079: How to have difficult conversations at work with Crystal Riley

Summary Kirsteen Young shares a career journey that moved from law into insurance and healthcare claims. She talks about recognising what she was good at, discovering where those skills could take her, and why you don't need to know exactly where your career is heading to take the next step. A big part of Kirsteen's story is finding her voice. From being surprised by positive feedback to realising that her high standards and willingness to take on responsibility could sometimes work against her, she shares how experience, relationships and encouragement helped her confidence grow. She also talks about the importance of women supporting women, creating opportunities for younger generations and building genuine relationships. Her decision to create a healthcare claims conference from scratch is a brilliant example of what can happen when you see an opportunity and simply decide to give it a go. And for Kirsteen, great leadership comes down to something deceptively simple: listening. Understanding what people need, recognising the quiet high performers and creating an environment where people feel safe enough to speak up can make all the difference. Key Takeaways

Summary In this episode, Kirstin Duffield reflects on moving into a new chapter after more than 30 years in the insurance market, and why reinvention is not erasure. Changing career, company or direction does not mean leaving everything behind. The experience, knowledge and transferable skills we have built along the way become the foundation for whatever comes next. Kirstin and Sandra explore the value of recognising what we already bring to the table, from organisational and technical skills to the behavioural skills and experience that can take years to develop. They also discuss authenticity and how we may adapt depending on the people and environments around us without losing who we are at our core. A thoughtful conversation about recognising your own value, carrying your experience forward and seeing your next chapter as an evolution of everything that has come before. Key takeaways

Summary In this episode, Sandra Lewin speaks with Charlotte Halkett, about transferable skills, career opportunities, feedback and the importance of knowing yourself. Charlotte shares how her own career has evolved across actuarial, commercial, leadership, insurtech and consulting roles, without ever following a detailed plan. She challenges the traditional career boxes within insurance and encourages us to look beyond job titles to the skills, tasks and experiences we already have. The conversation also explores how to use feedback as data rather than criticism, why we don't need to be perfect at everything, and how understanding our strengths can help us build stronger teams and make more confident career choices. Ultimately, this is a conversation about giving yourself permission to explore what you're capable of, and being open to positively surprising yourself along the way. Key Takeaways

Summary In this episode, Laura speaks to Kacey-Angel Anderson, who’s career in insurance began almost by chance, through a Facebook job advert. Since then, she has built a career in commercial marine insurance while becoming a passionate advocate for neuro-inclusivity, women in insurance and young people entering the industry. Kacey-Angel shares what it means to find your place when you do not necessarily fit the traditional mould. From questioning whether her background was a disadvantage to recognising how it has shaped the empathy and understanding she brings to her work, she reflects on the importance of taking up space, asking for what you need and staying true to what matters to you. She also explores what genuine workplace inclusivity can look like, why small changes can make a meaningful difference for everyone, and why creating space for others is just as important as finding your own. Key Takeaways

Summary In this episode, Laura speaks with Shanika-Marie, about what really happens behind the scenes of recruitment, and what happens when your own career suddenly takes an unexpected turn. What begins as a conversation about recruitment quickly becomes a much more personal discussion about resilience, confidence and rebuilding. After unexpectedly losing her role and spending 16 months out of work, Shanika shares honestly how redundancy affected her confidence, mental health and sense of identity, and how therapy, family support and a belief in herself helped her navigate one of the most challenging chapters of her career. Alongside her personal story, Shanika offers a fascinating insight into the world of Talent Acquisition, what candidates often misunderstand about the hiring process, and how employers can shape the candidate experience. She also shares practical advice for anyone navigating today's competitive job market, from making your CV stand out to understanding the growing impact of AI on applications. For anyone who has experienced redundancy, a career gap or the uncertainty of searching for their next opportunity, Shanika's story offers a powerful reminder that your career is only one chapter of your story.