Bound & Determined℠

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Julie Webb for a timely conversation about our values: Where do they come from? How do they change as we change? And what happens when the way we’re showing up at work no longer aligns with the way we’re showing up in our heart? Or in the world? Julie shares more about her experience ending her corporate chapter and building her own consulting firm - including the upside of the risk we don't talk about loudly enough.

Meet Julie Webb, CPCU, CIC

Julie Webb has two decades of diverse insu...

Listen as Meg narrates a recent social media post, sharing her thoughts on a new year and the pressure that it can bring.

Read Meg's original post on LinkedIn here.

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...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Chelsy Bell Carpenter for a frank - and timely - conversation about burnout. Chelsy shares her own burnout story, including the moment everything shifted for her, and the range of emotions and the reality she experienced in the aftermath. Listen as we talk about how illogical it feels to be both grateful the work you’re doing and also itchy - for something that looks different. That feels different. We talk about seasons of high stress – we are IN it right now – and Chelsy shares three small, simple tweaks that can lead to big shifts. No bub...

In this special live experience, host Meg McKeen welcomes consultant and industry icon Deb Smallwood to the podcast, where Deb shares more about her own leadership journey, and how she's supporting women navigating their own leadership today through her SELFPOWERMENT framework. If, out of frustration or hope or despair you've ever asked yourself the question "Why Not Me?" this conversation is for you.

Meet Deb Smallwood

Deb Smallwood is a trailblazing executive and visionary leader on a mission to empower women to become SelfPowered—to embrace their authentic human-being, unlock their inner powers, and thrive in...

In this special crossover experience, Bound & Determined℠ host Meg McKeen and Megan Bell of InsHER, come together for an open, honest conversation about purpose, community, and the power of sharing women's stories. With deep respect for one another’s work, we reflect on what it means to create space for women in the insurance industry, why collaboration matters more than ever, and how podcasting has transformed the way they show up as leaders, listeners, and women.

Meet Megan Bell

Megan Bell leads marketing, communications, and customer experience at Falvey Insurance Group, bringing over eight years of i...

Skylar Romines joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation recorded during an intimate gathering of women in insurance in Irvine, California, on the Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour. Skylar reflects on the uncertainty, growth, and knowing that started with the choice she made to redefine her most essential relationships - with work and career, with those closest to her, and with herself. Thanks for being with me in Irvine, Skylar!

Meet Skylar Romines

Skylar is the founder and owner of ATW Advisors, an insurance consulting firm specializing in working with commercial real estate owners and de...

Jenn Walsh joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation recorded during an intimate gathering of women in insurance in Palo Alto, California, on the Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour. Jenn reflects on her relationship with ambiguity and the earliest days in her career in employee benefits - and the ways she's showing up now, as a business owner and advocate, as well as a mentor - and a mom. Thanks for being with me in San Francisco, Jenn!

Meet Jenn Walsh

Jenn Walsh is an insurance industry enthusiast who wants people to thrive at all ph...

Tracey Heeter Allen joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation recorded during an intimate gathering of women in insurance in Portland, Oregon, on the Bound & Determined℠ Live in 2025 tour. Tracey reflects on her decision to pivot - in her life and career - when, after processing the way she experienced the pandemic, as well as a health challenge, and a reprioritization of her core values overall, she started the consultancy that she works in today. Thanks for being with me in Portland, Tracey!

Meet Tracey Heeter Allen

After a 30+ year career in the employee benefits fi...

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!

Meet Elisha Cavanaugh Duration: 00:49:11

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!

Meet Kay Martin

An expert in carrier claims processes, Kay joined HUB International as th...

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!

Meet Michelle Ra...

Duration: 00:34:28

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!

Meet Tinsley Englis...

Duration: 00:45:07

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!

Meet Diane Wagner

Diane Wagner is...

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. 

Meet Heather S...

Duration: 00:49:58

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.  

Meet Adrienne Lieberthal

Adrienne Lieberthal is the CEO of ATHENA Actuarial Consulting, an actuary, business leader, w...

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.

Meet Whitnee Dillard

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...

What if we aren't climbing career ladders but playing career hopscotch instead? Listen in as host Meg McKeen is joined in conversation with Laura Rauba - a conversation sparked by this very question. Laura shares more about the sense of curiosity that led to her latest career move and how timing - and knowing yourself - really is everything when we're deciding which part of our life will be our priority - and how that priority can change.

Meet Laura Rauba

Laura has been with The Hartford since 2020 and has been involved in the industry...

Listen to a recording of Bound & Determined℠ Live in Phoenix, where podcast host Meg McKeen was joined in conversation by Elissa Kelly. Recorded in front of a live audience, Elissa shares more about her definition of success - and how it's changed over time - and the choice she made to shift her perspective from employee to business owner. 

Meet Elissa Kelly

Elissa Kelly is a solopreneur business coach who guides experienced business leaders as they transition from corporate roles into thriving, strategic, risk-savvy solopreneurs. She is also the Founder and CEO of Surya Partners, a s...

Listen to a recording of Bound & Determined℠ Live in Columbus, where podcast host Meg McKeen was joined in conversation by Ash Fitzsimmons. Recorded in front of a live audience, Ash shares more about her journey to motherhood and the challenge it can be to ask for help. We talk about fear and change - and the importance of honoring where we are in each moment. 

Meet Ash Fitzsimmons

Ashley Fitzsimmons: Millennial. Beyonce of Insurance. Director of Professional Development & autoimmune disease badass (both literally & figuratively). 

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Listen to a recording of Bound & Determined℠ Live in Cincinnati, where podcast host Meg McKeen was joined in conversation by Colleen Heister-Miles. Recorded in front of a live audience, we share about imposter syndrome, loneliness - even when in community - a scarcity mindset and the chance we have to honor the past while we create a different future.

Meet Colleen Heister-Miles

A Cincinnati native, after several years on the carrier side of the insurance business, Colleen moved her focus to her family’s insurance agency in Cincinnati, where she has worked for the last 16 year...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Adrienne Fazi to the podcast to share more about her experience as an advocate for breastfeeding - and for women as they advocate for what's right for them. A subject Meg admittedly knows little about, listen as we talk through the option that is deeply personal for women, and can come with challenges in the workplace. Free from shame or judgment, Adrienne shares her recommendations for employers supporting breastfeeding women. This isn't a conversation for those who are breastfeeding - it's for the rest of us.

Meet Adrienne Fazi

Adrienne Fazi...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Amanda Dorsett to the podcast. Amanda shares all sorts of lessons learned following her search for her latest role in the insurance industry during this past year. Together we chat about ghosting, ageism, and the risk (and reward) of sharing vulnerably on social media. We highlight the importance of culture in our decision to join, and stay, with an organization. Amanda weaves practical advice for women on the move throughout our conversation, too.

Meet Amanda Dorsett

Amanda Dorsett has worn lots of hats in during her 20 year career in the insurance...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Tye Threats to the podcast and together we chat about building a business alone – but not feeling lonely as you do – and the "both/and" we often feel, craving both support and control in different proportions. Tye reminds me of the power of both using your voice and also saying…nothing.  We celebrate the fake entrepreneurs out there – we’re two of ‘em – and warmly welcome the next generation of leaders to the industry. 

Meet Tye Threats

Tye Threats is the CEO and founder of WTV Consulting Group. Based in Dallas, WTV specializes...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Anna Felix to the podcast and together we chat about often complicated relationship women have with money. We explore the shift from a scarcity to abundance mindset - and the opening that can create for us in our decision-making and acknowledge the roots of beliefs around money often lie within our families. We talk about the avoidance approach to managing your money - not recommended! - and the peace that comes from knowing you have a plan. 

Meet Anna Felix

Anna Felix is a California native and Smart Money Strategist. When s...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Audry Torrence to the podcast and together we chat about the busy-ness of life, the joy of missing out, and the knowing - and self-acceptance - that comes from an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. Audry is a serial entrepreneur in the insurance industry, a heartfelt storyteller with a deep sense of curiosity, and a genuinely fascinating woman.  

Meet Audry Torrence

Audry Torrence has spent the past 29 years solving the puzzle that is insurance recruiting, fifteen years owning an insurance search firm, and nine years working for two London-based search firms. Audry d...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Cat Ferris to the podcast - for the second time! Together we chat through the often complicated relationship we have with our body - especially as it changes with age. What also changes? How we see ourselves within the relationships we keep with others, including our physical, intimate relationships. We talk about our beliefs about sexuality, taking ownership of our pleasure, and how even in relationship, we can feel lonely. 

Meet Cat Ferris 

After 20 years in the insurance industry, Cat Ferris made the decision to leave her career behind, driven by bu...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Sarah Ennor to the podcast in today’s conversation. Sarah helps us understand how an ADHD diagnosis as an adult helped her to see her life, work, and self in new and informative ways. We talk about the risks of disclosing a diagnosis, and how, if a leader is actually leading, it may not even be necessary. Sarah tells the best stories - raw and compassionate - and reminds us that whether you are living with an ADHD diagnosis or just curious and want to learn more, inclusion is an individual job.

Meet Sa...

Duration: 00:43:38

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Kate Scully Krebsbach to open this 9th season of the podcast. Together we chat through Kate's decision to join her family insurance agency - it wasn't an obvious or easy or quick one - and how she's been able to navigate a new career in insurance sales by narrowing her focus to a single type of business and then going deep into her understanding, and her support, of it. Kate is so generous in this conversation, sharing her ideas for growing your own insurance practice - and in doing so, reminds us that there's more...

In this special episode of the podcast, host Meg McKeen welcomes Melanie McCarthy-Dickey to share in real time the experience she's having as her oldest son heads off to college. While not all kids are college bound, this conversation reminds us that motherhood can be both a heart-filling and heart-breaking series of endings and beginnings. Listen as we reflect on our own experiences and offer support to a woman navigating a similar transition in her role as "mother" right now.

Meet Melanie McCarthy-Dickey

Melanie McCarthy-Dickey is Mom to 4 kids, ranging in age from 12 to 18. She's...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes side hustle cheerleader Jessica Williams to the podcast. Whether you're thinking about a side hustle or it's never crossed your mind, there is something in this conversation for you. Jess nudges us toward taking that first, tiny, clumsy step - and with kindness and grace, talks us through some of the feelings that might be getting in the way. Perfectionism, over-thinking, overwhelm - are we alone here?! We also share more about nurturing the parts of us that are overshadowed in adulthood - and the permission you might not realize you need to pursue them.  Duration: 00:54:32

Host Meg McKeen welcomes mindset coach Rachel Hamlin to the podcast. Meg accidentally finds herself in the hotseat as she shares more about her complicated relationship with social media and several of the starts - and stops - that she's experienced in the work she does. Together we talk about the freedom that can be found in routine - and the difference between working hard and making work hard. Having both experienced it, we also chat about burnout the choices we have as we navigate life after it. 

Meet Rachel Hamlin

Rachel Hamlin is a m...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes her dear mom, Julie McKeen, to the podcast, to share reflections on her own journey through motherhood - and womanhood. Together we talk through the notions of selfishness and self-preservation, the importance of friendship between women, and on the eve of a milestone wedding anniversary, a beautiful reminder that while so much of who we are has already been sorted, we're never done becoming who we are. 

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Aree Bly joins host Meg McKeen for real talk - about expectations, and about what happens when you change the rules of the game. We share our experience in unpacking the beliefs we've had about what our personality indicates about our ability. An actuary by training and vocation, Aree is a remarkable thinker and together in this rich and vulnerable conversation, we reframe what it means to be boring, introverted, and we break down the notion of faking it till you make it. Ugh!

Meet Aree Bly

Aree Bly, an actuary turned speaker, author, and...

Megan Bock joins host Meg McKeen to share more about her experience following a traumatic injury in early 2023. Through the sharing of her story, Megan reminds us that changing the way we're showing up in the world shouldn't have to require a significant life change. Together we talk through the fallacy of multi-tasking, the not always great influence of technology (specifically our phones) on our lives and relationships, and the power in knowing you're replaceable at work.

Meet Megan Bock

Megan Bock, CPCU, ARM, is the Chief Operating Officer of Federato, the leading provider of...

In this solo episode, host Meg McKeen puts on her sales + leadership coach hat and responds to listener questions, digging deep into topics like career paths, setbacks, and the scary - and heart-filling - world of entrepreneurship. Would you like Meg to answer your question on a future episode of the podcast? Submit it here: https://www.adjunctadvisors.com/question. 

Meet Meg McKeen

Meg McKeen, CIC, is the principal consultant of Adjunct Advisors LLC, a consultancy she founded in 2018 with the simple belief that we can and must do more to support the individuals who c...

Heather Blevins joins host Meg McKeen for a heartfelt conversation about mentorship. We talk about the hesitations we may feel to ask for mentorship - and the boundaries (you know we love 'em) we may need to set when mentoring requires bandwidth we just don't have. Together we chat about the importance of exposure to new perspectives - and roles - in the insurance industry as so many of us take steps to find alignment between our work and lives.

Meet Heather Blevins

Heather Blevins is a passionate, creative, problem-solving maverick who loves to prove...

Crista Walker joins host Meg McKeen for a conversation about squishy leadership topics like purpose – who has time for that? – the risk of admitting you have it all but maybe don’t want it all, and bad bosses. May you neither have one nor be one! Crista provides a modern definition of what it means to be a leader today - and some practical ideas for helping us to see ourselves as others might.   

Meet Crista Walker

Crista Walker, Vice President, Agent Engagement & Programs, took the path less traveled to arrive in the insurance industry and at h...

Mary Clare McGraw joins host Meg McKeen for an honest conversation about mental health. MC shares about an early career pivot that allowed her to open her eyes and take an intentional look around - leading to her career in insurance and now, as an aligned entrepreneur. In her work as an operations coach for insurance agencies today, MC knows firsthand how confronting it can be to look at the way you've always done things - and how scary change can be. Our winding path includes conversation about fathers and their entrepreneurial daughters - and how being emotional and...

Nicole Corey joins host Meg McKeen in this rich conversation about failure, freedom, and the power of choice. As curious travelers, we explore the notion of "home" - and what happens when we find ourselves ready - but maybe not quite - to change direction on our path. We talk about what happens in your work when you make the choice to change in your life - and fumble through our answers to the question "what is enough?" 

Meet Nicole Corey

Nicole Corey is the owner of CA Work Comp Advocacy, through which she uses h...

Amanda Boleyn joins host Meg McKeen to reflect on the power of the pause - and pivot - as you build your career and life, and, as a time management expert, Amanda shares her tips and tricks and hacks to help us make the most of the same 24 hours each day that we each have. We love to talk about boundary setting on the podcast and this episode delivers; if you're a people-pleaser or perfectionist, this one's for you!

Meet Amanda Boleyn

Amanda Boleyn is a wife, mother, speaker, facilitator, business owner, and real estate...

Liz Brock joins host Meg McKeen to share more about her decision to embrace her silver hair earlier this year. Together they reflect on some of the bogus advice Liz received earlier in her career the led her to start dying her hair - and the learning that has come from making a different choice today. Also on our minds? The (double) standard of beauty in our society - and how changing the color of our hair can create opportunity - not limit it.

Meet Liz Brock

Liz Brock is a 20 year veteran in the...

Jenn Urso joins host Meg McKeen for a heartfelt conversation about the professional pauses we both took before starting our own businesses, and the lessons learned since then that inform the work Jenn does to support rising leaders in the insurance industry today. Throughout this conversation, we explore the complex relationships we have with money, with self, and with our own relationship with work. 

Meet Jenn Urso

Jenn Urso is a passionate leadership ambassador that develops the next generation of insurance and business leaders. Jenn believes leadership is an inside job- one that is personal a...

Mercy Komar - the Cyber Diva - joins host Meg McKeen to share the wisdom she's gleaned from her more than 40 years working in the insurance industry as a CSR, agency principal, and producer. As this one will show you, Mercy doesn’t shrink in hard conversations and her passion for supporting women, as well as seniors, in the insurance industry, is strong and evident in the way she’s showing up in the industry today.

Meet Mercy Komar

As a seasoned insurance advisor and risk manager with over 40 years of experience, Mercy Komar has help...

Alyssa Gambone joins host Meg McKeen for a candid conversation about her experience navigating her actuarial career in the insurance industry as a trans woman. 

Meet Alyssa Gambone

Alyssa Gambone has spent her entire 25-year career in the insurance industry with the last 19 years spent at Electric Insurance responsible for the reserving of the company.  She currently lives in Salem, MA with her wife and 2 children.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

To le...

Katie Tomaszewski joins host Meg McKeen for a candid conversation about sobriety. How does changing our relationship with alcohol influence our relationships with others - and ourselves? 

Meet Katie Tomaszewski

Katie is the founder of Deep Line Health Company and is a dedicated holistic health advocate who empowers individuals worldwide to achieve their well-being goals. With 15 years of experience, she fosters wellness journeys and community through virtual coaching, workshops, and DryNamics – a 90-day sobriety challenge that Katie founded in 2018. 

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Tracy Cotton joins host Meg McKeen to answer her own question: “How do you navigate a season of waiting?” When your default mode has been striving for the next thing or adventure or experience, striving for deeper relationships with those we love - and ourselves - can be its own adventure. In this heart-filling conversation between friends, Tracy shares more about a new relationship in her life and her decision to explore an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Meet Tracy Cotton

Tracy Cotton is a long-time insurance industry enthusiast who has spent her career reinventing herself. Her current role...

As the owner of multiple high-impact businesses and an insurance professional with over 15 years of experience, Reghan Brandt has seen many changes and shifts in the industry. In this episode, Reghan joins host Meg McKeen to discuss the future of insurance and what it means for young professionals growing their careers in the industry. Reghan also shares her belief in the importance of interpersonal relationships and the advice she would give to her younger self. 

Meet Reghan Brandt

Reghan Brandt is founder and CEO of LRP, The Loss Run Pros; co-founder and president of Columbia Pa...

Melanie Parsons, the owner of Parsons’ Insurance Agency, joins host Meg McKeen to share more about her journey in the insurance industry. Melanie and Meg discuss navigating negativity - and the impact creating a positive corporate culture can have - and they also delve into the topic of financial awareness for women. Through Melanie’s stories, tune in to be inspired by this story of determination and perseverance.

Meet Melanie Parsons

Melanie’s insurance career began in 1984 as a part-time CSR.  In 1996, she started Parsons’ Insurance, an independent, multi-line agency in Viborg, South Dakota.  Today, Melanie’s...

Misha Bleymaier-Farrish opens up to host Meg McKeen about her unique career path - and pivots - and finding fulfillment in the ebbs and flows of life. We honor the importance of celebrating achievements, the concept of "shiny objects" in entrepreneurship, and the outdated notion that work *must* make you miserable. Misha is an inspiring entrepreneur and author and you'll be glad you slowed to listen to this conversation!

Meet Misha Bleymaier-Farrish

Misha’s life motto is GSD – “Get sh*t done,” and she shows up living that philosophy every day to every situation. Author, entrepre...

This Mental Health Awareness Month, listen in for a heartfelt conversation between host Meg McKeen and guest Marissa Rutkowski as they talk about creating space for mental health discussions in the workplace, how it feels - literally - to consciously blur the line between “work” and “life,” and boundaries. Can we even have a conversation on this podcast without talking about ‘em?

If you or someone you know are struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the resources available by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Marissa Ru...

Lemons and lemonade. Messes and missions. Blah, blah, blah. Alas, when will there be enough lessons for this life? In this episode, Saya Hillman joins host Meg McKeen to discuss the power of curiosity - and list making - in times of uncertainty, how to make doing different, seemingly disparate things make sense in your life and career, and so many of those a-ha moments that happen when we're living our Life of Yes℠.

Called “Accessible Oprah,” Saya Hillman has been blissfully self-employed since 2004 via her lifestyle business Mac & Cheese Productions℠ which brings joy to "adulting" and creates...

Lemons and lemonade. Messes and missions. Blah, blah, blah. Alas, when will there be enough lessons for this life? In this episode, Saya Hillman joins host Meg McKeen to discuss the power of curiosity - and list making - in times of uncertainty, how to make doing different, seemingly disparate things make sense in your life and career, and so many of those a-ha moments that happen when we're living our Life of Yes℠. 

Called “Accessible Oprah,” Saya Hillman has been blissfully self-employed since 2004 via her lifestyle business Mac & Cheese Productions℠ which brings joy to "adulting" and creates l...

Does a trailblazer even know she's a trailblazer? In this episode, Dr. Michelle Morkert joins host Meg McKeen for a candid chat about what makes a trailblazer, the realities we face as we navigate the systems we are part of, and what taking courageous action feels like. We also dig deep and share more about our inner critics - and what it feels like to hang out for longer than we might like in the messy middle of life.

Dr. Michelle Morkert is a women's leadership coach and strategist for trailblazing women leaders.  She is on a m...

On the brink of burnout, Renee Bruns made the thoughtful decision to leave her corporate role and embark on a year-long travel adventure. In this episode, Renee joins host Meg McKeen to share the "why" that fueled her decision and the way she's navigated her own relationship with risk in her travels - and life. Renee also shares two key lessons shes learned this past year and what's up next for her. 

In May 2022, Renee Bruns left her executive role at a Fortune 500 on a mission to see the world and reshape her views of humanity. After a...

If you've ever felt like the *only* woman who has ever doubted herself, her capabilities, or her authority, let this conversation between commercial lines underwriting leader Danielle Morales and host Meg McKeen be the reminder that indeed, you are not.  In this episode, hear more about Danielle's experience with imposter syndrome, finding and leveraging her own leadership voice, and the changes, like the seasons, that we experience in our relationships, too. 

Danielle Morales is a commercial lines underwriting leader, having underwritten or sold customized insurance products to meet the needs of businesses and the people who own th...

Whether it's advocating for more pay or making a complete pivot, career coach Andrea Yacub Macek joins host Meg McKeen for the most candid conversation yet about the transition so many women in insurance are in as we evaluate our relationship with work and what might be next. We talk about why it's so hard to talk about money and where we place flexibility on our priority list - not surprising, it's at the top! We acknowledge that the insurance industry, like many systems women navigate, wasn't built with women in mind and the challenge to navigate it with...

Ashley Fitzsimmons: Millennial. Beyonce of Insurance. Director of Professional Development & autoimmune disease badass (both literally & figuatively). Connect with Ashley here on LinkedIn.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. For fun stories and anecdotes, captured in her Dear #digitalnomad Diary series, head on over to Instagram and check Meg's stories there.

Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

Jody LaVoie, the founder of Widows in the Workplace, joins host Meg McKeen on this episode of Bound & Determined. Through the learning and healing experienced following the tragic loss of her spouse and partner, Jody now supports women navigating their own relationship with work, family, grief - and themselves. As many continue to evaluate the place "work" fits in our "life," Jody highlights the need to think creatively about the meaningful ways we can support - and show up for - the employees who choose to work in our organizations. 

Jody LaVoie is a CEO, certified coach, s...

Precious Norman Walton is a champion for education - and change - in the insurance industry. In this episode, Precious shares her wisdom about the skills we accumulate in our lives and careers - they're transferable, even if you can't see how - and what a less conventional career path might look like when we align those skills with our talents and beliefs. An expert storyteller, Precious and Meg chat through our relationship with failure and perfectionism - it's complicated! 

Precious Norman Walton, CPCU, TRIP, SHRM-CP, AIC, AINS, AIS, has served as an insurance and risk management p...

Together with host Meg McKeen, Jenn Walsh shares strategies for finding and using your voice in the workplace - a coach can help! - and what it looks like to take the lead with your clients, too. We chat through the agent/producer and service personnel dynamic and wrap up with a reflection on the unique opportunity service professionals have to succeed in a sales role. One of the smartest conversations to date!

Jenn Walsh is the founder and CEO of GenuineShift, a business consulting company that delivers learning & development programs to fuel growth, optimize profitability and...

Licensed therapist Lauren Martin joins host Meg McKeen for a candid conversation about burnout. If you’re feeling it, know you’re not alone. Since burnout can be sneaky - that you’re headed for it might not be so obvious to you or those you love. Lauren reminds us that navigating life with and after burnout can be tricky, and requires us to inventory our energy - and in some cases, redraw our boundaries - but it’s possible. 

Lauren Ruth Martin is a therapist, speaker, and the host of the podcast 9toKind. Lauren discusses burnout and perfe...

Host Meg McKeen shares more about her digital nomad lifestyle, answering the questions she's asked most frequently. Have a listen to learn more about the logistics and the lessons she's learned in her nomad life.

For fun stories and anecdotes, captured in her Dear #digitalnomad Diary series, head on over to Instagram and check Meg's stories there!

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors.  

Like the show? Leave your review on iTunes – please and thank you!

Before we get started, a special shout-out to listener Wendy for her lovely feedback about the podcast and her financial support. Learn more here. 

00:00 - 02:24 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Dustyne Bryant and Cat Ferris!  Dustyne and Cat are each one-half of the duo that hosts the podcast Awkward Insurance, sponsored by The National Alliance. 

02:25 - 05:54 | Meg is checking from Denver this time - the sun is shining for her today. Dustyne is in central Arkansas and has a different feeling about winter weather after a recent trip to Florida. Cat is in north-central Florida - where...

00:00 - 03:29 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Carrie and Patty! Carrie and Patty are girlfriends - and the co-founders of Hello Again Products. In this episode, we're talking about menopause. Whether you're thinking ahead, in menopause, or on the other side of it, there's something for you here. We take a minute to celebrate that we are living in a time when open conversations like this can take place as we honor the individual journeys we are on. 

03:30 - 08:11 | Let's dig into the signs and symptoms of menopause - it will be different for each of us. It manifested diffe...

Before we get started, know that we'll be talking about infertility in this episode. If this is a topic that's a little too close to your heart today, please skip past this episode - and we'll see you next time.

00:00 - 03:24  | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Jaimie Selwa! Jamie is no longer a woman working in the insurance industry, but that doesn't lessen the impact of her story. 

03:25 - 06:29 | Meg is recording this episode from an Airbnb in Denver, Colorado, and Jaimie is in Columbus, Ohio, where she lives with her husband and two rescue dogs. Jaimie...

00:00 -  02:09 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Abi Potter Clough! Abi has been so generous with her support of Meg and is again supporting her in this conversation on the podcast. Change is a constant and conversations like this are an important part of the process.

02:10 - 07:35 | Abi recently relocated from New York to Tampa, Florida. She shares more about the winding path she took to get there, in both her personal and professional life, where she began her insurance career in claims. Fear and loss are a real part of making change and she shares more about how she...

00:00 - 02:10 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Nikki Brandt! Nikki brings a fresh perspective into recruiting in the insurance industry. 

02:11 - 04:49 | Meg shares more about how she lines up the guests on the podcast; they are usually people she knows, but today is the first time she and Nikki have connected. Meg knew as soon as she saw a post that Nikki recently shared that she just had to be on the show.

04:50 - 06:29 | Nikki shares more about the lessons she's learned since starting NB Talent 10 months ago; when we stop worrying about doing things the "right" way...

Before we get started, know that this episode will include discussion around addiction. If you or someone you know is navigating addiction, please call 800-662-HELP (4357) or visit SAMSA. You are not alone.

00:00 - 01:19 | Welcome to Bound & Determined Erin Bahadur℠! Erin is a talented writer and photographer - and the creator of Erin's Inside Job, a blog that she curates filled with approachable ideas to support her unique viewpoint on wellness. 

01:20 - 04:19 | Meg shares more about how she came to know of Erin, during a time in her career when so much of what influenced her...

Before we get started, know that this episode will address topics including harassment and discrimination in the workplace. 

00:00 - 02:35 | Elisa Stampf joins host Meg McKeen in this episode. Elisa was a guest on the podcast in a previous season, but a lot has changed since our last conversation. 

02:36 - 04:29 | Elisa has observed the experience of many women in the workplace and she found herself at a breaking point. Elisa shares her story of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. It's a tough - but necessary - listen.

04:30 - 10:08 | Elisa made a career pivot at...

Before we get started, know that this episode will address topics including miscarriage, infertility, and infant loss. 

00:00 - 01:26 | Now in its 4th season, Bound & Determined℠ returns with a new episode. In this season, we'll go even deeper, beyond our roles in insurance and the title on our business card,  exploring the richest relationships we have in our lives, including our relationship with ourselves. 

01:27 -  03:44 | Michelle Valiukenas joins host Meg McKeen in this episode. Michelle is on a mission to change the experience of loss parents and so bravely shares her experience with us here. We acknow...

This is Meg's first solo episode - where she's the host and the guest. Thanks for tuning in!

00:00 – 04:00 | It’s the final episode of season 3 of the podcast and the recording is taking place on the shore of Lake Michigan, where Meg is spending the next month. For context, earlier this year, Meg sold her home and most of her things and has been traveling while growing Adjunct Advisors LLC. So much learning and so many lessons learned! 

04:01 - 5:59 | Meg’s decision to stop coloring her hair has nothing to do with insurance - but rather...

Welcome to Bound & Determined℠ Ania Caruso!

00:00 – 05:09 | Ania shares more about a recent trip she took – we need to remember to fill our cups before we can give to others. Slowing down and refocusing gave Ania the energy she needs to tackle the rest of 2021.

05:10 – 07:29 | Ania reminds us that we don’t have to make a choice between parenting and having a career. Ania’s heritage informed her career choices and she’s observed the choice that many women feel they have to make between being a parent and a professional.

07:30 – 10:29 | Let’s talk about allyship. In...

Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Kim Beach!

In this episode, Kim shares more about her decision to start an insurance agency after an established career in the television industry - and the unique perspective that provided on a business that many of us are too close to have. Kim used this perspective to launch InsureWomen in early 2021, and shares more about the process and emotion of naming - and then launching - a new business. We talk about the unique opportunity women have to be successful in sales and how to work through the feelings that can often ge...

00:00 -  03:29 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Maria Goy! Maria is dialing in from Austin, TX, and Meg is currently in New Orleans! Maria shares more about her decision to move to Austin; sometimes home finds us, after all.

03:30 -  05:29 | Maria is a newlywed; she shares more about marrying her husband in what ended up to be the perfect way.

05:30 - 09:09 | How do you balance building a new business - and a new relationship? Maria talks about her priorities - and the relationship she keeps with herself.

09:10 -  17:29 | We share the lessons we learned from our m...

00:00 - 03:20 | Meg welcomes Kristy Sanford to Bound & Determined℠.  Kristy is an insurance agent, helping small business owners to build business insurance programs.

03:21 - 06:00 | Kristy shares more about her decision to join an insurance agency after spending time as a small commercial sales rep for an insurance carrier.

06:01 - 08:59 | The past year helped Kristy to realize she missed being close to the small businesses she was helping. After some deliberation, Kristy knew she was content but not happy. 

09:00 - 10:53 | Change can be hard; it means saying goodbye to friends and colleagues, but it also mean...

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Megan Bock Zarnoch to Bound & Determined. 

00:00 – 02:00 | Welcome to Bound & Determined, Megan Bock Zarnoch! Here we hold space to tell the stories of women in the insurance industry. 

02:01 – 05:12 | Meg and Megan first met when, years ago, Megan would've been Meg's boss - and then again during an event supporting women in insurance, and then again, as we are carving our paths, consulting within the insurance industry. 

05:13 - 05:59 | Despite the challenges, Megan and Meg have stayed connected this past year - brainstorming business ideas during chilly walks and in a virtual yoga ses...

Host Meg McKeen is joined by Sharon Carter in this episode of Bound & Determined. 

Have a listen to learn more about Sharon's life before insurance - including her experiences navigating the corporate world as a woman of color, the value of being - and receiving - mentorship, and the humanity she brings to the often intimidating process of buying life and health insurance. 

Welcome to Bound & Determined, where we hold space to share the stories of women in the insurance industry. 

Meet Sharon Carter. Sharon is currently living and working in New York - a...

By definition, Kelly Augspurger is an insurance agent, helping her clients to design insurance programs for their longer-term care needs. But in practice, Kelly uses her own experience and expertise to help her clients feel safe and confident that the decisions they are making today are the right ones for the future.

Kelly and her husband own an insurance agency. Her experience as a caregiver has prepared her for the work she is doing now. 

Kelly helps us to understand “What is long-term care insurance?” and keeps it kindergarten smart (thank you, Kelly)!

Let’s...

Meg McKeen, Founder, Adjunct Advisors, welcomes Erin Brown, Founder & CEO, Lead Connext, to Bound & Determined. In this episode, we'll talk about Erin's decision to pursue an immersive work experience abroad, and how that shaped her future career plans. Erin shares the ins and outs - and ups and downs - of starting her business and more about the lessons she's learned about imposter syndrome and making it work. 

00:00 - 3:44 | Meg welcomes Erin to the show; Meg and Erin have a lot in common as they both have flexibility in their work in the current environment.

3:45...

Join host Meg McKeen, founder of Adjunct Advisors, LLC, as she welcomes Nichole Johnson, Field Manager for Frankenmuth Insurance to Bound & Determined.

00:00 – 01:09 | Introduction to Bound & Determined; in this episode, we’ll talk about Nichole Johnson’s unexpected cervical cancer diagnosis. It’s a tough, but necessary, conversation for all women to hear.

01:10 – 03:01 | Meg shares more about the first time she and Nichole met – during Meg’s first and only time as a manager of people – and she’s been a big fan ever since.

03:02 – 22:29 | Nichole shares more about the changes she noticed in her body in mid-2020 an...

Join host Meg McKeen, founder of Adjunct Advisors, LLC, as she welcomes Erin Keller, Business Relationship Manager at Donegal Insurance Group to Bound & Determined!

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Elisa Stampf on this episode of Bound & Determined. Listen as we explore Elisa's recent decision to pursue an opportunity as an independent insurance agent following success working for various insurance carriers.

00:00 –  01:41 | Introduction to Bound & Determined. Thanks for listening!

01:42 – 03:23 | Let’s meet Elisa Stampf and hear more about her current reality in this COVID environment

03:24 – 06:41 | Elisa shares more about her recent career transition, from an insurance carrier sales representative to an insurance agent and agency owner

06:42 – 07:33 | Meg’s observations of Elisa as she’s shifted in her roles – and reflections o...

Listen as host Meg McKeen and Lawanda "Elle Michell" Hall talk about their less traditional insurance career paths. With a foundation in the industry, you're qualified to do a lot more than you might think!

Listen as host Meg McKeen and Tammy Feller talk about Tammy's journey with sobriety, embracing a health-centered lifestyle, and the importance of the support system we create. We chat about goal setting and challenging ourselves - but most significantly, loving ourselves.

Host Meg McKeen welcomes Elizabeth Abramson in this episode to talk about Elizabeth's very personal experience with insurance in her own life. Meg lands in the hot seat as Elizabeth, a dating coach, shares her ideas and insights into the personal relationships that professional women keep.

Join host Meg McKeen and Deidre Wright in a candid conversation about risk-taking in business - and life - and the importance of investing in yourself. 

0:00 - 9:50 | Meet Deidre Wright and learn more about her insurance career journey

9:51 - 11:45 | Moving on in order to advance in your career

11:46 - 14:40 | The creation of Deidre's business, Strategic Stories

14:41 - 19:40 | Using the principles of risk management to take little leaps

19:41 -22:10 | Leaning on your network for support

22:11 - 25:30 | Discipline and staying committed to self-care

25:31 - 30:00 | Setting boundaries - a...

Host Meg McKeen is joined by Catherine Johns for a frank discussion about all the ways we play small as women in business - and life  - and inspires us as we consider the ways we can take up more space. 

Learn practical steps for gaining expertise in speaking publicly and navigating imposter syndrome - if you didn't know this already, we all feel it!

Learn more about working with Catherine here, and be sure to sign up for her newsletter. Catherine's wisdom is a gift - delivered right to your inbox! 

To lea...

Join host Meg McKeen as she chats with Barb Provost, founder of Purse Strings, about women as powerful decision makers in financial transactions - and our potential as salespeople, too. 

We talk candidly about what makes a perfect happy hour and how simple it can be to curate a perfect customer experience.

Learn more about becoming a Purse Strings approved provider here. 

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, subscribe her...

Join Meg McKeen and Olivia Schmitt as they wear all the hats in this week's episode. Meg and Olivia take turns being the host - and the guest - in this Q&A and the insights are gold. 

Have a listen as we talk about the importance of doing the work - and sometimes the time - sitting with discomfort and the seasons of life. We talk about career changes - are we ever too old for one? - and the importance of taking care of #1.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work M...

In this episode, host Meg McKeen talks with Tiffanie Demasters about her decision to transition from an insurance service role to sales - and the lessons she could only learn once she got started.

We talk about about the good days - and the bad - and the importance of knowing yourself, and surrounding yourself with others who know themselves, too.

We'll also share opinions on insurance agent licensing requirements, compensation and why so many insurance agents have such bad reputations.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does...

Join host Meg McKeen and Maggie Germano as we dig deep into our relationship with money; we talk about the feelings - all the feelings - and she offers up some practical solutions for working through common money missteps. We talk salary negotiation and mindset, shame and confidence. You don't want to miss this one!

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, subscribe here.

Love the podcast? To show your support consider l...

Join Meg and Amy Waninger, founder of Lead At Any Level, as they talk about networking - you don't have to hate it - and putting people first. We chat about blind spots in many insurance industry leaders today and how to overcome them. We dive deeper into the use of our pronouns as we create inclusive cultures; so much goodness in this conversation.

You can learn more, and download Amy's eBook, 21 Insights for Inclusive Networking, here.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct A...

Listen in as host Meg McKeen and Natalie Gingrich, the founder of The Ops Authority, chat about career path - it's rarely a straight line.

Learn about the skills that translate - even when the language we speak in insurance doesn't - and the value of, well, values...and of boundaries, too.

Natalie sheds light on her own approach to taking risks, on loving both her work and her family, and the legacy she's creating.

To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct A...

Listen in as host Meg McKeen and Allison Hamilton-Rohe, the founder of Daily Outfit, chat about style - it's so much more than the clothes we wear.

Learn about fluctuating body sizes, why a work uniform may not be right for you, loving the body you're in, dressing for the job - and the client - you want, and why Meg was inspired to upgrade her pajama game!

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 n...