Power Women In Insurance

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Joan Curtis, Co-Owner of MVP Insurance. Teresa and Joan discuss the book Who Not How by Dan Sullivan. This is part of a 3 part series. They will be doing the Gap and the Gain next. Key Topics: How the book “Who Not How” reshaped their approach to delegation and leadership The power of finding the right "who" instead of getting stuck in the "how" Why business owners should focus on their "zone of genius” The four freedoms: time, money, relationships, and purpose How Joan built a thriving agency by partnering with the right people The role of collaboration in business growth and avoiding burnout Practical tips for effective delegation and maximizing impact Connect with: Joan Curtis Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Book: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan MVP Insurance Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Ciara Gravier, Founder of The Bunker Insurance & Risk Management. Teresa and Ciara discuss the book “10X Is Easier than 2X” about leveling up as professionals. Key Topics: Reflecting on the value of decompressing and connecting with like-minded peers. How “10X Is Easier Than 2X” challenges traditional growth mindsets. Identifying and focusing on the tasks that truly move the needle. Delegating effectively to free up time for high-impact activities. The importance of building a team that supports exponential growth. Surrounding yourself with people who embrace a 10X mindset. Aligning daily actions with long-term, transformative goals. Connect with: Ciara Gravier Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: The Bunker Insurance & Risk Management Sterling Insurance Group 10X Is Easier Than 2X Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Cheree Sauer. Cheree is a business coach specializing in high-performance women and burnout and creating balance. Key Topics: Cheree Sauer shares about her Success Without Sacrifice Coaching program. The RAMP Method creates seasons of rest for business owners. Recognizing and addressing burnout through self-awareness. Customizing self-care to individual needs for lasting growth. Authentic leadership and empowering teams as women. The importance of working in your zone of genius. Connect with: Cheree Sauer Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Success Without Sacrifice Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Carie Ann Roach of Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT). Carie and Teresa discuss how to find the resources to level up an insurance career. Key Topics: Carie Ann shares her journey from receptionist to industry leader. The value of certifications in career advancement. Building confidence and seeking mentorship in insurance. Turning CE requirements into meaningful growth opportunities. Fostering leadership and self-awareness in teams. Enhancing team dynamics with tools like CliftonStrengths. Adding value and building trust in professional relationships. Connect with: Carie Ann Roach Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Meg McKeen, Founder of Adjunct Advisors. Meg and Teresa talk about being vulnerable and how we need to step over our fears to achieve our goals. Key Topics: Meg discusses the shift toward flexible, virtual work. Teresa and Meg explore meaningful connections in remote settings. Leadership’s role in fostering trust and communication. Embracing vulnerability for growth in work and life. Generational changes reshaping workplace culture. Balancing personal priorities with career growth. Modeling work-life balance to strengthen teams. Connect with: Meg McKeen Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Adjunct Advisors Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Lorin Montgomery, Vice President of Brown & Brown Insurance. Lorin and Teresa talk about how to build relationships, educate and build a business in this crazy market Key Topics: Lorin’s transition from Liberty Mutual to Brown & Brown Insurance. Challenges of rising costs and stricter policies in today’s hard market. Importance of client education to address market changes and build trust. Proactive strategies like year-round communication and consultative advising. Networking tips for building credibility and finding niche markets. Benefits of focusing on larger clients for efficiency and relationship depth. Managing client emotions and expectations during difficult renewals. Connect with: Lorin Montgomery Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Brown & Brown Insurance Sterling Insurance Group Produced by PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Dustyne Bryant, Director of Risk & Insurance Education and Research at Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. Dustyne and Teresa explore the changes that are going on at the National Alliance and how they have re-branded to be Risk & Insurance Education Alliance and how they are serving our industry with tons of options to help agents succeed. Key Topics: Transition from the National Alliance for Insurance Education to the Risk and Insurance Education Alliance. Expansion of educational formats to include podcasts and online subscriptions. Impact of COVID-19 on transitioning to virtual learning and webinars. The introduction of AI tools like Alibot to supplement insurance education. Comprehensive educational offerings from basic courses to advanced certifications. Importance of adapting to changes within the insurance industry and leveraging technology. Engaging the next generation through educational outreach from high school onwards. Connect with: Dustyne Bryant, CIC, CISR Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Risk & Insurance Education Alliance Sterling Insurance Group Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens interviews Elisha Cavanaugh, President of Sound Pacific Insurance. Elisha and Teresa talks about the award she won with Safeco, her being on the front cover of Rough Notes and how she is balancing family and career. Key Topics: Elisha's unexpected award and the opportunity to feature on the cover of Rough Notes The challenges of self-promotion and the importance of community support in personal and professional growth Strategies for maintaining authenticity while navigating business pressures and family life The role of direct communication and relationship-building with insurance carriers Leadership lessons on fostering team accountability and the parallels between leading a team and parenting Practical tips for agency owners on engaging with carrier representatives and empowering their teams Connect with: Elisha Cavanaugh Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sound Pacific Insurance Sterling Insurance Group Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Dawn Janes-Bartley, CEO of Maverick Risk Partners. Dawn and Teresa talk about acquisitions including the mistakes they have made and the ways they really excelled. Key Topics: Dawn's unexpected journey from child psychology into the insurance industry The evolution of roles within the agency post-acquisition Challenges of integrating new teams and processes after acquiring another agency The importance of adapting roles and expectations as an agency grows Strategies for managing team dynamics and operational changes during transitions Dawn's insights on personal resilience and strategic thinking while navigating business expansions Connect with: Dawn Janes-Bartley Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Maverick Risk Partners Sterling Insurance Group Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens interviews Andrea Vargas, CEO of TTC Leads. Andrea and Teresa talk about how partnering in life and business with Ryan Saridakis and then continuing to build that business after his passing has created the business of her dreams. Key Topics: Andrea's unconventional entry into the insurance industry through family connections and early influences The role of mentorship and the pivotal influence of Patrick Bet-David in her career orientation Development of a non-traditional career path, avoiding college and direct recruitment into the industry Transition from being heavily recruitment-focused to prioritizing substantive, service-oriented business in insurance Insights into personal growth, the impact of significant relationships on professional paths, and navigating business after the loss of a partner Strategies for fostering a positive and productive workplace culture The balance of personal well-being with professional responsibilities in leadership roles Connect with: Andrea Vargas Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: TTC Leads Sterling Insurance Group Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens explores the stages and opportunities for virtual options inside an agency. Key Topics: Exploring the concept and challenges of virtual agencies Variability in virtual setups from partial to fully remote Essential tools for virtual work include VOIP and VPNs Gradual adaptation starting with flexible work policies Importance of maintaining culture and security in virtual setups Virtual teams enhance productivity and geographic diversity Regular virtual meetings maintain team cohesion and efficiency Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group Produced by: PodSquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens discusses how to lead in this market and how to make a difference in the future of this industry. Key Topics: Importance of leadership in today's challenging insurance market Broadening the definition of leadership beyond official titles The role of awareness and proactive steps in effective leadership Mental health and operational efficiency in leadership roles How to innovate and inspire within a team setting Encouragement of personal and professional growth through leadership Ways to implement leadership strategies practically and effectively Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group Produced by: PodSquad.fm

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