Episodes

  • Audacious AF: Miranda Fischer on Why the Insurance Industry Needs More Tattooed Weirdos with Fresh Ideas
    May 14 2025

    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.

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    30 mins
  • Reclaiming Control: Jen Miller on Introspection and Finding What Works for You
    May 7 2025

    In this episode of InsHER, I interviewed Jen Miller, founder of Power Sales and Strategy. With more than 25 years of experience and over a decade coaching thousands of insurance professionals, Jen brings sharp insights, authenticity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed. But in a way you can feel happy with.

    What stood out to me most was Jen’s powerful perspective on building confidence, especially for young women and introverts in an industry that often rewards the loudest voices. We dig into mentorship, intentional networking, and visibility in a remote world. From expressing your needs, to honoring your most productive hours, to designing a life and career that actually works, Jen demonstrates how leadership starts from within.

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    36 mins
  • Say Yes, Then Figure It Out: Rocio Luna on the Value of Resourcefulness
    Apr 30 2025

    In this episode, I interview Rocio Luna, Workers’ Compensation Specialist and Risk Management Strategist. Rocio’s journey into insurance began with a simple yes. When a local agency needed help fast, she jumped in headfirst with no prior knowledge of workers’ comp. She candidly shares how Google became her best friend, how kind adjusters helped shape her foundation, and how she leaned into transparency, humility, and determination to earn her footing in a male-dominated space. Rocio opens up about those early years, the steep learning curve, and how developing client trust, especially when delivering tough news, was a cornerstone of her growth.

    We also talk about how Rocio’s experience in claims gave her the structure and insight to later build out scalable processes for risk management. Her transition into sales, while brief, taught her invaluable lessons about communication, confidence, and rejection. As a 25-year-old Latina woman surrounded by seasoned "golf guys," Rocio used her intuition and deep listening skills to form real connections with clients, and realized that being different was her strength. Her message to other women in the industry is powerful: don’t let intimidation or a number define your worth. You belong at the table, and your voice matters.

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    29 mins
  • Act Like a Man? Nah. Lead Like Jana Byron
    Apr 23 2025

    In this episode, I interview Jana Byron, SVP and Practice Leader for Texas Marine at Lockton. With Greek roots and family ties to shipping, Jana’s journey into marine insurance was destined. She shares how her experience at a UK P&I Club, a place where she initially hesitated to join an all-female team, became a powerful experience that reshaped her views on women in leadership. From marine law to underwriting to now leading at Lockton, Jana opens up about embracing bold career moves, like asking for the job she wasn’t sure she’d get by channeling what she calls her “act like a man” moment.

    Jana also shares how much the industry has evolved from being the only young woman in a room to now seeing more diverse and dynamic representation. We talk about the power of hiring for culture over credentials, the necessity of psychological safety in high-performing teams, and the importance of creating space for spirited (but respectful) debate. Jana’s passion for building inclusive community is clear in her work with LEMI (Ladies of Energy & Marine Insurance), a network she co-founded to empower women across the industry.

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    35 mins
  • Taking Left Turns to the Right Place with Cortney Helfrich
    Apr 16 2025

    In this episode, I interview Cortney Helfrich, Chief Personnel Officer at Wilber Group, one of the top subrogation agencies in the country. Cortney’s story is anything but linear. In her words, it’s a series of “left turns that got her to the right place.” From being ranked sixth in the nation in pole vaulting to walking away from the sport to pursue a career in insurance, her journey is full of unexpected pivots, each one leading her closer to her purpose. We talk about the powerful article that first sparked her passion for risk management, and how she’s spent 14 years growing with Wilber. She has tried nearly every role in the organization and now leads their People Resources department with authenticity and heart.

    Cortney opens up about what it means to be the only woman on the executive team, and how she uses that platform to champion mentorship, create psychological safety, and model what it looks like to lead while staying true to yourself. She shares her belief that it's okay to do what's best for you and your family, and that it's also okay to chase your dreams. We also talk about how to make insurance more visible and inspiring for future generations (yes, she’s dreaming of a subrogation specialist Halloween costume), and why she believes this industry offers the kind of stability and purpose young professionals are searching for.

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    49 mins
  • What If It Goes Right? Choosing Hope with Corrie LoGiudice
    Apr 9 2025

    In this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Corrie LoGiudice, keynote speaker, coach, and founder of Corrie Lo & Co LLC. Corrie shared her powerful journey from being the only woman, and the youngest person, in a senior executive role within a male-dominated industry to launching her own business after experiencing an unimaginable series of traumatic events. From miscarriage, abuse, divorce, and the devastating loss of a partner to suicide, Corrie opened up about what it means to keep showing up as a leader and a mother in the face of adversity. Her ability to transform personal tragedy into fuel for transformation and leadership is deeply inspiring, especially for women navigating both professional ambition and personal struggle.

    Corrie also speaks about taking the leap to build her business, not just for herself, but for her daughter and the future of women in leadership. We talked about what it means to invest in yourself, to shift your mindset from “what if it goes wrong?” to “what if it goes right?” and how she helps clients tackle burnout and overwhelm through her five-part framework: Clarity, Confidence, Community, Conditioning, and Consistency. Corrie’s message is clear—systemic change starts with courageous women stepping into leadership, and she’s here to help more of us do just that.

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    27 mins
  • The More You Hear No, The Less It Hurts: Amora Wood on Putting Yourself Out There
    Apr 2 2025

    Amora Wood’s journey in insurance is a testament to the power of self-advocacy, asking for what you want, and not letting a “no” deter your ambition. She landed her first insurance job simply by striking up a conversation with a restaurant regular. That same curiosity led her to explore policies beyond her first role as a receptionist, sparking a passion that carried her into production. Throughout her career, Amora has embraced rejection as part of the process, encouraging others to do the same: “The word no, and rejection, get less powerful the more you hear it. Keep putting yourself out there.” Amora also challenged competitive workplace dynamics by fostering collaboration, choosing to uplift other women rather than compete.

    As a wife and mother, Amora confronted self-imposed guilt about balancing career and family, ultimately redefining success on her own terms. By seeking counsel of a working mothers she admired, she embraced the idea that pursuing her career was not just beneficial for her, it was an inspiring lesson for her children. “It's not about being there for every single thing, but about being the best version of yourself when you are.” Looking ahead, Amora hopes to create a supportive community for women in insurance, a space where they can share experiences and seek guidance.

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    30 mins
  • Pursue What Matters: Dalesa Bady on Aligning Passion and Profession
    Mar 26 2025

    In this episode, I interview Dalesa Bady, Founder of Pursue What Matters, to explore how she helps women, primarily women of color, in insurance land purpose-driven roles and build fulfilling careers. Dalesa’s journey from actuary to career alignment coach was fueled by a deep curiosity about people’s career paths and a passion for development. With nearly 15 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance space working at USAA, Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, and GuideOne Insurance, she has seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the industry. We discuss her transition into coaching, how she balanced launching her business while working full-time, and why she’s committed to helping women take control over their careers.

    Dalesa shares insights on the struggles women of color face in the insurance industry, including the barriers to leadership and the need for greater representation. She explains how she guides clients toward career clarity, well-being, and financial growth, helping them uncover hidden opportunities and navigate career transitions with confidence. We also dive into the shifting priorities of today’s professionals and what’s next for Pursue What Matters, including expanding corporate partnerships and increasing access to career development resources.

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    32 mins