100 Women in Insurance

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

  This episode is sponsored by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). 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

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

  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. 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.

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• 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.

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• 072: Redefining Leadership with Donna Scully

  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 conversation, Sandra is joined by the inspiring, honest and fun insurance leader Donna Scully who shares her journey into the insurance, emphasising the importance of continuing learning. Donna shows that is it possible to be both professional and friendly leader. What is more, she also shows that it is possible to create a company where flexible working comes in many shapes and forms, whilst continuing to drive a positive outcome for both business and employees. She dispels common myths surrounding women in leadership roles and emphasizes the value of experience in the workforce, advocating for a supportive environment that recognizes the contributions of all employees. In this conversation, Donna Scully and Sandra discuss the multifaceted challenges and opportunities women face in the workplace, particularly in leadership roles. Donna highlights the significance of mentorship, especially when it comes to learning from the younger generations, while also addressing the challenges of leadership, particularly for women. The discussion also touches on the significance of work-life balance, the impact of family on career progression, and the need for flexible work environments. They emphasize the power of intentional diversity initiatives and the importance of being open-minded in creating a more equitable workplace. Finally, they reflect on personal growth and the influence of role models in shaping their careers. Takeaways Courage is needed for the days when it goes wrong. Continuous learning is essential for personal growth. Technology should enhance, not replace human interaction. Be yourself and don't conform to societal molds. Women in leadership should embrace their true selves. Bridging the leadership gap requires both men and women to step up. Inclusivity and diversity should be at the forefront of business practices. Networking and mentorship play a vital role in women's career advancement. Work-life balance is a significant challenge for many women. Flexible work environments can help retain talent and support families. About the guest Connect with Donna 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.

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• 071: An honest conversation with the founder of @insurancewomen instagram account

  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 Note: The founder’s voice in this episode has been altered to protect their identity. In this powerful and insightful episode, Sandra sits down with the founder of the widely followed Instagram account @insurancewomen—a platform now inspiring over 15k followers. This isn’t a “complain and point fingers” conversation. Instead, it’s a deeply insightful look into what’s really happening in the industry and how we can practically come together—men and women alike—to build a better, more inclusive environment for current and future generations. Key takeaways: The origin story behind the Insurance Women account and the purpose that fuels it Why anonymity matters—and what it reveals about the industry culture Misconceptions about the account and why it’s not about blame Real-life stories and observations from the community A practical call to collaboration: how men and women can work together, not in opposition What the founder wants every insurance professional to reflect on—regardless of their gender or seniority This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at a platform that’s become a powerful voice in insurance. It’s an honest, and constructive conversation that goes beyond surface-level discussions. Whether you’re early in your career or leading teams, this episode will inspire you to think differently about inclusion, leadership, and shared accountability in the industry. About the guest Follow InsuranceWomen on Instagram. 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.

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