Power Women In Insurance

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Rebecca Adelman, a lawyer for insurance companies defending insureds in lawsuits to talk about the legal and insurance industries and how she had made her home in that space. They also talk about how to step over challenges and show up authentically by embracing the courage to make a difference in our world. Episode Highlights: Rebecca talks about her past and how she got to where she is in her work now. (2:01) Rebecca notes that she has dealt with a wide range of coverage kinds and finds it to be an interesting aspect of her job. (9:39) Rebecca explains that over the years, insurance companies have been able to adapt to what the consumers' needs are. (15:21) Rebecca discusses her story and how she overcame the odds in the insurance and law fields, which have traditionally been controlled by men. (18:23) Rebecca explains that she tells her story to inspire people, especially women, to pursue the path that they want in their careers. (23:03) Rebecca shares that there is no work-life and no life outside of work, but only your life that you have to live out. (28:00) Rebecca discusses how empowerment for her is the byproduct of this idea of showing up authentically and showing up with courage. (34:50) Rebecca explains that thresholds are at the beginning and end, depending on how you courageously see it. (43:47) Rebecca shares that part of courageous living is showing presence in our professional lives, particularly in this world of insurance. (48:30) Rebecca says that, despite the industry's natural progress, she believes there is still a long way to go. (53:14) Rebecca shares that a way to authentically show up is to ask yourself if you have done five things that made you happy. (55:54) Key Quotes: "10 years ago, well, most of the interfacing I would do and the networks on my insurance side were men. Now 10 years down the road 90% of the work that I do is for women." - Rebecca Adelman "There's nothing like your work life and your life outside of work. There's just your life. It's just your life. There's no work-life, this life is just your life, go and live your life." - Rebecca Adelman "Dismantling the idea that there's any, that there's even a possibility to find a balance, like, it's not really about balance, it's how you deal with being inbalance." - Rebecca Adelman Resources Mentioned: Rebecca Adelman LinkedIn Adelman Law Firm Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Treell Gorden, Partner at Premier Insurance Advisers. Treell and Teresa talked about how to be authentically you in this industry. Key Topics: Overcoming scammy experiences and finding legitimate opportunities Treell Gorden’s transition from a receptionist to agency owner The importance of authenticity in professional growth Managing work-life balance, especially when working from home The shift from captive to independent agency work Strategies for building long-lasting client relationships Connect with: Treell Gorden Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Premier Insurance Advisers Sterling Insurance Group Produced by Podsquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, to close out our financial series, we talk to Chris Paradiso, Carey Wallace, and Aaron Stocks with Agency Point. Agency Point is a full-service financial service for agency owners for commissions reconciliation, bookkeeping, and other important services that help your agency run like a well-oiled machine. Key Topics: The significance of understanding and managing financials in the insurance industry The journey of agency owners from initial struggles to achieving financial clarity Insights into the importance of commission reconciliation and its impact on agency operations Strategies for agency owners to overcome common financial hurdles The role of external financial services in enhancing agency financial health Real-life examples of how accurate financial management can lead to agency growth and stability The importance of preparing agencies for future transitions, including acquisitions and perpetuation planning Connect with: Chris Paradiso Carey Wallace Aaron Stocks Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Agency Point Paradiso Insurance AgencyFocus PFS Global Sterling Insurance Group Powered by Podsquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus. Teresa and Colby discuss what is profit and how to use it to get you where you want to go in your business. Key Topics: The role and impact of financial consulting for independent insurance agencies Understanding and defining profit for your agency The importance of aligning personal values with business financial decisions Strategies for budgeting and financial planning to achieve your goals Differentiating between core and non-core income for a more accurate financial picture The significance of intentional decision-making in business growth and sustainability Personal reflections on the emotional aspects of discussing and managing business finances Connect with: Colby Allen Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: AgencyFocus Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus. Colby shares his deep knowledge of financial statements like profit & loss and balance sheets, and they discuss how important it is to understand money matters for running a business, and why knowing your financial numbers is key for making smart choices in business and life. Key Topics: The role of financial statements in business ownership Navigating the complexities of P&L statements and balance sheets The significance of knowing your numbers for strategic decision-making Strategies for effective financial planning and risk management The impact of financial literacy on personal and business growth Understanding the value of your agency and preparing for future transitions The importance of professional guidance in financial management Connect with: Colby Allen Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: AgencyFocus Sterling Insurance Group Produced by Podsquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus. Colby and Teresa talked about the mental and emotional journey of an agency owner to hire and to deliver solid compensation. We also talked from the producer conversation about what producers want and how both sides can create a great working relationship. Key Topics: The transition from individual success to agency growth and the role of agency focus Insights into the valuation and financial organization for agency growth The challenges and strategies of transitioning from a salesperson to an agency owner The critical role of hiring, onboarding, and managing talent in agency expansion The concept of equity and ownership in the producer-agency owner relationship Strategies for planning, implementing, and managing growth objectives Connect with: Colby Allen Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: AgencyFocus Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Joyce Segall. Joyce is with Pattern Insurance and they are thinking outside the box in new ways to serve our community through insurance. Key Topics: Joyce Segall's unconventional path to the insurance industry The emergence of Pattern Insurance and its role in modernizing insurance offerings Exploring embedded insurance and its impact on consumer experiences The challenges and successes of implementing technology in insurance The significance of understanding customer journeys to provide tailored insurance solutions Future directions for Pattern Insurance and the industry's digital transformation The balance between technology and human interaction in enhancing customer service Connect with: Joyce Segall Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Pattern Insurance Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Beth and Grayson Thompson. Beth and Grayson Thompson are an amazing couple building an agency that allows them to live life on their terms. They talked about working with your spouse, overcoming challenges, working with team members, and capitalizing on the strengths of the two to make a great symbolic relationship between work and home. Key Topics: Beth and Grayson Thompson’s journey into the insurance industry The transition from captive to independent agency Balancing family life and business growth Importance of communication and setting shared goals The role of counseling in strengthening business and personal relationships Strategies for scheduling and managing time as a couple in business Advice for other couples in the insurance industry Connect with: Beth Thompson Grayson Thompson Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Mission Insurance Agency Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens and Kai Leach - Smith talk about her journey in insurance over the past two decades as a woman and a woman of color. She was able to help others along their journey and she is a huge inspiration for finding and being our authentic selves in this industry. Key Topics: Kai's unconventional entry into the insurance world Overcoming personal and professional challenges The transition from captive insurance to running an independent agency Strategies for building and maintaining client relationships Embracing identity and overcoming industry stereotypes The importance of betting on oneself and embracing change Navigating the complexities of the insurance industry as a woman and a person of color Connect with: Kai Leach - Smith Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Station 5 Insurance Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens discusses what people should consider when opening an insurance agency. Key Topics: Determining readiness to open an insurance agency Captive vs. independent insurance agency considerations The importance of knowing your business partner Strategies for successful business partnerships Understanding carrier relationships and their impact Navigating the journey of obtaining carrier appointments The reality of agency ownership and market challenges Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens discusses the 5 things we have to exercise to have a successful insurance career. Key Topics: The evolving focus of the Power Women in Insurance podcast is on leadership and success in the insurance industry. The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the industry. The diverse definitions of success and the importance of balance in life. The first Be of success: Be persistent despite challenges. The second Be of success: Be present and aware in your business and personal life. Embracing changes and new ideas is essential for growth and success. The importance of generosity and kindness in personal and professional settings. Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Amy Drewel, Amy and Teresa talk about how to build a team that fuels our agencies for tomorrow. Key Topics: Amy’s transition from HR manager to insurance agency owner, and the founding of Mosaic Insurance Alliance. The importance of transitioning from an agent role to focusing on business development. Challenges in hiring and team management within the insurance industry. Strategies for maintaining a strong, motivated team in a challenging market. The impact of the current market on insurance agencies and the necessity for adaptation. The role of transparency and communication in managing an agency and its team. The significance of listening to team members and clients for effective agency management. Adapting to technological changes and leveraging them for better agency operations. Strategies for future-proofing the agency and team amidst market uncertainties. Connect with: LinkedIn: Amy Drewel LinkedIn: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Mosaic Insurance Alliance Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Elizabeth Culley, Owner of GravityCerts. Teresa and Elizabeth discuss GravityCerts and how agencies can achieve better-streamlined processes with their systems. Episode Highlights: Elizabeth discusses the flexibility and options available in running an independent agency and how she created GravityCerts from scratch, developing the necessary tools and systems for success. (3:48) Elizabeth shares the challenges GravityCerts faced as a new agency as it experienced rapid growth and struggled to keep up with the influx of new business. (8:35) Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality service and customer loyalty over rapid growth in their insurance agency. (16:54) Elizabeth mentions that the Client Center is an online client service portal that provides 24/7 access to services and information, currently integrated with NowCerts and Agency Zoom. (21:26) Elizabeth discusses the need for agencies to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and allow clients to access services online, even outside of traditional business hours. (31:36) Elizabeth mentions that the goal of GravityCerts is to streamline different systems and platforms and to be the central hub that connects various tools and eliminates duplicate data entry, ultimately improving efficiency in the industry. (36:15) Elizabeth believes that the use of technology does not diminish the human touch but rather strengthens the relationship by freeing up time for more meaningful interactions. (40:49) Key Quotes: “We try to be pretty flexible, of course. I want everyone to have all the bells and whistles, and I want them to have the best of everything.” - Elizabeth Culley “There's no reason for us to have to continue to be putting the same information in over and over again, there has to be a way to streamline that. And so, that's really what we're going to try to work on 100% with the different tools that we have.” - Elizabeth Culley Resources Mentioned: Elizabeth Culley Facebook GravityCerts Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Susan Wathen Johnston, President of Countryside Insurance Agency. Susan discusses how to build resilience and how to approach each day with Tenacity. Episode Highlights: Susan shares her early involvement in insurance, spending time at age 6 in her father's agency and getting her license at 18 to work part-time. (2:32) Susan mentions that the availability of online groups and communities allows us to easily access information and get quick responses to our questions, making us fortunate in the digital age. (9:47) Susan explains that the ability to be a leader is partly innate and cannot be taught, so leaders need to protect their team and establish processes to filter out those who may not be a good fit for the organization's health and success. (14:46) Susan discusses the importance of self-care and maintaining a positive mindset to avoid bringing others down. (18:06) Susan shares that she finds time blocking helpful for managing multiple tasks and interruptions in a busy work environment. (22:44) Susan discusses the importance of finding balance and complementary skill sets, even if you only have one other person on your team. (26:14) Susan explains the importance of attending conferences, networking, and being open to new ideas and strategies to grow and improve professionally. (32:17) Susan mentions that the key to success is being authentic, without trying to be someone you're not. (39:15) Susan encourages women to reach out and connect with others in their industry, as they will likely find support and inclusivity. (42:41) Key Quotes: “As leaders, we can try to protect our team and help as much as possible. But I don't think that's something that you can teach.” - Susan Wathen Johnston “That’s what I like too about going to conferences, meeting new people, getting on the Facebook groups is getting other ideas hearing what works for other people, and trying something that you may not have ever even thought of.” - Susan Wathen Johnston “If anyone's struggling in our industry through this time, they need to just reach out.” - Susan Wathen Johnston Resources Mentioned: Susan Wathen Johnston LinkedIn Susan Wathen Johnston Facebook Countryside Insurance Agency, INC Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Austin Moorhead, Founder of Lava Automation. Austin and Teresa talk about how automation can help the agency of the future. Episode Highlights: Austin shares his insurance background and how he transitioned to automation technology. (1:37) Austin mentions that Lava Automation has successfully assisted numerous agencies in getting their CRM up and running in just a few months, compared to the longer timeframe it used to take in the past. (4:12) Austin discusses the importance of CRM tools for agency owners in managing lead data and staying accountable. (7:26) Austin explains that the CRM automation and features save approximately 2.3 weeks of monthly work per person, allowing for more follow-ups and time savings. (14:18) Austin mentions that creating regular accountability meetings and maintaining clean data in business software is crucial for success. (20:09) Austin discusses the different attitudes towards automation between producers and CSRs in the insurance industry. (25:54) Austin suggests that organizations should focus on implementing and maximizing the benefits of new technology before jumping to embrace the next big thing. (28:36) Key Quotes: “If you're going to compete with our quality of build standard that you didn’t have to put in the years that we have doing this. This is all we do.” - Austin Moorhead “Anyone who does outreach with a CRM gets an additional 2.3 weeks worth of work done.” - Austin Moorhead Resources Mentioned: Austin Moorhead LinkedIn Lava Automation Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Megan Thomas, Founder of Social Coverage Collective. Megan and Teresa talk about social media and how to get started. Resources Mentioned: Megan Thomas LinkedIn Social Coverage Collective Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Kelly Mora, owner of Heritage Insurance Agency. They discuss how to create a culture of caring and how in Kelly’s agriculture-based agency, her team cares and builds community. Episode Highlights: Kelly mentions she comes from a hospitality background and considers herself to be more of a creative thinker than a technical thinker. (04:30) Kelly emphasizes that they want to have control over who they associate with, not just within their agency but also with the clients they serve. (10:37) Kelly believes that when you're happy and feeling fulfilled by your day, you owe it to your community and that you're incredibly privileged to serve the people you do. (12:10) Kelly shares that metrics are hard and that's something they're working on currently to help them fill out their analytics a little more. (16:53) As leaders of their organization, Kelly mentions that their role is to help people achieve their goals. (17:52) Kelly explains that although many people criticize the millennial generation, they have embraced it. (21:01) Kelly thinks that symbiotic relationships are the only way for longterm success to work. You're not just looking for a job, but a place to call home. (26:04) Kelly mentions that they value work ethic, and if you don't share that mindset and take pride in yourself, you won't be successful on their team. (27:11) Kelly shares the importance of addressing trust. (32:04) Key Quotes: "We always remind ourselves, we are very fortunate to serve the people we do, and that they have entrusted at. And we try to continually earn that every day." - Kelly Mora "It's a culture of care that our agency is a family and you can't expect the value to be given to your agency by your members if you don't first value them." - Kelly Mora "In the last five years, we recognized we had a very youthful team. And it was by design. You know, that's where some real great energy comes from. A lot of people complain about the millennials set, but we embraced it." - Kelly Mora Resources Mentioned: Kelly Mora LinkedIn Heritage Insurance Agency Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Mernice Oliver, Founder and Executive Director of The National Association for Advancement of Women In Insurance. Mernice is a business coach in the insurance industry who focuses on women and helping them achieve their goals. Episode Highlights: Mernice shares her humble beginnings and how she got to where she is today. (2:06) Mernice shares her opinion on the difference between men and women in the industry. (15:54) Mernice talks about her book What I Wish I Knew on The Other Side of Agency Ownership. (18:49) Mernice shares her insights about being able to get to a point of equality in ourselves. (24:11) Mernice shares what women can do to build up confidence. (27:24) Merince shares her Facebook community page called Insurance Women Rock where people can connect. (32:19) Mernice talks about the leadership organization she has created, the National Association for Advancement of Women In Insurance. (37:38) Key Quotes: “I believe that you can always change, you can grow and evolve, and you can come back stronger and bigger and better, no matter how low you get.” - Mernice Oliver “I believe the linchpin of change that happens for women is when we identify our purpose.” - Mernice Oliver “I'm going to create a company that really fills that gap for women. Because I'm not just going to help you with a business, you're more than your numbers.” - Mernice Oliver Resources Mentioned: Mernice Oliver LinkedIn Mernice Oliver International National Association for Advancement of Women In Insurance Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Elyse Archer, CEO & Founder of She Sells. Elyse discusses the roadblocks to selling and how to move through the blockages to achieve great sales numbers. Episode Highlights: Elyse shares that her passion for her business stems from a challenge she faced early on in her career (1:41) Elyse mentions that the Big Three for women to achieve superhuman selling results are: reprogramming their subconscious mind, shifting their relationship with money, and aligning their masculine and feminine energy. (8:00) Elyse explains that the mind-body connection is powerful in restoring our sense of worthiness and achieving our goals, as we can use our emotions as cues to identify limiting beliefs and rewrite our programming for success. (13:11) Elyse discusses the impact of limiting beliefs on men and women, and how shifting mindset can lead to greater success and fulfillment. (20:52) Elyse shares the importance of healing and changing subconscious beliefs to attract positive experiences and adopt an abundance mindset in sales. (28:19) Elyse discusses her coaching program for entrepreneurs and sales professionals, offering group coaching and a high-level mastermind for women, focusing on overcoming obstacles and implementing strategies for success without burnout. (35:13) Elyse believes money is seen as a tool for personal expansion and expression, and the goal should not be solely focused on accumulating wealth, but rather on using money to achieve one's vision and help others. (43:39) Key Quotes: “The biggest, most transformational moments in your life can come when you realize that, just because you're thinking a thought, it doesn't mean it's true.” - Elyse Archer “Our specialty and our focus is helping driven high achieving entrepreneurs and sales professionals who want to expand six or seven figures. But do it without burnout, hustle, exhaustion, overwhelm, helping them dramatically increase their results in a very different way.” - Elyse Archer Resources Mentioned: Elyse Archer LinkedIn She Sells Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Carrie Cheeks. Carrie Cheeks is a Workers Comp expert with Jencap and she discusses how she got into the industry and how she is connecting with agents to build a better workers comp industry. Episode Highlights: Carrie mentions that she initially had no interest in the insurance industry but was convinced by her Uncle to try it, and after a few years, she realized that it was more than she expected. (1:22) Carrie discusses her journey of leveling up in the industry, transitioning from copy-and-paste work to sales, with a focus on Workers' Compensation. (8:49) Carrie shares her upcoming role as a Corporate Relationship Manager, where she will be working with carriers, agency partnership groups, and aggregators to create mutually beneficial relationships and serve them effectively. (15:51) Carrie believes that the Workers' Comp market is currently chaotic and confusing, with carriers unsure of how to act in the face of low prices and rising costs, leading to a need for constant learning and staying informed. (20:01) Carrie discusses the importance of simplifying communication with agents by using abbreviations and clear instructions to expedite the process and ensure that agents understand what is needed. (28:09) Carrie advises agents in Workers’ Comp to build a community of knowledgeable individuals by reaching out to people online who are posting about the topic, asking for information and advice on how to excel in it, and discussing opportunities for education and growth. (31:38) Key Quotes: “It's really my management that has helped me elevate myself because they are so open to new ideas and new places. And I'm not afraid to ask either. I've never been afraid to ask for anything in my life. And I don't think I'll start being afraid to ask anytime soon.” - Carrie Cheeks “It's nice to see agents elevating their game, because then it helps us elevate our game to our carriers, it helps the whole entire line of the process work…knowledge is power, and you're going to be more successful if you have more knowledge.” - Carrie Cheeks “Education is obviously so important. But also building a community around you that is like-minded helps a lot too.” - Carrie Cheeks Resources Mentioned: Carrie Cheeks LinkedIn Jencap Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group