InsHER

Leadership That Lifts: Serving Others with Chartenya Cleveland

In this episode of InsHER, I'm thrilled to share the story of Chartenya Cleveland, Director of Underwriting Solutions at The Hanover. With nearly two decades of experience, and an innate instinct to jump in and help, Chartenya has not only mastered underwriting, but has made major strides in organizational initiatives and non-profit involvement. Chartenya is a curious problem-solver, where she sees a gap, she finds a meaningful way to fill it. She mentions twice an analogy of never fixing a sprained ankle with a band-aid – every challenge deserves the care and time to find a long-term solution and not the quick fix.
Chartenya humbly speaks to the leadership roles she's embraced, and the groundbreaking initiatives she's led at The Hanover, including launching a quarterly newsletter that has transformed internal communication and inspired company-wide connection. She also shares her impactful community work, founding her own 501c3 entity. Chayce Jreams, Inc. empowers the underprivileged youth to overcome obstacles by mobilizing the caring power of communities. Chartenya also leads the steering committee of the Houston chapter of the Association of Professional Insurance Women (APIW). Chartenya’s dedication to servant leadership and her commitment to raising her hand to volunteer to solve real challenges is nothing short of extraordinary.

Confidence in Every Step: Shardae Cobb’s Insurance Career Path

In this episode of InsHER, Shardae Cobb, Director I IC, Liability Product, Global Risk Solutions NA at Liberty Mutual Insurance, shares her remarkable journey from a track star at UNC Chapel Hill to a trailblazing woman in the insurance industry. After spending her first year post-college running professionally, Shardae began exploring career options, landing her first role at Liberty Mutual, thanks to a chance encounter with a Liberty representative at her home. Despite facing initial rejections when pursuing underwriting, her persistence paid off when she boldly expressed her aspirations to an RVP during an interview for an underwriting assistant position. This direct approach not only secured her the role but also set her on a path to becoming a successful BOP small business underwriter. Shardae's career took off from there, with significant milestones at Philadelphia Insurance Company, Chubb, and a return to Liberty Mutual, where she expanded her expertise from tactical underwriting to product management.
Throughout her journey, Shardae has consistently demonstrated the power of curiosity and confidence. She attributes much of her success to her relentless pursuit of knowledge, a value deeply instilled by her father, a former NFL player, who taught her that while careers can be taken away, knowledge is forever. Shardae also offers a refreshing perspective on the concept of imposter syndrome, challenging the idea that women must "fix" themselves rather than addressing the environments that contribute to such feelings. She also highlights the critical role of sponsorship in the insurance industry, emphasizing that the influence of those sponsors is critical. Shardae passionately advocates for confidence as an essential skill for the next generation, urging young professionals to use their voices and believe in their ideas, as these are the driving forces behind innovation and progress in a rapidly evolving industry.

Staying Curious: Finding What Lights Your Fire with Angela Lee

In this episode of InsHER, I dive into the inspiring journey of Angela Lee, Director of Claims Operations at Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA). Angela's career is a testament to the power of curiosity and continuous learning. From the early days of her career, her desire to deepen her knowledge and build meaningful relationships set her apart. Angela’s commitment to personal growth and development—without necessarily pursuing a promotion—has shaped her success. She shares invaluable insights on how to become a technical expert in the insurance field, emphasizing the importance of continuing education and the pivotal role networking played in her career.
Angela's passion extends beyond her personal achievements; she has also cofounded the Asian American Insurance Network (AAIN). Two years ago, recognizing a gap in support for Asian American professionals in the industry, Angela and her co-founders established AAIN to foster mentorship, networking, and cultural awareness. The network has since grown to over 2,000 members, reflecting Angela’s belief in the need for such an organization and its impact on future generations, including her son, a risk management and insurance major. Angela’s message to young professionals is clear: embrace your curiosity, seek out what “lights your fire”, and continue to challenge yourself to grow.

Empathy and Trust: Building a Better Insurance Future with Michelle Raue

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Raue, Executive Vice President and Chief Claims Officer for Preferred Mutual Insurance Company. As the top of her class, she learned the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone, embracing the role of a Southern girl who mastered football talk to fit in at work. Michelle shares her perspective on the evolving gender dynamics in insurance, noting that male allies are increasingly advocating for women's expertise and ensuring the right people are hired for the job. Yet, she acknowledges that women still face unique challenges, balancing professional aspirations with familial responsibilities. Michelle emphasizes the importance of letting go of perfectionism and embracing "good enough" as a healthy standard.
Michelle is passionate about the vital role claims play in the promise of insurance, meeting clients during their most vulnerable times. She stresses the importance of empathy in these interactions, which is mirrored in mentorship. Michelle is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of insurance professionals. Her mentorship philosophy revolves around active listening, emotional intelligence, and creating a safe space for honest conversations. Michelle advocates for both internal and external mentorships to gain a broader worldview and believes women mentors are crucial in navigating the unique challenges faced by women in the industry. With her initiative to implement unlimited PTO at her organization, Michelle championed flexibility, ensuring that employees can prioritize family without the stress of managing time off. Her dedication to empowering others and fostering a supportive environment makes it no surprise she was named RISE Mentor of the Year.

Interviewing the Industry: Meg Green’s Insider Perspective

Join me for this episode of InsHER as I sit down with Meg Green, Senior Editor at Insurance Insider. With a prolific career spanning decades in insurance journalism, Meg has made significant strides. Meg has become a prominent voice in the industry. She has conducted over 40 webinars, hosting panels, fireside chats, and 1:1 interviews with industry leaders. Her passion for interviewing has led her to engage with well over 3,000 individuals, delighting in the insights from the many smart minds within the industry.
Meg delves into her experiences and observations from years of interviewing, particularly highlighting the intrigue of CEO interviews where video captures nuances like body language and facial expressions. She also reflects on a 2000 event where the agenda for wives consisted of shopping trips and garden tours, a program that only slightly evolved the following year. Meg emphasizes the importance of diversity to break such stereotypes and notes that companies are starting to recognize the value of diverse organizations. Meg believes that insurance, being a relationship-focused business, needs broader conversations to make everyone feel comfortable and included, even down to the choice of giveaway items. Tune in for an engaging episode filled with Meg's wisdom and vision for a more inclusive industry.

Genuine Success: Lisa Chines on Authenticity and Career Growth

In this episode of InsHER, I sit down with Lisa Chines, Senior Client Advisor at Marsh, who brings over 20 years of experience in the marine and energy sector. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Lisa shares how her upbringing by hardworking immigrant parents from Italy instilled in her a passionate work ethic and a drive for continuous learning. Starting her career in insurance as an administrative assistant, Lisa's ambition was quickly recognized by her manager, propelling her into the world of underwriting. Her journey led her to make a bold move from New York to Houston, TX, a city she now proudly calls home. Lisa’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and staying true to oneself, traits that have garnered her immense respect and trust in the industry.
Lisa reflects on her remarkable career journey, from attending the Houston Marine & Energy Insurance Conference 20 years ago to now serving as its President. Her NY accent and direct approach have not only made her a standout professional but also a trusted advisor in her field. Lisa discusses the importance of being genuine in every interaction and how her authenticity has been a cornerstone of her success. Join me for an inspiring conversation with Lisa Chines as she shares her insights on career growth, the significance of hard work, and the exciting opportunities that come with embracing one's true self in the insurance industry.

Collective Action for Change: Lee Vuu's Impact on Reinsurance and Insurance

In this episode, I dive into the inspiring journey of Lee Vuu, Founder of the Multicultural Reinsurance Insurance Association (MRIA) and Vice President at Argo Group. Starting her career as the first hire of a Chief Reinsurance Officer, Lee's role as an executive assistant provided her with a unique vantage point, offering broad perspectives and insights into the numerous moving parts of the organization. Her passion for learning has been pivotal in her career progression. Lee shares her mantra, “Find the people who are doing what you want to do and learn from them,” underscoring the importance of seeking guidance from those whose paths you aspire to follow.
Lee also discusses her creation of MRIA, stemming from a desire to address the lack of diversity in the reinsurance and insurance industries, especially at senior levels. The MRIA board was intentionally formed with a diverse range of cultural, professional, and demographic backgrounds. Lee's goal is to leverage her personal brand and visibility to support and highlight others doing great work, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices contribute to decision-making at the highest levels. Her belief in the transformative power of words and positive reinforcement further illustrates her commitment to nurturing a supportive and progressive industry culture.

Transforming Customer Experience Through Digital Innovation with Kerry Macca

In this episode of InsHER, I interview Kerry Macca, Founder of KM Consulting, who brings three decades of insurance experience with a special focus on digital transformation. Kerry shares her passion for the insurance industry, emphasizing how it empowers her and others to make a positive impact on people’s lives by providing customers with peace of mind. She finds fulfillment in helping clients navigate complex challenges and believes in the potential of technology and innovation to transform the industry. Kerry discussed how her expertise in risk assessment and policy structure led her to enterprise technology providers, where she discovered the exciting potential of tech and innovation.
Kerry addressed the current perception of the insurance industry as complex, impersonal, and transactional, advocating for a shift towards empathy and support during the most challenging times of clients' lives. She underscored that insurance goes beyond policies, focusing on people and their well-being, and the promise of making consumers whole again after a loss. Kerry champions service-oriented practices, excellent customer service, and transparency, emphasizing the importance of educating consumers before they file a claim. She explained how the integration of technology and data is transforming the industry, enabling companies to focus on value-added activities and improving customer experiences. Kerry also highlighted the need for diversity in the tech talent pipeline and the importance of women having mentors who resemble them, to inspire the next generation of leaders in the insurance and tech fields.

Are You Ready For It? A New Era for Women in Insurance with Marguerite Tortorello

In this episode, I sit down with Marguerite Tortorello, Executive Director of the Insurance Careers Movement, to delve into her inspiring journey from working in the White House during pivotal events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina to discovering her passion for the insurance industry. Marguerite shares how these experiences shaped her understanding of the profound impact of helping others in times of need, leading her to fall in love with the purpose-driven nature of insurance. We explore her role in founding the Insurance Careers Movement over a decade ago, a collaborative effort aimed at showcasing the diverse talents and incredible opportunities within the insurance sector. Marguerite highlights ICM’s initiatives, including in-person events and partnerships with local high schools and colleges, designed to showcase the vibrant possibilities of an insurance career.
Marguerite's leadership is marked by intentionality and collaboration, particularly in uplifting women within the industry. Drawing parallels to the community-building and economic impact exemplified by powerhouses like Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark, she discusses the importance of supporting and empowering female professionals. At the most recent Emerging Leaders Conference, a deliberate shift in gender representation was made, resulting in noticeable and appreciated visibility for women in leadership. Marguerite emphasizes the significance of promoting and amplifying women's voices, whether through mindful actions like gifting Taylor Swift-style friendship bracelets or small but impactful gestures on platforms like LinkedIn. She offers practical advice on supporting other women, advocating for intentional and authentic efforts to help them shine and excel.

Cultivating Success: Kathryn Smith on Nurturing Brands and People

In this episode of InsHER, I sit down with Kathryn Smith, the dynamic Managing Director of Marketing at Jencap, who shares her remarkable journey from aspiring PR queen to influential insurance industry leader. Kathryn’s career took an unexpected turn towards insurance. With a start at American Family, she later transitioned to a role at Chubb, ultimately building significant relationships that paved her way to Jencap. Now, as the Managing Director of Marketing, and host of "Flip the Cap," Kathryn celebrates the exceptional talent within Jencap, providing a platform for brokers to share their expertise and shine. She emphasizes the importance of brand awareness and the challenge of maintaining it amidst growth, asserting, “You have to stand true to that foundation.”
Kathryn also opens up about her personal life, discussing the challenges of balancing a demanding career and parenthood. She reflects on her experience with postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of support systems for women returning to work after childbirth. With a passion for mental health advocacy and a commitment to empowering others, Kathryn underscores the significance of lifting each other up in times of need. Quoting her inspiration, Sara Blakely, Kathryn reinforces the value of hiring working mothers, praising their unparalleled problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. Tune in to hear Kathryn's inspiring story, her strategies for maintaining a strong brand, and her heartfelt advice on balancing life and work.