Women Leading the Way at ICS: A Spotlight for Women’s History Month

At Innovative Captive Strategies (ICS), we are proud to celebrate the strong, talented women who lead and inspire us every day. In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, I wanted to recognize three of our incredible female leaders:

• Jessica Goode, AVP, Employee Benefits
• Angie Heim, AVP, Property Casualty
• Mary Schlehuber, Sr. Event Manager, Team Lead, Event Management

Each of these women bring unique strengths, experiences, and leadership styles that contribute to the success of ICS. Below, they share insights on their careers, work-life balance, and advice for the next generation of female leaders.

Q&A with ICS Female Leaders

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the captive insurance industry, and how did you get to where you are today?

Jessica Goode: My career path didn’t start in captive insurance—I originally began as a teacher. The decision to leave teaching and step into an entirely new industry was a leap of faith, but one that completely changed my trajectory. I was fortunate to have incredible mentors who invested in me and shared their knowledge, which helped me grow into the leader I am today. That experience instilled in me the importance of paying it forward, and I take great pride in mentoring others just as I was mentored.

Mary Schlehuber: To be honest, I had no idea captive insurance was even an industry, let alone that it had a place for event planning! My passion has always been creating memorable experiences, and my background in conferences, tradeshows, and incentive trips helped me shape impactful events for our clients. It’s been exciting to blend my skills with this industry in a meaningful way.

Angie Heim: The captive model always intrigued me, and I wanted to dive deeper into how we could help clients in all aspects of their business. I’ve been fortunate to have many amazing female mentors along the way, and they’ve taught me invaluable lessons—especially that leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being vulnerable, open to learning, and willing to ask for help.

Q: How does the company culture at ICS make it a great place for women to thrive?

Jessica Goode: When I look around, I see a lot of great women in leadership positions. I see women making key decisions, leading captives, and embracing innovation. ICS has continued to invest in great people, including women, and it is empowering for everyone here.

Mary Schlehuber: A strong representation of female leaders at ICS, including our President, has become an integral part of our organization’s culture. I recently got involved with one of our employee resource groups, Women Optimizing Women (WOW), and there are over 100 members committed to enrichment opportunities for women in the workplace. That is what it feels like to work for a company that cares and dedicates resources to support their employees.

Angie Heim: It starts with leadership and ICS has leaders who are genuine and lead with gratitude. No matter who you are, ICS wants you to succeed.

Q: How do you approach work-life balance, and what advice would you give to women striving for leadership roles?

Jessica Goode: Balance is always a moving target—it’s never going to be perfect. Some days I feel like I’ve nailed it at work and at home, and other days, I feel like I’m failing on all fronts. My advice is simple: keep going. Don’t let one tough day discourage you, and don’t compare your version of balance to anyone else’s. Every journey looks different, and that’s okay.

Mary Schlehuber: For me, having a strong support system at home is key. My job requires travel, and knowing everything is handled at home makes all the difference. My best advice? Schedule personal time like you schedule work meetings—if it’s on the calendar, I’ll stick to it!

Angie Heim: There’s always a tug-of-war between being career-driven and being the best mom and spouse I can be. I used to struggle with that, but over time, I realized I was setting a powerful example for my kids. Now, they tell me they’re inspired by my dedication and drive. That’s what truly matters—being present in the moments that count and showing them that women can thrive in their careers and personal lives.

Q: What advice would you give to young women looking to build a successful career?

Jessica Goode: Surround yourself with like-minded people, especially women who challenge you and push you to reach even higher. Just like in a captive, having a strong network makes all the difference.

Mary Schlehuber: Be present. Show up, engage, and participate. You get out what you put in, so stay committed and invested in your career.

Angie Heim: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Seeking advice, learning from others, and embracing feedback doesn’t make you weak—it makes you stronger and more prepared to lead.

Celebrating Women Who Lead

At ICS, we are proud to have strong female leaders who pave the way for future generations. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply leading by example, Mary, Jessica, and Angie embody the spirit of Women’s History Month.

As we celebrate this month, let’s continue to uplift, support, and empower the women around us—because when women lead, we all succeed.