Bound & Determined℠ with Meg McKeen

Meg McKeen
  • 4.9 (60)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Here we hold space for women in the insurance industry to tell their stories as we learn from, grow with, support, and celebrate one another. Hosted and produced by Meg McKeen, founder of Adjunct Advisors, LLC.

  1. 14H AGO

    Bound & Determined℠ X Outspoken & Overbooked Live

    Join host Meg McKeen for a crossover podcast experience, featuring Kristin Heideman, the host of the Outspoken & Overbooked podcast. Recorded in front of a live, virtual audience, together we chat through our insurance career origin stories - and answer listener questions about moving from one role in the industry to another, and how to prep for the C-Suite, if that's what you decide is right for you. We already know it's who you know - but isn't it also how well you know yourself?  Meet Kristin Heideman With over a decade of hands-on experience in the insurance industry, Kristin knows what it takes to succeed in this space - because she's been there. After years as an Account Manager, she transitioned into recruiting to help others find the right fit and help firms build stronger teams. Now, as the WBE-certified owner of The Brinkman Group, Kristin specializes in placing top talent across commercial lines, employee benefits, and wholesale brokerage. She works closely with hiring managers and candidates to make meaningful, strategic matches - not just quick placements. Whether you're hiring, exploring new opportunities, or just want to stay informed about the market - Kristin is a resource you can trust. Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn Learn more about The Brinkman Group and the work Kristin does to support insurance professionals Join Meg for an upcoming experience: Bound & Determined℠ Restorative Retreat, coming up in Michigan in November 2026 Purchase your ticket for the Bound & Determined℠ Midwest Live tour, coming up in September Nominate a woman in insurance you know to be my guest for the St. Louis stop here Join the waitlist for the next Bound & Determined℠ Founders' Retreat Have a question for Meg? You can send that to her here. To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here. Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

    43 min

  2. MAY 12

    Episode 100 | No One Is More Surprised Than Me with Guest Host Danielle Morales

    Listen in as host Meg McKeen welcomes Danielle Morales as guest host for this special 100th episode of Bound & Determined℠ - commemorating 65 hours of conversation recorded since launching in 2020. Danielle brings questions crowdsourced from our community and a few of her own, and together they wander through all of it - the nuts and bolts of Meg's nomadic life, the marriage and job and city - and expectations - she left behind, the earliest years in business spent wondering when it would be her turn, and the slow, imperfect trust in herself to keep going. Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn Join Meg for an upcoming experience: Bound & Determined℠ Restorative Retreat, coming up in Michigan in November 2026 Join Kristin Heideman and me for Bound & Determined℠ X Outspoken & Overbooked | A Crossover Podcast Experience on May 15th Stay up-to-date as plans for Bound & Determined℠: Midwest Live come together RSVP for Dinner in Denver on June 15th Join the waitlist for the next Bound & Determined℠ Founders' Retreat Have a question for Meg? You can send that to her here. To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here. Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

    53 min
  3. Finding Her Spark with Katie Gouldner

    APR 28

    Finding Her Spark with Katie Gouldner

    Listen in as host Meg McKeen welcomes Katie Gouldner for a conversation about the particular restlessness of being content but not fulfilled - and what happens when you stop waiting for your work to heal it. We talk about perfectionism and the unknown, the courage it takes to build something that's all yours, and what it means to express yourself without a title or a permission slip - or a guarantee that it'll even be good. Spoiler alert: it's great! Meet Katie Gouldner Katie Gouldner is a marketing and communications leader, podcast host, and mom of two based in Central Pennsylvania who knows firsthand the art of balancing work, family, and personal passions. With over 15 years of experience in strategic marketing and storytelling, she specializes in making complex ideas approachable and meaningful. Through her podcast Chasing The Spark, Katie shares honest conversations about motherhood, career growth, and connection. Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Learn more about Chasing the Spark and listen on Apple and Spotify Join Meg for an upcoming experience: Bound & Determined℠ Restorative Retreat, coming up in Michigan in November 2026 Join Kristin Heideman and me for Bound & Determined℠ X Outspoken & Overbooked | A Crossover Podcast Experience on May 15th RSVP for Dinner in Denver on June 15th Join the waitlist for the next Bound & Determined℠ Founders' Retreat Have a question for Meg? You can send that to her here. To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here. Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

    45 min
  4. Live from Illinois Wesleyan University with Chole Shapkauski and Raji More

    APR 14

    Live from Illinois Wesleyan University with Chole Shapkauski and Raji More

    Host Meg McKeen welcomes graduating seniors Raji More and Chloe Shapkauski for a conversation recorded on the campus of her alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University. Together we explore the impressions many have of our industry - and what individuals joining the industry are really looking for in their relationship to work. We talk about success - and how that definition has already changed for Raji and Chloe, We wrap by turning the mic back around on Meg - such rich and thoughtful questions. Meet Raji More Raji More is a senior at Illinois Wesleyan University, majoring in economics. Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, Raji has been active in various organizations during her time on campus during her time on campus, including roles as the commissioner of the Sustainability Committee and is now the elected class president. Raji will graduate in May and has past work experience inside an insurance company headquartered in Bloomington. Connect with Raji by email at rmore@iwu.edu or on LinkedIn. Meet Chloe Shapkauski Chloe Shapkauski is a business student at Illinois Wesleyan University, Class of 2026. Originally from Tinley Park, Illinois, she has held leadership and service roles in organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Rotaract, and Student Senate. She currently works as a Data Analysis Student Worker at the Hart Career Center, supporting strategic initiatives through data insights. In her free time, Chloe enjoys writing, running, reading, and cooking. She is passionate about continuous learning and seeks opportunities to create meaningful impact through both her professional and community work. Connect with Chloe by email at cshapkauski@gmail.com or on LinkedIn. Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Join Meg for an upcoming experience: Coffee + Conversation in Burlington, Vermont, on April 25th Bound & Determined℠ Restorative Retreat, coming up in Michigan in November 2026 Dinner in Denver on June 15th Have a question for Meg? You can send that to her here. To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here. Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

    45 min
  5. Life Unfiltered with Brett McKenzie

    APR 2

    Life Unfiltered with Brett McKenzie

    Listen in as host Meg McKeen welcomes Brett McKenzie for a conversation about care - the caring we do for others and the caring we often need ourselves. We talk about boundaries and burnout - and how it feels to take off the mask we often wear and let others in – and sometimes down – when advocating for ourselves. Brett is a heartfelt storyteller and shares so much of her own beautiful story with us here. Meet Brett McKenzie Brett McKenzie began her career as a political media operative in Washington, D.C., with early chapters of her story written in journalism and the wine industry before she transitioned into insurance in 2009 - all while navigating chronic health challenges and raising a family. Brett has worked across globally recognized insurance carriers and insurtechs, in marketing and PR, sales, underwriting, and distribution strategy. Today, Brett is an independent consultant helping bold insurance brands and leaders clarify their voice, sharpen their strategy, and show up with confidence in our rapidly changing industry. Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Connect with Brett on LinkedIn Join Meg for an upcoming experience:  Coffee + Conversation in Burlington, Vermont, on April 25th Bound & Determined℠ Restorative Retreat, coming up in Michigan in November 2026 Dinner in Denver on June 15th Have a question for Meg? You can send that to her here. To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here. Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

    53 min
  6. Shifting Perspectives with Emma Corcoran

    MAR 10

    Shifting Perspectives with Emma Corcoran

    Listen in as host Meg McKeen welcomes Emma Corcoran for a conversation about career paths - and how they change as our priorities and our plans change, too. Emma is wrapping up her first year as an independent consultant in the insurance industry and shares more about her new definition of *busy,* how she's measuring success today, and together we unpack the notion of "doing your time" - in a role or organization - and how we can support the next generation of women in insurance who are joining us.   Meet Emma Corcoran Emma Corcoran is the founder of EC Consulting LLC, through which she helps leadership teams navigate complex challenges and make clearer, more confident decisions together. She blends design thinking with a human‑centered facilitation approach to bring alignment, clarity, and momentum to every room she leads. She's also a proud mom of two daughters, one very loved dog, and an advocate for elevating women in insurance. Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode Connect with Emma on LinkedIn Join Meg for the Bound & Determined℠ Restorative Retreat, coming up in Michigan in November 2026 Have a question for Meg? You can send that to her here. To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here. Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

    54 min
  7. The Risk of Visibility with Amora Wood

    FEB 19

    The Risk of Visibility with Amora Wood

    Listen in as host Meg McKeen welcomes Amora Wood to the podcast for a candid conversation about the range of emotions that come up when we choose to share our lives - and selves - with the world through social media. We'll talk about the boundaries we set, the very common reluctance to get started, and how we navigate the joy of the relationships we've built through the socials - and the haters that are out there, too. Meet Amora WoodAmora Wood is a VP with over 20 years of sales experience and a deep commitment to collaboration over competition. She believes integrity is the foundation of every client relationship and finds true joy in helping others succeed. Passionate about creating meaningful connections and innovative solutions, Amora focuses on building trust and fostering growth in every interaction. Links & Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeConnect with Amora on LinkedInJoin in the fun on February 25th when you share your #DayInTheLife! Learn more hereSit at the {virtual} table with Saya and me on February 26th; register hereJoin Meg for the Bound & Determined℠ Restorative Retreat, coming up in Michigan in November 2026Have a question for Meg? You can send that to her here.To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here. Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

    41 min
  8. A Hard Stop with Debbie Brcka

    JAN 15

    A Hard Stop with Debbie Brcka

    Listen in as host Meg McKeen welcomes Debbie Brcka for a candid conversation about her upcoming retirement - after more than 45 years in the insurance industry. In this conversation, we talk about Debbie’s decision to retire – the why now, the how, and the permission she didn’t know she needed. We talk about what’s ahead for Debbie in this new chapter and Debbie shares so much wisdom - spend the time – take the trip – say yes, say no - with us.  Meet Deborah BrckaDeborah began her career in real estate before pivoting to insurance in 1978, when she and her husband opened a scratch agency after he was injured in the line of duty. Following their divorce, she continued to build her career independently, serving in marketing and sales roles with regional carriers and ultimately rising to SVP at Bankers Insurance. After more than four decades in the industry, she’s now in her dream role with the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance, where she channels her passion into mentoring and developing future leaders. Links & Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeKeep up with Debbie on LinkedInJoin Meg for the Bound & Determined℠ Restorative Retreat, coming up in Michigan in November 2026Makes plans to be in Wichita with Kansas Association of Insurance Agents in February or in Napa with Independent Insurance Agents of California in MarchHave a question for Meg? You can send that to her here.To learn more about this podcast, and the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals, visit Adjunct Advisors. To receive To Taking the Risk, the monthly newsletter Meg curates, including updates on her #digitalnomad adventures, subscribe here. Love the podcast? To show your support, consider leaving a positive review here, sharing this episode with a friend, or making a financial contribution here. Thank you for listening!

    37 min
See All (101)

4.9
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

Here we hold space for women in the insurance industry to tell their stories as we learn from, grow with, support, and celebrate one another. Hosted and produced by Meg McKeen, founder of Adjunct Advisors, LLC.

Information

You Might Also Like