WIN/WIN: Women in Innovation · 2026-06-01 · 33 min
In this episode of Win/Win: Women in Innovation, Zoia Kozakov sits down with Zerlina "Zee" Jackson, VP of Experience & Design Strategy at New York Life Insurance, to explore what it looks like to build something genuinely new inside one of the oldest institutions in America. Zee shares how a childhood spent counting back change in her grandmother's garage store in Bessemer, Alabama, shaped her belief that innovation isn't just about building products - it's about building possibility. From launching New York Life's first Design Center of Excellence to navigating a promotion, a newborn, a cross-country move, and a pandemic all at once, this conversation is about what it really takes to lead with both ambition and humanity. Listen for advice on: The four foundational skills that will serve you in any seat, any industry Why the best innovation happens when you don't wait for a blueprint How to drive real change inside a 180-year-old company without losing what makes it great What it means to build a team that shows up for each other - and why that's the whole point Learn more: Zoia Kozakov (Host): Zerlina Jackson (Guest): Women in Innovation: Audio Editor: Samantha Gattsek
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