082: The One Rule You Should Never Break in the Insurance Industry with Jacqueline Sinclair

Summary

In this episode, Sandra Lewin speaks with Jacqueline Sinclair about how careers can begin by chance, why integrity and connection matter more than ever, and how success evolves as we grow.

Jacqueline shares how her first interview in London didn’t go quite as planned, but ultimately led to a rewarding career built on curiosity and adaptability. She reflects on what she’s learned from working across both startups and established organisations, and how her focus has shifted from personal milestones to developing others and building teams.

Together, Sandra and Jacqueline explore the realities of the gender pay gap, the growing number of women designing work around their lives, and why flexibility has become a powerful form of leadership. They also discuss how to network as an introvert, why small acts of courtesy go a long way, and what the rise of AI means for the future of work and inclusion.

It’s a conversation about values, change, and the courage to shape a career on your own terms.

Takeaways

  • Careers often start by chance; purpose is built through experience

  • Success evolves from individual achievement to collective growth

  • Flexibility and autonomy create space for better balance

  • Courtesy and reputation matter in a small, connected industry

  • The gender pay gap widens mid-career and needs deliberate action

  • Networking can be one-to-one and rooted in genuine curiosity

  • AI is transforming how we work, but human insight remains vital

  • Diversity in AI and leadership helps prevent bias and drive fairness

  • The insurance industry offers wide and varied opportunities for all

About the guest

Connect with Jacqueline Sinclair on LinkedIn

About the host

Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn

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083: Why Haven’t We Achieved Gender Equality Yet with Abbey Atkinson

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081: Four Words That Will Change Your Career with Lesley Charteris