Podcasts about independent agency

Big change isn't always the answer. Shane and Tonya break down how small, strategic adjustments can create a massive impact on your agency. From tweaking processes to rethinking priorities, learn how to stay nimble, lead with clarity, and build momentum one micro move at a time. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Great ideas don't build successful agencies, action does! Shane and Tonya discuss why taking big swings (and sometimes missing) is the only way to truly grow. From overcoming analysis paralysis to tuning out the noise of social media “experts,” they share real-life stories and practical advice for agency owners ready to stop overthinking and start swinging for the fences. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya tackle the cultural obsession with busyness and unpack why a full calendar doesn't always equal fulfillment. From personal stories to leadership lessons, they explore how agency owners can shift from hustle mode to healthy balance without sacrificing success. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya tee off with a conversation about what The Masters can teach us about agency ownership. From Rory McIlroy's daughter reminding him, “You already know how to play golf,” to recognizing the value of your own strengths and systems, this episode is about presence, persistence, and trusting yourself.  IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss the rise of insurance influencers, the pressure to chase visibility over sustainability, and the challenge of rethinking your agency's direction to create a business that aligns with your goals and works for you. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Resilience isn't just a word, it's a way of showing up when things get tough. In this episode, Shane and Tonya dive into what resilience really looks like in the independent agency world, why relationships matter more than ever, and how honest conversations can move your business forward. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya talk AI in the independent insurance channel with special guests Chad Jackson and Justin White of Strawberry Antler. From automating quoting to solving real agency problems, they explore how AI can transform the way small and midsize agencies operate, why AI isn't as intimidating as it sounds, and how it can turn efficiency into opportunity. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Excess and surplus lines (E&S) can open up new opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Shane and Tonya break down the common fumbles agents make, share how to avoid costly mistakes, decide when to say no, and discuss how build the processes that make E&S business work for your agency. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

This Day in Legal History: Civilian Conservation Corps Created by FDROn this day in legal history, March 31, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Senate Bill S. 598, creating the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his sweeping New Deal agenda. The CCC was a rapid-response effort to the economic devastation of the Great Depression, designed to provide immediate employment to young, unemployed men. Within weeks of its creation, the program began enrolling thousands, ultimately putting over 3 million men to work during its nine-year run.The CCC operated under the Department of Labor, War Department, and Department of Agriculture, reflecting its blend of social welfare, environmental stewardship, and federal coordination. Workers were paid $30 per month, $25 of which was sent home to support their families—a vital lifeline during a time of widespread poverty. Projects included reforestation, flood control, soil erosion prevention, and the construction of trails and facilities in national and state parks.Legally, the CCC represented an expansion of federal authority into economic and environmental realms, and it raised constitutional questions about the scope of executive power during peacetime. While the Supreme Court would later strike down some New Deal programs, the CCC escaped judicial invalidation, in part due to its voluntary nature and its framing as a public works program rather than a federal jobs guarantee.The CCC's legal structure helped shape future federal employment and environmental programs, and it laid the groundwork for later conservation efforts like the Soil Conservation Service and aspects of the Environmental Protection Agency. March 31, 1933, thus marks not just the birth of a New Deal agency, but a foundational moment in the legal history of federal labor and environmental law.The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case brought by the Catholic Charities Bureau, a nonprofit linked to the Catholic Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin, seeking a religious exemption from the state's unemployment insurance tax. The group, along with four of its subsidiaries, argues that the state's denial of the exemption violates the First Amendment's protections for religious freedom and church autonomy. Wisconsin law allows such exemptions only for organizations "operated primarily for religious purposes," a standard the state Supreme Court ruled the charities failed to meet due to their primarily secular social service work.The Catholic Charities Bureau, founded in 1917, provides services like job placement and home visits for people with disabilities but does not require employees or service recipients to be Catholic. After one of its affiliates was granted an exemption in a separate case, the Bureau and other affiliates sought similar treatment in 2016. The Wisconsin Supreme Court's 2024 decision upheld the tax requirement, stating the group's activities were charitable rather than religious.The case has broader implications for how courts distinguish between religious and secular work, with critics warning that a ruling in favor of the charities could allow large religiously affiliated organizations to bypass many government regulations, jeopardizing benefits for hundreds of thousands of workers. The decision is expected by the end of June. The Court is also set to hear a related case on April 30 concerning a proposed taxpayer-funded religious charter school in Oklahoma.US Supreme Court to hear Catholic group's bid for Wisconsin unemployment tax exemption | ReutersCatholic Charities Case Poised to Shape Religious Tax ExemptionsTwo federal judges have temporarily blocked major parts of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump targeting law firms Jenner & Block and WilmerHale, which had been involved in legal efforts against his administration. The firms sued the Trump administration, arguing that the orders violated constitutional protections of free expression and due process. U.S. District Judge John Bates criticized Trump's order against Jenner & Block as “reprehensible,” especially for targeting the firm's pro bono work on behalf of immigrants and transgender individuals. He warned the order threatened the firm's existence by aiming to cancel its clients' federal contracts and restrict access to federal facilities and courts.In a separate ruling, Judge Richard Leon blocked similar provisions in the order against WilmerHale, calling it retaliatory and a threat to the public interest and justice system. However, he allowed a clause suspending the firm's security clearances to stand. Trump has signed orders targeting five law firms to date, and several—including Perkins Coie—have already challenged them in court with partial success.Meanwhile, law firms Skadden Arps and Paul Weiss reached deals with the White House to avoid being targeted. Skadden agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono legal work and implement merit-based hiring, while Paul Weiss pledged $40 million toward mutually agreed causes. The executive orders mainly cited the firms' past involvement in investigations into Trump, especially the Mueller probe. Critics argue the orders are politically motivated attempts to punish opposition and intimidate legal advocates.Judges block Trump orders targeting two law firms as Skadden cuts deal | ReutersTwo labor agency officials fired by President Donald Trump—Gwynne Wilcox of the National Labor Relations Board and Cathy Harris of the Merit Systems Protection Board—will not be immediately reinstated, following a decision by a divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The court declined to pause its earlier order that temporarily blocked lower court rulings which had reinstated the officials. Judges Karen Henderson and Justin Walker sided with the administration, while Judge Patricia Millett dissented.This legal battle tests the limits of presidential authority to remove officials from independent agencies, despite statutory protections meant to insulate them from political pressure. While trial courts previously ruled the firings were unlawful, the appeals court has halted those decisions from taking effect for now. The panel's latest order did not include an explanation of its reasoning.Wilcox and Harris may still ask the full D.C. Circuit to reconsider the panel's ruling, but Sunday's denial of an administrative stay could influence their next steps. Meanwhile, a broader decision on whether Congress can limit the president's power to fire certain agency officials is expected to be taken up in oral arguments scheduled for May 16. The issue could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court, given its potential to reshape the balance of power between the executive branch and independent federal agencies.Fired Agency Officials Lose Attempt at Immediate ReinstatementFrench antitrust regulators fined Apple €150 million (about $162.4 million) for abusing its dominant market position through its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) tool, marking the first time any regulator has penalized the company over this feature. The ATT tool, introduced by Apple on iPhones and iPads, allows users to control which apps can track their activity. While Apple framed it as a privacy measure, digital advertisers and mobile gaming companies argued it made advertising more difficult and disproportionately impacted smaller publishers reliant on third-party data.The French Competition Authority found that while privacy protection is a legitimate goal, Apple's implementation of ATT was neither necessary nor proportionate and unfairly favored its own services. The decision followed complaints from several advertising and media associations, who hailed the ruling as a major win for their industries.Despite the fine, Apple is not currently required to change the tool's design. However, regulators emphasized that it is Apple's responsibility to ensure compliance going forward. Apple, expressing disappointment with the decision, noted that investigations into ATT are ongoing in other European countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania.Apple hit with $162 million French antitrust fine over privacy tool | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

When Southwest Airlines starts charging for checked bags, it's more than a policy change; it's a brand identity crisis. Shane and Tonya discuss how staying true to your agency's unique strengths, rather than chasing trends or comparisons, is the key to long-term success and avoiding burnout. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

In 2024, The Odd Number won the prestigious Loeries Independent Agency of the year award. Founded by Sbu Sitole and his partner and childhood friend Xola Nouse this agency has worked and shaped some of the leading brands in just a space of 10 years. Sbu and I reflect on his journey, the journey of The Odd Number, and the work they have managed to execute in the industry. Sbu Sitole is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Director of The Odd Number, South Africa's Agency of the year 2017 and 2019 respectively. Since it's founding in 2015, The Odd Number has consistently won awards in all South Africa's major award shows including The Creative Circle, the Loeries Awards, as well as the Pendorings Awards - most recently ranked 2nd most awarded agency to feature in the show. In 2018, Sbu was voted most admired Executive Creative Director in Johannesburg, and second most admired Executive Creative Director in South Africa 2019, in a local poll amongst South African Creative leaders. Most recently The Odd Number won its first 4 One Show Merits, becoming the first 100% Black Owned Agency to ever garner this accolade. The Odd Number, is currently at second place in the Creative Circle Rankings. Sbu has recently been appointed as Chairman of the Loeries Africa Middle East, as well as judged major international award shows including The Cannes Lions, The Dubai Lynx as Jury President and The One Show Awards.

The U.S. Institute for Peace announced Monday that despite being independent of the executive branch and controlling its own building and the land it sits on, their objections to members of Elon Musk's DOGE team trespassing in their building were overridden by D.C. police. That came after an earlier confrontation in which DOGE was accompanied by the FBI. Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, who is suing the U.S. Marshals for information on DOGE after a similar raid, joins to discuss the unprecedented nature of DOGE leveraging the threat of armed law enforcement against another part of the government.

What if the real key to success is JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out)? Shane and Tonya break down how to stay focused, make intentional decisions, and let your business serve you—rather than the other way around. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Feeling frustrated with the lack of control in the insurance industry? Shane and Toya discuss how independent agents can move beyond frustration and take action. From carrier councils to industry advocacy, learn how to create real change for your agency and the industry. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

The best way to connect with clients is through storytelling, not by being boring or overly technical. Shane and Tonya discuss into the power of 60-second stories that turn real-life lessons into personal, memorable, and successful sales moments.  IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Does agency size determine success? Shane and Tonya break down the challenges of scaling, the myths around agency size, and why success isn't one-size-fits-all. In this special anniversary episode, they reflect back on lessons learned over the last three years on IA Forward, and what it really takes to build an agency that works for you long-term. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

This Day in Legal History: First Formal Anti-slavery Resolution in American HistoryOn February 18, 1688, a group of Quakers in Germantown, Pennsylvania, drafted the first formal anti-slavery resolution in American history. Addressed to their local monthly meeting, the document condemned the practice of slavery and argued that it was incompatible with Christian teachings. The authors—Garret Henderich, Derick op de Graeff, Francis Daniel Pastorius, and Abram op de Graeff—compared enslaving Africans to the feared practice of Christian captives being taken by Turkish pirates. They pointed out the hypocrisy of Quakers, who sought religious freedom for themselves while denying liberty to others. The resolution questioned whether Christians had the moral right to enslave others based on race and emphasized the Golden Rule: treating others as one would want to be treated. It also warned of the possibility that enslaved people might eventually resist their oppression, raising the moral dilemma of whether their masters would then take up arms against them. The document urged Quakers to reconsider their complicity in slavery and to recognize the dignity and humanity of all people. Though the resolution was not immediately adopted by the broader Quaker community, it laid the groundwork for the abolitionist movement within the Society of Friends. Over time, Quakers became some of the most outspoken opponents of slavery in America. The Germantown protest stands as an early and courageous call for justice, foreshadowing the larger struggle for human rights that would unfold in the centuries to come.The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to lift a judge's order blocking the removal of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel, as litigation over his firing continues. Dellinger, appointed by former President Biden, was informed of his dismissal on February 7, but he sued, arguing that Trump lacked the authority to remove him without cause. Federal law allows the Special Counsel to be dismissed only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.On February 12, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued a temporary restraining order reinstating Dellinger, stating that his firing violated legal job protections. The Justice Department, calling the ruling an attack on presidential authority, argues that courts should not dictate whom the president retains in his administration. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the administration's appeal, deeming it premature.This case may set an important precedent for Trump's broader efforts to reshape the federal government by removing independent agency heads. It follows a pattern of dismissals, including Trump's recent firing of 17 inspectors general without explanation. The Special Counsel's Office plays a crucial role in protecting whistleblowers and enforcing restrictions on political activity among federal employees.Trump administration turns to US Supreme Court in bid to fire agency head | ReutersPresident Donald Trump announced he will nominate Edward Martin for a full term as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Martin, currently serving in an interim capacity, has drawn controversy for his past legal work. He previously represented individuals charged in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and recently sought to drop charges against a defendant he once defended.Martin was also present outside the Capitol during the attack and has criticized the Justice Department's handling of the prosecutions. His nomination requires Senate approval, and ethical concerns have been raised about his involvement in cases related to former clients. Justice Department rules typically require attorneys to recuse themselves from such cases for at least a year.Trump, on his first day back in office, granted clemency to nearly all of the 1,600 people charged in connection with the riot. Martin's nomination is expected to face scrutiny due to his past legal advocacy for those involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 election.Trump to nominate top prosecutor Martin for permanent term as US attorney for DC | ReutersA former business development manager is suing Reed Smith LLP for at least $50,000 in unpaid overtime, claiming the firm misclassified her as a manager to avoid paying her for excessive work hours. Phoebe Medeiros filed the lawsuit in California state court, alleging she regularly worked 90-hour weeks, sometimes in shifts as long as 36 hours, despite official timesheets reflecting a standard 40-hour workweek.Medeiros, who transferred to Reed Smith's Southern California office in 2022, says she primarily worked under the direct instructions of partner Mark Pedretti, preparing business pitch materials and relaying information, rather than functioning as a true manager. Pedretti, who is not named as a defendant, has not commented on the lawsuit.Reed Smith has not responded to requests for comment, and neither Medeiros nor her attorneys from The Rutten Law Firm have provided statements. Medeiros has since left the firm and now works at Freshfields. The case, Medeiros v. Reed Smith, LLP, is being heard in California Superior Court for Los Angeles County.Reed Smith Sued by Business Development Manager for Overtime PayAnd in my column for Bloomberg Tax this week, I pitch the idea of tax-abatement bridge loans for office conversions. Post-pandemic, cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington are struggling to revitalize commercial districts, with tax abatements for office-to-residential conversions proving ineffective because they only apply after project completion. Instead of making developers wait years to benefit, states should allow them to borrow against future tax savings through upfront, low-interest bridge loans—essentially restructuring the incentive rather than creating a new subsidy.  With record-high office vacancies and persistent housing shortages, conversions make obvious policy sense. However, they remain slow due to high costs and the difficulty of securing favorable loans in the current interest rate environment. Existing tax incentives only kick in post-construction, forcing developers to front conversion costs while facing uncertainty about future property tax rates. A bridge loan program secured by future abatements would mitigate this risk by locking in tax savings at financing, providing developers with stable, immediate capital.  The model would work through a public-private partnership: states would calculate future tax savings, commercial banks would underwrite low-interest loans secured by those abatements, and developers would repay the loans using the redirected tax breaks. Because funds would be deployed in phases based on project milestones, states wouldn't be on the hook for speculative projects that never materialize. Unlike grants or new subsidies, this wouldn't cost taxpayers beyond existing abatements, which are currently underutilized due to their delayed structure.  This approach should appeal across the political spectrum—expanding housing supply without direct handouts to developers satisfies progressive concerns, while a self-financing mechanism aligns with fiscal conservatism. Similar models have worked elsewhere, such as Wisconsin's senior housing loan program and widely used tax increment financing districts. Given the scale of the housing crisis, cities can't afford to wait—tax-backed bridge loans offer a practical fix to a well-documented problem. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

This Day in Legal History: Judiciary Act of 1801On February 13, 1801, the U.S. Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1801, a controversial law that reshaped the federal court system. Enacted in the final days of John Adams' presidency, the Act reduced the number of Supreme Court justices from six to five and created sixteen new federal judgeships. It also eliminated the justices' duty to "ride circuit" by establishing separate circuit courts with their own judges. The law expanded federal jurisdiction, making it easier for creditors to bring cases in federal courts and granting them broader enforcement powers. Federalists, who controlled Congress at the time, saw this as a way to strengthen the judiciary before Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson took office.Adams quickly filled the newly created judgeships with Federalist allies, leading to accusations of court-packing and what became known as the "Midnight Judges" scandal. Jefferson and his party viewed the Act as an illegitimate attempt to entrench Federalist power in the judiciary. In 1802, the newly elected Republican-majority Congress repealed the Act, effectively undoing the judicial restructuring. This marked one of the first major political battles over the structure and independence of the federal courts. It also set the stage for future conflicts over judicial appointments and reforms.The Judiciary Act of 1801 played a key role in shaping the relationship between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It demonstrated how shifts in political power could influence the courts and foreshadowed later debates over judicial authority. The controversy surrounding the Act also contributed to the landmark 1803 case Marbury v. Madison, in which Chief Justice John Marshall established the principle of judicial review. This episode remains a crucial moment in American legal history, illustrating the judiciary's evolving role in government.Cathy Harris, a Democratic appointee to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), has sued President Trump over her removal from office, arguing that the firing was unlawful. Trump also dismissed Ray Limon, the board's vice chair, and replaced Harris with Republican Henry Kerner as acting chair. The MSPB, an independent agency, hears appeals from federal workers who are fired or disciplined—a role that could become crucial as Trump pushes to shrink the federal workforce.Harris argues that her removal violates legal protections for independent agency officials, citing the Supreme Court's 1935 ruling in Humphrey's Executor v. United States, which limits a president's ability to fire certain officials without cause. Trump's decision to involve Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency in identifying federal job cuts adds urgency to the case. The lawsuit is part of a broader legal battle, as Gwynne Wilcox, another Democratic official fired from the National Labor Relations Board, has filed a similar claim.A hearing is set for Thursday before U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras, where Harris is seeking a temporary restraining order to regain her position. The White House defends Trump's authority to remove officials, setting up a potential Supreme Court fight over presidential power and the future of independent agencies.Member of US government employee appeals board sues over Trump firing | ReutersA federal court in Massachusetts has implemented new rules to curb "judge shopping" as lawsuits against President Trump's policies continue to mount. Chief U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor issued an order requiring that cases seeking to block federal laws or policies be randomly assigned across the entire district, preventing litigants from filing in single-judge courthouses in Springfield and Worcester to secure favorable rulings.This move aligns with a 2024 U.S. Judicial Conference policy aimed at discouraging strategic case filings, a practice criticized when conservatives challenged Democratic policies in Texas courts with Republican-appointed judges. Massachusetts, a frequent battleground for legal challenges to Trump's agenda, has seen its judges temporarily block his administration's efforts on government employee buyouts, research funding cuts, and prison transfers for transgender individuals.With most of Massachusetts' federal judges appointed by Democratic presidents, the concern was that plaintiffs could manipulate the system by filing in small courthouses with sympathetic judges. While some federal districts have adopted similar rules, others, including in Texas, have resisted. The issue remains contentious, with Senate Republicans and some conservative judges opposing the policy as unnecessary judicial interference.Massachusetts federal court curbs 'judge shopping' as Trump lawsuits mount | ReutersThe explosive growth of Bitcoin has brought with it a significant environmental toll, with mining now consuming up to 2.6% of U.S. electricity and producing emissions comparable to entire nations. Bitcoin's proof-of-work (PoW) system relies on energy-intensive mining, straining electrical grids, driving up prices, and using vast amounts of water for cooling. Despite these concerns, states like Texas have embraced miners, offering low-cost energy and deregulated markets.The Trump administration's January 2025 executive order on digital assets calls for “responsible growth,” but it remains unclear whether sustainability will be a priority. The order could enable states to integrate eco-friendly policies, such as tax incentives for green mining or licensing tied to renewable energy use. Addressing crypto's environmental impact could also be framed as an issue of energy independence and national security, potentially making it more politically viable.A carbon tax on PoW mining could be one way to push the industry toward cleaner energy, though it would be a tough sell under a deregulatory GOP administration. However, some conservatives, including economist Art Laffer, have supported carbon taxation in the past. If Bitcoin miners want to avoid future crackdowns, they may need to adopt sustainability measures before stricter policies are imposed. Whether the executive order leads to real change remains uncertain, but the environmental costs of crypto mining are only growing.Bitcoin's Boom Comes With Corresponding Booming Environmental Costs This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Tonya is joined by Kristyn Klaes and Kylie Lowery to explore the power of personalization in the insurance industry, strategies for making every client interaction meaningful, and setting your agency apart from the competition. They discuss how building genuine relationships with clients leads to long-term loyalty, stronger retention, and increased trust—especially in a challenging market. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya explore what it takes to thrive through challenges, from navigating a hard market to managing client expectation, and reveal their Words of the Year for 2025. Tune in for insights on staying steady, pushing forward, and embracing the opportunities that come with adversity.IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya explore the shifting perceptions of financial success, diving into surprising salary and net worth expectations. Listen for insights on building realistic goals, managing "expense creep," and finding true financial fulfillment in business and life. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya kick off the new year by exploring how independent insurance agents can Reflect, Realign, and Reset to set themselves up for success in 2025. They share insights on identifying what's essential, eliminating distractions, and building a strong foundation for intentional growth. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Tommy Means is a Founding Partner & Chief Creative Officer at Mekanism. In his nearly twenty years in the industry, he has created award-winning campaigns for brands including Molson/Coors, Nike, Apple, The North Face, Pepsi, Disney, and 20th Century Fox. Tommy won a Cannes Lion for creating one of the first cannabis commercials. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Tommy Means Tommy Means is a Founding Partner & Chief Creative Officer at Mekanism, a creative advertising agency with offices in San Francisco, New York, and Seattle. Under his creative leadership, Mekanism has been named a Top 10 Most Effective Independent Agency in the US by the Effie Index, and Independent Agency of the Year by The Drum. In his nearly twenty years in the industry, he has created award-winning campaigns for brands including Molson/Coors, Nike, Apple, The North Face, Pepsi, Disney, and 20th Century Fox. Tommy won a Cannes Lion for creating one of the first cannabis commercials with Academy Award-winning director Spike Jonze. From the Show What brand has made Tommy smile recently? Tommy shared a smile from AirBNB. Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn or the Mekanism website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shane and Tonya discuss how carriers are pivoting for growth in 2025 amid shifting market pressures. From the disruptive Geico Effect to renewed focus on auto lines, they explore what these changes mean for independent agents. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya break down Progressive's recent decision to exit the dwelling fire insurance market and explain why it's not the catastrophe some agents fear. They discuss how this move will open new opportunities for homeowner's capacity and give practical advice on adapting to industry changes. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss the potential shift to a softer commercial market and what it means for independent agencies. They explore how a new market cycle can impact growth opportunities and share strategies to stay competitive.  IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Join Shane and Tonya for a special Thanksgiving week episode as they share heartfelt reflections on gratitude, holiday traditions, and the power of building meaningful relationships in business and life. From turkey, dressing, and football rivalries to showing appreciation for carriers and clients, this episode is packed with insights to fuel your agency's success! IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya explore why salespeople often get sold on the next big thing, from spray-painted grass to shiny new software. They share practical strategies for avoiding impulsive decisions, questioning the need for change, and focusing on tools and processes that truly enhance your agency's success. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss venting up, carrier relationships, the danger of falling into lazy selling" habits, and strategies to keep your agency's growth and profitability on track. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

What do a historic Vanderbilt football upset and independent insurance agencies have in common? More than you'd think! In this episode, Shane and Tonya discuss rethinking what it means to be a game changer in the insurance world. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss the social media trend labeling insurance as a "scam," and what insurance professionals can do to educate consumers and change the narrative without fueling unnecessary conflict. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya dive into the realities of hurricane season, discussing how agency owners can lead with empathy during natural disasters, balance the challenges of insurance claims and industry pressures, and offer authentic support to those affected.  IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya discuss the introduction of a new CSR role in Integra's retail agency, and how this three-layered structure can help agencies of all sizes grow more efficiently, improve client retention, and empower your team to focus on what they do best. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya explore how independent insurance agencies can thrive by turning chaos into opportunity. Drawing inspiration from the famous Sun Tzu quote, they discuss strategies for navigating market challenges, managing chaos in both personal and professional life, and finding unexpected opportunities for growth. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Shane and Tonya talk carrier updates and market shifts. Tune in for an episode filled with insights, a bit of speculation, and a dash of gossip on the latest industry trends. IA Forward to can help you take your agency from good to great. Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Jon Jarvis, former director of the U.S. National Park Service and his brother Destry have written a compelling book, National Parks Forever: Fifty Years of Fighting and a Case for Independence.  In the book they argue the case for making the National Park Service an independent agency, similar to the Smithsonian Institution.  In this episode you will hear about their combined 90 years of working to protect national parks and secure the resources necessary to effectively manage the parks.  They will also share how the politicization of the National Parks threaten their future.Jon Jarvis is currently the Chairman of the Board  UC Berkeley Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity.  Destry Jarvis currently serves as the vice president of US/ICOMOS, the US National Committee for the International Council on Monuments and Sites, better known as the World Heritage Program.

Breaking Down Ad Age's A-List 2024 This episode features a discussion between Brian Bonilla (Senior Agency Reporter at Ad Age) and Geno Schellenberger (Comms lead at Havas Chicago), breaking down Ad Age's prestigious A-list of top advertising agencies for 2023. They provide insights into the selection process, emphasizing the list's significance in the industry, including categories like the top 10 agencies, standouts, and the best in specific areas such as agency culture. They highlight notable agencies such as Mischief and Highdive and discuss the impact of receiving this accolade. They dive into the implications for aspiring advertisers, suggesting leveraging this list to learn about and enter the industry. 00:00 Special Episode Alert: The A-List Reveal 02:10 Unveiling the A-List: The Top Agencies of the Year 08:07 Deep Dive into the Top 10 Agencies of 2023 19:13 Exploring the Top 5 Agencies and Their Impact 24:22 Exploring the Success of Goodby and Mischief25:15 The Rise of Mischief: A Deep Dive 26:16 The Story of Greg Han and the Impact of NFA 28:47 Unveiling the Strategy Behind Mischief's Success 32:39 Spotlight on Independent Agency of the Year 36:11 Exploring In-House Agency Excellence with Yeti 43:18 Agency Executive of the Year: A Story of Resilience 48:23 Wrapping Up: The Power of Brand and Agency Recognition

My journey with Rogue Risk taught me valuable lessons, which I'm laying bare for anyone looking to chart a similar course. ✅ Join the Insurance Growth Masterclass: https://masterclass.insure ✅ For daily insights and ideas on peak performance: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_hanley/ ✅ Hire me to speak at your next event: https://ryanhanley.com/speaking ** More about this episode ** Navigating the choppy waters of creating and scaling an insurance agency can feel like setting sail on a vast, unpredictable ocean. From the costly expansion pitfalls to the triumphs of strategic growth, I dissect the aspects that can make or break your venture. By sharing the five pivotal insights that shaped my experience, I hope to arm you with the foresight to sail smoothly towards rapid agency growth, avoiding the stormy seas of hasty decisions and uncharted territories. Harnessing technology and fostering a collaborative team spirit are the twin engines that power any insurance agency's journey forward. Reflecting on the integration of systems like HubSpot, I've learned that complexity isn't always the answer—simplicity in technology often steers the ship toward greater efficiency. If I could turn back the clock, bringing a co-founder or an early team member on board from the start would have been a game-changer, ensuring all hands were on deck to focus on growth and client service. As we anchor our discussion in the realm of marketing strategies and client acquisition, it's clear that the right approach can set you leagues apart from the competition. I pull back the curtain on the transformative power of content marketing, one-call-closes, and the overlooked yet critical client onboarding process. By sharing these personal experiences and lessons learned, my mission is to guide you through the often treacherous waters of agency growth, so you're well-equipped to navigate your way to success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My journey with Rogue Risk taught me valuable lessons, which I'm laying bare for anyone looking to chart a similar course.✅ Join the Insurance Growth Masterclass: https://masterclass.insure✅ For daily insights and ideas on peak performance: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_hanley/✅ Hire me to speak at your next event: https://ryanhanley.com/speaking** More about this episode **Navigating the choppy waters of creating and scaling an insurance agency can feel like setting sail on a vast, unpredictable ocean. From the costly expansion pitfalls to the triumphs of strategic growth, I dissect the aspects that can make or break your venture.By sharing the five pivotal insights that shaped my experience, I hope to arm you with the foresight to sail smoothly towards rapid agency growth, avoiding the stormy seas of hasty decisions and uncharted territories.Harnessing technology and fostering a collaborative team spirit are the twin engines that power any insurance agency's journey forward.Reflecting on the integration of systems like HubSpot, I've learned that complexity isn't always the answer—simplicity in technology often steers the ship toward greater efficiency.If I could turn back the clock, bringing a co-founder or an early team member on board from the start would have been a game-changer, ensuring all hands were on deck to focus on growth and client service.As we anchor our discussion in the realm of marketing strategies and client acquisition, it's clear that the right approach can set you leagues apart from the competition.I pull back the curtain on the transformative power of content marketing, one-call-closes, and the overlooked yet critical client onboarding process. By sharing these personal experiences and lessons learned, my mission is to guide you through the often treacherous waters of agency growth, so you're well-equipped to navigate your way to success.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cooper Colvig is back with this week's guest, Evan Russack Co-Founder and Head of Account and Strategy at WorkInProgress Boulder, Colorado. You might know them best for their work on dominos, but they are doing a ton of Incredible work for so many other amazing brands.  WorkInProgress was named an Ad Age A-List Agency Standout (202), twice recognized by Ad Age's Small Agency Awards (2020, 2022) and shortlisted for Campaign US' Independent Agency of the Year (2023). Cooper and Evan talk about the business savvy that Evan picked up in his childhood, his journey through the world of beer, and building a new agency that has become a powerhouse in Boulder, Colorado. WorkInProgress is another incredible example of how the shops under the flat irons are no joke. 

Shane and Tonya discuss the pros and cons of an established independent agency joining an agency group, what to look for, and the options available.Learn more at iaforward.com, and follow IA Forward to LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Patrick is an Application Security Advisor, Cloud Security Architect, IAM Threat Detection & Response Consultant at Fannie Mae, a leading provider of mortgage financing in the US. He has over 20 years of technology, application security, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, fintech, machine learning, IoT and cyber physical security experience, spanning the full spectrum of securing the OSI Model. He is also a certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and a participant in the Constellation Network Flight Program, a blockchain-based platform for decentralized applications. Patrick has been trusted by the US Federal Government as a Senior Application Security Engineer & Architect at the High Risk Public Trust Sensitivity Level. Patrick was the first person ever hired in the position at the United States

You can learn more about Avery at https://vaynerspeakers.com/avery-akki... You can learn more about The Enlightened Passenger at www.peopleonplanes.com About Avery President, Vayner3, Former Head of VaynerMedia APAC, Managing Director President of Vayner3, Avery Akkineni, is leading the mission to guide the world's largest enterprises in navigating the next iteration of connected consumer behavior. In July 2021, Akkineni launched the VaynerX consultancy, Vayner3, alongside serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. In less than twelve months, Akkineni successfully led the expansion of the consultancy to 50+ global digital innovation experts. Partnering with dozens of Fortune 500 corporations across industries, Vayner3 has successfully advised organizations on strategic initiatives, including Web3 program development, generative AI, and immersive digital experiences. A leader, mentor, and investor in pioneering Web3 projects and communities, Akkineni is also an active advisor for several tech platforms, serving on the Board of Advisors of OneOf and Tracer, on the Web3 Advisory Board for Salesforce, Meta Creative Council, in addition to being a founding BFF member. Before the launch of Vayner3, Avery spearheaded VaynerMedia's expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, building a team of 150 people and opening VaynerMedia offices in Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Sydney, while being awarded as Marketing-Interactive's 2021 Independent Agency of the Year (Gold) within two years. Additionally, Avery has been honored on the “Woman to Watch” by Campaign Asia, “Web3 Marketing Trailblazer” by Ad Age, on “NFT100” by NFTNow, and on “30 Under 30” by The Drum. Before VaynerX, Avery spent her early career at Google in Silicon Valley, while she now resides in Miami, FL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can learn more about Avery at https://vaynerspeakers.com/avery-akkineni/ You can learn more about The Enlightened Passenger at www.peopleonplanes.com About Avery President, Vayner3, Former Head of VaynerMedia APAC, Managing Director President of Vayner3, Avery Akkineni, is leading the mission to guide the world's largest enterprises in navigating the next iteration of connected consumer behavior. In July 2021, Akkineni launched the VaynerX consultancy, Vayner3, alongside serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. In less than twelve months, Akkineni successfully led the expansion of the consultancy to 50+ global digital innovation experts. Partnering with dozens of Fortune 500 corporations across industries, Vayner3 has successfully advised organizations on strategic initiatives, including Web3 program development, generative AI, and immersive digital experiences.  A leader, mentor, and investor in pioneering Web3 projects and communities, Akkineni is also an active advisor for several tech platforms, serving on the Board of Advisors of OneOf and Tracer, on the Web3 Advisory Board for Salesforce, Meta Creative Council, in addition to being a founding BFF member. Before the launch of Vayner3, Avery spearheaded VaynerMedia's expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, building a team of 150 people and opening VaynerMedia offices in Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Sydney, while being awarded as Marketing-Interactive's 2021 Independent Agency of the Year (Gold) within two years. Additionally, Avery has been honored on the “Woman to Watch” by Campaign Asia, “Web3 Marketing Trailblazer” by Ad Age, on “NFT100” by NFTNow, and on “30 Under 30” by The Drum. Before VaynerX, Avery spent her early career at Google in Silicon Valley, while she now resides in Miami, FL.

Day One Agency, Campaign US' Independent Agency of the Year and PRWeek's Outstanding Midsize Agency of the Year 2023, is hyperinterested in reaching and influencing the next generation: Gen Z. In wanting to delve deeper into how (and why) Gen Z consumes media, the agency recently partnered with USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations on a mobile ethnographic “Ask Gen Z: A Deep Dive into Gen Z's Scrolls” study that provides how brands can reach Gen Z, whose attention is increasingly fragmented across different corners of the internet, at all hours of the day. Recorded from Cannes Lions, Day One Agency CEO Josh Rosenberg; its director of creative strategy Eli Williams; and USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations director Fred Cook discuss the generation's changing media diets, their complex relationship with their feeds and how actively they're reshaping the media landscape, along with happenings from the Croisette.

OUTLINE of today's show with TIMECODES 22 service members injured in Syria. Why are we there? Which President put us there? Yet Tucker has successfully re-invented Trump as the "anti-war" President (2:31)Starbucks loses $25M on anti-white racism (16:11)"Digital Bill of Rights" in FL — much of it feel-good fluff, but one thing is important (19:51)Airsoft "Gun" Ban — For Looking Like Real Guns But the real question is what are they about to do in identifying REAL guns? Yet another "Independent Agency" — unelected, unaccountable to even the President — has power to destroy people's businesses. (30:23)Live Not By CLIMATE LIES Desc: Don't debate "solutions" to their imagined problems. Three reasons they're lying to you about CO2, temperature, and rising seas. (43:22)Walmart is building their own meat processing plant so they'll be even more BIGLY ESSENTIAL in the next lockdown (56:53)Biden's energy austerity is destroying the Net Zero. Big Oil changes its plans to shut down as people don't want to live in a new Dark Age (1:01:47) Trump: Supporters now point to "Clinton Sock" case but has the case moved beyond possession of classified documents? Most damaging evidence was apparently NOT on the Florida indictment and may be charged in NJ with a less favorable judge. But Special Prosecutor Jack Smith's big loss before the Supreme Court raises questions about whether he will succeed (1:20:20)Biden: Did he pay taxes on his Ukrainian loot? Will he be undone by a recording Sen Grassley says was made as "insurance" by the Ukrainian who paid him off? (1:40:42)Ted Cruz is having a bad Pride Month as he virtue-signaling to LGBT on Uganda (1:47:54)BREAKING NEWS INTERVIEW Marty Gottesfeld, Medical Kidnapping Whistleblower Freed After 7 YearsMarty Gottesfeld, FreeMartyG.com, has been released after years in US government's special prison for political prisoners and terrorists, a "Communications Management Unit (CMU)". A frightening look at where the US government is now and where it's going. Also joining, a man from another country who tells us what happened to him after he hosted Marty's website (2:04:46)Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT

OUTLINE of today's show with TIMECODES 22 service members injured in Syria. Why are we there? Which President put us there? Yet Tucker has successfully re-invented Trump as the "anti-war" President (2:31)Starbucks loses $25M on anti-white racism (16:11)"Digital Bill of Rights" in FL — much of it feel-good fluff, but one thing is important (19:51)Airsoft "Gun" Ban — For Looking Like Real Guns But the real question is what are they about to do in identifying REAL guns? Yet another "Independent Agency" — unelected, unaccountable to even the President — has power to destroy people's businesses. (30:23)Live Not By CLIMATE LIES Desc: Don't debate "solutions" to their imagined problems. Three reasons they're lying to you about CO2, temperature, and rising seas. (43:22)Walmart is building their own meat processing plant so they'll be even more BIGLY ESSENTIAL in the next lockdown (56:53)Biden's energy austerity is destroying the Net Zero. Big Oil changes its plans to shut down as people don't want to live in a new Dark Age (1:01:47) Trump: Supporters now point to "Clinton Sock" case but has the case moved beyond possession of classified documents? Most damaging evidence was apparently NOT on the Florida indictment and may be charged in NJ with a less favorable judge. But Special Prosecutor Jack Smith's big loss before the Supreme Court raises questions about whether he will succeed (1:20:20)Biden: Did he pay taxes on his Ukrainian loot? Will he be undone by a recording Sen Grassley says was made as "insurance" by the Ukrainian who paid him off? (1:40:42)Ted Cruz is having a bad Pride Month as he virtue-signaling to LGBT on Uganda (1:47:54)BREAKING NEWS INTERVIEW Marty Gottesfeld, Medical Kidnapping Whistleblower Freed After 7 YearsMarty Gottesfeld, FreeMartyG.com, has been released after years in US government's special prison for political prisoners and terrorists, a "Communications Management Unit (CMU)". A frightening look at where the US government is now and where it's going. Also joining, a man from another country who tells us what happened to him after he hosted Marty's website (2:04:46)Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT

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