New seasons, new priorities, big moves

“I’ve been in the insurance industry for 24 years, with all but four of those spent on the agency side. I have a true passion for helping employers and employees understand their benefits and how to access their care. A lot has changed over the years, but one of the great things about this industry is the constant opportunity to learn. I love to learn, grow and problem-solve.

In the last 12 months, I’ve accomplished two things I’m especially proud of: achieving 25% growth in my book of business and completing a two-year term as President of NABIP Tulsa. Helping employers and employees is what keeps me going every day, but serving others in this business brings me just as much joy. Some of them may be competitors, but I don’t see it that way. If I can help another agent grow and prosper, nothing makes my heart happier.”

Gina Downs, Empowered Consulting-Feral Leadership

“Over the past year, I made the decision to stop building someone else’s dream and start shaping my own. While I had the experience to launch another insurance business, something deeper was calling me — a desire to help women step into leadership with clarity, confidence and purpose.

In early 2025, that vision crystallized into what is now Feral Leadership, a program centered on the often overlooked foundations of leadership. I realized that many business owners and corporate leaders are handed responsibility without ever being taught how to lead, how to communicate, delegate, plan and truly own their role.

I am proud to have created something that strips away the fluff and focuses on what leadership really demands. This is not about theory; it’s about equipping people with the tools to lead themselves, their teams, and their organizations from the inside out.”

Cally Ideus, Ideus Agency, LLC

“With 25 years of strategic advising experience in both the government and private sectors, one of my greatest accomplishments is being recognized as an international human intelligence scholar. This recognition is why I always lead my clients with an always out front mindset.

As the founder and President of Ideus Agency and Strategy Consulting, I focus on building strong relationships and executing projects with excellence. In addition to my consulting work, I guide clients through group and individual health, life and Medicare benefits.

My husband and I live on a small farm in rural Nebraska, which is also home to my founding legacy project, Odyssey Mission Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to respect each journey and help clients navigate their true north. As Army Veterans, parents of soldiers, and friends of those who are serving or have served, we understand the importance of being present, offering respectful guidance, and providing resources to support each person’s unique path.

I am a proud mother of five boys — Dalton (26), Quintin (25), Collin (23), Garrett (17), and Mason (11) — as well as the caretaker of my trusted companions dogs Daisy and Ziba, and four horses, Bandit, Dice, Snoop, and Darla. Looking ahead, I am running for the Nebraska Legislature in 2026, continuing my commitment to service and advocacy on a broader scale.”

Do you know a woman in our industry who's quietly making an impact or stepping into something big? I’m always looking to feature those who are shifting the conversation, breaking patterns and bringing others along with them. If someone comes to mind, reach out to me at scombs@combsandc.com — I’d love to hear her story.