In this episode, I interview Anita Farmer, Senior Vice President and Practice Leader for the Northeast Marine division at Lockton Marine, to discuss her inspiring 30-year journey in the marine insurance industry. Beginning her career in 1987 as a secretary in maritime insurance, Anita quickly fell in love with the industry and seized every opportunity to grow. Fast forward three decades, and Anita found her dream position at Lockton, where she was hired to lead the Northeast marine region. Today, she reflects on her initial surprise at the full scope of responsibilities she now holds, including managing the business, budget, and team development. Anita expresses her deep gratitude for Lockton, where her contributions are valued and her professional growth is continually supported.

Anita’s career has unfolded alongside shifts in the industry, and she’s witnessed remarkable progress for women. While the journey is far from over, she notes a significant shift: women are being given true leadership roles, enabling them to drive change. Her vision of leadership is one of empathy and mentorship, empowering her team and embracing challenges as opportunities to build a better environment for those who follow. Anita is a servant leader who believes in advocating for the next generation, encouraging them to act confidently and never apologize for their uniqueness. Her message to women is powerful: "You are a brand. Continue to develop it, and don’t apologize for who you are.”

In this episode, I sit down with Nikki Brandt, Owner and President of NB Talent, whose journey from public relations to insurance has been driven by practicality, passion, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Nikki began her career in commercial insurance underwriting in 2007, a role she initially took for financial stability but quickly fell in love with. Over the years, she built a successful career across underwriting, marketing, and then as a commercial producer, where she cultivated a substantial client base. It was through this work that Nikki recognized a gap in the recruiting space – specifically, the need for a firm dedicated to finding the right fit for insurance roles. In 2021, Nikki took the leap and founded NB Talent, a firm that exclusively matches high-caliber talent with industry-leading companies, all while balancing her career aspirations with family life.

Nikki shares the unique philosophy behind NB Talent and how she chooses her clients with care, based on culture, reputation, and flexibility – traits she values both personally and professionally. As a strong advocate for flexible work, Nikki speaks candidly about the shifting dynamics in the workforce, especially for women balancing career and family. She’s passionate about empowering women to know their worth, often guiding clients on salary negotiation and encouraging them to keep their resumes polished and take interviews for confidence-building. Nikki believes that embracing flexible and even part-time roles can unlock more potential in the industry, and she’s dedicated to leading by example.

In this episode, I speak with Anne Marie Elder, Global Chief Underwriting Officer of Specialty Insurance at AXA XL, to explore her inspiring career journey and her passion for the marine industry. Anne Marie's path began with her studies in marine insurance at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. With over 30 years of insurance experience, she shares pivotal moments from her career, from her early days as a trainee in New York City to leading AXA XL’s global specialty strategy across marine, aerospace, political risk, and niche markets. Anne Marie’s story is one of strategic vision and a relentless pursuit of leadership, including taking detours to acquire the skills needed to excel.

Anne Marie’s passion extends beyond business, as she champions inclusion, diversity, and bringing one’s full self to work. In a candid conversation, she opens up about coming out in a professional setting. She shares how embracing her true self transformed her leadership style, making her a more authentic, compassionate, and effective leader. Anne Marie offers invaluable advice for those who feel the need to mask aspects of their identity at work, emphasizing the power of authenticity and the importance of creating inclusive environments. We also explore the importance of authentic mentorship and the evolving landscape for women in the insurance industry. With impending retirements on the horizon, she stresses the need to prepare women for future leadership roles by providing visibility, coaching, and opportunities to build their skills and confidence.