In this episode, I interview Dana Marie Applegate, and we discuss her destiny in claims. After participating in mock interviews while looking for her lifelong career path, every single evaluator told her that claims were for her. With her legal background, her ability to think critically, and her lifelong superpower of asking a million questions (a self-proclaimed five-year-old “but why?” kid), she stepped into a field where every claim is a puzzle, sometimes missing pieces, sometimes oddly shaped, always uniquely human. And that complexity is what made her fall in love with the work. Claims, she says, will always be home.

We also dive deep into the leadership lessons Dana has learned along the way, starting with some of the toughest and most transformative feedback she ever received. Dana is the opposite of a “yes woman.” She’s a truth-teller, someone who believes bad news is manageable when paired with solutions and honesty. She also opens up about navigating the hard moments with other women and how she actively restores her faith by reaching out to the women who lift her up. Dana has a grounding belief that you must always return to who you are at your core and carry yourself with integrity, even when others don’t deserve that kindness.

At the RISE Summit in Fort Lauderdale this June, I had the privilege of sitting down with six extraordinary young women who were recognized as part of the RISE 35 Under 35 Awards, and this conversation left me completely energized about the future of our industry. These women aren’t just rising talent; they’re already shaping what insurance will look like in the years ahead. I was joined by Alyssa Sanchez (RYZE Claim Solutions), Angel Song (Sunereum Labs), Emily Cameron (Gain Life), Mykaela Ionta (The Hartford), Peyton Rudolph (GradGuard), and Siena Pizzano (Sompo), a powerhouse group representing recruitment, innovation, underwriting, product, marketing, and then some.

If these six are any indication of what's ahead, our industry’s future is in exceptional hands. I’m deeply grateful to RISE Professionals for creating a platform that uplifts, celebrates, and invests in emerging talent, and honored to showcase the voices of the next generation of insurance leaders.

In this episode, I interview Caryn Siebert, Vice President, National Director of Carrier Engagement at Gallagher Bassett, and a respected leader, mentor, and advocate. Caryn’s career has spanned law, claims leadership, and executive roles across the industry, but an unchanging value is her lifelong commitment to developing people and leading with purpose.

We talk about her journey, from navigating complex claims and litigation to building inclusive, high-performing teams. Caryn shares how her work has always been about more than results, it’s about raising the bar for professionalism and creating a culture where people feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.

Caryn also discusses the importance of effective communication, what it means to listen, to mentor with intention, and to make space for new voices at the table.