InsHER

Educating Early: Noelle Codispoti’s Drive to Inspire Future Insurance Leaders

In this episode, I sit down with Noelle Codispoti, Head of the Academy at the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance and Co-Founder and Chief Transformation Officer at Verto. Noelle shares her journey from being a first-generation college graduate with a passion for math to pursuing actuarial science. She reflects on how a high school teacher’s discouragement from becoming a math teacher led her down an unexpected but fulfilling path in insurance. We discuss the industry’s tendency to focus on specific skills while overlooking the many who, like Noelle, find insurance unexpectedly and make a profound impact. Noelle also speaks to an authenticity study conducted with Verto which revealed a disconnect between what insurance companies advertise in job descriptions about the role and company culture vs. the reality, highlighting the need for more transparent and trustworthy communication from hiring managers.
One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was when Noelle shared her approach to engaging students at an early age, changing the perception of insurance as a career. She recalls a visit to a third-grade class where she used a wooden castle and cartoon cutouts to teach children about risk management and insurance, making it relatable and fun. Noelle emphasizes the importance of getting insurance professionals involved in sharing their stories with students to inspire the next generation. Her passion for helping students see insurance as a viable and rewarding career path shines through, and she truly believes that education can transform the future of the industry.

Telling the Story of Representation: How Tamra Johnson Inspires Progress in Insurance

In this episode of InsHER, I sit down with Tamra Johnson, Vice President of Public Affairs for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). Tamra’s journey into insurance began with her work at AAA’s Public Affairs office in Washington, D.C., where she first encountered the industry’s critical role in safeguarding communities. She later joined APCIA just before the pandemic hit in December 2019 and quickly immersed herself in one of her passions: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Tamra shares how she spearheaded APCIA’s first Women in Diversity Conference in 2020, which has since evolved into the Expanding Opportunity in Insurance Conference, a forum bringing together DEI thought leaders to tackle industry challenges and best practices. Tamra discusses the importance of collaboration, both internally and with key partners like NAAIA and LAAIA, to drive meaningful progress in DEI.
Tamra also speaks to how APCIA’s DEI Leader Groups, which meet quarterly, keep the momentum going by exchanging insights and strategizing on DEI, talent development, and more. She explains the critical role storytelling plays in moving the needle on DEI, helping people understand the lived experiences of others and inspiring allyship and advocacy. I also ask Tamra about the challenges and opportunities in DEI, including continuing to push for greater representation not only for women, but women of color. Tamra also has meaningful insights into how the insurance industry can better communicate its value to young people to ensure a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry.

The Intersection of Business and People: Prioritizing DEI as Strategy with Alicia Kiser

In this episode of InsHER, I have the pleasure of speaking with Alicia Kiser, Vice President of Human Resources at M3 Insurance. Alicia’s journey into HR began at a large, publicly traded company. She was leading leaders of teams by age 22, navigating the complexities of management and business strategy early on. She shares how this intense learning experience gave her a competitive edge and deepened her passion for the intersection of people and business. Alicia quickly realized she wanted more opportunities for impact and personal growth. Thirteen years ago, she joined M3 Insurance, where she found a dynamic environment that allowed her to be more engaged. Alicia is also a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), bringing a data-driven approach to DEI work by integrating scorecards, objectives, and transparent reporting into the company’s strategy.
Alicia discusses her efforts in building and nurturing M3’s Women’s Business Resource Group, which grew from a slow start to a thriving initiative that she proudly watches flourish today. Her DEI philosophy is rooted in the principle of “Give, Learn, and Do,” guiding employees to meet people where they are and create meaningful change. Alicia also speaks to how M3’s DEI efforts are measured through dashboards, aligning their internal demographics with the communities they serve, and connecting with clients and prospects in their own communities. Alicia emphasizes the importance of transparent communication, both internally and externally, so that everyone at M3 feels empowered to speak confidently about the company’s DEI efforts. Her unique approach shows how DEI can be integrated into business strategy and highlights the small yet impactful ways we can create inclusive environments, such as being mindful of the tone-setting conversations that happen before meetings.

Compassionate Leadership: Protecting Quality of Life with Jamala Arland

In this episode, I’m joined by Jamala Arland, President & CEO, US Life Companies at Genworth. Jamala is a remarkable leader in the insurance industry. Growing up in Barbados, Jamala discovered her passion for actuarial science early on after meeting the island's only actuary, an experience that set the foundation for her impressive journey in insurance. Jamala quickly recognized the pivotal role of insurance as a safety net for individuals and businesses, highlighting the critical importance of customer experience. Jamala shares her pride in being part of an industry that profoundly impacts lifestyle and quality of life by offering protection and security.
Jamala's story is also one of compassionate leadership, shaped by her own experiences of navigating the intersection of career and personal life, including the challenges of starting a family while in a leadership role. She reflects on the importance of empathetic management, drawing from her own journey of infertility and the support she received from her supervisor who understood her struggles. This experience inspired Jamala to embrace a leadership style that integrates the whole person, creating space for employees to be fully human at work. Jamala emphasizes that compassionate leadership doesn't mean compromising on accountability but rather fostering a culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to work. She likens balance to yoga, emphasizing the importance of sharing the load and nurturing all facets of life to prevent burnout and optimize what matters most.

Driving Change: Elle Slattery on the Intersection of Law and Insurance

In this episode of InsHER, I sit down with Elle Slattery, attorney and partner at Taylor Nelson PL, a boutique law firm specializing in transportation law. Elle shares her journey starting from her background in regulatory compliance at an executive agency in Washington, D.C., and how she quickly immersed herself in the complexities of commercial insurance within the transportation industry. She describes the steep learning curve she faced, from reading and understanding intricate policy details and learning the nuances of cargo insurance and other coverage types. Elle's dedication to learning the role insurance places for her clients, as well as her compassion and empathy, make for a perfect combination to assist those in a time of need.
Throughout the conversation, Elle highlights the unique culture within transportation law, noting the supportive community among attorneys who all learned on the job and their willingness to help whoever is next in line. She discusses the growing presence of women in transportation law and the broader industry, emphasizing how women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, from drivers to CEOs in family-owned businesses. Elle’s passion for fostering this growth is evident as she advises clients on implementing policies that promote gender diversity. With her legal expertise and dedication to creating impactful change, Elle not only excels in her field but also empowers women to pursue careers in transportation law, showcasing the dynamic opportunities available in this evolving sector.

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.