Connecting Women in Insurance with Julie

Connecting Women in Insurance with Julie

by Julie Ward

Careers Self-Improvement

Season 1

The Continued Conversation with A Distinguished Panel of Women in Insurance

Because connection doesn’t stop when the episode ends. This panel discussion brings the Connecting Women in Insurance community back together to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead. Julie and a group of familiar voices unpack what resonated most from the first season, the connections that carried on off-mic, and why these conversations matter now more than ever. Honest insights, shared momentum, and a reminder that when women in insurance connect, the impact doesn’t end when the episode does.

Leila Taha on Building a 25-Year Career in Flood

From the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to the private market, Leila Taha has seen it all. In this episode of Connecting Women in Insurance, Julie sits down with the Executive Director of the National Flood Association to trace a 25-year career built on innovation, resilience, and heart. Whether you are navigating the complexities of flood policy or looking for leadership inspiration, Leila’s journey offers a masterclass in building lasting industry relationships. Leila Taha is Executive Director of the National Flood Association (NFA), Chief Operating Officer for Joe Flood Insurance Brokerage, Inc., and a 30-year veteran of the flood industry. Her experience spans a range of disciplines including flood data management, sales, and marketing, operations oversight, and compliance, supporting private companies in both the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood insurance arenas. For the NFA, Leila has served on the NFA’s Board of Directors since 2003, including as President for five terms. She has supported NFA’s communications, conference planning, and educational efforts as well as facilitated collaborative efforts with FEMA and other affiliated organizations across the industry. Leila is a licensed Property & Casualty insurance agent and holds the Associate in National Flood Insurance (ANFI) designation. She earned her degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and a marketing certificate from Columbia University. Leila is a resident – and native! – of Los Angeles, CA and outside of work enjoys yoga, live music, and discovering great coffee wherever she travels. Connect with Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-taha-37211b2/ ✨ Subscribe to our channel! ✨ Listen on Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/0ifHjDxC3yjdAFgOLGuH4j?si=d3cde1237074442d ✨ Don't forget to join the Connecting Women Facebook group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/175pDHCww5/ #podcast #connectingwomen #womenininsurance #insurance #propertyinsurance #floodinsurance

Cayce Lynch on Leading With Purpose and Power

Cayce E. Lynch, National Managing Partner and Equity Partner at Tyson & Mendes, joins Julie to talk about what it takes to lead in today’s evolving insurance defense industry. Under her leadership, the firm has quadrupled in size, launched groundbreaking programs for women, young professionals, and diverse talent, and reshaped how legal teams are trained nationwide. Cayce shares how she balances high-impact decision-making with a people-first philosophy, why she champions work-life harmony over outdated notions of “balance,” and how authenticity fuels stronger organizations. She also discusses her work educating the industry on Nuclear Verdict® trends and social inflation. Ms. Lynch has been recognized with numerous awards, including San Diego Business Journal’s “Business Women of the Year” Award (2017), “Top 40 Under 40” by both San Diego Metro and San Diego Business Journal (2018, 2019), and CLM’s inaugural “Phenoms Under 40” (2022). She has also been listed as a “Woman of Influence in Law” (2021-2023) and a “Leader of Influence in Law” (2023) by San Diego Business Journal. 🔔 Watch the full candid conversation and subscribe to our channel for more! 🌟 And check out Cayce's company at https://www.tysonmendes.com/ Thanks for watching!

Kelly Cressy on Building Connections with Heart and Hustle

In this episode of Connecting Women in Insurance with Julie, we sit down with Kelly Cressy, National Business Development Manager at Haag and a true connector in the P&C world. With more than two decades of experience, Kelly’s known for building relationships that drive real growth — and for doing it with authenticity and energy. From her corporate leadership to founding Magnolia Cigar Company in Savannah, Kelly proves that business success and personal passion can go hand in hand. She’s a mentor, lifelong learner, and someone who reminds us that people come first, no matter the industry.

Jo Farris on How She Went from Rookie to CEO of a National Adjusting Firm

On this episode of Connecting Women in Insurance with Julie, Joanna “Jo” Farris—Owner and CEO of TSI Adjusters, Inc.—shares how she learned the industry from the ground up and built a respected, woman-owned adjusting firm serving clients nationwide. Her blueprint? The principles behind TSI’s name: Trust, Service, and Integrity.

Erika Duda on Her Journey Through the Insurance World

In this episode, we sit down with Erika Duda, founder of InsureQuest and a trailblazer with over two decades in the insurance industry. Erika blends her background in organizational psychology with deep industry expertise to reshape how companies train, lead, and grow their people. From Los Angeles hustle to Florida sunshine, Erika’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and servant leadership. Whether you’re leading a team, building your career, or just looking for inspiration from a woman redefining what leadership looks like in our industry—this episode will leave you fired up and ready to grow.

Lesley Simms on Finding Your Way in Your Career and Your Life

Julie sits down with powerhouse trial attorney Lesley Simms, Partner at Rubinton Simms, to talk about work ethic, resilience, and carving your own path in law and insurance. From prosecuting major felony cases to leading high-stakes insurance trials, Lesley’s story is proof that sometimes you have to make your own way. 👩‍⚖️ Career grit 💼 Insurance insights 💡 Real talk about finding your path 👉 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on Connecting Women in Insurance with Julie! Watch more episodes: https://linktr.ee/connectingwomeninin... Visit Rubinton Simms, PA: https://rubintonlaw.com/ #WomenInInsurance #CareerGrowth #WorkEthic #InsuranceIndustry

Mary Jorgensen on Working in Claims as an RN

🎙️ In this episode, Julie sits down with Mary Jorgensen, a Registered Nurse with 31 years of clinical and consulting experience and a mom of four boys to explore her unique career path. Mary has reviewed 1,000+ cases spanning personal injury, workers’ compensation, premises liability, medical malpractice, toxic torts, and long-term care. She explains how clinical judgment and clear documentation strengthen claims from day one. 🔔 If this conversation helped you, like and subscribe to catch future episodes. 🎧 Listen on Apple/Spotify 👉 https://linktr.ee/connectingwomenininsurance

Malaika Kattke on Leading Through Change with Confidence

In this episode, Julie welcomes Malaika Kattke, a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, change, and transformation. Known for her strategic vision and collaborative leadership style, Malaika shares insights on building high-performing teams, fostering organizational culture, and leading with confidence in evolving industries. Whether you’re a rising professional or seasoned leader, this episode offers valuable takeaways on leadership, resilience, and navigating change.

Penelope Lemery on Connecting People & Opportunities

🎙️ On Episode 8 of Connecting Women in Insurance, Julie sits down with Penelope Lemery—20+ year insurance veteran turned founder of Lemery Connects Recruiting & Consulting. Penelope reveals how “listening first” has helped her place top talent, advise leading carriers, and even launch Santa Paws, her charity pet‑rescue event.

2 of 3