Power Women In Insurance Teresa Kitchens

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens interviews Elisha Cavanaugh, President of Sound Pacific Insurance.

Elisha and Teresa talks about the award she won with Safeco, her being on the front cover of Rough Notes and how she is balancing family and career.

Key Topics:

Elisha's unexpected award and the opportunity to feature on the cover of Rough Notes

The challenges of self-promotion and the importance of community support in personal and professional growth

Strategies for maintaining authenticity while navigating business pressures and family life

The role of direct communication and relationship-building with insurance carriers

Leadership lessons on fostering team accountability and the parallels between leading a team and parenting

Practical tips for agency owners on engaging with carrier representatives and empowering their teams


Connect with:

Elisha Cavanaugh

Teresa Kitchens


Visit Websites:

Sound Pacific Insurance

Sterling Insurance Group



Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Dawn Janes-Bartley, CEO of Maverick Risk Partners.

Dawn and Teresa talk about acquisitions including the mistakes they have made and the ways they really excelled.

Key Topics:

Dawn's unexpected journey from child psychology into the insurance industry

The evolution of roles within the agency post-acquisition

Challenges of integrating new teams and processes after acquiring another agency

The importance of adapting roles and expectations as an agency grows

Strategies for managing team dynamics and operational changes during transitions

Dawn's insights on personal resilience and strategic thinking while navigating business expansions


Connect with:

Dawn Janes-Bartley

Teresa Kitchens


Visit Websites:

Maverick Risk Partners

Sterling Insurance Group



Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens interviews Andrea Vargas, CEO of TTC Leads. Andrea and Teresa talk about how partnering in life and business with Ryan Saridakis and then continuing to build that business after his passing has created the business of her dreams.

Key Topics:

Andrea's unconventional entry into the insurance industry through family connections and early influences

The role of mentorship and the pivotal influence of Patrick Bet-David in her career orientation

Development of a non-traditional career path, avoiding college and direct recruitment into the industry

Transition from being heavily recruitment-focused to prioritizing substantive, service-oriented business in insurance

Insights into personal growth, the impact of significant relationships on professional paths, and navigating business after the loss of a partner

Strategies for fostering a positive and productive workplace culture

The balance of personal well-being with professional responsibilities in leadership roles


Connect with:

Andrea Vargas

Teresa Kitchens


Visit Websites:

TTC Leads

Sterling Insurance Group



Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens explores the stages and opportunities for virtual options inside an agency.

Key Topics:

Exploring the concept and challenges of virtual agencies

Variability in virtual setups from partial to fully remote

Essential tools for virtual work include VOIP and VPNs

Gradual adaptation starting with flexible work policies

Importance of maintaining culture and security in virtual setups

Virtual teams enhance productivity and geographic diversity

Regular virtual meetings maintain team cohesion and efficiency


Connect with:
Teresa Kitchens

Visit Websites:
Sterling Insurance Group


Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens discusses how to lead in this market and how to make a difference in the future of this industry.

Key Topics:

Importance of leadership in today's challenging insurance market

Broadening the definition of leadership beyond official titles

The role of awareness and proactive steps in effective leadership

Mental health and operational efficiency in leadership roles

How to innovate and inspire within a team setting

Encouragement of personal and professional growth through leadership

Ways to implement leadership strategies practically and effectively


Connect with:
Teresa Kitchens

Visit Websites:
Sterling Insurance Group


Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Rebecca Adelman, a lawyer for insurance companies defending insureds in lawsuits to talk about the legal and insurance industries and how she had made her home in that space. They also talk about how to step over challenges and show up authentically by embracing the courage to make a difference in our world.

Episode Highlights:

Rebecca talks about her past and how she got to where she is in her work now. (2:01)


Rebecca notes that she has dealt with a wide range of coverage kinds and finds it to be an interesting aspect of her job. (9:39)


Rebecca explains that over the years, insurance companies have been able to adapt to what the consumers' needs are. (15:21)


Rebecca discusses her story and how she overcame the odds in the insurance and law fields, which have traditionally been controlled by men. (18:23)


Rebecca explains that she tells her story to inspire people, especially women, to pursue the path that they want in their careers. (23:03)


Rebecca shares that there is no work-life and no life outside of work, but only your life that you have to live out. (28:00)


Rebecca discusses how empowerment for her is the byproduct of this idea of showing up authentically and showing up with courage. (34:50)


Rebecca explains that thresholds are at the beginning and end, depending on how you courageously see it. (43:47)


Rebecca shares that part of courageous living is showing presence in our professional lives, particularly in this world of insurance. (48:30)


Rebecca says that, despite the industry's natural progress, she believes there is still a long way to go. (53:14)


Rebecca shares that a way to authentically show up is to ask yourself if you have done five things that made you happy. (55:54)



Key Quotes:

"10 years ago, well, most of the interfacing I would do and the networks on my insurance side were men. Now 10 years down the road 90% of the work that I do is for women." - Rebecca Adelman

"There's nothing like your work life and your life outside of work. There's just your life. It's just your life. There's no work-life, this life is just your life, go and live your life." - Rebecca Adelman

"Dismantling the idea that there's any, that there's even a possibility to find a balance, like, it's not really about balance, it's how you deal with being inbalance." - Rebecca Adelman


Resources Mentioned:


Rebecca Adelman LinkedIn

Adelman Law Firm

Contact Teresa Kitchens


Sterling Insurance Group