InsHER

Be Brave: Practicing Self-Advocacy with Janice Kowell

In this episode, I’m joined by Janice Kowell, Managing Director and U.S. & Canadian Marine Cargo and Logistics Leader at Marsh, whose remarkable 30-year career is full of inspiring lessons and the power of self-advocacy. Janice shares how insurance “found her” fresh out of college, starting in a clerical role but quickly recognizing opportunities to make a meaningful impact. With the support of her mentor, she embraced challenges, introduced efficiencies, and moved into management within just three years. From being a young woman navigating the corporate landscape in Texas to taking courageous steps that defied age and gender expectations, Janice proves that knowledge is the foundation of confidence—and confidence can conquer any barrier.
Throughout her career, Janice learned the importance of belonging, mentorship, and advocating for oneself. She reflects on her bold move to the Pacific Northwest, where she rediscovered community, and built new connections. Now a mentor herself, Janice shares her approach to empowering others, encouraging them to set goals, take risks, and champion their own growth. She offers advice for overcoming self-doubt by imagining the advocacy we’d show for someone we love. As she reflects on her career, Janice wishes she had taken more risks sooner, a powerful reminder to all of us to be brave, clear in our ambitions, and unafraid to ask for what we deserve.

Work with the Willing: Vanessa Sims on Building the Future of E&S

In this episode of InsHER, I interview Vanessa Sims, the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the WSIA Diversity Foundation. With a background in financial services, Vanessa shares her journey of being called to a role where she could make a deeper, more meaningful impact. We discuss how the WSIA Diversity Foundation focuses on attracting diverse talent, fostering inclusive workplaces, and reimagining association governance to create sustainable change in the insurance industry. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse lived experiences, particularly in the E&S segment, which thrives on innovation and relationships. By intentionally seeking talent outside traditional risk management paths, WSIA is broadening the pool of future insurance leaders.
Vanessa also highlights the power of collaboration with industry organizations like NAAIA, LAIA, and NAIC, advocating for a “better together” approach to DEI initiatives. She shares her wisdom on “working with the willing,” focusing energy on promoters rather than convincing skeptics, and explains why ignoring diversity poses significant risks to the future of the industry. For those passionate about making a difference in environments where DEI doesn’t seem a priority, Vanessa offers heartfelt advice: "Follow your heart. Follow your heart and your values. Your heart will lead you to the right thing to do within your area of influence.” 

The Allyship Effect: Intentional Commitment with Tony Chimera & Anna Kodryanu

In this special episode of InsHER, I welcome my first-ever male guest, Tony Chimera, Chief Talent Officer at Westfield Specialty Insurance, alongside his colleague Anna Kodryanu, SVP of Distribution. Their inspiring partnership began at an industry event where Anna courageously voiced feelings of imposter syndrome. Tony responded with a thoughtful gesture—a book on the topic—and their professional relationship blossomed from there. Together, we explore how their journey reflects the power of allyship and the importance of fostering inclusion within the insurance industry.
Tony shares his commitment to being an active presence at events designed for women and underrepresented groups, emphasizing the value of listening, learning, and pushing beyond comfort zones. Anna praises Tony’s genuine dedication to changing the narrative in insurance, highlighting how his advocacy goes beyond networking to creating meaningful change. From tackling workplace stigmas to empowering women to redefine their roles with confidence, Tony and Anna emphasize the progress being made in DEI efforts and the collective responsibility to ensure all boats rise with the tide.

Safe Spaces: Emily Glanz & Katie Hensley on Supporting Clients and Each Other

In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Glanz and Katie Hensley, two incredible women whose journeys into insurance, while rooted in family ties, couldn’t be more different. Emily grew up immersed in the industry, with a father who’s a 30-year veteran and a mother who made insurance decisions as a CFO. Katie, on the other hand, found her calling after her father’s near-fatal workplace accident, driving her to make the workers’ compensation claims process better for others. Today, Emily leads in P&C insurance, representing construction and lumber clients, while Katie specializes in the metalcasting and foundry industries. Both share a profound respect for their clients, which they demonstrate by showing up—literally—with site visits, proper gear, and a commitment to truly understanding their needs.  
Beyond their impressive careers, Emily and Katie share a unique friendship that has been a cornerstone of their personal and professional growth. They speak with admiration for each other and the safe space they’ve created to navigate the challenges of their careers. Their advice? Find a mentor, foster curiosity, and lift others as you climb. Both are also proud moms, seamlessly integrating their family lives with their passion for the industry. From Emily’s daughter hosting a lemonade stand at Cottingham & Butler to Katie’s son proudly displaying his foundry casting next to his baseball trophies, their stories show how deeply they value and celebrate their work. 

Different is Divine: Gina Butchin on Embracing Your Unique Story

In this episode, I interview Gina Butchin, Senior Director of Marketing Communications at Nautilus Insurance Group. Gina shares her incredible journey from a fresh graduate navigating her way into the insurance industry to becoming a seasoned marketing leader known for her strategic acumen and creativity. With over three decades of experience, she talks about her early days at Scottsdale Insurance Company, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and her passion for building dynamic, impactful communication strategies. Gina’s insights highlight the evolution of marketing within the insurance space and her belief in the power of strong internal and external communications to drive organizational success.
Beyond her professional achievements, Gina opens up about her personal journey of overcoming adversity. Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, she candidly discusses the challenges she faced growing up, the impact of her life-changing surgeries, and the process of embracing her differences. Her story inspired her to write a deeply personal book and become a powerful advocate for children and parents facing similar experiences. Gina's message of self-acceptance, authenticity, and the importance of finding one’s voice resonates throughout the conversation, offering valuable advice for anyone struggling with insecurities. Her empowering narrative reminds us that our unique qualities can become our greatest strengths.

You Are a Brand: Anita Farmer on Advocacy and Empowerment

In this episode, I interview Anita Farmer, Senior Vice President and Practice Leader for the Northeast Marine division at Lockton Marine, to discuss her inspiring 30-year journey in the marine insurance industry. Beginning her career in 1987 as a secretary in maritime insurance, Anita quickly fell in love with the industry and seized every opportunity to grow. Fast forward three decades, and Anita found her dream position at Lockton, where she was hired to lead the Northeast marine region. Today, she reflects on her initial surprise at the full scope of responsibilities she now holds, including managing the business, budget, and team development. Anita expresses her deep gratitude for Lockton, where her contributions are valued and her professional growth is continually supported.
Anita’s career has unfolded alongside shifts in the industry, and she’s witnessed remarkable progress for women. While the journey is far from over, she notes a significant shift: women are being given true leadership roles, enabling them to drive change. Her vision of leadership is one of empathy and mentorship, empowering her team and embracing challenges as opportunities to build a better environment for those who follow. Anita is a servant leader who believes in advocating for the next generation, encouraging them to act confidently and never apologize for their uniqueness. Her message to women is powerful: "You are a brand. Continue to develop it, and don’t apologize for who you are.” 

Recruiting with Heart: Nikki Brandt on Building Value-Driven Careers

In this episode, I sit down with Nikki Brandt, Owner and President of NB Talent, whose journey from public relations to insurance has been driven by practicality, passion, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Nikki began her career in commercial insurance underwriting in 2007, a role she initially took for financial stability but quickly fell in love with. Over the years, she built a successful career across underwriting, marketing, and then as a commercial producer, where she cultivated a substantial client base. It was through this work that Nikki recognized a gap in the recruiting space – specifically, the need for a firm dedicated to finding the right fit for insurance roles. In 2021, Nikki took the leap and founded NB Talent, a firm that exclusively matches high-caliber talent with industry-leading companies, all while balancing her career aspirations with family life. 
Nikki shares the unique philosophy behind NB Talent and how she chooses her clients with care, based on culture, reputation, and flexibility – traits she values both personally and professionally. As a strong advocate for flexible work, Nikki speaks candidly about the shifting dynamics in the workforce, especially for women balancing career and family. She’s passionate about empowering women to know their worth, often guiding clients on salary negotiation and encouraging them to keep their resumes polished and take interviews for confidence-building. Nikki believes that embracing flexible and even part-time roles can unlock more potential in the industry, and she’s dedicated to leading by example.

From Sea to C-Suite: Anne Marie Elder’s Path to Authentic Leadership

In this episode, I speak with Anne Marie Elder, Global Chief Underwriting Officer of Specialty Insurance at AXA XL, to explore her inspiring career journey and her passion for the marine industry. Anne Marie's path began with her studies in marine insurance at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. With over 30 years of insurance experience, she shares pivotal moments from her career, from her early days as a trainee in New York City to leading AXA XL’s global specialty strategy across marine, aerospace, political risk, and niche markets. Anne Marie’s story is one of strategic vision and a relentless pursuit of leadership, including taking detours to acquire the skills needed to excel.
Anne Marie’s passion extends beyond business, as she champions inclusion, diversity, and bringing one’s full self to work. In a candid conversation, she opens up about coming out in a professional setting. She shares how embracing her true self transformed her leadership style, making her a more authentic, compassionate, and effective leader. Anne Marie offers invaluable advice for those who feel the need to mask aspects of their identity at work, emphasizing the power of authenticity and the importance of creating inclusive environments. We also explore the importance of authentic mentorship and the evolving landscape for women in the insurance industry. With impending retirements on the horizon, she stresses the need to prepare women for future leadership roles by providing visibility, coaching, and opportunities to build their skills and confidence. 

Grit, Growth, and Gumption: A New Chapter for Women In Insurance with Tinsley English

In this episode, I speak with Tinsley English, an operational leader and passionate advocate for women in the insurance industry. Tinsley’s journey is a unique one—she’s among the rare individuals who chose a career in insurance right from the start, drawn to the stability it offered. Now, 25 years later, she’s a seasoned expert, lighting up whenever she helps women find their own calling in the industry. Tinsley’s commitment to empowering women is not just professional but deeply personal, as she recently channeled her passion into self-publishing a book. Written in just 60 days, the book is a blend of practical wisdom and heartfelt guidance, aiming to inspire women at all stages of their professional journey.
Tinsley shares the concepts of "Grit, Growth, and Gumption," which form the core of her book. She dives into the importance of self-care in the pursuit of professional grit, the challenges and rewards of personal growth as a leader, and the power of taking calculated risks with gumption. Her message is clear: to truly thrive, women must be willing to break out of their comfort zones and take chances on themselves. Tinsley hopes her book serves as a toolkit for setting and achieving "north star" goals, and she offers a heartfelt message to her younger self, and to all women, about embracing their unique voices. 

Every Decision Counts: Emily Yoo on Being a Mindful Leader

In this episode, I speak with Emily Yoo, who has a unique blend of consulting and insurance expertise. Emily shares how her consulting career, driven by her passion for making a lasting impact, led her to the world of insurance when she received a call from Tokio Marine North America. From there, her journey began, allowing her to leverage her skills in strategy and problem-solving in an industry she believes is crucial to society’s well-being. As someone who thrives on tackling complex challenges, Emily explains how insurance, like consulting, gives her the chance to help companies solve critical issues with a broad market perspective. Her passion for always leaving situations better than she found them shines through in our conversation.
Emily also talks about the opportunities that insurance offers for anyone looking to make a name for themselves, noting the industry’s innovative push in areas like AI experimentation. She shares her thoughts on the power of individual impact in supporting diversity and inclusion, particularly in assembling diverse teams and mentoring those who need it most. Emily emphasizes the importance of broadening our circles beyond the familiar to foster understanding and ensure that diverse voices are heard and valued in the workplace.