equity in leadership. We talked about how moving from execution to impact requires business fluency, visibility, and courage, and how influence is built over time through credibility and consistency. Jen also shared her passion for advancing women in leadership, emphasizing the importance of intentional opportunity, transparency, and mutual support in the C-suite.