InsHER

The Actuarial Advocate: Mallika Bender on Diversity and Inclusion

In this episode, I interview Mallika Bender, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Staff Actuary at the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). Mallika’s journey into the insurance world was somewhat serendipitous. Always excelling at math, she majored in statistics and loved “how numbers could explain the world around us”. Her path became clear when she bought a book about careers for math majors, and “actuary” stood out as a perfect match for her skills and interests. Mallika shares how her volunteer work and passion for DEI evolved into a full-time role at CAS, allowing her to focus on increasing diversity within the actuarial profession and addressing racial and algorithmic bias in insurance pricing.
Mallika dives into the specifics of her work, discussing the major research and collaboration efforts she leads at CAS. One of her proudest achievements is the series of research papers on bias in insurance, with four already completed and five more expected this year. These papers are crucial for fostering safe spaces where actuaries can discuss and address these important issues. Mallika believes that every actuary brings unique experiences to their work, and leveraging these diverse perspectives can significantly enhance the industry. She hopes for a future where the actuarial profession thinks wider and deeper, informed by a variety of perspectives. This episode sheds light on how DEI can be applied beyond talent and pipeline issues, directly influencing the products and services offered to insurance customers.

TikTok and Talent: How Samantha Ridgewell is Revolutionizing Insurance Recruitment

In this episode, I sit down with Samantha Ridgewell, the dynamic Managing Director at Empower Development, to explore her journey of transforming learning and development in the insurance industry. Her keen insight into the industry revealed a gap in comprehensive training across the market, which spurred her to offer her expertise beyond her organization. Samantha's innovative approach was well-received early on, demonstrating the market's need for her solutions.
Samantha also tackles the challenge of attracting new talent to the insurance sector. Shifting from traditional university visits to leveraging TikTok, she amassed 500k views in just a few days, illustrating the platform's power in reaching job seekers. With hundreds of messages pouring in through TikTok and LinkedIn, Samantha successfully connected many with job opportunities, proving that "TikTok can change lives." She emphasizes the importance of consistency in building a social media presence, likening it to stretching an elastic band – the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Samantha also discusses the balance between deep relationships and the wide reach of social networking, highlighting the lasting impact of structured learning in today's hybrid and remote work environments.

If You See Her, You Can “B” Her: Breaking Barriers with Tricia Kagerer

In this episode, I sit down with Tricia Kagerer, a trailblazer in the construction industry with over 20 years of experience. Tricia began her career in claims, but it wasn’t until she found her passion for safety and construction that she realized her potential to make a significant impact. As one of the 1% of women leaders and among the 10-12% of women in the construction sector, she shares her journey, insights, and the importance of risk management for everyone in the field.
Tricia is also the acclaimed author of "The B Words: 13 Words Every Woman Must Navigate for Success". Inspired by her own leadership role in a non-traditional field, Tricia interviewed 50 women, chronicling their stories across different career phases, all linked to various "B" words. Her favorite? Belief – particularly concerning limiting beliefs imposed by societal and media messages. Tricia’s mission is to dismantle barriers in non-traditional careers, encouraging girls and women to pursue a role where they find the most passion.

Building a Sustainable Workforce with Cristina Galindo

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome my first international guest, Cristina Galindo of Birdeo. Cristina is deeply involved in diversity, inclusion, and the sustainability of the insurance workforce. She shares her unique journey at Birdeo, highlighting her early focus on sustainability before it became a mainstream focus. Cristina also discusses her commitment to hiring individuals who change the world.
I also delve into Cristina’s work with the Insurance Families Network, which she joined after the Dive In Festival in 2018. As a steering committee member, Cristina has been instrumental in making the insurance industry more welcoming for families. She talks about the importance of normalizing diversity for women at work and men at home, emphasizing the power of supporting families of all shapes and sizes.

The Power of Passion: Laura Deutscher's Impactful Journey in Insurance and DEIB

In this episode, I delve into the inspiring journey of Laura Deutscher, an experienced Corporate Board Member and former Global C-suite executive, who stumbled upon insurance as a solution to better balance her professional aspirations with her role as a mom, and she never looked back.
Laura strived for roles where she could pursue work that makes meaningful impact on DEIB. Central to Laura's vision is the creation of a passionate community committed to driving change and raising awareness about the myriad opportunities within the industry. She discusses how this vision came to fruition with the STEMConnector Women in Insurance Initiative Catalyst Committee.
Through her unwavering passion and dedication, Laura continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future in the insurance industry.

Learning by Association: The Value of Insurance Networks with Taylor Jones

In this episode, I sit down with Taylor Jones, Partner and Vice President of Business Development at Questpro Consultants. Taylor shares her remarkable journey from being a first-grade teacher to finding her passion in the insurance industry, all thanks to a friend's enthusiasm about their job at Lockton Dallas.
Taylor emphasizes how her participation in associations like RISE, IICF, and YRP has significantly contributed to her professional development. She discusses the invaluable skills she has acquired, including time management, confidence, networking, and sales techniques, through volunteering and collaboration with industry peers.

Making Meaningful Connections: Emily Merola and the #AGWN Initiative

In this episode, hear the story of Emily Merola, Senior Vice President of Property & Casualty at Assurex Global. Emily's journey is a testament to the power of human connection in shaping a successful insurance career. From internships, to major carriers, to her current pivotal role as a connector at Assurex Global, Emily is focused on fostering genuine connections among diverse cultures and leaders.
Connection is also what inspired Emily to create the Assurex Global Women's Network (#AGWN) in 2023, a platform aimed at empowering women and men across partner firms through learning and networking opportunities.
Through heartfelt shoutouts to her female team and emphasizing the importance of knowing one's why, Emily encourages listeners to embrace authenticity, seek wise counsel, and boldly pursue their aspirations. Join us as we delve into Emily's inspiring journey and the transformative power of meaningful connections.

Inspiring Change: Uniting Industry and Values with Meghan Leary

In this episode of InsHER, I sit down with Meghan Leary, Head of Business Development at One80 Intermediaries. Meghan discusses her involvement with the non-profit organization, the Pink Agenda, dedicated to supporting awareness for premenopausal breast cancer. It's a cause deeply personal to her, as Meghan’s close friend tragically lost her battle with the disease. Meghan's dedication to honoring her friend's memory fuels her commitment to uniting the industry in a collective effort for good.
She advocates for organizations to embrace corporate social responsibility by supporting non-profits, emphasizing how such initiatives foster unity and collaboration toward a common cause. Meghan stresses the importance of community involvement for organizations, where we can recognize each other on an equal human level, particularly as younger talent increasingly values connection and purpose beyond profit.

Embracing AI and Data in the Risk Industry with Silvia Diaz-Roa

In this episode, I dive into the dynamic world of risk management and insurance with the insightful Silvia Diaz-Roa. Silvia, who initially embarked on a career in law, found herself captivated by the intricate realm of claims management and mitigation. Her journey led her to advocate for greater access to the wealth of data entrenched within the insurance industry.
Silvia's perspective is refreshingly forward-thinking, as she champions the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance our processes and elevate business intelligence within the realm of risk management. However, amidst the technological advancements, Silvia emphasizes the enduring value of human relationships and empathy.

Leaving the Ladder Down: Empowering Women Through Connection and Advocacy with Leanne Berry

In this episode of InsHER, I delve into the inspiring journey and insights of Leanne Berry, VP of Distribution at Vantage Risk, and a dynamic professional in the insurance industry who advocates for empowerment, connection, and continuous growth.
An advocate for women in insurance initiatives, Leanne finds fulfillment in mentorship and hands-on leadership roles in these groups. She is passionate about creating safe spaces for women to learn, grow, and succeed. Leanne urges women to support and uplift each other as they climb the career ladder, fostering a culture of empowerment and collaboration.