In this episode, I speak with Emily Yoo, who has a unique blend of consulting and insurance expertise. Emily shares how her consulting career, driven by her passion for making a lasting impact, led her to the world of insurance when she received a call from Tokio Marine North America. From there, her journey began, allowing her to leverage her skills in strategy and problem-solving in an industry she believes is crucial to society’s well-being. As someone who thrives on tackling complex challenges, Emily explains how insurance, like consulting, gives her the chance to help companies solve critical issues with a broad market perspective. Her passion for always leaving situations better than she found them shines through in our conversation.

Emily also talks about the opportunities that insurance offers for anyone looking to make a name for themselves, noting the industry’s innovative push in areas like AI experimentation. She shares her thoughts on the power of individual impact in supporting diversity and inclusion, particularly in assembling diverse teams and mentoring those who need it most. Emily emphasizes the importance of broadening our circles beyond the familiar to foster understanding and ensure that diverse voices are heard and valued in the workplace.

In this episode, I sit down with Noelle Codispoti, Head of the Academy at the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance and Co-Founder and Chief Transformation Officer at Verto. Noelle shares her journey from being a first-generation college graduate with a passion for math to pursuing actuarial science. She reflects on how a high school teacher’s discouragement from becoming a math teacher led her down an unexpected but fulfilling path in insurance. We discuss the industry’s tendency to focus on specific skills while overlooking the many who, like Noelle, find insurance unexpectedly and make a profound impact. Noelle also speaks to an authenticity study conducted with Verto which revealed a disconnect between what insurance companies advertise in job descriptions about the role and company culture vs. the reality, highlighting the need for more transparent and trustworthy communication from hiring managers.

One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was when Noelle shared her approach to engaging students at an early age, changing the perception of insurance as a career. She recalls a visit to a third-grade class where she used a wooden castle and cartoon cutouts to teach children about risk management and insurance, making it relatable and fun. Noelle emphasizes the importance of getting insurance professionals involved in sharing their stories with students to inspire the next generation. Her passion for helping students see insurance as a viable and rewarding career path shines through, and she truly believes that education can transform the future of the industry.

In this episode of InsHER, I sit down with Tamra Johnson, Vice President of Public Affairs for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). Tamra’s journey into insurance began with her work at AAA’s Public Affairs office in Washington, D.C., where she first encountered the industry’s critical role in safeguarding communities. She later joined APCIA just before the pandemic hit in December 2019 and quickly immersed herself in one of her passions: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Tamra shares how she spearheaded APCIA’s first Women in Diversity Conference in 2020, which has since evolved into the Expanding Opportunity in Insurance Conference, a forum bringing together DEI thought leaders to tackle industry challenges and best practices. Tamra discusses the importance of collaboration, both internally and with key partners like NAAIA and LAAIA, to drive meaningful progress in DEI.

Tamra also speaks to how APCIA’s DEI Leader Groups, which meet quarterly, keep the momentum going by exchanging insights and strategizing on DEI, talent development, and more. She explains the critical role storytelling plays in moving the needle on DEI, helping people understand the lived experiences of others and inspiring allyship and advocacy. I also ask Tamra about the challenges and opportunities in DEI, including continuing to push for greater representation not only for women, but women of color. Tamra also has meaningful insights into how the insurance industry can better communicate its value to young people to ensure a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry.