In this episode, I dive into the inspiring journey of Lee Vuu, Founder of the Multicultural Reinsurance Insurance Association (MRIA) and Vice President at Argo Group. Starting her career as the first hire of a Chief Reinsurance Officer, Lee's role as an executive assistant provided her with a unique vantage point, offering broad perspectives and insights into the numerous moving parts of the organization. Her passion for learning has been pivotal in her career progression. Lee shares her mantra, “Find the people who are doing what you want to do and learn from them,” underscoring the importance of seeking guidance from those whose paths you aspire to follow.

Lee also discusses her creation of MRIA, stemming from a desire to address the lack of diversity in the reinsurance and insurance industries, especially at senior levels. The MRIA board was intentionally formed with a diverse range of cultural, professional, and demographic backgrounds. Lee's goal is to leverage her personal brand and visibility to support and highlight others doing great work, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices contribute to decision-making at the highest levels. Her belief in the transformative power of words and positive reinforcement further illustrates her commitment to nurturing a supportive and progressive industry culture.

In this episode of InsHER, I interview Kerry Macca, Founder of KM Consulting, who brings three decades of insurance experience with a special focus on digital transformation. Kerry shares her passion for the insurance industry, emphasizing how it empowers her and others to make a positive impact on people’s lives by providing customers with peace of mind. She finds fulfillment in helping clients navigate complex challenges and believes in the potential of technology and innovation to transform the industry. Kerry discussed how her expertise in risk assessment and policy structure led her to enterprise technology providers, where she discovered the exciting potential of tech and innovation.

Kerry addressed the current perception of the insurance industry as complex, impersonal, and transactional, advocating for a shift towards empathy and support during the most challenging times of clients' lives. She underscored that insurance goes beyond policies, focusing on people and their well-being, and the promise of making consumers whole again after a loss. Kerry champions service-oriented practices, excellent customer service, and transparency, emphasizing the importance of educating consumers before they file a claim. She explained how the integration of technology and data is transforming the industry, enabling companies to focus on value-added activities and improving customer experiences. Kerry also highlighted the need for diversity in the tech talent pipeline and the importance of women having mentors who resemble them, to inspire the next generation of leaders in the insurance and tech fields.

In this episode, I sit down with Marguerite Tortorello, Executive Director of the Insurance Careers Movement, to delve into her inspiring journey from working in the White House during pivotal events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina to discovering her passion for the insurance industry. Marguerite shares how these experiences shaped her understanding of the profound impact of helping others in times of need, leading her to fall in love with the purpose-driven nature of insurance. We explore her role in founding the Insurance Careers Movement over a decade ago, a collaborative effort aimed at showcasing the diverse talents and incredible opportunities within the insurance sector. Marguerite highlights ICM’s initiatives, including in-person events and partnerships with local high schools and colleges, designed to showcase the vibrant possibilities of an insurance career.

Marguerite's leadership is marked by intentionality and collaboration, particularly in uplifting women within the industry. Drawing parallels to the community-building and economic impact exemplified by powerhouses like Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark, she discusses the importance of supporting and empowering female professionals. At the most recent Emerging Leaders Conference, a deliberate shift in gender representation was made, resulting in noticeable and appreciated visibility for women in leadership. Marguerite emphasizes the significance of promoting and amplifying women's voices, whether through mindful actions like gifting Taylor Swift-style friendship bracelets or small but impactful gestures on platforms like LinkedIn. She offers practical advice on supporting other women, advocating for intentional and authentic efforts to help them shine and excel.