We are thrilled to celebrate our two Women in Insurance Awards finalists, Laura Freeman and Natalie Stephens, as they share their experiences and journeys in the world of insurance. From managing career transitions to shaping the future of insurance, Laura and Natalie offer inspiring insights, highlighting their passion, resilience, and expertise that define women shaping the future of insurance.
Read more below!
Laura Freeman
London Market Professional of the Year
How has the industry changed since you started, and how have you adapted?
When I first started in the market, networking often meant formal dinners or small, established circles. Over time, the culture has shifted – it’s become more open, more collaborative, and thankfully, more diverse. I’ve adapted by leaning into that change: building authentic connections, being intentional about mentoring, and making space for voices that historically haven’t always been heard. Networking today feels less about hierarchy and more about genuine relationships, and that’s something I’ve embraced wholeheartedly.
What motivates you to keep growing and evolving in your role today?
For me, it’s the people. Every conversation – whether it’s with a colleague, a client, or someone new to the market – teaches me something. I love being in a role where I can keep learning, while also helping shape the culture of the market for the better. The progress we’ve made on inclusion and culture is motivating but knowing how much further we can go really fuels me to keep evolving.
What’s the most rewarding part of your current role — and the most challenging?
Rewarding
Seeing people thrive. When someone I’ve mentored grows in confidence or when a team comes together to solve a tough challenge, it’s a reminder of why this work matters. The relationships are the reward.
Challenging
Change doesn’t always come quickly. Shifting culture, embedding DEI, or even driving new ways of working can take persistence. It can be frustrating at times, but it makes the successes that much sweeter.
Best piece of advice I ever got / Best piece of advice I would give
Advice I received: Don’t underestimate the power of listening. Often the most valuable contribution you can make in a room is to truly hear others.
Advice I give: Say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you. Growth happens outside your comfort zone – and you don’t have to do it alone, there’s always someone willing to support if you ask.
Natalie Stephens
Young Insurance Women of the Year (Small to Medium Firms)
Did you have mentors or role models who influenced your career progression? How did they impact your journey?
I’ve been very lucky to have a couple of great female mentors at Apollo who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and take opportunities I often hesitate to pursue. A standout example was the 100 Women in Insurance podcast—something I was initially nervous about, but it turned out to be a fantastic experience and really helped me tackle my fear of public speaking.
My manager has also been a strong advocate, trusting me to lead long-term projects and support junior colleagues, which has really helped my confidence grow. Outside work, my brother, who also works in insurance, has been a great sounding board and often offers me a fresh perspective. Having this mix of mentors and supporters has been invaluable in enabling me to embrace new opportunities.
What motivates you to keep growing and evolving in your role today? What is the most rewarding part of your role?
The role of a data scientist is constantly evolving. There are always new tools and skills to explore and master, which is the main reason I love what I do. It keeps work exciting and continually challenges me to keep learning so I can bring fresh ideas to the teams we support. What drives me most is spotting opportunities where using data effectively can make a real difference and watching others get excited about what’s possible. It’s hugely rewarding when the solutions we build, whether it’s automating processes, uncovering new insights or developing machine-learning models, clearly enhance our team’s day-to-day work and can help drive the business forward.
What initially sparked your interest in the insurance industry?
Since university, I was sure I wanted to work in data science, but my interest in the insurance industry came a bit later during a six-week internship at Antares. Before then, I knew very little about Lloyd’s of London or insurance in general, and I quickly realised how vital it is for enabling businesses to take risks and innovate in ways they otherwise couldn’t. That experience sparked my curiosity about how insurance can drive innovation and support important causes. With a strong interest in sustainability stemming from my biosciences degree, I was drawn to the Apollo ibott team for its work insuring autonomous vehicles and micromobility, both of which help push sustainable transportation forward.
If someone was considering a career in insurance today, what advice would you give them?
Be curious and open-minded. The insurance industry is far broader than most people realise and there are so many opportunities beyond traditional underwriting or broking, such as data science and tech, where there are always new skills to learn that can set you apart.
Ask all the questions! I was initially nervous to ask any for fear of showing my ignorance, but I’ve found most people genuinely love sharing their knowledge and want to help. Finally, seek out good mentors and allies across different areas. So much of my own growth has come from absorbing advice from others, and it helps to know lots of friendly faces when you’re finding your feet.