ISC Group is proud to announce the launch of its Cool Jobs Podcast Initiative, created in partnership with the Insurance Museum and The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). The first phase of this inspiring project features 16 video episodes. Featuring women of all ages and stages of career, this podcast series introduces audiences to women from across the insurance industry, whose roles are as dynamic as they are diverse.
The Cool Jobs Podcast is part of ISC Group’s mission to accelerate women in leadership within insurance. This initiative aims to broaden understanding of the talent, creativity, and opportunities that exist within the insurance industry. By featuring women working in roles that range from space underwriting, analysing catastrophe models, to safeguarding priceless artefacts, the series underscores how insurance intersects with innovation, culture, and global progress.
By shining a light on these stories, ISC Group aims to help young professionals and career changers see insurance as an exciting, purpose-driven sector with endless opportunities for growth and innovation.
The collaboration with the Insurance Museum and the CII reinforces the shared goal of celebrating the industry’s legacy while showcasing its modern relevance, and thanks to the Insurance Museum, these podcasts will become part of the story of insurance.
Carmen Powell, CEO of ISC Group, shared her thoughts on the initiative:
“ISC Group is proud to work in partnership with businesses and women across our sector to highlight the exciting and often unexpected career paths available in insurance. This podcast explores the value of community, networking, and coaching, and reflects on how mentoring and sponsorship from both men and women can make a real difference.
At ISC, we believe these stories don’t just inspire, they help shape the future of our industry.”
Special thanks go to Marsh and WTW, whose support in providing recording facilities made production possible.
Through Cool Jobs, ISC Group invites listeners to see insurance not just as a profession, but as a world of possibilities — where science meets art, where risk meets purpose, and where every career path tells a remarkable story.
https://vimeo.com/1132354465?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci – ISC Group Cool Jobs Podcast, Featuring Lea Last, Space Underwriter, Ascot Group
From a tiny village in Estonia to underwriting satellites and rockets—Lea Last’s story is out of this world! As a Space Underwriter at Ascot Group, Lea Last proves that insurance careers can be anything but boring.
“I never dreamed of working in space insurance—I wanted to be a beautician! But a chance move to London changed everything. Today, I help clients launch satellites, visit rocket factories, and support missions that save lives.” Lea shares how curiosity, resilience, and bold choices led her to one of the most niche roles in the industry—where fewer than 10 women globally do what she does.
https://vimeo.com/1132681740?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci – ISC Cool Jobs Podcast, with Sophie Strangward, SVP of the International & Global Specialities Sales Desk, Guy Carpenter
Description: Meet Sophie Strangward, SVP of the International & Global Specialities Sales Desk at Guy Carpenter. Her journey shows how curiosity and adaptability can unlock unexpected opportunities. Sophie shares, “Be interested to be interesting. Opportunities are everywhere if you keep your eyes open.” From nearly leaving the industry to leading global projects and embracing AI, Sophie highlights how trust, mentorship, and resilience helped her thrive in a sector often seen as traditional.
https://vimeo.com/1138568056?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci – ISC Group Cool Jobs Podcast with Nicola Stacey, President of the CII.
Description: Meet Nicola Stacey, President of the Chartered Insurance Institute and Chief Underwriting Officer at Chaucer. Nicola’s career journey highlights how technical expertise, resilience, and thoughtful leadership can open the door to senior roles across the industry. Her story reflects what’s possible when women are supported to grow, take on new challenges, and shape the future of insurance at the highest level.
https://vimeo.com/1140141563?fl=ip&fe=ec – ISC Group Cool Jobs Podcast with Grainne Murphy from Swiss Re.
Description: Meet Gráinne Murphy, a Behavioural Economics Consultant at Swiss Re.
As part of Swiss Re’s Risk Data Solutions team, Gráinne understands their clients. Her expertise in behavioural science provides valuable insights to help customers make more informed decisions about their coverage—addressing issues such as encouraging safer driving habits or finding ways to close the protection gap. Gráinne’s work shows how insurance shapes safer, more resilient futures.
https://vimeo.com/1142675964?fl=ip&fe=ec – ISC Group Cool Jobs Podcast with Helen Walker from McLarens.
Description: Meet Helen Walker, Executive Adjuster at McLarens. With a 35-year journey in insurance, she shows what determination, curiosity, and genuine care for people can lead to. Starting with no insurance experience, Helen built a career that took her around the world, allowed her to raise a family on her terms, and established her as a trusted expert in complex liability and product recall claims. Her story reflects resilience, adaptability, and a quiet confidence that has shaped not only her own path, but the teams and clients she supports today.
