Next Gen Leaders & Personal Brand Power

11:20 - 11:55
Leading the Next Wave: Future-Ready Careers for Retail Brokers
OCEAN ZONE
In this high energy, festival style lab, senior leaders step out of “business as usual” and experiment with new ways to spark growth, mobility and ambition in retail broking careers. Through fast-paced activities, live scenario work and peer idea swaps, leaders will reimagine how they spot potential, open up stretch opportunities and create pathways that feel exciting – not bureaucratic – for their brokers. Expect a bold, practical reset on what modern career development can look like in a brokerage environment.
Erin Powell
Executive Vice President, P&C West Region
12:40 - 12:55
How to Build Your Personal Brand (From Someone Who Stopped Waiting to Be Noticed)
OCEAN ZONE
Working hard isn’t always enough to get seen. In this 15‑minute, TED‑style session, discover how to intentionally build a reputation and presence that positions you as a go‑to voice in your niche. Through a quick‑fire rundown of five practical strategies, you’ll learn how to define what you want to be known for, communicate it clearly across your industry – online and offline – and build the kind of credibility that attracts the right clients, collaborators and commercial opportunities. Join the discussion table later in the day for a more in‑depth, interactive conversation tailored to your own brand and goals.
Heath Shearon
Mayor, Insurance Town
13:20 - 13:55
Panel: Talent, Opportunity and Outcomes – The ROI of Different Perspectives
PALM ZONE
The talent gap, generational change and shifting expectations are forcing firms to rethink who they hire, how they grow people and who gets real opportunity. This session looks at the business impact of building teams that mix ages, backgrounds and experience, showing how varied perspectives strengthen retention, decision‑making, client insight and product design. You’ll leave with practical, business‑first ideas on hiring, stretch roles, team structure and mentoring that widen opportunity and lift performance. 

 

Josephine Gartrell
Managing Director, WTW
Marife Molina
Partner and EVP of Revenue, C3 Risk & Insurance Services
Randi Kasongo
President, NAAIA - LA Chapter
Tony Chimera
Chief Administrative Officer, Westfield Specialty
Moderator
14:20 - 15:00
Next Gen Power Lab: What I Wish I’d Known
OCEAN ZONE
This rotating “fishbowl” brings rising stars and industry veterans into the same circle to share the career lessons they wish they’d learned sooner, especially in a consolidating, tech‑driven market. Expect candid stories about missteps, breakthrough moments, and navigating everything from first promotions to leadership roles. Delegates can jump into the inner circle to add their own experiences and questions. No topic is off‑limits: step forward, engage, and leave with unvarnished guidance on building a career that actually fits you.
Diauntae Morrow
President of NAAIA Cleveland Chapter; Owner, The Morrow Group
Jennifer Kessel
Chief Operating Officer, USG Insurance
15:20 - 15:50
Q&A Charting Your Own Course: Women Rewriting the Playbook
SHORE ZONE
This is a straight‑talk session with women who have led teams, books, and businesses through change. Hear how they navigated barriers, setbacks, and pivotal moments—and the specific moves, sponsors, and bets that made a difference. In this interactive Q&A, expect questions from the room, candid answers, and advice you can use whether you’re early in your career or already leading a team. You’ll leave with concrete ideas on how to champion yourself and others in an industry that’s still evolving. 

 

Jacqueline Waters
Managing Director & Practice Leader, Financial Services Group, Legal & Claims, Commercial Risk Solutions, Aon
Natalie Sherod
Risk Manager and Insurance Advisor / Principal, Cavignac
Patrice Lafayette
Regional Vice President, Western Division, Roanoke Insurance Group
11:00 - 12:00
Discussion Table: Building Your Personal Brand – Live Lab with Heath Shearon
DISCUSSION TABLE
Take the ideas from the mainstage and make them your own. In this interactive, delegate‑led discussion, join Heath Shearon to workshop your personal brand in real time. Bring your questions, challenges and LinkedIn profile – this is a practical space to pressure‑test your positioning, refine how you introduce yourself, and get feedback on how you show up online and offline. Expect open conversation, live examples from around the table, and tailored guidance on applying the seven strategies to your role, market and career goals.     

 

Heath Shearon
Mayor, Insurance Town
16:30 - 16:50
Rising Stars Awards
PACIFIC ZONE