Elisha Cavanaugh joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation recorded during an intimate gathering of women in insurance in Seattle on the Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour. Elisha reflects on her journey into insurance agency ownership - and as an empathetic leader - a quality that is very much in demand today. We chat about the inverse relationship between our desire to take risks and our age, the reasons we hesitate to ask for help, and the glorification of overwork that is rampant in our industry. Thanks for being with me in Seattle, Elisha!

Elisha Cavanaugh is the owner of Sound Pacific Insurance, an independent agency in Tacoma, Washington, specializing in personal lines. With over two decades in the industry, Elisha started as a teen answering phones and eventually launched her own agency in 2012. In 2024, Sound Pacific Insurance was honored as the Rough Notes Cover Agency of the Year—a reflection of Elisha’s commitment to doing business the right way and building lasting client relationships. She’s an active voice in the industry, serving on multiple carrier councils and mentoring other women in insurance. Elisha leads with grit, heart, and humor, balancing her professional drive with a deep commitment to her family and community.

Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 is presented by RISE: Empowering Women in Insurance™ by Liberty Mutual, a program dedicated to bringing women in insurance together through connection, education, recognition, insights and allyship. Join us in the RISE LinkedIn Community today.

• Connect with Elisha on LinkedIn
• This gathering was hosted in the beautiful offices of Safeco Insurance in downtown Seattle
• The Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour has ended. If you'd like to collaborate with Meg to plan a gathering for women in insurance in your community, message Meg here.
• Have a question for Meg? Submit it here and she may answer it on a future episode.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here.

Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

Kay Martin joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation recorded during an intimate gathering of women in insurance in Missoula, Montana on the Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour. Kay reflects on burnout - and the private struggle many claims professionals are experiencing today - as well as her experience leading an intergenerational team today. We chat about feeling pigeon-holed in our area of expertise and share more about learning to trust your gut. Thanks for being with me in Montana, Kay!

An expert in carrier claims processes, Kay joined HUB International as the Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager in May of 2016. Kay coordinates interactions between employers and carriers, including claim reviews, loss run reviews, reserve reviews and return to work assistance, and works with HUB‘s producers and clients to customize claims programs, tailored to their unique business needs.

Prior to joining HUB International, Kay worked as a claims adjuster handling workers’ compensation claims in MT, AZ, CO, ID, NE, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, and WY. Kay’s career includes experience with Liberty Mutual and AmTrust North America.

Kay holds a Montana Adjuster License, a Montana Workers’ Compensation Claims Examiner Designation, an Idaho Independent Adjuster License, a Certified Idaho Workers’ Compensation Specialist Designation, and a Wyoming Adjuster License. She has also earned an Associate in Claims designation from the nationally recognized industry leader, The Institutes.

Kay has embraced the Missoula lifestyle since arriving in 1998. She loves the community and the outdoors. She enjoys volunteering, running, hiking, camping, golfing and reading.

Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 is presented by RISE: Empowering Women in Insurance™ by Liberty Mutual, a program dedicated to bringing women in insurance together through connection, education, recognition, insights and allyship. Join us in the RISE LinkedIn Community today.

• Connect with Kay on LinkedIn
• This gathering was hosted in the Lounge at The Roxy, a non-profit theater in Missoula, Montana
• The Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour has ended. If you'd like to work with Meg to plan a gathering for women in insurance in your community, message Meg here.
• Have a question for Meg? Submit it here and she may answer it on a future episode.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here.

Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

Michelle Raue joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation recorded during an intimate gathering of women in insurance in Nashville on the Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour. Michelle reflects on aging - and ageism - and the wisdom she's gleaned throughout her career - and life. Michelle is witty and she is honest - and together we share about our mutual distaste for networking - at least in the traditional sense - and unite in our support for more mental health support in the workplace. Thanks for sharing this experience with us in Nashville, Michelle!

Michelle Raue is a seasoned leader with over 30 years in the property and casualty insurance industry. Throughout her experience, currently as EVP, Chief Claims and Transformation Officer at Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, and previously with Lyft and State Auto, Michelle has been known for driving innovation, operational excellence, and transformative change.

Michelle holds a BS in Finance from the University of South Alabama and has completed advanced AI courses at MIT Sloan. She is actively shaping AI regulations in insurance through NAMIC and is passionate about talent development, serving as Chair of the STEM Connector’s Women in Insurance Catalyst Committee and an Advisory Board Member for RISE Professionals. In 2024, she was named RISE Professionals Mentor of the Year.

Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 is presented by RISE: Empowering Women in Insurance™ by Liberty Mutual, a program dedicated to bringing women in insurance together through connection, education, recognition, insights and allyship. Join us in the RISE LinkedIn Community today.

Bound & Determined℠ Live in Nashville is presented by Market Retrievers. Market Retrievers helps insurance professionals through digital marketing, social media, and content strategy. Learn more at marketretrievers.com.

• Connect with Michelle Raue on LinkedIn
• This gathering was hosted in the beautiful and luxe coworking space, The Sapphire Suite, in Franklin, Tennessee.
• The Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour has ended. If you'd like to work with Meg to plan a gathering for women in insurance in your community, message Meg here.
• Have a question for Meg? Submit it here and she may answer it on a future episode.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here.

Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

Tinsley English joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation recorded during an intimate gathering of women in insurance during the Atlanta stop on the Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour. Tinsley reflects on the notions of resilience - and reinvention - as we align our career with our purpose – and how to identify your purpose if you’re not sure, and we chat more about journey many women are on today as they navigate menopause. As only she can do, Tinsley provides actionable wisdom with honesty and heart throughout. Thanks for joining me in Atlanta, Tinsley!

Tinsley English is a best-selling author, operations leader, female development coach, keynote speaker, and podcast host with over two decades of commercial insurance expertise spanning regional agencies, national firms, and carriers. As the founder of The Three G Consulting Group LLC, she transforms women leaders through her proprietary G-Force Code System. Her signature 24-Carat Leader program empowers professionals to amplify their visibility, accelerate career advancement, and master strategic decision-making. A dynamic speaker, Tinsley champions male allyship, prepares college students for professional excellence through her Next Step Navigator Program, and inspires audiences through her podcast, where she shares insights on leadership, resilience, and career growth.

Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 is presented by RISE: Empowering Women in Insurance™ by Liberty Mutual, a program dedicated to bringing women in insurance together through connection, education, recognition, insights and allyship. Join us in the RISE LinkedIn Community today.

• Connect with Tinsley English on LinkedIn
• Grab your copy of GRIT, GROWTH AND GUMPTION: Three Keys to Lead Yourself and Others with Confidence here
• Learn more about the ways Tinsley can support you or your organization here
• This gathering was hosted in the beautiful Poe & Company Bookstore in Milton, Georgia
• Join Meg for one of the remaining live podcast recording events she'll be hosting in 2025. Learn more about Bound & Determined℠ Live.
• Have a question for Meg? Submit it here and she may answer it on a future episode.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here.

Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

Diane Wagner joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation recorded during an intimate gathering of women in insurance during the Charlotte stop on the Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour. Diane reflects on her earliest days in insurance, the urgency she felt to find success - and the lengths she'd go to find it - and what that success looks like for her today. We talk about money - it's not easy, but it's necessary as women plan for their own financial futures. Thank you for joining me in Charlotte, Diane!

Diane Wagner is the VP of Strategic Planning and Education for FirstChoice a MarshBerry Co., Insurance Journal’s number one agency partnership for two consecutive years. Diane has 45 years of insurance experience, 20 years on the carrier side and the last 25 years starting two top insurance networks from scratch.

Diane sits on the board of Invest, a nonprofit arm of the Independent Insurance Agents Association. Invest educates students on insurance, financial services and risk management while encouraging them to pursue insurance careers. Introducing insurance as a career to young people and helping agencies build effective talent pipelines is Diane’s passion project.

Diane travels extensively, enjoys concerts, golf, and spending time with her life partner, friends, and her two grown children.

Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 is presented by RISE: Empowering Women in Insurance™ by Liberty Mutual, a program dedicated to bringing women in insurance together through connection, education, recognition, insights and allyship. Join us in the RISE LinkedIn Community today.

• Connect with Diane Wagner on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Invest, a program through the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, supporting and encouraging students as they consider a career in the insurance industry.
• Join Meg for one of the remaining eight live podcast recording events she'll be hosting in 2025. Learn more about Bound & Determined℠ Live.
• Have a question for Meg? Submit it here and she may answer it on a future episode.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here.

Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

Heather Stoffer joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation recorded in front of a live audience during Ohio Insurance Agent's 2025 LeadHERship Collective. Heather describes her career like a hurricane: Hurricane Heather took a few sharp turns – from her service in the Air Force into municipal government and manufacturing, before she fell – or was she pulled? - into insurance four years ago. As she’s grown in her career and her life, Heather’s core values, rooted in the same values she learned during her experience in the Air Force, have shaped her beliefs and her decision-making.

Growing up in Southern Louisiana, Heather's career took a variety of turns before she found insurance four years ago, where she currently works as a Business Account Executive with Hummel Group in Ohio. She's a proud veteran, a mom, and wife, whose core values, Integrity, Service, and Excellence, guide her in all she does.

• Special thanks to Ohio Insurance Agents for including this experience in your 2025 LeadHERship Collective. Learn more about OIA here
• Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
• Catch up on past conversations with Erin Keller and Mercy Komar
• Join Meg for one of the eight live podcast recording events she'll be hosting in 2025. Learn more about Bound & Determined℠ Live.
• Have a question for Meg? Submit it here and she may answer it on a future episode.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here.

Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

Listen in as host Meg McKeen is joined in conversation with Adrienne Lieberthal. Together we chat through the decision Adrienne and her husband recently made – for him to leave his job and become the primary caregiving parent, and how they got there. We share more about what it looks like to thrive in values aligned relationships – both personal and professional – and the first step you can take to get there - if that’s what you need to hear today.

Adrienne Lieberthal is the CEO of ATHENA Actuarial Consulting, an actuary, business leader, wife, and mom dedicated to driving innovation in actuarial and strategic advisory services. With a passion for taking the road less traveled, she has built a firm that prioritizes excellence, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions while balancing the demands of leadership and family. She is committed to creating a life of fulfillment and purpose, inspiring others to chart their own unique paths to success.

• Connect with Adrienne on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the work Adrienne does through Athena Actuarial Consulting
• Join Meg for one of the eight live podcast recording events she'll be hosting in 2025. Learn more about Bound & Determined℠ Live.
• Have a question for Meg? Submit it here and she may answer it on a future episode.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here.

Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

Did you choose insurance or did insurance choose you? Listen in as host Meg McKeen is joined in conversation with Whitnee Dillard and we go to the way, way back, sharing more about our insurance career origin stories - and the responsibility we have as professionals here to support the next generation as they find their own place in the industry.

Whitnee Dillard is the executive director for Invest - a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating, preparing, and attracting diverse new talent to exciting insurance opportunities and career paths. Whitnee's own insurance career began in 2012 as a licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Before she joined us here, Whitnee managed multiple nonprofit programs focused on youth development and college preparation in partnership with both middle and high schools, along with the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Whitnee is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

• Connect with Whitnee on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the ways you can support the next generation of insurance professionals through Invest
• Join Meg for one of the eight live podcast recording events she'll be hosting in 2025. Learn more about Bound & Determined℠ Live.
• Have a question for Meg? Submit it here and she may answer it on a future episode.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here.

Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!