Power Women In Insurance

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

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens discusses what people should consider when opening an insurance agency. Key Topics: Determining readiness to open an insurance agency Captive vs. independent insurance agency considerations The importance of knowing your business partner Strategies for successful business partnerships Understanding carrier relationships and their impact Navigating the journey of obtaining carrier appointments The reality of agency ownership and market challenges Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens discusses the 5 things we have to exercise to have a successful insurance career. Key Topics: The evolving focus of the Power Women in Insurance podcast is on leadership and success in the insurance industry. The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the industry. The diverse definitions of success and the importance of balance in life. The first Be of success: Be persistent despite challenges. The second Be of success: Be present and aware in your business and personal life. Embracing changes and new ideas is essential for growth and success. The importance of generosity and kindness in personal and professional settings. Connect with: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Amy Drewel, Amy and Teresa talk about how to build a team that fuels our agencies for tomorrow. Key Topics: Amy’s transition from HR manager to insurance agency owner, and the founding of Mosaic Insurance Alliance. The importance of transitioning from an agent role to focusing on business development. Challenges in hiring and team management within the insurance industry. Strategies for maintaining a strong, motivated team in a challenging market. The impact of the current market on insurance agencies and the necessity for adaptation. The role of transparency and communication in managing an agency and its team. The significance of listening to team members and clients for effective agency management. Adapting to technological changes and leveraging them for better agency operations. Strategies for future-proofing the agency and team amidst market uncertainties. Connect with: LinkedIn: Amy Drewel LinkedIn: Teresa Kitchens Visit Websites: Mosaic Insurance Alliance Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Elizabeth Culley, Owner of GravityCerts. Teresa and Elizabeth discuss GravityCerts and how agencies can achieve better-streamlined processes with their systems. Episode Highlights: Elizabeth discusses the flexibility and options available in running an independent agency and how she created GravityCerts from scratch, developing the necessary tools and systems for success. (3:48) Elizabeth shares the challenges GravityCerts faced as a new agency as it experienced rapid growth and struggled to keep up with the influx of new business. (8:35) Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality service and customer loyalty over rapid growth in their insurance agency. (16:54) Elizabeth mentions that the Client Center is an online client service portal that provides 24/7 access to services and information, currently integrated with NowCerts and Agency Zoom. (21:26) Elizabeth discusses the need for agencies to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and allow clients to access services online, even outside of traditional business hours. (31:36) Elizabeth mentions that the goal of GravityCerts is to streamline different systems and platforms and to be the central hub that connects various tools and eliminates duplicate data entry, ultimately improving efficiency in the industry. (36:15) Elizabeth believes that the use of technology does not diminish the human touch but rather strengthens the relationship by freeing up time for more meaningful interactions. (40:49) Key Quotes: “We try to be pretty flexible, of course. I want everyone to have all the bells and whistles, and I want them to have the best of everything.” - Elizabeth Culley “There's no reason for us to have to continue to be putting the same information in over and over again, there has to be a way to streamline that. And so, that's really what we're going to try to work on 100% with the different tools that we have.” -Elizabeth Culley Resources Mentioned: Elizabeth Culley Facebook GravityCerts Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Susan Wathen Johnston, President of Countryside Insurance Agency. Susan discusses how to build resilience and how to approach each day with Tenacity. Episode Highlights: Susan shares her early involvement in insurance, spending time at age 6 in her father's agency and getting her license at 18 to work part-time. (2:32) Susan mentions that the availability of online groups and communities allows us to easily access information and get quick responses to our questions, making us fortunate in the digital age. (9:47) Susan explains that the ability to be a leader is partly innate and cannot be taught, so leaders need to protect their team and establish processes to filter out those who may not be a good fit for the organization's health and success. (14:46) Susan discusses the importance of self-care and maintaining a positive mindset to avoid bringing others down. (18:06) Susan shares that she finds time blocking helpful for managing multiple tasks and interruptions in a busy work environment. (22:44) Susan discusses the importance of finding balance and complementary skill sets, even if you only have one other person on your team. (26:14) Susan explains the importance of attending conferences, networking, and being open to new ideas and strategies to grow and improve professionally. (32:17) Susan mentions that the key to success is being authentic, without trying to be someone you're not. (39:15) Susan encourages women to reach out and connect with others in their industry, as they will likely find support and inclusivity. (42:41) Key Quotes: “As leaders, we can try to protect our team and help as much as possible. But I don't think that's something that you can teach.” - Susan Wathen Johnston “That’s what I like too about going to conferences, meeting new people, getting on the Facebook groups is getting other ideas hearing what works for other people, and trying something that you may not have ever even thought of.” - Susan Wathen Johnston “If anyone's struggling in our industry through this time, they need to just reach out.” -Susan Wathen Johnston Resources Mentioned: Susan Wathen Johnston LinkedIn Susan Wathen Johnston Facebook Countryside Insurance Agency, INC Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Austin Moorhead, Founder of Lava Automation. Austin and Teresa talk about how automation can help the agency of the future. Episode Highlights: Austin shares his insurance background and how he transitioned to automation technology. (1:37) Austin mentions that Lava Automation has successfully assisted numerous agencies in getting their CRM up and running in just a few months, compared to the longer timeframe it used to take in the past. (4:12) Austin discusses the importance of CRM tools for agency owners in managing lead data and staying accountable. (7:26) Austin explains that the CRM automation and features save approximately 2.3 weeks of monthly work per person, allowing for more follow-ups and time savings. (14:18) Austin mentions that creating regular accountability meetings and maintaining clean data in business software is crucial for success. (20:09) Austin discusses the different attitudes towards automation between producers and CSRs in the insurance industry. (25:54) Austin suggests that organizations should focus on implementing and maximizing the benefits of new technology before jumping to embrace the next big thing. (28:36) Key Quotes: “If you're going to compete with our quality of build standard that you didn’t have to put in the years that we have doing this. This is all we do.” -Austin Moorhead “Anyone who does outreach with a CRM gets an additional 2.3 weeks worth of work done.” - Austin Moorhead Resources Mentioned: Austin Moorhead LinkedIn Lava Automation Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Megan Thomas, Founder of Social Coverage Collective. Megan and Teresa talk about social media and how to get started. Resources Mentioned: Megan Thomas LinkedIn Social Coverage Collective Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Kelly Mora, owner of Heritage Insurance Agency. They discuss how to create a culture of caring and how in Kelly’s agriculture-based agency, her team cares and builds community. Episode Highlights: Kelly mentions she comes from a hospitality background and considers herself to be more of a creative thinker than a technical thinker. (04:30) Kelly emphasizes that they want to have control over who they associate with, not just within their agency but also with the clients they serve. (10:37) Kelly believes that when you're happy and feeling fulfilled by your day, you owe it to your community and that you're incredibly privileged to serve the people you do. (12:10) Kelly shares that metrics are hard and that's something they're working on currently to help them fill out their analytics a little more. (16:53) As leaders of their organization, Kelly mentions that their role is to help people achieve their goals. (17:52) Kelly explains that although many people criticize the millennial generation, they have embraced it. (21:01) Kelly thinks that symbiotic relationships are the only way for longterm success to work. You're not just looking for a job, but a place to call home. (26:04) Kelly mentions that they value work ethic, and if you don't share that mindset and take pride in yourself, you won't be successful on their team. (27:11) Kelly shares the importance of addressing trust. (32:04) Key Quotes: "We always remind ourselves, we are very fortunate to serve the people we do, and that they have entrusted at. And we try to continually earn that every day." - Kelly Mora "It's a culture of care that our agency is a family and you can't expect the value to be given to your agency by your members if you don't first value them." - Kelly Mora "In the last five years, we recognized we had a very youthful team. And it was by design. You know, that's where some real great energy comes from. A lot of people complain about the millennials set, but we embraced it." - Kelly Mora Resources Mentioned: Kelly Mora LinkedIn Heritage Insurance Agency Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Mernice Oliver, Founder and Executive Director of The National Association for Advancement of Women In Insurance. Mernice is a business coach in the insurance industry who focuses on women and helping them achieve their goals. Episode Highlights: Mernice shares her humble beginnings and how she got to where she is today. (2:06) Mernice shares her opinion on the difference between men and women in the industry. (15:54) Mernice talks about her book What I Wish I Knew on The Other Side of Agency Ownership. (18:49) Mernice shares her insights about being able to get to a point of equality in ourselves. (24:11) Mernice shares what women can do to build up confidence. (27:24) Merince shares her Facebook community page called Insurance Women Rock where people can connect. (32:19) Mernice talks about the leadership organization she has created, the National Association for Advancement of Women In Insurance. (37:38) Key Quotes: “I believe that you can always change, you can grow and evolve, and you can come back stronger and bigger and better, no matter how low you get.” - Mernice Oliver “I believe the linchpin of change that happens for women is when we identify our purpose.” - Mernice Oliver “I'm going to create a company that really fills that gap for women. Because I'm not just going to help you with a business, you're more than your numbers.” - Mernice Oliver Resources Mentioned: Mernice Oliver LinkedIn Mernice Oliver International National Association for Advancement of Women In Insurance Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group