In this episode, I speak with Natalie Kojababian, Vice President at Amwins Access, whose journey into insurance started at just 18 through a summer job in her university’s risk management department. From sorting through policies to sitting in on broker calls and meetings, she got a hands-on introduction that sparked something bigger. At USC, she helped revive a risk management course on the verge of cancellation, ultimately laying the groundwork for what has now grown into a full minor open to all majors. It’s a powerful reminder that even small actions can ripple into lasting impact for future generations in our industry.

Now leading an all-women team at Amwins Access, Natalie brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does. We talk about her two-year grind to build a book of business, what it means to lead with intention, and her commitment to creating space for other women to thrive. She’s also the creator of “Be Kind & Bind”, a mantra that’s more than a personal brand; it’s a culture rooted in being a good human.

In this episode, I interview Seraina Lamlin, Associate Vice President at USI Insurance Services. From starting her insurance career as a receptionist in a small Florida agency to leading client strategy at USI, Seraina’s story is a powerful example of growth and self-belief. We talk about how she navigated a sink-or-swim learning environment, pursued her degree while raising three boys, and made a bold move from Florida to Philadelphia in pursuit of something greater, not just for her career, but for her life.

But what makes Seraina’s journey especially compelling is the personal transformation she shares with courage and candor. Now celebrating two years of sobriety, Seraina opens up about overcoming addiction, finding clarity, and the confidence that comes with living in alignment with your values. We explore the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in corporate spaces and the importance of leading with empathy, vulnerability, and integrity. Seraina is a beautiful reminder that reinvention is possible.

In this episode, I interview Lawanda "Elle Michell" Hall, CEO and Founder of Intelligent Intentions LLC, for a powerful and inspiring conversation. Elle is one of my only guests who intentionally pursued a career in insurance. She opens up about her early passion for math and her decision to pursue actuarial science at Georgia State University. She eventually transitioned to a concentration in risk management and insurance as she was drawn to the problem-solving possibilities. It’s no surprise she excelled in her career, but ran into limitations in corporate, which inspired her to seek out her “Oz” - somewhere Elle could show up fully herself and feel the fullness of her passion for insurance.

We talk about her visionary work with the Professional Development Academy (PDA), which is a career readiness program that equips students in risk management with real-world coaching, exposure, and tools to confidently navigate their careers. Elle also shares an amazing perspective on integrity being something evergreen and not selectively applied. Elle challenges us to think differently about how we value people inside organizations, viewing employees as complex, volatile, and highly valuable assets.