015: Sharon Brown and Sarah Myerscough Lessons Learned Behind the Mic

People in Insurance: Changing the Conversation

This episode of the podcast captures a candid and insightful conversation featuring Sarah Myerscough, Chief Ideas Officer at Macaii and Sharon Brown cert CII, Director MGAA, Director, Consultant, CEO, NED, Founder, and Angel Investor.

Sarah and Sharon switch roles in this unique episode where host becomes guest as Sharon is in the hot seat asking the questions! Sarah shares some humorous lessons from her past business ventures, including the importance of logistics planning and researching potential business names.

They delve into Sarah's journey in the insurance industry, including the foundation of Macaii (formerly Boston Tullis) with her father, overcoming personal challenges such as her stroke, and navigating turbulent times including family health crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights the importance of diversity, culture, and tech innovations in insurance, along with the power of authentic storytelling through podcasts. They also discuss effective marketing and sales strategies, team dynamics, and the personal growth Sarah has experienced through her career and family life.

Quote of the Episode

"Every single business exists to sell something. Product service doesn't really matter, but you have to have something to sell, and there has to be someone who wants to buy it. Right? And telling that someone who wants to buy it, what your something is and how it can help them is marketing and sales. And it is literally that simple."

“I couldn't pick one. I learned something from every single podcast I do. And I've got a little book where I write down what it is that I've learned.” Sarah

Key Takeaways

• Sarah Myerscough trained as a barrister and worked as an asylum lawyer before entering the insurance industry.
• Sarah has faced numerous personal and professional challenges while building her business, including family health issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and suffering a stroke herself. Despite these setbacks, she has persevered and maintained her business.
• Sarah has three children, including one diagnosed with autism. She discusses the challenges of balancing family life with running a business, emphasising the importance of flexibility.
• Sarah’s business Macaii's specialises in creating content through podcasts, videos, and event coverage for insurance industry clients. Sarah values authenticity and vulnerability in her interactions, which helps put her podcast guests at ease. She learns something from every interview she conducts.
• Company name origin: The name "Macaii" comes from a Hawaiian word meaning "drawn to the sea," reflecting Sarah's love for the ocean Marketing strategy insights: Sarah discusses the importance of integrating marketing strategy with overall business strategy. She emphasises the need for businesses to understand their target audience and create multiple touchpoints before making a sale.
• Sarah expresses pride in maintaining her family life, marriage, and business despite numerous challenges over the past five years. She sees her resilience as a major accomplishment.

Key Quotes

“Sarah Myerscough is predominantly behind the camera at events, and you've seen Sarah around now I refer to Sarah as the pocket rocket of the industry in terms of the events that we participate in.” Sharon Brown

“I think just being my authentic self is really important.” Sarah Myerscough

“The reason I came out of law is because I remember going to pick my middle daughter up from nursery and she was two, I think. And I remember having to go in and ask which room she was in. And I thought, Jesus, something's gone wrong here. Something's gone horribly wrong because I’m not being the mum I wanted to be This has to change now.” Sarah Myerscough

“One was recording a podcast, and my son came in and shot me between the eyes with a Nerf bullet. Which was interesting. And a second one was when my daughter came in sobbing like somebody had just shot her.” Sarah Myerscough

Key Moments

00:00 Podcast Introduction

02:44 Interview with Sarah Myerscough

04:12 Starting Mackay: The Early Days

05:03 Challenges and Triumphs

12:08 Team Dynamics and Growth

16:22 Balancing Family and Career

19:10 Managing Post-Stroke Challenges

19:37 Funny Moments During COVID

21:20 Memorable Interviews and Lessons Learned

24:40 Advice for Overcoming Camera Anxiety

26:44 Hilarious Business Ventures

30:35 Marketing Strategy Insights

38:49 Proudest Moments in Life and Business

About the Guest Host

Sharon has over 30 years of insurance experience and a proven track record in creating and delivering insurance schemes and products, sales and marketing strategies, and robust business infrastructures. In a previous role as chief sales officer for a large independent Lloyd’s insurance broker, she developed original sales and distribution models for clearing banks, insurance companies, MGAs, and insurance brokers. Prior to this, she was a sales and marketing director. Latterly Sharon ran an MGA specialising in commercial After the Event dispute insurance. She executed a strategy to revitalise the business and the brand, redefine distribution channels and create new business opportunities. Sharon is currently working on some exciting projects with colleagues in the insurance industry.

Sharon has a particular interest in advancing inclusivity in the insurance industry by embracing diversity, specifically by inspiring females and promoting a multi-generational and multi-cultural workforce. Sharon was named as a woman of influence in 2018 by Insurance Business magazine and was nominated in three categories for the Insurance Times Women in Insurance Awards 2020: Insurance Woman of the Year, Role Model of the Year, and Trailblazer. In 2021, Sharon was named on the IB UK Elite Women list.

She is a passionate supporter of Alzheimer’s Society, a cause that is especially close to her heart. Sharon is a keen amateur horsewoman and regularly competes in local equestrian events. She has two adult children and a menagerie of animals.

About the Host

Sarah Myerscough is the Chief Ideas Officer at Macaii, formerly Boston Tullis. She hosts/co-hosts several podcasts and is known for her knack in connecting with people. Sarah excels in bringing out the best for video, podcast, and live events, helping clients showcase the human side of their business.

Sarah is passionate about the evolving dynamics of the insurance industry and enjoys conversing with innovators, trailblazers, and long-term advocates of change.

Website: www.macaii.co.uk