Counting On Her
Counting On Her
WIFS
Discussing all things that touch Women, Finance and Insurance. i.e. Legal, Accounting, HR, Technology, Data Science, Insurtech & Fintech. Share best practices and personal reviews, books/authors, personal stories, client stories, testimonials, small panels, business/life coaching, fitness and personal exchanges between colleagues.
The Power of Being You: Finding Belonging and Success Through Authenticity and Collaboration with Jessica Perez
In this episode of The Counting on Her Podcast, host Amber Stitt interviews Jessica Perez, a powerhouse idea maker in the financial services industry. Jessica shares her journey from working in title and escrow to finding her passion in financial advising. She discusses the challenges she faced as a Hispanic woman in a male-dominated field and how she has been working to shake up the antiquated industry norms. Amber and Jessica also talk about the importance of supporting and uplifting women in the industry. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their uniqueness and strive to become the best versions of themselves.The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor. Follow them on social media too. Thank you for listening!
Oct 25, 2023
16 min
Intentional Career Moves: Ramona's Pursuit of Meaningful Roles in Financial Services and Education
In this episode of The Counting on Her podcast, host Kelly Sese interviews guest Ramona Maior, an experienced financial advisor. Ramona discusses her recent career transitions, including becoming an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University in Arizona and a regional relationship manager at Priority Financial Group. She emphasizes the importance of networking in landing these positions and shares advice for those new to networking. Ramona also highlights the significance of being intentional and thoughtful in choosing job opportunities that align with one's values. Listeners gain insights into the power of building professional relationships and the value of taking time to consider long-term career goals.The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor. Follow them on social media too. Thank you for listening!
Oct 18, 2023
15 min
Leaving a Legacy: Understanding Homeownership Rights with Juli Doyle
In this episode of The Counting on Her Podcast, host Kelly Sese sits down with mortgage industry expert Juli Doyle to discuss her experience in the reverse mortgage business. They address common misconceptions about reverse mortgages, such as the fear of losing ownership of one's home, and highlight the benefits of passing on equity rather than the physical property. They also discuss the current state of the real estate market, emphasizing the importance of local factors and the need for mortgage planning. Juli shares valuable advice for homebuyers, including the importance of getting fully approved for a mortgage and relying on the expertise of professionals rather than online sources.The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor. Follow them on social media too. Thank you for listening!
Oct 4, 2023
8 min
Finding Financial Freedom: Destiny's Journey from Aptitude Test to Insurance Career
In this episode of The Counting on Her episode, host Kelly Sese interviews Destiny Cover, an insurance agent with Mutual Omaha, about her first year in the insurance business. Destiny shares her journey of leaving her previous job due to unhappiness and wanting more flexibility. After taking a career aptitude test, she decided to pursue a degree in finance and ultimately joined the insurance industry. Destiny's personal experience of losing her mother-in-law without any financial planning inspired her to help others avoid similar situations. She discusses the importance of starting early with insurance and highlights the supportive onboarding experience and mentorship she received at Mutual Omaha.The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor. Follow them on social media too. Thank you for listening!
Sep 27, 2023
11 min
Balancing Leadership and Candidate Experience: Insights from Kelly Sese
In this episode of The Counting on Her Podcast, host Sue Kuraja interviews Kelly Sese, a corporate recruiter at Mass Mutual. Kelly shares her journey into recruiting and how her multicultural background gives her an edge in the industry. They discuss the impact of automation and AI in recruiting, with Kelly emphasizing the importance of a personal touch. They also delve into the challenges of hiring women in the insurance and financial services space and the need for inclusive recruiting practices. Kelly highlights the role of supportive leadership and the potential for change in the industry's perception. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of diversity and flexibility in the workplace.The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor. Follow them on social media too. Thank you for listening!
Sep 20, 2023
9 min
Diane's Story: From Personal Experience to Creating Customized Solutions in Insurance
In this episode of The Counting on Her Podcast, host Amber Stitt interviews special guest Diane, who shares her personal journey into the financial services industry.Diane's experience helping her mother navigate the complexities of Medicare inspired her to become a Medicare specialist. She discusses the challenges she faced in finding the right plan for her clients and highlights the importance of customizing solutions for individual needs. Diane's story serves as motivation for listeners to explore unique pathways and specialize in their chosen fields. She also emphasizes the significance of preventive care in planning for a secure future.The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor. Follow them on social media too. Thank you for listening!
Sep 13, 2023
13 min
Leading with Passion: How Undrea Smith Helps Clients Own Their "WHY" in Retirement
In this episode Counting on Her episode, Sue Kuraja interviews Undrea Smith, a financial advisor and motivational speaker. Undrea shares his journey of discovering his "why" and the events in his life that shaped his purpose in helping clients plan for retirement and leave a legacy. Undrea's personal experiences with the loss of loved ones and the financial struggles they faced inspired him to start his own practice and provide comprehensive retirement planning services. The episode also discusses the upcoming member appreciation event by NAIFA Arizona, highlighting the importance of in-person networking and connection after a period of remote interactions.The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor. Follow them on social media too. Thank you for listening!
Sep 6, 2023
14 min
Amplify Your Voice: Mentorship, Sponsorship, & Collaboration for Career Success w/ Toni Gonzales
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Counting on Her podcast! In today's episode, we have an incredible guest, Toni Gonzales and this podcast was hosted by Amber Stitt. Get ready to be inspired as we delve into the world of mentorship, sponsorship, and personal growth. Toni shares her insights on the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in career development, highlighting the role they play in amplifying your voice and ensuring your contributions are recognized. Amber and Toni also reflect on their amazing travels this year, attending industry events in Phoenix, Atlanta, Miami, and the Gold Coast, emphasizing the value of investing in oneself and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals. Prepare to step out of your comfort zone as she encourages us to explore new possibilities and embrace new opportunities. They discuss the power of connection, collaboration, and championing each other, as well as the importance of finding a community where you feel heard, respected, and valued. We also dive into the fascinating topic of introversion and extroversion, as Toni shares insights from Simon Sinek's analogy. Discover how being a morning person and giving your best energy in the morning can impact your leadership journey. Don't miss out on their advice for stepping up into leadership, embracing risk, and celebrating both successes and failures. We even get a sneak peek into the upcoming WIFS 2023 Conference in San Diego, with its theme of Amplify: Get Louder!So buckle up and get ready for an insightful and empowering episode as we dive into the world of mentorship, leadership, and personal growth with the amazing Toni. Let's amplify our voices and make a difference together!Follow them on social media too. Thank you for listening!The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor.
Aug 30, 2023
16 min
The Network Effect: Unveiling the Power with Lincoln Financial with Dave and Chelsea
 In today's episode of the Counting on Her podcast, join us as we uncover the secrets behind the "Network Effect" and discover how it can positively impact all aspects of our lives. Our host Amber Stitt welcomes special guests Dave Garr and Chelsea Coble from Lincoln Financial.  Together, they discuss the fascinating concept of the "Network Effect" and how it has transformed not only their work lives but also their personal lives. They share profound insights on the power of leveraging networks, fostering collaboration, and building strong relationships for success and growth. Tune in now to gain invaluable inspiration and unlock new possibilities! 🎙️🌐💼✨ #PodcastAlert #NetworkEffect #PowerOfConnectionsYou can find David Garr at (925) 588-8491 or via email at [email protected] can find Chelsea Coble at (520) 780-8559 or via email at [email protected] them on social media too. Thank you for listening!The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor.Disclosures:The Lincoln Financial Network is a marketing name for the retail and financial planning affiliates of Lincoln Financial Group, and includes Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation, and Lincoln Financial Advisors, Corporation, Broker/Dealers, Members of FINRA and SIPC, and Registered Investment Advisors. Lincoln Financial Network is not affiliated with the podcast series called "Counting on Her" or the host, Amber Stitt. CRN Number 5724158-060623.Lincoln Financial Network2005 Market Street, Floor 34Philadelphia, PA 19103800-237-3813Lincoln Financial Network is the marketing name for Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation and Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., affiliates of Lincoln Financial Group. Members SIPC. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. CRN-3128385-061620 
Aug 23, 2023
15 min
Collaborative Leadership: ALF and Philly Team Up to Support Children Across Arizona
In this enlightening Counting on Her podcast episode, we are joined by Megan from the Arizona Leadership Foundation (ALF) and Kalie from Philly as they share their collaborative efforts in supporting children across Arizona. Megan Fitzsimons, who joined ALF in 2014, brings her extensive experience as a special education teacher to the table, focusing on disabled and displaced student applications and later expanding her role to include development for the foundation. Kalie, representing Philly, joins forces with ALF to make a significant impact on the lives of children in need.Kalie's involvement with Philly brings a fresh perspective to the collaboration. Together with ALF, they identify what dollars to redirect to the Foundation, ensuring continued support for their mission. By fostering financial support this way,  they create a platform for sustained impact and change throughout Arizona; not just in larger metro areas.In this episode, we delve into the inspiring stories and experiences of Megan and Kalie as they discuss the transformative power of collaboration in supporting children's education via coporate tax credits. They shed light on the incredible work ALF and Philly are doing to provide opportunities and empower children throughout Arizona. Tune in to gain insights into their collaborative approach and the positive outcomes they have achieved, inspiring listeners to make a difference in their own communities.To learn more about Megan and Arizona Leadership Foundation?https://arizonaleader.org/To learn more about Kalie, you can contact her at:[email protected] them on social media too. Thank you for listening!The production of this episode was sponsored by The Arizona Leadership Foundation, our 2023 Counting on Her Podcast Sponsor.
Aug 16, 2023
13 min