The Insurance Perspectives Podcast

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Stephen Harrington-Descoteaux discusses the importance of agency culture, the role of technology in independent insurance agencies, and the necessity of clean data. He emphasizes the balance between automation and personal touch, especially in client interactions, and shares insights on how agencies can maximize their technology usage.

Takeaways

• Culture is crucial for independent agents to thrive.
• Understanding agency needs is key to growth.
• Automation can streamline many agency processes.
• Not everything should be automated; personal touch matters.
• Clean data is essential for effective decision-making.
• Maintaining personal connections is vital in larger agencies.

Learn more about Agency Performance Partners:
https://www.agencyperformancepartners.com/
https://www.facebook.com/agencyperformancepartners
https://www.instagram.com/appsinsurance/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/agency-performance-partners/

To connect with Stephen, reach out via LinkedIn by clicking here or contact via the Agency Performance Partners website.

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If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
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In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, host Kenny Hendricks speaks with Ryan Hanley, CEO of Finding Peak, about the evolution of technology in the insurance industry. They discuss the importance of defining agency identity before selecting technology, the journey of Hanley's own agency, Rogue Risk, and the cultural changes necessary for agency success. The conversation emphasizes that technology should serve the agency's needs and that employee satisfaction is crucial for customer satisfaction.

Takeaways

• You have to figure out who you want to be first as an agency.
• Customer satisfaction is a derivative of employee satisfaction.
• If you are the number one producer in your agency, you are doing something wrong.
• You need to have one or two powerful needle moving moments each day.
• You have to get out of this mindset of identifying as independent insurance agents.
• The most important piece of technology in an agency are the human beings.

Learn more about Ryan Hanley and Finding Peak:
https://ryanhanley.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ryan_hanley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhanley/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ryanmhanley

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If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
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In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks speaks with Peggy Corbett of Agency Transformations about the intersection of technology and process in independent insurance agencies. They discuss the importance of revitalizing business processes and how automation can enhance agency operations. Peggy emphasizes the need for strong client interaction and the significance of utilizing technology effectively.

Takeaways

• Agencies often underutilize their existing technology.
• Automation can help streamline mundane tasks.
• Understanding the market is essential for client education.
• Agencies should focus on maximizing their management systems.
• Technology should complement existing processes, not replace them.
• Regular account reviews are vital for client relationships.
• Agencies need to support carriers that support them.

Learn more about Agency Transformation
https://www.agencytransform.com/
https://www.facebook.com/agencytransform

To connect with Peggy, reach out via LinkedIn by clicking here or contact via the Agency Transformation website.

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If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
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In this episode, Kenny Hendricks interviews Chris Cline, executive director of ACT, the Agents Council for Technology, about the role of technology in the insurance industry. They discuss the importance of finding a community to join and learn from, the transformation of ACT, and the adoption of AI in agencies. He also encourages agencies to talk to their tech providers and carriers to understand their roadmap and influence the development of AI solutions. The conversation explores the importance of understanding the problem before seeking technological solutions and emphasizes the need for agencies to slow down to evaluate their current processes before adopting new technology.

Takeaways

• ACT brings together carriers, technology providers, and agents in a neutral and collaborative space to discuss technology.
• Most agencies will be consumers of AI products rather than builders.
• Exploring resources outside the industry can provide a broader perspective on AI.
• Attending industry events and connecting with trade associations can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
• Collaborating with peers and learning from their experiences can help agencies make informed decisions about technology adoption.
• The insurance industry is diverse, and agencies should consider their unique business models and infrastructure when evaluating technology solutions.

Learn more about ACT:
https://www.independentagent.com/ACT
https://x.com/ACT4Agents
https://www.facebook.com/independentagent

To connect with Chris, reach out via LinkedIn by clicking here. 

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If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
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In this episode, Kenny Hendricks interviews Scott Howell of iProtect Insurance and Financial Services about mental health as an agency owner. He emphasizes the value of having a great team and not letting other people control your mood. Scott emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency in building relationships and believes that sharing the bad and the mistakes can be more valuable than showcasing only the good. He also discusses the significance of expressing love and appreciation to others. Scott concludes by highlighting the importance of positive energy and self-awareness in leadership. 

Takeaways

• Maintaining a positive attitude is important in business and life.
• Being open and honest can lead to more meaningful connections and success.
• Recognize that the present and future are more important than the past.
• Positive energy and self-awareness are crucial in leadership.
• Being a public figure comes with a responsibility to make good decisions.

Learn more about iProtect Insurance and Financial Services:
https://iprotectinsurance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/iprotectinsurance
https://www.instagram.com/iprotectinsurance/
https://x.com/iPROTECTinsured

To connect with Scott, reach out via LinkedIn by clicking here. 

Book recommendations:

• Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
• How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth, and Karen Dillon
• Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
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Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks speaks with Patty Lares, owner of AA Lares Insurance Services, about the importance of mental health in the insurance industry. They discuss Patty's journey as an agency owner, the dynamics of working with family, and the proactive measures she takes to support her team's mental health. Patty emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, setting boundaries, and maintaining a balance between work and personal well-being.

Takeaways

• Regular check-ins can help identify mental health issues in team members.
• Leaders must prioritize their own mental health to support others effectively.
• Vulnerability is key to building trust within a team.
• Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work culture.
• Community service can enhance team morale and purpose.
• Encouraging personal goals during one-on-ones fosters accountability.
• It's important to provide resources for team members seeking help.
• Creating a culture of gratitude can improve workplace relationships.

Learn more about AA Lares Insurance:
https://laresinsurance.com/
https://www.instagram.com/laresinsurance
https://www.facebook.com/AALaresInsurance/

To connect with Patty, reach out via LinkedIn by clicking here. 

Book recommendations:

• Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
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Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks interviews Jason Hansen, the president of Financial Insurance Group. They discuss the importance of managing mental health in the insurance industry and how to support staff members in their mental well-being. Jason shares his personal experience of facing challenges and how it has shaped his leadership style. He emphasizes the need for structure and accountability in supporting team members while also recognizing the importance of empathy and understanding. 

Takeaways

• Managing mental health is crucial in the insurance industry, and leaders should prioritize the well-being of their staff members.
• Creating a supportive and structured environment can help team members thrive and reduce stress.
• Leaders should empathize with their team members' challenges while also maintaining accountability and not enabling negative behaviors.
• Personal faith can play a role in maintaining well-being and inspiring support for others.
• Balancing time and money is important, and leaders should consider the long-term impact of their decisions on the well-being of their team members.

Learn more about Financial Insurance Group:
https://www.idahosbestinsurance.com/

To connect with Jason, reach out via LinkedIn by clicking here. 

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
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In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks interviews Brendan Corr of Loss Run Pros about mental health in the insurance industry. Brendan shares his personal experience with addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of having supportive friends, family, and community. They discuss the need for open conversations about mental health in the workplace and the challenges of seeking help. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Project55, a platform designed to provide mental health resources and support within the insurance community.

Takeaways

• Being present and listening can make a significant difference in someone's journey. Listening and showing empathy can create a safe space for individuals with mental health issues to open up and seek support.
• Breaking the isolation that often accompanies mental health struggles is crucial for recovery and well-being.
• Finding a supportive work environment that allows for open discussions about mental health is important for professionals.
• Project 55 is a platform that aims to educate, equip, and empower individuals within the insurance community to have conversations about mental health and access resources.
  
  

Learn more about Loss Run Pro:
https://www.lossrunpro.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lossrunpro
https://www.instagram.com/lossrunpro
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lossrunpro/

Follow/connect with Brenden on LinkedIn by clicking here.

More information on Project55: click here.

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
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In this episode, Dr. Leslie B. Hammer, a specialist in workplace mental health and wellbeing, discusses the impact of the workplace on mental health and the importance of supportive supervisors. She highlights the definition of mental health and emphasizes the need to normalize discussions around mental health. She identifies six mental health supportive supervisor behaviors, including emotional support, practical arrangements, role modeling, stigma reduction, warning sign recognition, and warning sign response. Dr. Hammer also shares the positive outcomes of supervisor training, such as improvements in physical health, sleep, family outcomes, and workplace outcomes.

Takeaways

• Mental health is a state of positive experience and the workplace has a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing.
• The prevalence of mental health challenges in the population highlights the need to normalize discussions around mental health.
• Supervisors play a crucial role in promoting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
• Resources like supportiveworkplaces.org and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health provide valuable information and training materials for promoting mental health in the workplace.

Learn more about the Oregon Healthy Workforce Center:
https://www.ohsu.edu/oregon-institute-occupational-health-sciences/oregon-healthy-workforce-center

To connect with Dr. Hammer, reach out via email.

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
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In this episode, Kenny Hendricks interviews James Jenkins of RiskWell, who shares his experience transitioning from a captive insurance agent to an independent agent. They discuss the challenges and benefits of being an independent agent, the importance of negotiating contracts, and the need for operational standards in an agency. James emphasizes the need for agents to figure out their brand and identity before making the transition to independence. He also recommends resources such as his book, 'Leaving Captivity,' and industry associations like the Big I and PIA for support and guidance.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from a captive insurance agent to an independent agent requires careful planning and consideration of your brand identity and vision.
• Negotiating contracts with carriers is essential for independent agents to ensure they have the flexibility and support they need.
• Joining industry associations like the Big I and PIA can provide valuable resources and support for captive agents looking to make the transition to independence.

Learn more about RiskWell:
https://www.riskwell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/riskwell
https://www.youtube.com/riskwell
https://www.linkedin.com/company/riskwellus/

To connect with James, reach out via LinkedIn.

Book - "Leaving Captivity" by James Jenkins.

________________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking to reach out to HawkSoft, please email [email protected].

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
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Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay