InsHER – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.