On this episode of Scouting For Growth, Sabine VdL speaks with Barbara Schonhofer and Carmen Powell — two influential voices who have not only survived the insurance industry’s evolution, but helped shape it. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and relationships—and why the future of work in insurance will reward the people who keep learning, keep connecting, and keep showing up with courage (and a little humour). Breaking in when the room wasn’t built for you Barbara reflects on starting her career in 1972, at a time when women stepping into frontline business roles were still an unfamiliar sight. Her experience wasn’t defined by constant hostility—more by men who simply didn’t know how to behave when women began taking space in business. Her strategy? Be sharper, stay composed, and use humour as a shield and a tool. She navigated the awkwardness, sidestepped the banter, and built credibility through performance. Carmen adds her own perspective on what it takes to thrive inside complex organisations: she learned early to celebrate being different. As a Spaniard in international markets, she turned her “idiosyncrasies” into an advantage—giving herself permission not to follow outdated norms. And when faced with the kind of question too many women still recognise—how to handle men crossing boundaries—her response was direct: she came to work, and she knew how to deal with anyone who crossed the line. A leadership lesson with bite: “keep your enemies closer” One of the most memorable insights in this episode is Barbara’s reframing of mentorship and career growth: The men who were kindest didn’t necessarily help her. The ones who challenged her often did business with her. It’s a sharp reminder that comfort doesn’t always equal opportunity. Growth often comes from friction—handled with intelligence and boundaries. Carmen echoes the theme: some of her toughest bosses pushed her limits, but that pressure became proof of her resilience. Progress, as she puts it, is rarely linear. Two steps forward. One step back. Repeat. The future of work: networks will be your career infrastructure Beyond personal stories, this episode is a masterclass in what builds longevity in insurance: relationships, reputation, and continuous development. Barbara’s work as a business leader and later an executive search consultant gave her a front-row seat to culture change in the London Market. She spotted early what many underestimated: women needed trusted spaces to connect, learn, and build power through community. That instinct led her to help create and support networks that drive real inclusion and progress across the market, including initiatives focused on female leadership and neurodiversity. Carmen brings the commercial lens: navigating complex matrices, establishing new markets, reversing declining revenue—and doing it with a strong ethical compass. Her message is clear: results matter, but how you achieve them matters too. Why this episode matters now For enterprise leaders and rising talent alike, this episode is a timely reminder that insurance is changing—but some success principles remain timeless: resilience is built through experience, not titles humour can be a strategy, not a distraction ethics are a differentiator networks create opportunity before you “need” them and career growth is still a contact sport In a sector reinventing itself through technology, regulation, and workforce shifts, Barbara and Carmen show what enduring leadership looks like: Stay sharp, stay human, and keep building the relationships that will outlast the change.