Insurance Leadership Podcast

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! Chris Ellis, CEO and Founder of Thatch, joins co-host Ben Markland for a powerful conversation recorded live at the ICMI Conference in Tampa. From his early days in cancer research at MIT to launching a company built to empower brokers, Chris shares how a deep understanding of healthcare and a passion for solving real problems led him to create one of the most promising platforms in the benefits space.

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! Alisha Pequeno, Head of Distribution and Broker Partnerships at Zurich North America, joins co-host Ben Markland to share leadership lessons from the carrier side. She discusses building strong partnerships, leading with authenticity, and creating a culture that drives growth. Tune in for practical insights to help you lead, adapt, and build lasting success.

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! What happens when the uniform comes off—but the mission isn't over? Army veteran and entrepreneur Adam Peters joins co-host Casey Combest to talk life after service, rebuilding identity, and leading with authenticity. From combat zones to boardrooms, Adam shares how discipline, vulnerability, and purpose helped him launch Stronghold—a thriving community supporting veterans in transition. This episode is packed with leadership insights for anyone navigating change, redefining success, or learning to lead from who they truly are.  

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! In this engaging episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, co-host Ben Markland welcomes Warren Laird, a seasoned leader in the insurance and vision care industry. With nearly three decades at VSP Vision Care, Warren shares invaluable insights on leadership, company loyalty, and fostering a workplace culture that stands the test of time. We explore the key lessons he's learned throughout his career and how they apply to today's ever-evolving business landscape.

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! In this episode, Co-host Casey Combest opens today's episode with Luke Aslesen, Founder of INFRMD, a leader in revolutionizing how employees engage with their benefits. Luke shares his fresh approach to simplifying complex insurance concepts and discusses innovative programs like Benefits Boot Camp, designed to transform employee education in the industry.

In this special episode, Ryan shares heartfelt gratitude for the team that made it all possible and introduces two new co-hosts: Casey Combest and Ben Markland. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and fresh energy, poised to add even greater depth to the ILP. Listeners will hear about exciting updates for the new season, including a revamped format with dynamic Q&A sessions, an impressive lineup of guest speakers, and an enhanced focus on audience interaction.

Join us as we reflect on an incredible year of growth and insights. From leadership lessons with a former Secret Service leader to game-changing innovations in AI and industry expertise, 2024 was transformative. Celebrate the milestones, gratitude, and inspiration as we look ahead to a bright future!

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! In this episode, host Ryan Eaton sits down with Mark Lampen, founder of Health Insurance Specialists, a Missouri-based general agency known for its exceptional service and specialized approach. Mark shares his journey from starting in insurance right out of college to building a successful small agency focused on quality over quantity. He discusses the benefits of specialization, the importance of relationship building, and how staying hands-on with brokers and clients has helped him thrive in an industry filled with larger competitors. Join us to hear Mark's insights on the unique strengths that small agencies bring to the insurance world!

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! In this episode, Ryan Eaton talks with Mikel Cook, owner of The Cook Group Inc., about his 25-year journey in the insurance industry. Mikel discusses his transition from Blue Cross Blue Shield to founding his own general agency in Dallas, Texas, and reflects on 15 years as a general agent, highlighting the challenges and successes of running a small GA in a market dominated by larger corporations.

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! I'm Ryan Eaton, and today we have an outstanding guest. Joining us is Suril Kantaria, Co-founder of Adaptional, a visionary leader who's made waves in both insurance and tech. From his days as student body president at Dartmouth to founding and scaling Savvy, and even contributing at Twitter under Elon Musk, Suril has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible.

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Ryan Eaton. In this episode, we chat with Richard Lett, CEO of LeClair Group, who has an intriguing background that spans from serving in the British Secret Service to leading an FMO in the insurance industry. Tune in to uncover Richard's unique journey and gain insights on leadership, risk management, and the importance of relationships in business.

In Episode 40 of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, Ryan Eaton welcomes Brendan McLoughlin, President and Chief Marketing Officer at e123. Brendan shares his extensive experience in the healthcare industry, innovative approaches to distribution, and the impact of technology and AI on business processes.

This episode features a chat with industry veteran Tom Dimmer, who has 37 years of experience and Vice President Business Development with Renaissance Life and Health. Tom shares his extensive knowledge of distribution, focusing on how to effectively get carriers, plans, and rates on various platforms and exchanges. The conversation spans a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of individual and group markets to the importance of adapting to different distribution channels.

In this Insurance Leadership Podcast episode, host, Ryan Eaton and Chad Hogan discuss Quotit's transformative impact on carriers and the insurance landscape. Chad shares Quotit's role in streamlining enrollment processes and highlights technology's importance in insurance. They explore AI-driven analytics, automation for brokers, and improved data exchange standards. Discover how Quotit is reshaping the industry for a more efficient and consumer-centric experience. Tune in at www.insuranceleadershippodcast.com.

Our latest Insurance Leadership Podcast embarks on an illuminating journey through the intricate landscape of insurance product development. A treasure trove of insights from industry trailblazers on pivotal topics like distribution strategies, visionary leadership, and product development can be found in the second of five mini-series episodes. Join host Ryan Eaton as he explores the minds of two distinguished guests: Marc Flood, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Crum & Forster and Bryan Krul, Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Crum & Forster.     Tune in for valuable takeaways on strategic adaptation and more. To learn more about leadership skills visit us at www.insuranceleadershippodcast.com

Welcome to the Insurance Leadership Podcast, where industry leaders navigate challenges and embrace innovation for growth. Join host Ryan Eaton in a conversation with Kyle Dietz, Senior VP of Sales for Healthcare.com, as they explore leadership insights and industry trends. Tune in for valuable takeaways on strategic adaptation and more.

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore into the unique leadership dynamics between a father and son in the health insurance industry. Rick Eaton, the Chief Operating Officer, and his son, Ryan Eaton, the Head of Broker Services Division and Chief Marketing Officer, share their experiences navigating family relationships while holding key positions in the company.

In this month's installment, host Ryan Eaton revisits the standout moments from each guest speaker's episode throughout the year. Each speaker offered a unique perspective on thought leadership in the dynamically evolving insurance industry, covering a spectrum of topics from acquisitions to technology. As we look back at these insightful snippets, we eagerly anticipate a more inspiring year ahead in 2024.  

On today's Insurance Leadership Podcast, we discussed Part 2 of the episode 'Ryan Eaton In the Leader's Chair' with host Casey Combest. As we continued our conversation with Ryan, we gained invaluable insight into key leadership strategies within the insurance industry.

In this episode, join Ryan Eaton as he becomes both the host and guest. Casey Combest, producer for the Insurance Leadership Podcast, sits down with Ryan for this special episode. Listen to Ryan and Casey as they discuss the intricacies of leadership, personal development, secrets of effective communication, team engagement, and the art of decision-making. Check out our website at www.insuranceleadershippodcast.com for bonus content.    

In this episode, Ryan and Chad explore the invaluable benefits that Quotit brings to carriers in the insurance landscape. Chad Hogan, with his wealth of experience, walks us through the efficiency of electronic enrollment. He sheds light on how Quotit has streamlined the enrollment process for both consumers and agents. As the president of Quotit, Chad delves into crucial aspects such as pricing models, implementation strategies, and the significance of building strong partnerships in the insurance ecosystem. The conversation is a deep dive into Quotit's innovative approach, emphasizing the delivery of clean data and a seamless experience for agents and consumers alike. Tune in as Chad Hogan shares his expertise and unveils Quotit's approach to enrollment that is reshaping the insurance industry. For more episodes visit us at www.insuranceleadershippodcast.com

Welcome to the Insurance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Ryan Eaton. In this week's episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, we are joined by Eric Silverman, a prominent figure and catalyst for change in the realm of enhanced employee-funded benefits. Eric's expertise and innovative approach have significantly impacted the insurance industry. He provides a fresh perspective on employer benefits and marketing strategies that will challenge conventional thinking. During the podcast, Eric engages in a conversation with Ryan about his journey into the insurance industry, which began after his college graduation. This experience has played a pivotal role in shaping the life he leads today. He delves into his unique business model, which he developed in response to identified gaps within the insurance market. Eric also emphasizes his philosophy on renaming voluntary benefits to better convey their value to employees. Additionally, he sheds light on the crucial elements of effective marketing for insurance products. This episode promises a wealth of insights that will reshape your understanding of insurance and benefits. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from Eric Silverman's perspective on the Insurance Leadership Podcast.

Welcome to the Insurance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Ryan Eaton. Today's episode showcases Bobby Harrington, a renowned author, and CEO of Rubicon COA. Harrington shares valuable insights on leadership, drawing from his diverse background in college football, the Marines, and years of corporate leadership in Fortune 500 companies. His latest book, "Lead You," places a strong emphasis on the importance of self-leadership. Through personal experiences such as surviving in the Philippines and working with college athletes, Harrington illustrates how these diverse experiences contribute to personal growth as a leader. He emphasizes the power of practicing and refining skills through self-leadership while acknowledging that certain leadership traits are inherent. Throughout the conversation, Harrington sheds light on the demanding nature of leadership and emphasizes the significant role that self-leadership plays in attaining success.

We extend a warm welcome to our esteemed guest speakers, David White and Rick Holmes, as they grace the platform of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Ryan Eaton. Together, they embark on an enlightening discussion centered around the groundbreaking InPocket Plan Health Insurance Supplement by Morgan White Group.  In their enlightening dialogue, Holmes and White shed light on a critical issue plaguing countless individuals: the struggle to afford essential healthcare due to exorbitant out-of-pocket costs and burdensome deductibles. Drawing attention to a staggering statistic revealing that more than 60% of Americans have less than a thousand dollars in their bank accounts, they emphasize the pressing need for a solution.

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Sam Dogen, author of Buy This Not That and a seasoned professional with a background in investment banking and Wall Street. Today, Sam shares his expertise with Ryan Eaton, as they delve into the intricacies of business management, personal finance, and the current state of the economy. With a focus on practical tips and strategies, they discuss how to navigate the challenges of a volatile market and position oneself for success both personally and professionally. Whether you are a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply looking to improve your financial literacy, this episode offers valuable insights and principles to live by. So, sit back, relax, and tune in to the Insurance Leadership Podcast.  

This month, Ryan Eaton welcomes Spencer Smith to talk about creating a podcast and self-funding. Spencer Smith, dubbed the Stop Loss Guru, is the SVP of Consultant Development of Pareto Health. After years of figuring out his place in the insurance industry, Smith has found himself doing RFP software for insurance brokers, creating a single-record system for brokers. But RFPs can wait! Today, Smith brings about some practical business advice: self-funded plans, the value of podcasting, and how you may want to build your brand. Tune in for this incredibly helpful, easy-to-digest conversation with Spencer Smith on the Insurance Leadership Podcast.

This month, Ryan Eaton welcomes Tripp Douglas to talk about advertising, branding, and marketing for your company's external and internal communications. Tripp Douglas operates as a Chief Communications Officer, coffee shop owner, and graphic design company's Creative Director. Through his diverse roles over the years, Tripp has learned a lot. Through it all, he has continuously led with an entrepreneurial spirit and drive. With such a diverse business background, Douglas offers a rare, holistic insight into business communication strategy. He provides tips on different advertising approaches, how to better balance respective channels, and much more on this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast.

Great leadership extends to every part of our life: our business, our relationships, and our families. Ryan and Lee Smith discuss just that. Lee is a pastor as well as the Founder & Clinical Director of Cornerstone Counseling. He knows all too well about the balancing act of navigating work and family and has some incredible tips for how to do so with grace. Get tips for managing expectations, navigating family tensions, and letting intention become your friend. You won't want to miss this important episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast.

Joey Havens, author of Leading with Significance, has worked with a Mississippi CPA firm called HORNE for almost 40 years. In his book and on today's podcast, Havens jumps into building company culture. He outlines ways that organizations can avoid burnout, address conflict, and grow into a better overall team. While he lands in the accounting arena, Havens provides a birds-eye-view on principles every insurance leader needs to have in their arsenal.  If you could glean wisdom on topics like leadership or have questions about what it looks like to practically lead a team, you cannot miss this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast.

In this month's episode, host Ryan Eaton revisits the most memorable snippets from each guest speaker's episode this year. Each speaker brought a different perspective of thought leadership in the ever-transforming insurance industry addressing a wide range of topics from acquisitions to technology.

On this episode, Careington International's Greg Rudisill joins Ryan Eaton on the Insurance Leadership Podcast. Rudisill has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, leading him to his current role as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. He joins the podcast today to talk about just that– business partnerships. Rudisill talks about the importance of connection, how to begin strategic partnerships, and what it looks like to build lasting relationships. Join us for another fascinating episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast to tag along with Greg Rudisill as he dives into the great insurance industry.

David White and Rick Eaton are, respectively, the CEO and COO of Morgan White Group. In this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, White and Eaton share wisdom from their experience growing an insurance company. These two men have witnessed Morgan White Group's beginnings and recall the early years of struggle and loss. However, they also discuss what they learned, how they moved forward, and how they grew from $2 million to $100 million. From business decision-making to higher callings, White and Eaton share the experiences that shaped them personally as men and holistically as a company. You don't want to miss this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast as we join Ryan in gleaning great wisdom from trailblazers of the industry.

In this month's episode, Ryan Eaton welcomes Cabe Chadick. Cabe is the President and Managing Principal at Lewis & Ellis Actuaries and Consultants in Dallas, Texas. As a product developer and accident and health insurance analyst, he shares insights on product development. 

Drew Shockley is the Senior Vice President of Training and Development for EverQuote, an online insurance marketplace founded in 2011, and he joins the Insurance Leadership Podcast to share his story about his involvement in the insurance industry which dates as far back as his teenage years. However, having the success he's had, Shockley shares his take on topics like leadership, acquisitions, and salesmanship. What does it even mean to have a “selling mindset”? How do you grow your company in an acquisition? How do top-of-the-line leaders actually do it? If you've found yourself intrigued, join us on this episode of the Insurance Leadership to hear more about Drew Shockley and his input on the insurance industry.

Chris Howard is the Head of the North American Market for Zurich, a multi-national insurance company spanning over 50,000 employees. With his experience in such a large company, Howard came for today's episode to talk about how big corporations take products to market.  In one of the top 10 largest insurance companies, how do you maintain relevancy and consistency? How should a company diversify products for a globalized approach? Howard dives into the ins and outs of what large-scale insurance companies implement in order to run smoothly. If you have these questions or more, you won't want to miss this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast.

Rick Holmes is the founder and president of Lake Shore Benefits in Birmingham, Alabama. At age 24, Holmes started his own insurance agency dealing with disability and life insurance. However, over the years, he expanded outward and upward into the spaces of health, dental, vision, and the list goes on. Commanding a fleet of his own doesn't come without its challenges, though. On this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, Holmes breaks down the ins and outs of starting your own agency. From humble beginnings, he walks through the different facets of his journey to hopefully help someone trying to start their own humble beginnings from forming an LLC and cold calling to opening an office space. You won't want to miss this insider wisdom. Tune in to this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, and soak in the invaluable knowledge Rick Holmes brings to the table.

James Benham is the co-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge and is back today for Part 2 of his original conversation with Ryan. Diving into the topics of machine learning and blockchain usage in the insurance industry, Benham gives us a broader scope of understanding of how the future may look. From new encryption technology to predictive analytics, you won't want to miss this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast.

On this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, Ryan is excited to welcome James Benham, CEO, and Co-founder of JBKnowledge to break down how artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are at the forefront of modern insurance. With 25 years of insurance software experience, James has made incredible strides on the technological side of our industry. He explains how insurance tech innovations are the key to being successful in a growing business. 

In this month's episode, host Ryan Eaton revisits the most memorable snippets from each guest speaker's episode this season. Each speaker brought a different perspective of thought leadership in the ever-transforming insurance industry addressing a wide range of topics from acquisitions to technology. 

CEO of Amwins Connect, Becky Patel joins the podcast this month to talk about overcoming the enemies of growth. While growth is great, it can be hard to keep the forward momentum year over year. Becky has experienced this herself and shares her perspective on how to manage growth and prevent plateaus.

Eugene Starks joins the podcast to discuss his role as President of NAHU and how his leadership lessons have guided him through his career. From his role, Eugene is able to offer the podcast a new perspective on the future of the insurance industry.

Ryan Eaton dives into the very vital topic of self-leadership. In an ever-changing environment of balancing work, family. and faith, how do leaders learn to be both personally successful and interpersonally followable?

This episode's guest, Jim Ballew, is the President of 90 Degrees Benefits based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Whereas in previous episodes Ryan covers a large range of topics with guests, he largely focuses on Jim's experience with servant leadership.

Mike Sullivan, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Office at OneDigital, joins the podcast to discuss his outlook on the insurance industry and specifically, how his team at OneDigital identifies growth potential through agency acquisitions and other business decisions.

Greg Hatcher, owner of the Hatcher Agency, joins the podcast to talk about his experience starting an insurance agency and turning it into the top performing agency in Arkansas for 30 straight years. 

Sharon Alford, current VP of Director to Consumer & Individual plans at VSP joins the podcast to discuss the current technology landscape in the insurance industry and the race to build an all in one system or a "unicorn". As a leader in technology and innovation in the insurance field, Sharon shares her wealth of knowledge with host Ryan Eaton. 

Jude Thompson- current President/CEO of Delta Dental of KY and Game on Mouth Guards joins the podcast to talk about using blue ocean strategies in the world of business. He also touches on his previous leadership experience as Co-CEO of Papa Johns during his conversation with host Ryan Eaton.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with American National Insurance Company's Health Division Vice President, Larry Hiwiller, to pick his brain on characteristics that make up a great salesperson. Along with his advice on successfully managing a sales team, Larry goes into detail on the six characteristics he believes lead to success in sales.

David White, CEO of the Morgan White Group, joins the podcast to discuss his experience being a leader in the insurance field over the past 30 years. He goes over his three types of leaders, as well as advice that has been instrumental to his success.

In this podcast, Ryan identifies the need for leaders to cast a vision so their team has a clear direction to push forward.  He also explains how leaders don't have to know every outcome, as long as they have a clear purpose.