Bound & Determined℠ with Meg McKeen

Meg McKeen
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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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. JAN 8

    When Something's Not Right with Julie Webb

    Host Meg McKeen welcomes Julie Webb for a timely conversation about our values: Where do they come from? How do they change as we change? And what happens when the way we’re showing up at work no longer aligns with the way we’re showing up in our heart? Or in the world? Julie shares more about her experience ending her corporate chapter and building her own consulting firm - including the upside of the risk we don't talk about loudly enough. Meet Julie Webb, CPCU, CICJulie Webb has two decades of diverse insurance industry experience holding various leadership positions during that time. Most recently, she was the Principal at MPB Insurance, a scratch independent agency she started in March of 2020 (yes that March!). Prior to that, she was the Regional Vice President for a large agency network with responsibility for the Mid-Atlantic territory. She began her insurance career with GEICO in a Leadership Development Program where she ultimately built and led a regional sales and service call center in Buffalo, New York. Julie holds both her CIC and CPCU designations and is a proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where she studied business. A strong advocate for professional women, Julie led the Women’s Leadership Network at MPB and founded a local chapter of the Women’s Business League to provide a space for professional women to network and grow together. In addition to this, she serves as the Board Chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA and enjoys volunteering with Girl Scouts, Girls on the Run, and Junior Achievement. In these roles, she’s committed to helping younger generations reach their full potential (and sprinkling a little bit of insurance awareness on top, too!). It's her advocacy work that led her to found JMW Collective, a leadership consulting practice focused first on professional women. Through group and individual coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements, Julie is on a mission to empower organizations and leaders to design thriving businesses that are profitable, inclusive, and resilient for generations to come. Julie enjoys facilitating mastermind groups through MyNetwork and teaching the CIC Agency Management course through the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. When she’s not helping professionals with their leadership style, she enjoys styling women in beautiful cabi clothes. Links & Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeConnect with Julie on LinkedInLearn more about JMW Collective and cabiHave 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

  8. JAN 6 ·  BONUS

    The Captain of Your Ship (Meg Solo)

    Listen as Meg narrates a recent social media post, sharing her thoughts on a new year and the pressure that it can bring. Read Meg's original post on LinkedIn 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!

    3 min
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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.

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