Hayden Partain is a former professional soccer player turned health insurance advisor. He played college soccer at Wake Forest University, one of the top soccer programs in the country. After his college career, Hayden spent 3+ years playing professional soccer for the Sacramento Republic and San Antonio FC.
In this episode, we discuss his professional soccer career and the lessons he learned from the sport to help him get a jump start on his insurance career in 2023. I wanted to have Hayden join me because I believe young insurance professionals can provide some valuable insight that can help even the most seasoned veterans.
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
[03:09] - Hayden's upbringing in a soccer family and the influence of his parents on his career.
[07:34] - The shift from high school to college soccer, focusing on the scholarship process and the transition to Wake Forest.
[14:12] - Reflection on a pivotal moment during the NCAA Championship penalty shootout.
[15:41] - Transition to professional soccer with the Sacramento Republic and community engagement in Sacramento.
[16:55] - The significance of being adaptable and learning from every experience, including setbacks in soccer.
[18:34] - Hayden's approach to dealing with failure and using it as a learning experience.
[19:05] - Personal reflections on pivotal moments in athletic careers and the lessons learned.
[20:10] - Experience and challenges in transitioning to a professional soccer career.
[21:15] - Discussion on balancing various roles, including being a benefits adviser, color analyst, and personal life.
[23:42] - Importance of social media and branding in Hayden's career development and client acquisition.
[25:20] - Transition from professional soccer to the insurance industry and the initial draw to New York Life.
[28:35] - Early observations in the employee benefits space, including the sales cycle and the importance of service.
[29:10] - The slow adoption of innovative strategies in the industry and the challenge of changing marketplace perceptions.
[33:16] - The impact of social media on business development and maintaining a balance between online presence and in-person interactions.
[35:19] - Hayden's approach to daily activities, including prospecting, servicing, systems, and education.
[36:29] - The significance of self-education in staying relevant and adaptable in the insurance industry.
[41:02] - The importance of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new challenges for personal and professional growth.
[42:04] - Advice for newcomers to the industry, focusing on finding supportive mentors, embracing hard work, and aligning with company values.
[43:05] - Encouragement for industry veterans to explore new business approaches, stay informed about innovations, and mentor the next generation.
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