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.

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.

In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Cayce Lynch and Ashley Paige Fetyko of Tyson & Mendes. Two women whose friendship and leadership journey exemplify what it means to rise together. Cayce, the firm’s National Managing Partner, first crossed paths with Ashley years ago in another firm, and what began as shared office walls and parallel seasons of life has grown into a deep bond rooted in shared purpose. We talked about how their connection has shaped not only their careers but also the culture they're building at Tyson & Mendes, where authenticity, growth, and support aren’t just words, but they’re the foundation. From leading national educational initiatives to standing firm on their values, they’re creating real change in the legal and insurance defense industries.

What I appreciated most was their commitment to showing up fully, not just as professionals, but as women, mothers, and mentors. Cayce and Ashley shared the risks and rewards of living their values out loud. They spoke truthfully about the realities of caregiving, the power of asking for what you need (like pumping breaks at court), and how to create inclusive spaces where others feel seen. And of course, creating content that bridged the ideals of two very different powerhouse females: Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Taylor Swift, to share their wisdom with their firm and the broader industry.

In this episode, I interview Molly Stewart, Regional Sales Operations Leader at High Street Insurance and Financial Services. Molly brings a rare 360-degree view of the insurance world, having worked across frontline operations, outside sales, agency ownership, and sales leadership. Her holistic experience informs a leadership style grounded in purpose, strategy, and heart. We dive into how she empowers agents to lead with integrity, reminding them that selling insurance isn't about pushing products; it's about protecting people and businesses from life’s worst moments.

Molly shares powerful insights on what it means to truly serve clients, including when to walk away from the wrong fit and how vulnerability and storytelling can strengthen relationships. She challenges the outdated stigma of insurance sales and offers a compelling vision of what happens when agents ask the hard questions and stand confidently in their expertise. Molly proves that real impact in our industry comes from showing up with authenticity, courage, and care.

In this episode, I interview Sheila Dye, Chief Operating Officer at Latitude Segregation Services, who found insurance through her husband. He even got a referral bonus for recruiting her to Nationwide! Sheila spent an impressive tenure there before finding Latitude. Her journey at a large organization, followed by a move to a smaller one, influenced her leadership style and approach to processes. Sheila shares the pivotal lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of listening, mentorship, and intentionally stepping out of your comfort zone to grow.

What struck me most about Sheila is her blend of operational discipline and genuine care for people. We talk about leading through change, how to navigate tough transitions, and why creating a culture of accountability and compassion matters. Sheila also opens up about how motherhood shaped her leadership and the value she sees in investing in other women.

In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Ramos, Director of Student Relations for Young Risk Professionals of Denver, to explore how she turned a chance moment in an urban auto insurance office into a life of purpose, leadership, and fierce love. Her resilience, shaped by a childhood marked by instability, hunger, and survival, is awe-inspiring. In spite of her hardship, she speaks of it not with bitterness, but with profound reflection, saying, “Only in the past few years have I truly embraced how resilient I am.”

Lydia opens up about being a gang-involved teen, a young mother in an abusive relationship, and a woman who found her footing in insurance when she needed a new path most. Today, she’s not just building a career, she’s building a legacy. With six children under one roof (and one already in her own house), Lydia’s home is a multigenerational, love-filled hub of support, laughter, and safety. We talk about authenticity in leadership, the future of the industry, and how Lydia’s mission is to create the kind of family, community, and professional space she never had growing up. “Insurance,” she says, “was my segway to a real life.”

In this episode, I sit down with someone whose digital presence precedes her in the best way possible. Ema Roloff, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Roloff Consulting, joins me to talk about her journey from the classroom to the world of digital transformation. With a background in teaching and more than a decade of experience helping companies modernize, Emma brings a powerful mix of curiosity, compassion, and communication to the table. We dig into how her unique approach to change management empowers businesses to not only adopt technology but truly embrace it with purpose and clarity.

What I loved most about our conversation is Ema’s commitment to being a thoughtful leader in a space that’s often dominated by buzzwords and complexity. She breaks things down in a way that feels personal and actionable, whether she’s talking about automation, customer experience, or the empathetic side of leading change. We also talk about what it means to show up authentically online, the power of building in public, and how Emma’s role as an educator still shows up in her work every day.

In this episode of InsHER, I interview the one and only Miranda Fischer, Producer at Alliant Insurance Services and a total force in the construction and surety space. From riding at the Grand Prix level in both Show Jumping and Dressage to operating heavy machinery and now representing some of the top AEC firms in New York, Miranda’s insurance story is anything but ordinary. We talk about how her unconventional background gives her a unique edge, and how she shows up authentically with neon multi-chrome eyebrows, full-body tattoos, and all. Miranda shares what it's like to be one of only a handful of female producers in her specialty and how she’s pushing boundaries simply by existing as her full self.

We also get into the power of industry associations and the confidence they can instill, especially for women stepping into volunteer leadership roles. Miranda is involved in organizations like the Women Builders Council and Professional Women in Construction, and she explains how those spaces not only build community but spark lifelong friendships. She’s brutally honest, fiercely authentic, and endlessly bold, reminding us that we do deserve the seat we’ve earned and should have twice the audacity of everyone in the room. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or questioned whether you belong, this episode is the reminder you didn’t know you needed.