109: If there isn’t space, make it: Breaking barriers and finding your place

Summary

In this episode, Sandra Lewin speaks with Charlotte Halkett, about transferable skills, career opportunities, feedback and the importance of knowing yourself. Charlotte shares how her own career has evolved across actuarial, commercial, leadership, insurtech and consulting roles, without ever following a detailed plan.

She challenges the traditional career boxes within insurance and encourages us to look beyond job titles to the skills, tasks and experiences we already have.

The conversation also explores how to use feedback as data rather than criticism, why we don't need to be perfect at everything, and how understanding our strengths can help us build stronger teams and make more confident career choices.

Ultimately, this is a conversation about giving yourself permission to explore what you're capable of, and being open to positively surprising yourself along the way.

Key Takeaways

  • Look beyond your job title and recognise your transferable skills.

  • Don't let traditional career paths put you in a box.

  • Treat feedback as data. Listen, learn and decide what to do with it.

  • You don't need a detailed career plan. Following opportunities is a great plan.

  • Stay curious about what you want to learn, experience and explore.

  • You don't have to be perfect or be everything to everyone.

  • Understand your strengths and build teams that complement them.

  • Authenticity means being yourself while still being professional.

  • Give yourself the opportunity to discover just how much you're capable of.

About the Guest

Connect with Charlotte Halkett on LinkedIn.

About the Host

Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn.

Sign up to Coffee with Sandra to stay up to date with 100 Women in Insurance and future podcast episodes.

Join The Pink Book — a private LinkedIn community connecting women in insurance through mentoring, speaking opportunities, networking and career support.

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110: If there isn’t space, make it: Breaking barriers and finding your place

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108: More than a hire: Redundancy, resilience & rebuilding confidence