In this episode, I interview Monica Adwani, who talks about unexpected career paths, entrepreneurship, and the importance of building an insurance industry that truly reflects the communities it serves. Monica shares how she found insurance by accident after losing her IT job, only to discover an industry that would ultimately shape her career. From learning insurance at the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety to becoming a partner at BRC Insurance, Monica walks through the pivotal moments that led her to embrace innovation, technology, and a mission-driven approach to serving the Latino community.

Our conversation also explores the future of insurance through the lens of people, both customers and employees. Monica challenges the industry to think beyond broad market segments and better understand the unique needs, preferences, and experiences of diverse populations. We discuss the ongoing talent shortage, the value of hiring for character and compassion, and why mentorship played such an important role in her own journey. Monica also shares the leadership lesson she wishes more organizations would embrace: that creating a more equitable workplace starts with paying attention to your people, investing in their growth, and making sure they feel seen, supported, and valued along the way.

In this episode, I interview Jamie Behymer, Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Young Agents at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big "I"), to discuss the future of talent, leadership, and inclusion in the insurance industry. Jamie shares how her father's long career in insurance first introduced her to the profession and how that experience ultimately led her to a role dedicated to developing the next generation of industry leaders. We explore what she's seeing from today's young professionals, including their strong desire for purpose, community impact, and meaningful careers that challenge traditional perceptions of insurance.

Our conversation also dives into the important work being done to create a more inclusive and accessible industry. Jamie shares insights from the Big "I"'s diversity initiatives, the growth of women in agency leadership and ownership, and the increasing momentum behind Women in Insurance programs across the country. We discuss the power of mentorship, the importance of building diverse talent pipelines, and why accessibility should be a priority for every organization. Drawing from her personal experience with her brother who has autism, Jamie offers a powerful vision for creating workplaces where more people feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

In this episode, I interview Cristina Varner, SVP and Life Science Practice Leader – West Region at Lockton, for a candid conversation about advocacy, leadership, and what it really means for women to take up space in the workplace. Cristina shares her unexpected path into insurance after originally pursuing fashion merchandising, and how she became known as an “activist” for speaking up about equity and inclusivity. I admire her refusal to shrink herself to make others comfortable, and her belief that when women lead authentically and visibly, it creates a ripple effect for everyone around them.

We also talk about the realities many women still face in corporate environments: feeling unsafe speaking up, navigating competition between women, and the emotional toll of constantly proving yourself. Cristina opens up about co-founding DEI and women’s initiatives, the resistance that can come with challenging the status quo, and why community and female friendships are critical in moments of burnout and self-doubt.