In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Brent Thurman and Michelle Hancock discuss the importance of team dynamics, leadership, and employee engagement within the insurance industry. Brent shares insights on leading without authority, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and the ability to influence others positively. Michelle highlights the significance of clarity in leadership and the impact of meaningful mission and vision statements on employee retention and agency culture. Together, they provide actionable strategies for enhancing leadership effectiveness and fostering a supportive work environment.

These presentations were recorded at the 2025 HawkSoft User Group (HUG) National Conference.

Takeaways

• True leadership is about influence, not authority.
• Agency culture is defined by the perceptions of its members.
• Self-care is essential for effective leadership.
• Every team member has the potential to lead.
• Clarity in mission and vision enhances employee engagement.
• Employees are more likely to stay when they feel connected to a purpose.
• Mission statements should reflect the true purpose of the agency.
• Values guide decision-making and shape culture.

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out via LinkedIn:

• Brent Thurman (click here)
• Michelle Hancock (click here)

More information about Keystone Insurance:

• https://keystoneinsurance.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/bearriveragent/

More information about PNW Insurance Group:

• https://www.pnwinsurancegroup.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/pnwinsurance/

Learn more about the HawkSoft User Group's Fall Regional Meetings 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:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, George Patterson shares his experiences and insights from attending the HawkSoft User Group (HUG) National Conference. He discusses the value of networking, building relationships, and the importance of engaging with HawkSoft leadership. The conversation highlights the benefits of being part of the HUG community, including access to resources, learning opportunities, and the personal connections formed through shared experiences.

Takeaways

• Attending HUG events provides valuable insights for agency improvement.
• Networking at HUG events fosters long-lasting friendships.
• HUG offers direct access to HawkSoft developers and decision-makers.
• The community aspect of HUG enhances professional relationships.
• User sharing among members is a key benefit of HUG.
• Hawksoft actively listens to user feedback for product development.

Learn more about HUG:

• https://hawksoftusergroup.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hawksoft
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawksoftusergroup

To get in touch with George, reach out on LinkedIn.

More information about Williamson Insurance Service:

• https://www.williamsoninsurance.net/
• https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsonInsuranceZanesville/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/williamson-insurance-services/

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

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Paul Hawkins and Rushang Shah discusses the importance of developing a strong company culture. They share insights on how to define and disseminate culture within an organization, the significance of core values, and the role of leadership in fostering an environment where employees feel valued and engaged.

Takeaways

• Culture is defined by consistent and repeated behaviors.
• Purpose should extend beyond just selling products.
• Investing in people leads to customer satisfaction.
• Real-life role models help define behavior expectations.
• Stories are powerful tools for conveying culture.
• Core values should be living documents that evolve.

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out via LinkedIn:

• Paul Hawkins (click here)
• Rushang Shah (click here)

More information about HawkSoft's core values: https://www.hawksoft.com/about/core-values/.

________________________________________________________________________

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

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode, Kenny Hendricks chats with April Jordan about the impact of Levitate on Carolina Property Insurance. They discuss the agency's growth, the importance of client relationships, and how Levitate has transformed their operations through automation and personalized communication. April shares her passion for the insurance industry and the value of maintaining connections with clients and referral partners.

Takeaways

• April emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in insurance.
• Automation through Levitate has freed up staff time for more valuable tasks.
• Personalized follow-ups have enhanced client engagement and satisfaction.
• Levitate's integration with HawkSoft streamlines operations for the agency.
• Feedback from users is crucial for Levitate's ongoing development.

Learn more about Carolina Property Insurance:
http://www.carolinapropertyinsurance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/carolinapropertyinsurance/
https://www.instagram.com/carolinapropertyinsurance/

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below:

• April Jordan (click here)
• Leia Stallings (click here)

More information about Levitate:
https://www.levitate.ai/
https://www.facebook.com/LevitateAI
https://www.instagram.com/levitateai/

________________________________________________________________________

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

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks sits down with Leia Stallings from Levitate and April Jordan from Carolina Property Insurance to discuss the unique value proposition of Levitate's communication platform. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by insurance agencies and the rewarding relationships built through technology partnerships.

Takeaways

• Levitate is a communication platform for relationship businesses.
• Building relationships is key to agency success.
• Levitate's integration with HawkSoft streamlines operations.
• Personalized outreach is essential for client retention.
• Customer empathy is a core value at Levitate.
• The culture at Levitate fosters strong relationships with clients.

Learn more about Levitate:
https://www.levitate.ai/
https://www.facebook.com/LevitateAI
https://www.instagram.com/levitateai/ 

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below:

• Leia Stallings (click here)
• April Jordan (click here)

More information about Carolina Property Insurance:
http://www.carolinapropertyinsurance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/carolinapropertyinsurance/
https://www.instagram.com/carolinapropertyinsurance/

________________________________________________________________________

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

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks is joined by Brenda James and Jake Finnell to discuss the importance of secure communication, the innovative features of RPost, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Brenda shares how Mathews Insurance utilizes RPost to enhance agency efficiency and client security. 

Takeaways

• RPost offers a range of services beyond electronic signatures, including encrypted email and tracking.
• Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated, necessitating advanced protective measures.
• Integration and automation can significantly enhance agency efficiency and client service.
• Understanding the risks associated with new technologies is crucial for agency owners.

Learn more about Mathews Insurance:
https://mathewsinsurance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MathewsInsuranceinc/
https://www.instagram.com/mathewsinsuranceinc/

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below:

• Brenda James (click here)
• Jake Finnell (click here)

More information about RPost:
https://rpost.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RPostInc
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rpost/

________________________________________________________________________

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

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks sits down with Jake Finnell from RPost and Brenda James from Mathews Insurance to discuss RPost's easy-to-use and affordable email security/compliance services. The conversation highlights the evolution of RPost and the challenges and rewards of working with independent insurance agencies. The episode emphasizes the need for customer success and effective communication in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Correction: Mathews Insurance is based out of Athens, Ohio, not McConnelsville, Ohio.

Takeaways

• RPost provides secure email services tailored for the insurance industry.
• Customer success is a key differentiator in the competitive insurance market.
• RPost has evolved its services to meet the needs of the insurance sector.
• Building relationships with customers is vital for success in insurance.
• RPost emphasizes customer service and support for its clients.

Learn more about RPost:
https://rpost.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RPostInc
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rpost/

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below:

• Jake Finnell (click here)
• Brenda James (click here)

More information about Mathews Insurance:
https://mathewsinsurance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MathewsInsuranceinc/
https://www.instagram.com/mathewsinsuranceinc/

________________________________________________________________________

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

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Protectors podcast, Aron Robertson interviews Joseph G. Ems from Sembley, discussing the importance of data ownership in insurance, the benefits of Sembley's technology for streamlining the insurance process, and the shift from personal to commercial lines among independent agents. They explore Sembley's origin story, its competitive advantages, and how it addresses common challenges like loss runs, ultimately emphasizing the need for efficiency and security in the insurance industry.

Takeaways

• Sembley streamlines the Accord and supplemental form process.
• Sembley aims to simplify the intake process for agents.
• A single source of truth is essential for efficiency.
• User-friendly software is a priority for Sembley.
• Addressing loss runs is a key focus for Sembley's future developments.
• Efficiency in agency operations leads to better customer experiences.

Learn more about Sembley:
https://sembley.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sembley/

To get in touch with today's guests, reach out below:

• Joseph G. Ems (click here)
• Aron Robertson (click here)

More information about Robertson Insurance Group:
https://aronrobertsoninsurance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RobertsonInsuranceGrp/
https://www.instagram.com/robertsoninsurancegrp/

________________________________________________________________________

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

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives Podcast, we share Elia Gourgouris's presentation on navigating conflict from the 2025 HawkSoft User Group National Conference, #HUGatSea. Elia emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and kindness in resolving conflicts. By identifying whether we fall into victim, critic, bystander, or navigator roles, we can better manage our responses to challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace challenges, practice gratitude, and foster a safe environment for open communication within teams.

Takeaways

• Embrace challenges and understand that we have a choice.
• Identify your default personality type when facing conflict.
• Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in navigating life's challenges.
• Gratitude can transform our perspective on difficulties.
• Navigators take action and maintain a positive outlook.
• Creating a safe environment encourages open communication.
• Curiosity helps reduce conflict and fosters understanding.
• Empathy is essential for effective conflict resolution.

To reach out to Elia, visit:
https://www.dreliagourgouris.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehappinessdoctor/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.eliag/

________________________________________________________________________

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

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay

In this episode of the Insurance Perspectives podcast, Kenny Hendricks sits down with Elia Gourgouris to discuss the complexities of workplace conflict and resolution. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership, the necessity of clear communication, and the role of curiosity in understanding differing perspectives. The conversation also touches on the challenges of family dynamics in business and the need for boundaries to maintain professionalism.

Takeaways

• Conflict is part of human nature and inevitable in the workplace.
• Vulnerability in leadership fosters connection and trust among team members.
• Clear communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings and future conflicts.
• Conflict can lead to great results if handled properly and collaboratively.
• Leaders should encourage open dialogue and challenge the status quo.
• Setting boundaries is important in maintaining professionalism in family businesses.

To reach out to Elia, visit:
https://www.dreliagourgouris.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehappinessdoctor/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.eliag/

________________________________________________________________________

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

For more information on HawkSoft, visit:
https://www.hawksoft.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hawksoft
https://x.com/HawkSoft
https://instagram.com/hawkSoft

Intro/Outro music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay