Women have made undeniable progress in the insurance industry—but getting to the top remains complicated, and the reasons may be more uncomfortable than we sometimes acknowledge. What does it really take to move from professional success to positions of genuine power and influence? And what are women willing—or expected—to sacrifice along the way?

In this candid conversation, senior executives and board members will go beyond the familiar discussion of confidence, networking, mentors, and leadership presence to tackle some of the questions we often avoid. Can women really “have it all,” or has the promise of work-life balance created an impossible standard? Does reaching the highest levels of leadership inevitably require tradeoffs—in family life, relationships, personal time, or simply the freedom to step away from work?

The panel will also explore a potentially uncomfortable generational divide. Are young women entering the workplace being given unrealistic expectations about how quickly they should advance, how much flexibility they can expect, and how seamlessly career and personal life can coexist? At the same time, are established workplace norms asking a new generation to accept sacrifices that are no longer necessary—or reasonable?

This will not be a conversation about simply “leaning in.” It will be an opportunity for an honest, sometimes uncomfortable discussion about ambition, expectations, sacrifice, flexibility, family, and the very real price—and rewards—of pursuing leadership at the highest level.