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.

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.

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.