InsHER

Taking the Driver’s Seat: Keri-Lynne Shaw on Owning Your Worth

In this episode, I sit down with Keri-Lynne “KL” Shaw, Founder of The Salary Bump. KL’s career began in the automotive industry before she built a long career in HR, eventually serving as a Chief People Officer. Along the way, she discovered a calling: helping professionals confidently own their worth, navigate career transitions, and negotiate for the pay and opportunities they deserve. I admired her calm authority when I first heard her speak, and in our conversation, KL shares the same mix of strategy, authenticity, and actionable tools that make her work so impactful.
KL also explains how salary negotiation is about so much more than just numbers, it’s about alignment, self-worth, and creating win-win outcomes that empower both professionals and organizations. KL also reflects on the ways women, in particular, can step into their power by reframing the conversation around value, not just compensation. Whether you’re in insurance or not, KL’s approach will inspire you to take the driver’s seat in your career and find a road that feels both ambitious and authentic.

Finding Blue Ocean: Paige Roepers on Undeserved Markets for Insurance Innovation

In this episode, I interview Paige Roepers, CEO of Ocean Ledger, whose career path took her from marine biology to banking, consulting, and ultimately to creating a company at the intersection of the Blue Economy and insurance. Paige shares how her passion for the ocean inspired her to build technology that uses satellite imagery and machine learning to map coastal risk, offering insurers and real estate investors sharper insights into storm surge exposure. What started as curiosity about the lack of financial support for marine conservation has evolved into a mission-driven business bridging risk gaps across the globe, from the US Gulf Coast and Northeast to APAC and the Caribbean.
We also discuss Ocean Ledger’s participation in Lloyd’s Lab, where Paige’s team demonstrated how their shoreline data could have generated significant savings during past hurricane events. Paige opens up about her experience as a young female founder navigating the insurance space, her belief in collaboration over competition with existing risk modeling vendors, and her vision for making insurance more inclusive and equitable, from simplifying industry jargon to prioritizing cultural fit and diverse skillsets in hiring. Paige shares how building a sustainable insurance future is about acting as the “glue” between stakeholders and staying anchored in transparency, equity, and innovation.

Black, White, and Inclusive All Over: Gemma Ros on Psychological Safety

In this episode, I interview Gemma Ros, Chief Technology Officer at The Zebra, to talk about her fascinating journey from Wall Street to tech leader in insurance. Gemma shares how her passion for technology and problem-solving ultimately led her to The Zebra, where she’s on a mission to simplify insurance shopping through innovation, personalization, and intelligent automation. We explore how her teams are modernizing data infrastructure, cutting quoting times, and enhancing the customer experience, while never losing sight of the human side of insurance. 
What really struck me was Gemma’s commitment to building teams, and products, that reflect the world we live in. She describes The Zebra’s inclusive culture, from its Employee Resource Groups to its support for different work styles, and shares why connecting everyday work to a bigger purpose is critical for engagement and decision-making. We also talk about the value of risk-taking, learning from failure, and creating psychologically safe environments where innovation can thrive. 

Fit to Lead: Chantelle Davis on Curiosity, Community, and Personal Style

In this episode, I interview Chantelle Davis, Business Manager, Turnkey Reinsurance at Beazley, to talk about her incredible journey through the insurance industry—from studying finance and working at the FDIC during the wake of Dodd-Frank, to finding her niche in cyber, product development, and now turnkey reinsurance. Chantelle is one of those people who brings thoughtful strategy and creativity to every seat she’s held, and her story is a tapestry of when curiosity, mentorship, and the right culture come together to shape a career. We also discuss the human element of regulation, the value of learning through failure, and the leaders who helped her lean into her questions with confidence.
What I loved most about our conversation was how deeply personal Chantelle’s definition of success has become. We explore how her passion for sustainability led to launching her own fashion brand, Beau Davis, and how her commitment to community now drives her leadership style. Chantelle is thinking big, about equity in the industry, about wealth-building in under-served communities, and about helping the next generation find their footing. She’s proof that you don’t have to choose between analytical excellence and creative expression. You can make space for both, and still make an impact.

Good Influence: @Insurancewomen on Giving Women in Insurance Access to Honest Information

In this first-of-its-kind episode, I interview the anonymous force behind the Instagram account @Insurancewomen, a platform that has quickly become a trusted voice for equity, transparency, and real talk in the insurance industry. She created the account over three years ago to address the gender pay gap and make it easier for women to access honest information, like parental leave policies and company culture insights. What started as a small idea is now a growing movement, fueled by DMs, community crowdsourcing, and the collective will of women who want better, better pay, better support, and a better future in this industry.
We talked candidly about everything from return-to-office mandates and open-plan distractions to the surprising intel she receives from women across the country. She’s building something powerful, balancing hard truths with humor, and creating a safe space for connection, advocacy, and actionable change. Her hope? That leaders are paying attention. That women feel less alone. And that the industry starts meeting the moment. This conversation was raw, real, and a much-needed look at what happens when women build something for each other, with no corporate filter.
If you aren’t already, make sure to follow @insurancewomen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurancewomen/ 

Be Kind & Bind: Natalie Kojababian on Making Your Mark

In this episode, I speak with Natalie Kojababian, Vice President at Amwins Access, whose journey into insurance started at just 18 through a summer job in her university’s risk management department. From sorting through policies to sitting in on broker calls and meetings, she got a hands-on introduction that sparked something bigger. At USC, she helped revive a risk management course on the verge of cancellation, ultimately laying the groundwork for what has now grown into a full minor open to all majors. It’s a powerful reminder that even small actions can ripple into lasting impact for future generations in our industry.
Now leading an all-women team at Amwins Access, Natalie brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does. We talk about her two-year grind to build a book of business, what it means to lead with intention, and her commitment to creating space for other women to thrive. She’s also the creator of “Be Kind & Bind”, a mantra that’s more than a personal brand; it’s a culture rooted in being a good human. 

Coming Clean: Seraina Lamlin on Recovery and Self-Discovery

In this episode, I interview Seraina Lamlin, Associate Vice President at USI Insurance Services. From starting her insurance career as a receptionist in a small Florida agency to leading client strategy at USI, Seraina’s story is a powerful example of growth and self-belief. We talk about how she navigated a sink-or-swim learning environment, pursued her degree while raising three boys, and made a bold move from Florida to Philadelphia in pursuit of something greater, not just for her career, but for her life.
But what makes Seraina’s journey especially compelling is the personal transformation she shares with courage and candor. Now celebrating two years of sobriety, Seraina opens up about overcoming addiction, finding clarity, and the confidence that comes with living in alignment with your values. We explore the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in corporate spaces and the importance of leading with empathy, vulnerability, and integrity. Seraina is a beautiful reminder that reinvention is possible.

Finding Your Oz: Where Profession & Passion Align with Lawanda "Elle Michell" Hall

In this episode, I interview Lawanda "Elle Michell" Hall, CEO and Founder of Intelligent Intentions LLC, for a powerful and inspiring conversation. Elle is one of my only guests who intentionally pursued a career in insurance. She opens up about her early passion for math and her decision to pursue actuarial science at Georgia State University. She eventually transitioned to a concentration in risk management and insurance as she was drawn to the problem-solving possibilities. It’s no surprise she excelled in her career, but ran into limitations in corporate, which inspired her to seek out her “Oz” - somewhere Elle could show up fully herself and feel the fullness of her passion for insurance. 
We talk about her visionary work with the Professional Development Academy (PDA), which is a career readiness program that equips students in risk management with real-world coaching, exposure, and tools to confidently navigate their careers. Elle also shares an amazing perspective on integrity being something evergreen and not selectively applied. Elle challenges us to think differently about how we value people inside organizations, viewing employees as complex, volatile, and highly valuable assets. 

Ageism & Women in Insurance with Carmen Powell in Partnership with ISC Group

In my second collaboration episode with ISC Group, I interview Carmen Powell, CEO of the ISC Group, to explore a topic that’s rarely addressed out loud: ageism in the insurance industry. Carmen shared eye-opening insights into how age-related bias against women often hides in plain sight: being overlooked for promotions, subtle pay inequities through job title manipulation, or job descriptions written to favor younger candidates. We discussed how this issue is deeply intertwined with gender bias and how it quietly impacts confidence, career progression, and leadership visibility. Carmen shared that many of the barriers women face begin as early as 45, and for some, even earlier.
We also talked about the incredible untapped value of experienced women in insurance and the need for inclusive re-entry pathways, particularly for those returning after caregiving. Carmen highlighted how ISC Group is actively building networks and opportunities for mid- to late-career women to reclaim their professional power and stay visible. We discussed the importance of intergenerational collaboration, male allyship, and intentional policy change. Carmen’s message is clear: experience isn’t a liability. And we need to create space for women to own it, share it, and thrive at every stage of their careers.

The Quest of Finding Yourself: Erika Duda on Owning Your Career Path

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Erika Duda, Founder and CEO of InsureQuest, about her refreshingly human approach to building confidence, clarity, and career growth in the adjusting world. With 20+ years of experience, Erika brings a well-rounded perspective to what adjusters really need to thrive. We talked about the inspiration behind InsureQuest, her mission-driven training and onboarding company, and how she’s closing critical education gaps in the industry. Erika also shared how the 2008 recession helped her realize that careers are personal, and the most powerful thing we can do is take ownership of our path.
Our conversation also explores Erika’s recent diagnosis with a brain disorder and her neurodivergent identity, experiences that have challenged her deeply but also reshaped the way she leads and creates. From introverted conference strategies to resilience in entrepreneurship, Erika speaks with honesty and strength about what it takes to show up fully as yourself.