In this episode, I interview Kim Cathey, Release Manager at RGA, whose career journey is anything but linear, and exactly the kind of story that reminds me there’s no one “right” path into this industry. From a high school internship at a State Farm agent’s office to roles across fashion, banking, aerospace, and ultimately insurance, Kim has built her career through curiosity, adaptability, and connection. What made this conversation especially meaningful for me was hearing how a simple LinkedIn post, one connected to this very podcast, led Kim to an introduction to Sandy Hubert. It was such a full-circle moment and a reminder of how powerful visibility and community can be in shaping someone’s path.

We spent a lot of time talking about what leadership really looks like in practice, and Kim shared something that stuck with me: kindness and niceness are not the same thing. She leads with genuine care for her team, while still having the hard conversations and driving meaningful change. We talked about how she approaches leadership through what she calls the four C’s: collaboration, communication, coordination, and consideration, and how that balance is critical when guiding teams through change. Kim is grounded in authenticity, being honest when she doesn’t have all the answers, creating space for others to speak up, and leading in a way that makes people feel both supported and challenged.

In this episode, I interview Alexis Simmons, a Senior Builder’s Risk Underwriter at Axis Capital. Over the past decade, Alexis has built her career across organizations such as Liberty Mutual and The Hartford, and today she leads with both technical expertise and heart, managing her book of business and partnering closely with brokers. But what I’ve always admired most about Alexis is how she shows up. From her leadership in industry initiatives like Dive In to her commitment to advocacy and inclusion, she brings intention and authenticity into every space she’s part of.

Our conversation went beyond career milestones and into the realities behind them. Alexis opened up about her experience as a Black woman and a single working mother in this industry, the challenges, the growth, and the importance of creating environments where people feel psychologically safe and truly seen. We talked about the responsibility we all have to advocate for more equitable practices, from supporting neurodivergent colleagues to rethinking policies that impact working parents. What stayed with me most was her advice to trust yourself, listen to your intuition, and lead as your full, authentic self.

In this episode, I interview three incredible women: Yolanda Austin, Katie Hughes, and Candace Duncan. Each of them has built a unique path in insurance, from claims to data and AI governance to industry standards, but the common thread is community. We talked about our involvement in the Women in Insurance Initiative and how it’s created a space where women can connect across roles, companies, and experiences, not just to network, but to truly support one another.

There are honest moments around confidence, mentorship, and growth. We talked about the pressure to be perfect, the tendency to put others first, and how mentorship, community, and even small moments of encouragement can change the trajectory of a career. We also explored what the future of our industry requires, not just technical skills, but empathy, communication, and ethical thinking.

To get involved with the Women in Insurance Initiative, visit: https://womenininsurance.stemconnector.com/home