100 Women in Insurance

• 077: Don’t outsource your career, live event recording with Sam Tymms

  This episode is sponsored by RPC. Summary In this live recording from event at RPC FIG Network, Sandra is joined by Sam Tymms for a powerful and honest conversation about what it really means to own your career. Sam shares reflections from a career spanning regulation, advisory and governance, and speaks openly about the common traps women fall into when it comes to progression. Too often, women wait to be tapped on the shoulder, rely on their employer to plot the next step, or assume success will be recognised without saying a word. Together, Sandra and Sam explore how career ownership starts with self-awareness, clarity and courage. From navigating networking with curiosity, to preparing for non-executive roles, this episode unpacks what it takes to get boardroom-ready and why authenticity and failure are essential parts of leadership. The conversation also dives into the evolving nature of diversity and inclusion in financial services, and how regulation, unconscious bias and cultural expectations continue to shape the experience of women in the industry. Whether you're just starting out, pivoting mid-career or stepping up into leadership, this episode is a reminder that you are your own best advocate, and that sisterhood, celebration and support go a long way. Takeaways Women often don't do enough to own their career Outsourcing your career management can hinder progress Success looks and feels different at every stage, and that’s OK Networking works best when you lead with curiosity Sisterhood is about support and empowerment Non-executive roles can provide valuable experience Know your value and be ready to articulate it in board setting Diversity and inclusion discussions are evolving Networking can be less intimidating with the right mindset Career ownership is essential for professional growth. Diversity and inclusion are ongoing challenges in financial services Regulatory interviews often lack awareness of gender dynamics Future leaders must be tech-savvy and self-aware Authenticity is crucial in leadership; accept your strengths and weaknesses Failure is a natural part of career growth Recognising personal value is essential for career advancement Cultural perceptions can influence women's career choices Self-doubt can create barriers to success Owning your career means challenging societal expectations Celebrating achievements fosters a supportive professional community About the Guest Connect with Sam Tymms on LinkedIn About the host Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn Learn more about the 100 Women in Insurance Collective: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective

  --------  

  29:33

  --------

  29:33
• 076: It’s never too late: career change, purpose and sustainability with Cristina Galindo

  Summary In this episode, Sandra is joined by Cristina Galindo for a thoughtful conversation on career transitions, sustainability, and the changing world of work. Cristina shares her journey from a career in HR across financial services and tech to her current focus on sustainability and talent. She reflects on the benefits and challenges of moving abroad, the realities of career breaks, and the importance of embracing change at any age or stage. From the rise of sustainability roles in insurance to the need for organisations to retain knowledge as professionals approach retirement, Cristina brings fresh insight into how careers, and workplaces, are evolving. Together, Sandra and Cristina explore the concept of the “empty box,” a space for reflection and reinvention, and discuss why transferable skills, introspection, and storytelling are essential in today’s job market. They also tackle the shifting language of CVs, how to balance legal compliance with company culture, and why kindness and performance are not mutually exclusive. This episode is packed with practical advice and quiet encouragement, for anyone navigating change, rethinking their purpose, or creating more human-centred ways of working. Takeaways It's never too late to change careers or pursue new opportunities Moving abroad can be a great learning opportunity but comes with challenges The traditional linear career path is becoming less common Career breaks can develop leadership, negotiation and project management skills The "empty box" is a space to pause, reflect and explore new directions before taking your next step CVs need to evolve to focus on skills, strengths and stories, not just job titles Introspection helps you reconnect with your values and design a career that fits with your authentic self The job market is changing rapidly, with sustainability roles expanding across insurance and beyond People are living and working longer, but many organisations are not prepared for longer careers Knowledge retention is a growing challenge as senior professionals retire without transition plans Equal and inclusive parental leave policies send a powerful message about what a company values Kindness and high performance can coexist Creating human-centered workplaces enhances employee loyalty About the guest Connect with Cristina on LinkedIn About the host Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn Learn more about the 100 Women in Insurance Collective: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective

  --------  

  42:50

  --------

  42:50
• 075: Map Your Next Move: Navigating Your Insurance Career with Confidence

  This episode is sponsored by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Summary In this episode, Sandra is joined by Vanessa Riboloni, Professional Capabilities and Insight Manager at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), for a conversation about visibility, growth, and the story behind the CII Professional Map. Vanessa shares how she found her way into insurance by chance. A researcher at heart who followed her curiosity rather than a fixed plan. Vanessa reflects on how she built a meaningful career by leaning into learning, taking calculated risks, and staying open to where her skills were needed. As someone who doesn’t naturally seek the spotlight, Vanessa speaks candidly about visibility in the workplace, and the realisation that competence isn’t always enough. She offers practical reflections on how to become your own PR manager, especially in a hybrid environment where it’s easy to go unnoticed if you don’t actively show up. The episode centres on the CII Professional Map, a free, open-access tool designed to help individuals, line managers and teams reflect on development needs and define what “good” looks like at every stage of an insurance career. Vanessa walks us through how the map was built, from field research and behavioural interviews to user testing and team workshops, and shares how it’s being updated to reflect evolving expectations around skills, sustainability and AI. Whether you’re navigating your next move, supporting others as a manager, or returning to work after time away, this episode is a practical guide to making growth feel possible, even when you’re not sure where to start. Takeaways You don’t need a fixed plan to build a fulfilling career, sometimes the path reveals itself along the way Curiosity is a powerful driver of growth, learning and connection Visibility matters, being good at your job isn’t always enough if people don’t see your impact If you’re more introverted or focused on delivery, you may need to be more intentional about showing your value The Professional Map is a free tool designed to support career development at every level It’s useful for return-to-work planning, confidence building, interview preparation and team reviews, are all things that the Professional Map can help with About the guest Connect with Vanessa Riboloni on LinkedIn About the host Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn Learn more about the 100 Women in Insurance Collective: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective Resource  Explore the CII Professional Map

  --------  

  42:31

  --------

  42:31
• 074:There’s always a story to be told: PR, mental health & belonging in insurance with Kirsty Plank

  This episode is sponsored by Full Circle Communications. ⚠️ Content note This episode includes open reflections on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and stress leave. Sandra and Kirsty speak from personal experience and are not medical or mental health professionals. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed, please contact your GP or reach out to a trusted mental health organisation such as My Black Dog, Mind, or BetterHelp. Summary In this episode, Sandra is joined by Kirsty, Executive Director at Full Circle Communications, for a powerful and personal conversation about PR, mental health, and building confidence on LinkedIn. Kirsty shares her insurance journey shaped by curiosity, a love for writing, relationship-building, and storytelling, which helped her carve out a meaningful career in PR and communications. She talks about finding her voice through storytelling, challenging the myth that insurance is ‘boring,’ and why every business (and person) has a story worth telling. She speaks candidly about living with anxiety, taking time off for stress, and the real emotions tied to returning to work. Kirsty offers reflections on the importance of leadership support and the role psychological safety plays in cultivating better workplaces. The conversation also explores how to navigate LinkedIn with intention. From overcoming visibility blocks to showing up authentically, Kirsty shares practical guidance for anyone wanting to grow their presence online, without the pressure to overshare or perform. This is a thoughtful, insightful, and honest episode about finding your pace, owning your story, and leading with care. Takeaways Insurance careers can evolve in unexpected and fulfilling ways PR is about building relationships and sharing stories, not just crisis management Every business in insurance has a story worth telling Mental health is an integral part of an employee's overall wellbeing and performance Supportive management can significantly impact an employee's mental health journey There is a stigma around mental health that needs to be addressed in workplaces Taking time off for mental health should not be seen as a weakness Open conversations about mental health can help reduce stigma and promote healing Returning to work after a break can be less daunting than expected LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking Authenticity is key in social media engagement Avoid posting overly personal content on professional platforms Start slow with social media engagement and build confidence Resources: If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed, please contact your GP or reach out to a trusted mental health organisation such as My Black Dog, Mind, or BetterHelp. About the guest Connect with Kirsty on LinkedIn. About the Host Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.

  --------  

  48:37

  --------

  48:37
• 073: How to make networking fun with Suzy Berry

  Grab a 'Coffee with Sandra' on a fortnightly basis by signing up for her fortnightly newsletter and staying up to date on all 100WII news, Sandra's behind-the-scenes and gender equality matters. Sign up here. ------------------------------------------- Summary In this episode of 100 Women in Insurance, Sandra sits down with Suzy Berry, Sales Director, for a wide-ranging conversation on self-belief, shifting definitions of success, and the realities of juggling career and motherhood. Having entered insurance by chance after raising her children, Suzy shares how she carved out a fulfilling career path, first by saying yes to opportunity, then by taking control of her narrative. From becoming a single mother mid-career to leading in a high-performing sales role, Suzy speaks candidly about the myths we hold around working parents, networking, and what it really means to “do it all.” The conversation also challenges common assumptions about sales. Suzy reframes it as problem-solving with purpose, built on trust, credibility and honesty. Whether you’re a parent, in sales, or simply navigating the next step in your career, this one is packed with relatable insights. Takeaways Careers often evolve from unexpected beginnings. Embrace the chance moments Becoming a single mother can shift your perspective on career and success Progression often comes from being seen, showing up and doing the work Balancing work and family is possible, but it doesn’t mean giving 100% to everything Sales isn’t about selling. It’s about solving problems and building trust Knowing your worth helps you say yes to the right things Being honest, with yourself and others, leads to better outcomes You can be a present parent and still pursue a fulfilling career Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start with simple, human connection Believing in yourself helps you grow in the right direction Travel and career exposure can open unexpected doors About the guest Connect with Suzy on LinkedIn. About the Host Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn and explore more insights: Sandra’s LinkedIn Discover the 100 Women In Insurance Collective dedicated to connecting women in insurance: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective.

  --------  

  33:21

  --------

  33:21

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About 100 Women in Insurance