102: How do you trust the process when you can't see the finish line?

Summary Thank you, Markel International, for sponsoring this episode. In this episode, Sandra speaks with Alice Hawker, Assistant Underwriter at Markel. Alice is competing in this year’s Markel Magnolia Cup as an amateur jockey. This episode is not only about the amazing journey to the Markel Magnolia Cup, but also about trusting the process when the finish line is not yet in sight. Alice shares her unexpected journey into the niche world of bloodstock insurance. What started as a chance opportunity quickly became a career that perfectly combined her passion for horses with the commercial world of insurance. The conversation then turns to one of the biggest opportunities in Alice's life so far: becoming one of just twelve amateur jockeys selected to ride in the Markel Magnolia Cup, an all-female charity race at Goodwood that this year raises funds for *Education Above All*. Alice takes listeners behind the scenes of the months of preparation leading up to race day. Just weeks before the race, Alice also faces an unexpected setback. Rather than seeing it as a reason to give up, she explains why learning to trust the process has become one of the biggest lessons. Together, Sandra and Alice explore how resilience, planning, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty apply just as much in the workplace as they do in sport. They discuss why fear should never be the reason you say ‘No’ to an opportunity, and how some of the greatest experiences in life begin long before you know how they will end. This is a conversation about courage, trusting yourself, and believing that sometimes the path becomes clear only after you've decided to take the first step. Key Takeaways - You don't need to know exactly how things will work out before saying yes. - Trusting the process is often more important than controlling every outcome. - Fear should never be the only reason you turn down an opportunity. - Success often comes from consistent preparation behind the scenes. - Planning creates confidence, but flexibility allows you to keep moving forward. - Life is too short to let uncertainty stop you from trying. About the Guest Connect with Alice Hawker on LinkedIn. Alice’s JustGiving page. Find out more about Markel International and Markel Magnolia Cup: - Markel in the past years - This year's race About the Host Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn. Sign up to Coffee with Sandra to stay up to date on all things *100 Women in Insurance*. Join The Pink Book Collective — a private LinkedIn community connecting women in insurance through mentoring, speaking opportunities, networking and career support.