Power Women In Insurance

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

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