In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Raue, Executive Vice President and Chief Claims Officer for Preferred Mutual Insurance Company. As the top of her class, she learned the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone, embracing the role of a Southern girl who mastered football talk to fit in at work. Michelle shares her perspective on the evolving gender dynamics in insurance, noting that male allies are increasingly advocating for women's expertise and ensuring the right people are hired for the job. Yet, she acknowledges that women still face unique challenges, balancing professional aspirations with familial responsibilities. Michelle emphasizes the importance of letting go of perfectionism and embracing "good enough" as a healthy standard.

Michelle is passionate about the vital role claims play in the promise of insurance, meeting clients during their most vulnerable times. She stresses the importance of empathy in these interactions, which is mirrored in mentorship. Michelle is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of insurance professionals. Her mentorship philosophy revolves around active listening, emotional intelligence, and creating a safe space for honest conversations. Michelle advocates for both internal and external mentorships to gain a broader worldview and believes women mentors are crucial in navigating the unique challenges faced by women in the industry. With her initiative to implement unlimited PTO at her organization, Michelle championed flexibility, ensuring that employees can prioritize family without the stress of managing time off. Her dedication to empowering others and fostering a supportive environment makes it no surprise she was named RISE Mentor of the Year.