078: How to say yes when fear holds you back: from career in insurance to a racecourse

This episode is sponsored by Markel International. Summary In this episode, Sandra is joined by Sophie Forsyth and Philippa Hartrick-Morris, colleagues at Markel and this year’s riders in the Markel Magnolia Cup, the UK’s most prestigious charity horse race. Held each summer at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, this all-female amateur race celebrates women leading in business, sport, fashion and media. Their stories take us far beyond the racetrack. Sophie shares how a career in insurance led her back to horse riding after more than a decade away, while Philippa reflects on receiving the call while on maternity leave, and how training just 12 weeks after giving birth became a powerful way to rebuild strength and reconnect with herself and embrace a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. From renewal season and nursery drop-offs to four-minute planks and dawn gallops, this conversation explores what it means to say yes to something that scares you, and the transformation that follows. Sophie and Philippa are riding in support of Project Lehar, a King’s Trust International programme supporting girls in India to access education, build skills and create pathways to employment. This is a story about courage, visibility and what becomes possible when insurance creates space for women to grow. Takeaways The Markel Magnolia Cup is an all-female amateur race that has raised over £2.7 million for women’s causes since 2011. Training includes demanding fitness tests, race-day preparation and weekly riding sessions at professional yards, all balanced alongside full-time roles. Sophie and Philippa are only the second and third women from Markel ever to compete in the race. “Just say yes.” It’s the advice Sophie has followed throughout her career and one that’s led to challenge, growth and unexpected opportunities. Postpartum doesn’t have to mean pressing pause. Philippa’s journey shows how ambition and new motherhood can coexist with the right support. You don’t need experience to step forward. Both riders started from scratch, proving that courage and commitment count for more than credentials. Progress looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a promotion. For others, it’s holding a plank for four minutes and getting back in the saddle. None of it happens alone. From family to teammates, support made all the difference, especially on the hardest days. A career in insurance can open doors to extraordinary and unexpected places. About the guests Connect with Sophie Forsyth on LinkedIn Connect with Philippa Hartrick-Morris on LinkedIn Resources Donate to the riders’ JustGiving page Explore the 2025 Magnolia Cup lineup and cause Follow Markel International on LinkedIn and Instagram for race day coverage About the host Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn Learn more about the 100 Women in Insurance Collective: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective

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