Insurance Leaders Lab Podcast

Nina Shepard
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This podcast is for insurance professionals and leaders seeking inspiration, bold ideas, and actionable strategies. We discuss insurance, leadership, and personal fulfillment with some of the industry's most innovative minds and pioneers. Our guests are remarkable individuals from various insurance industry sectors and related fields. The host, Nina Shepard, has been an insurance leader for over three decades. Together, we explore what it truly means to be a bold and impactful leader in the ever-evolving insurance world. Welcome to the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast!

  1. 2026: Focus And Tech Transformation

    JAN 8

    2026: Focus And Tech Transformation

    As we enter 2026, the importance of focus and technology awareness surface as the main themes. We need to rethink multitasking and learn to dedicate full attention to critical tasks to achieve better outcomes. Nina also discusses the significance of reflection on past achievements and setting clear, SMART goals for the new year.

    16 min
  2. Insurance Ops Reinvented: Scaling With Global Talent

    12/04/2025

    Insurance Ops Reinvented: Scaling With Global Talent

    In this episode, I discuss with Office Beacon CEO Pranav Dalal how insurance leaders can reinvent operations and scale smarter by leveraging global talent, secure outsourcing, and practical competitive advantage. Pranav shares his journey building a global workforce company over 25 years and shares how his company helps insurance leaders address the talent shortage, AI, data security, and modern efficiency. If you want to grow capacity, streamline operations, and stay competitive in 2026, this conversation offers clear, actionable insights.

    34 min
  3. The Art Of Leadership: Insights from Tim Parenti

    10/23/2025

    The Art Of Leadership: Insights from Tim Parenti

    Join us in this insightful episode of the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast as Nina welcomes Tim Parenti, Senior VP of Sales at First Insurance Funding. With over two decades of experience, Tim shares his journey from being in sales to leading global consulting and training initiatives. Discover the universal challenges across industries, the nuances of mergers and acquisitions in insurance, and the importance of culture and leadership in navigating change. Tim's stories and wisdom offer valuable lessons for leaders and professionals seeking to inspire and engage their teams. Tune in for a conversation filled with practical tips and inspiring anecdotes.

    37 min
  4. The Secret Sauce To a Great Partnership

    09/18/2025

    The Secret Sauce To a Great Partnership

    My conversation partners, Amy Stark Snook and Noreen Payne, have worked as a team for over 10 years. They build a successful business together, support each other as friends, and are filled with energy and joy that they generously share with everyone on their path. How do they do that? You'll find it by listening to the episode packed with great tips and actionable strategies!

    30 min
  5. Why Engaging In Meaningful Conversations Will Change Your Results

    06/26/2025

    Why Engaging In Meaningful Conversations Will Change Your Results

    In this episode of the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast, I interview Sven Gade, an executive coach and triathlon enthusiast. We discuss the parallels between sports and leadership, the importance of meaningful conversations, and the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. Sven shares several tools that will help you to lead diverse teams successfully.

    37 min
  6. Transformational Power Of Emotional Validation

    06/12/2025

    Transformational Power Of Emotional Validation

    In this episode of Insurance Leaders Lab, I’m joined by Doug Noll—a lawyer turned peacemaker—who brings decades of wisdom in conflict resolution to the table. Doug has taught thousands how to defuse tension and resolve conflict in seconds. You will learn how to instantly calm any angry person—yes, in under 90 seconds. It’s a game-changing tool for leaders who want to create more peace, clarity, and connection in high-pressure moments. Modern leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about presence, empathy, and the ability to transform conflict into progress. Doug shares real-life examples and simple practices to help anyone strengthen conflict resolution skills and lead with emotional intelligence. If you’re ready to upgrade how you lead in challenging situations, this episode is packed with practical takeaways that will shift how you think, listen, and communicate forever.

    39 min
  7. Leadership Landscape: Insights From An Executive Coach

    05/29/2025

    Leadership Landscape: Insights From An Executive Coach

    Every leader deserves an executive coach. But what does that really look like? In this episode, I sit down with Karen Power, an executive coach and advisor on organizational culture and talent, to take you inside the coaching process. Together, we explore how coaching can help leaders tackle the top three challenges they face: • Lack of focus • Building confidence • Leading change in uncertain times. If you’ve ever wondered how an experienced coach can help you overcome these challenges, tune in for some invaluable insights!

    31 min
  8. Navigating Executive Transition: Key Strategies For Success

    05/15/2025

    Navigating Executive Transition: Key Strategies For Success

    Have you recently been promoted to a next-level leadership position? What can you do from day one to succeed in a new role? In this episode, I discuss five proven strategies to set you on the right path. We review one of the strategies in detail so that you have a better understanding and can apply it to your situation right away.

    20 min
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About

This podcast is for insurance professionals and leaders seeking inspiration, bold ideas, and actionable strategies. We discuss insurance, leadership, and personal fulfillment with some of the industry's most innovative minds and pioneers. Our guests are remarkable individuals from various insurance industry sectors and related fields. The host, Nina Shepard, has been an insurance leader for over three decades. Together, we explore what it truly means to be a bold and impactful leader in the ever-evolving insurance world. Welcome to the Insurance Leaders Lab podcast!

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