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How do you become confident selling life insurance when you haven't even written your first policy yet? In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, we break down how new agents can prepare like top producers before they ever make their first sale. Confidence doesn't have to come only from experience. It can come from preparation. We walk through the three areas every new life insurance agent should master: ✅ Your Script — Learn your presentation so well that you can stop worrying about what to say and start listening to the client. ✅ Field Underwriting — Understand the questions to ask, recognize common health concerns, and know where to find answers when you're unsure. ✅ The Application Process — Don't let your first successful sale become the first time you've ever opened an application. Learn the carrier portals, application flow, e-signature process, and what your client should expect next. If you're newly licensed, stuck in "paralysis by analysis," or struggling to build confidence, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for getting prepared and getting into action. You don't need to know everything before you start. You need to be prepared enough to know what to do next. If this episode helps you take action and write your first application, let us know in the comments!
In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Novick of Blackrock Insurance Group to talk about how he's helping life insurance agents build toward $25,000+ months—and what it actually takes to get there. We also break down some of the biggest problems holding agents back in today's insurance industry and what needs to change.Learn more about Brandon's agency here: https://blackrockins.com
Choosing an independent insurance agent requires more than checking prices or reviews. Here are the questions that reveal carrier access, coverage expertise, claims support, and whether recommendations truly match your situation. To learn more, visit https://www.alink2insurance.com/ Alink Insurance City: Saratoga Springs Address: 463 Founders Boulevard Website: https://www.alink2insurance.com
In this episode of The Broker Link Podcast, The Brokerage Inc. President Emeritus Mike Smith explores how artificial intelligence is helping insurance agents become more efficient, strengthen client relationships, and grow their businesses. Mike introduces three AI-powered platforms designed to support agents at every stage of the client journey. AgentReview.net helps agents build credibility through verified online reviews; Medicare Mike serves as a digital AI assistant that educates Medicare prospects and answers common questions; and Aiden RX simplifies the annual prescription drug plan review process by automating much of the work involved in renewals. Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes that AI isn't replacing agents—it's empowering them. By automating routine tasks and providing smarter ways to engage clients, these tools allow agents to spend more time building relationships, delivering personalized guidance, and growing their businesses. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking for practical ways to integrate it into your agency, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology can improve efficiency, support compliance, and help you stay ahead in an evolving insurance industry. Mike also mentioned a few links. For Agent Review: https://agentreview.net/a/mike-smith#add-review To reach out to Mike: mike at thebrokerageinc.com Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/
Ready to build expertise in one of the fastest-growing areas of insurance? Explore the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance's Cyber RiskPRO® program and gain the knowledge you need to identify cyber exposures, explain coverage solutions, and serve clients with confidence in today's rapidly evolving cyber environment. Artificial intelligence is transforming the insurance industry, but it's also reshaping the cyber threat landscape. In a recent episode of Alliance Insights, Lisa Gardner spoke with Adam Connor, Area Executive Vice President at Risk Placement Services, about the current state of the cyber insurance market and what insurance professionals should expect over the next 12 to 18 months. One of Connor's key observations is that AI is rapidly becoming an everyday business tool. He described today's AI adoption as similar to the early days of online dating services. What once felt unfamiliar is quickly becoming mainstream. Insurance agencies are already using secure AI tools to analyze books of business, identify growth opportunities, improve retention strategies, and automate administrative tasks. At the same time, cyber criminals are leveraging AI to increase the speed and scale of attacks. According to Connor, social engineering and ransomware remain leading causes of cyber claims. AI lowers the technical barriers for threat actors, making sophisticated attacks easier to launch than ever before. Despite rising claims activity, the cyber insurance market remains competitive. Connor noted that many organizations continue to see flat renewals or even rate reductions due to new carrier entrants and strong marketplace competition. However, he expects the market to gradually harden as losses continue to accumulate. Connor also challenged a common misconception that smaller organizations are unlikely cyber targets. Many attacks use a broad, automated approach rather than targeting specific companies. Businesses that fail to maintain software updates, security controls, and employee awareness programs remain vulnerable regardless of size. Another important takeaway is the need for adequate cyber insurance limits. Connor cautioned that minimal coverage may create a false sense of security. With cyber losses often reaching millions of dollars, organizations should carefully evaluate whether their limits align with their exposure. As cyber threats continue to evolve, insurance professionals have an opportunity to help clients better understand both risk management and insurance solutions. While technologies may change, Connor's message was clear: cyber risk isn't going away, and organizations that embrace both cybersecurity and cyber insurance will be better positioned for the future. Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever, and clients are looking to insurance professionals for guidance. Build the expertise needed to identify cyber exposures, evaluate coverage options, and confidently navigate today's cyber risk landscape with the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance's Cyber RiskPRO® program. Learn more and take the next step in advancing your cyber risk knowledge. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
You may have no plans to sell your agency. But if someone wanted to buy it tomorrow, what would they find? We look at what makes an insurance agency valuable: from clean financials and organized customer data to documented processes, carrier concentration, policies per customer, and an agency that can operate without everything living in the owner's head. When you break down the things a potential buyer would notice, your agency will run more profitability and efficiently.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
Now that you've completed your FFM certification, what's next? Continue your learning with our list of resources! Launch into ACA sales by increasing your knowledge of the marketplace. In this episode, we'll teach you what you need to know about selling Affordable Care Act plans. Read the text version Get Connected:
The new chair of The Council of Employee Benefits Executives (CEBE), Kenneth Olson, joined The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers Vice President of Government Affairs Audra Jackson for a discussion during the 2026 Employee Benefits Leadership Forum. CEBE is the executive committee that guides The Council's government affairs team in benefits-related advocacy and policy decisions. Olson, vice president of EB growth at brokerage BroadStreet Partners, discusses his priorities as CEBE chair, the “frustration and anger” over healthcare affordability and the complexity of change that would bring it in line, and the qualities he looks for in new industry talent.
If you're thinking about becoming an insurance agent, you may be thinking about what can come along with the career change? What are some of the perks you might discover, and what downsides could sneak up on you? in this episode of The Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we help you weigh the good of becoming an insurance agent against the bad. Read the text version Get Connected:
What can an insurance agency learn from Chick-fil-A? From the owner-operator mindset to servant leadership, we'll discuss how agency owners can build a business that earns loyalty, empowers employees, and creates clients who never want to leave. If you're looking to grow an agency that stands out in a crowded marketplace, this conversation will challenge you to think beyond insurance products and focus on what truly builds lasting relationships.Because in the end, it's not the chicken - it's the experience.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
One agency office went from a 7% close rate to 23% in 2 weeks. Same team. Same leads. We are showing you exactly what changed, live. This is a one time webinar, no replay and no recording, so you have to show up. Thursday, August 6th at noon CST, capped at 100 seats.
Confidence in life insurance sales does not magically appear after your first application. It is built through preparation, repetition, and recognizing the wins that happen long before a policy is submitted. In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, the team breaks down how new and experienced agents can develop real confidence throughout the sales process. From mastering your script and practicing better questions to improving your underwriting knowledge, price presentations, and e-application skills, you can begin building confidence before making your first dial. You'll learn: • Why confidence is the memory of success—and why you get to define what success looks like • How small wins create momentum throughout your sales journey • Why practicing before dialing can save you time, money, and frustration • The four areas every agent should master: scripts, questions, underwriting and pricing, and carrier applications • How a daily 20–30 minute warm-up can improve your performance • Why top-producing agents prepare like professional athletes • How to honestly evaluate whether insurance is your career, part-time commitment, or hobby Every agent wants to perform—and earn—like an all-star. The question is whether you are willing to prepare and practice like one. Learn more about Life Insurance Academy's training and coaching opportunities at LifeInsuranceAcademy.org. What is one area of your sales process you are committing to practice this week? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to the Life Insurance Academy Podcast for more practical training, proven sales strategies, and conversations designed to help insurance agents grow.
Referrals are a powerful lead generating tool, especially for insurance agents! Find out more in this explainer on referral marketing how to implement this strategy into your insurance business. Read the text version Get Connected:
Managing a New Insurance Agent: Training Made Simple, Fast & Effective
What does Hall of Fame football coach Marv Levy have to teach insurance agents? As it turns out, quite a bit. Inspired by the timeless wisdom of the Buffalo Bills legend, the IA Forward team explores how some of the greatest leadership lessons from the football field apply directly to building a successful agency. From embracing difficult challenges and staying persistent through setbacks to leading with character, adapting to change, and creating a winning culture, this episode is packed with practical insights every agency owner can use.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
Training doesn't create producers. Reps do. Agency Coach AI coaches everyone in your office, reviews every call, and shows you exactly where to coach. Increase close rates. Save 40–60 manager hours every month.
Training Programs for Insurance Agents: The New Hire Formula
How did Jacob Otero write over $150,000 in premium during his first year as a life insurance agent? In this interview, Jacob breaks down the mindset, habits, and strategies that helped him succeed using Caboom Leads from day one.Ready to level up your production?➡️ New real-time leads: https://caboomleads.com/➡️ Affordable aged leads: https://yesterdaysleads.com/
In this episode of the Ridiculously Amazing Insurance Agent Podcast, we tackle the biggest bottleneck holding independent agencies back: how to train new insurance agents without wasting time. Most agency owners don't actually have a training problem—they have a time problem. If you are tired of "shadowing and praying" or trying to reinvent the wheel with every new hire, it's time to stop winging it and start building a repeatable system that scales.
Everyone has an opinion. Your mentor. Your competitors. Social media. Industry Facebook groups. Even well-meaning friends and family. The challenge isn't finding advice. It's knowing which voices deserve your attention. We discuss why asking too many people for advice can actually make decision-making harder, which causes agency owner to get stuck searching for "perfect."Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
In this episode of the Ridiculously Amazing Insurance Agent Podcast, we deliver the ultimate blueprint on insurance agents training for new hires | complete guide. Onboarding can feel overwhelming, but a systematic approach is the secret to getting rookies production-ready without burning out your leadership team. We break down how to stop guessing and start leveraging structured, layered strategies that turn new hires into confident, independent producers in record time.
In this week's “Throwback Thursday” segment, we hear from a multilingual insurance agent who creates an online course on the art of translation. Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of people who earn extra money without quitting their job. This year, the show includes free guided lessons and listener Q&A several days each week.Show notes: SideHustleSchool.comEmail: team@sidehustleschool.comBe on the show: SideHustleSchool.com/questionsConnect on Instagram: @193countriesVisit Chris's main site: ChrisGuillebeau.comRead A Year of Mental Health: yearofmentalhealth.comIf you're enjoying the show, please pass it along! It's free and has been published every single day since January 1, 2017. We're also very grateful for your five-star ratings—it shows that people are listening and looking forward to new episodes.
Are you a new insurance agent wondering how to start making money fast? Or maybe you've been in the business for a while but feel like you're spinning your wheels.In this episode, I sit down with Lori Swanigan, founder of The Benefits Solutions Group, to talk about her journey from becoming a top-producing agent to building a highly successful agency filled with top performers. Lori shares the mindset, habits, and sales strategies that helped her grow—and the practical advice every new agent needs to hear.Whether you're in your first 30 days or your first few years in the business, this episode is packed with actionable advice that can help you accelerate your growth.Connect with Lori Swanigan:
If your sales conversations feel rushed, scripted, or you're hearing "I need to think about it" too often, this episode is for you. The best life insurance agents don't close with pressure—they close with questions. In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, Chris and Zach break down the four types of questions that can completely transform your sales conversations: ✅ Leading Questions – Guide the conversation with confidence ✅ Clarifying Questions – Build trust and uncover what's really being said ✅ Probing Questions – Help clients discover the emotional reason they need coverage ✅ Qualifying Questions – Gather information naturally while maintaining authority You'll learn why curiosity is one of the greatest superpowers in sales, how to avoid making assumptions, and how asking the right questions helps clients take ownership of their decisions instead of feeling sold. Whether you're brand new to life insurance sales or a seasoned producer looking to improve your close rate and policy persistency, this episode will help you have better conversations that lead to better results. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with another agent who's ready to level up their sales game.
Are your expectations grounded in reality? Or, are you setting yourself up for disappointment? Goals are great, smart goals are even better, but we often equate goals with expectations and wind up frustrated when the two don't match up. Listen to learn how to avoid the pitfall of unrealistic expectations and the actions you can take instead. Read the text version Get Connected:
Every week, agency owners are faced with another opportunity. A new product. A new carrier. A new technology. A new revenue stream. The question isn't whether you can pursue it, it's whether you should.In this episode of IA Forward, the team explores why some opportunities build stronger agencies while others quietly steal your time, create unnecessary risk, and keep you from reaching the next level. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
Training Insurance Agents the Smart Way: Real Results, Real Fast
The Friday Five for July 10, 2026: Halfway Through 2026 Ritter Insurance Marketing Summits Musings on Artificial Intelligence CDC High Heat & Medication Guidance Scam Targeting Insurance Agents
Success in life insurance isn't about talent—it's about habits. In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, Zach McElwain and Roger Short break down the daily disciplines that consistently separate struggling agents from six-figure producers. If you've ever wondered why some agents seem to thrive while others constantly feel stuck, this conversation gives you a practical roadmap you can start using immediately. You'll discover: Why protecting your revenue-producing hours is non-negotiable The numbers every successful agent tracks (and why emotions can mislead you) How mastering one process beats chasing every new strategy Why consistency always outperforms motivation A 30-Day Producer Challenge you can implement today Whether you're brand new to the business or looking to break through your current production ceiling, these habits can completely change the trajectory of your career.
Have you ever had a client mistake Medicare and Medicaid (or have you mixed the two up)? In this episode of the Agent Survival Guide podcast, we're comparing, contrasting, and clarifying how these two government-funded programs differ and how they work together! Read the text version Get Connected:
Life Insurance Isn't a Bill, It's Legacy, Demetra Kaye Tells AllFormer life insurance agent Demetra Kaye returns to break down the excuses she heard for years selling policies, "it's just another bill," "I don't want to leave her rich," and why those excuses cost families everything when death actually shows up.Guest: Demetra Kaye, former licensed life insurance agent, financial services background, host of The Demetra Kaye Show and a contributor on African Diaspora News.In this episode we cover:5:27 Why Demetra got licensed, and the feast or famine of insurance sales7:16 The excuses people give for not buying life insurance9:00 "I don't want to leave her rich," and what actually happens to the family left behind13:18 What a funeral really costs, moving the body, opening and closing the plot, the "paid off" burial plot myth20:52 Chargebacks, shotgun appointments, and why most agents quit26:46 What to budget on a $40,000 income29:49 Cashing out life insurance while alive, living benefits, explained honestly37:42 "I don't trust the system," lapsed policies and the other side of the story51:01 The freeway analogy, life insurance as your escape rampPull quote: "Buying life insurance on you and your family is love. He loved us so much that he left us with something." Demetra KayeLearn the mindset and moves that lead to real results. Visit my website for more: http://diversifiedgame.com/Stay connected with me.Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/GAMEDIVERSIFIED/Twitter (X): https://x.com/gamediversifiedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gamediversifiedPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/profile?u=15553364For business inquiries: KELLEN@COLEMANPRFIRM.COMDGP&x%
If Monday feels more like survival than opportunity, this conversation will help you identify what's really causing the frustration and give you practical ways to build an agency you're excited to lead every single week. Shane and Tonya discuss the habits that create unnecessary stress, how procrastination fuels overwhelm, why systems matter more than working harder, and simple mindset shifts that can transform the way you approach your business.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
Why do so many life insurance agents struggle to make it in this business? The answer isn't a lack of talent. It's a lack of focus. In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, Roger Short and Zach McElwain pull back the curtain on the real reasons agents fail—and more importantly, how you can avoid becoming one of them. They break down the four biggest mistakes that keep agents stuck: Staying busy instead of being productive Letting emotions dictate daily activity Allowing fear of rejection to control decisions Chasing every new opportunity instead of mastering one If you've ever felt like you're working hard but not seeing results, this conversation will challenge your thinking and give you practical direction for building a profitable insurance business. Whether you're brand new to life insurance or you've been in the industry for years, this episode will help you identify what's holding you back and how top producers think differently.
Starting a career in insurance can be overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, Cody sits down with top producer and agency leader Mallory Kroos to discuss the best advice for new insurance agents. From building confidence to making your first sales faster, Mallory shares the strategies she uses to consistently produce at a high level while helping new agents get up to speed and start earning quickly. If you're new to the industry, this conversation is for you.
As rates begin to stabilize, competition heats back up, and carriers return to growth mode, agency owners face a new challenge: balancing retention and new business, without losing momentum. If you're ready to finish 2026 stronger than you started it, this episode is your halftime strategy session. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
Welcome to another episode of the Ridiculously Amazing Insurance Agent Podcast!
During the 2026 Employee Benefits Leadership Forum in May, the outgoing chair of The Council of Employee Benefits Executives (CEBE), Lisa Hawker, sat down with Kerry Finnegan, former senior partner at Mercer and also a past CEBE board chair, now a senior advisor at Oliver Wyman. CEBE is the executive committee that guides The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers government affairs team in benefits-related advocacy and policy decisions. The two discussed a range of topics, including the changing role of the benefits broker and the plan sponsor in an environment of increased fiduciary duty, talent and training in the AI era, and advice for new CEBE Chair Ken Olson, vice president of EB growth at BroadStreet Partners.
Want to know what it really takes to succeed as a young insurance agent?In this episode, Anthony Rose and I sit down with Joey Neveux (JoeyMedicare), a rising star in the Medicare space who started in the business at just 22 years old and has already built a book of over 1,000 Medicare clients by age 30.Joey shares the lessons he's learned over the last eight years, the mistakes young agents need to avoid, how he built a thriving Medicare business, and what he's doing today to develop and mentor the next generation of insurance agents.If you're a new agent, a young producer, or someone looking to grow faster in the insurance industry, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.
For decades, State Farm represented stability. Then one of the industry's largest carriers announced sweeping changes to contracts, benefits, compensation, and retirement programs.We explore the State Farm shakeup and what it means for the independent insurance channel. We discuss ownership, choice, customer loyalty, talent shifts, and why the ability to adapt may be the most valuable asset an agency owner has.This conversation is bigger than one company. It's about control, resilience, and what happens when the landscape changes beneath your feet. Because in insurance, the most important question may not be who writes the policy. It's who makes the rules.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
Keep track of your AEP prep to-do checklist with help from Ritter's certification resources! Listen to find out how to access AHIP, NABIP, carrier MA and PDP certification, product training details, and more! Read the text version Get Connected:
In this episode, Cody Askins sits down with Brian Thompson, founder of Peritia Senior Advisors and Zero Bullshit Insurance. Known for his no-nonsense approach, high integrity, and willingness to tell agents exactly what they need to hear, Brian shares hard-earned lessons from building a successful insurance business and helping agents grow the right way.They discuss what new agents should focus on, common mistakes that hold producers back, the importance of accountability, and how to build a long-term career in the insurance industry.Connect with Brian Thompson:
Listen as we explore why community-based marketing is becoming more popular and how insurance agents can get started. This strategy is a great way for agents to grow their business just by getting involved in your local community. Read the text version Get Connected:
One of the most overlooked parts of building an insurance agency brand is the giveaways, promotional items, and marketing materials that represent your business long after you've left the room. We discuss why cheap giveaways can damage your brand, why most promotional items end up in the trash while a few stay on desks for years, and why "everyone is doing it" is a terrible marketing strategy.Because sometimes the best branding advice is simple: Don't put your logo on that.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society. In this episode, Justin interviews Marya Propis about her career in retail brokerage, wholesale distribution, and executive leadership. Marya speaks of leaders who influenced her, how her leadership skills have changed in 30 years, and how emotional intelligence guides her as she helps young insurance professionals at RT Specialty. She also shares the importance of physical fitness and self-care in showing up at her best each day. Marya discusses the wholesale Excess and Surplus Lines marketplace in the U.S. She talks about her involvement in industry associations and the enthusiasm she has for helping students and new risk professionals. She shares information about the Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future 2026 Gala, where she will be one of two honorees. She serves as a Director of Distinction, acting as an ambassador for the Spencer Educational Foundation. Listen for Marya's enthusiastic approach to persuasive leadership. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be rejoined by our friend Marya Propis, President of Retail Distribution at RT Specialty and honoree at this year's Spencer's Funding Their Future Gala in New York City on September 17th. There is a lot to catch up on. But first… [:47] RIMS Virtual Workshops. The next RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep with AFERM will be held on June 16th and 17th. The next RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA will be held virtually on July 21st and 22nd. Links to registration are in this episode's notes. [:58] We have a summertime webinar. On July 16th, Zurich will present "Too Hot to Ignore: Heat-Related Injuries and Workers' Compensation." Register at RIMS.org/webinars and via the link in this episode's show notes. [1:13] You can enroll now in the RIMS CRO Certificate Program in Advanced Enterprise Risk Management hosted by the famous James Lam. Beginning July 15th, workshops will be held bi-weekly from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The registration link is in the show notes. [1:34] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. We want to hear from you. Submit a session proposal by June 19th to reach engaged practitioners, innovators, and leaders looking for guidance they can utilize right away. [1:52] Help define what's next for Enterprise Risk Management. Submit a session proposal by Friday, June 19th. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2026. [2:02] Folks, through the generosity of its industry partners, RIMS has launched The Foundation for Risk Management™, which provides scholarships for early-career professionals to attend RIMS events like RIMS Texas Regional Conference, RIMS Canada Conference, and RISKWORLD. [2:21] The Foundation also helps beneficiaries earn their RIMS-CRMP and fund research projects. To learn more or contribute to the Foundation, visit RIMS.org/FRM and visit the link in this episode's show notes. [2:36] RIMS is back on YouTube. Our handle is @RIMSOfficialChannel. We've got plenty of videos there, including RIMScast, RIMScast Canada video podcasts, and other informative and entertaining content from RIMS. Subscribe to the channel today! [2:56] On with the Show! Marya Propis is rejoining us on RIMScast. She is the President of Retail Distribution at RT Specialty, and she will be honored this year at the Spencer Funding their Future Gala at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on September 17th. [3:17] We'll learn about Marya's career, her risk management philosophy, how her physical wellness fuels her progress as a risk and insurance professional, and why she feels it is critical to continue her support for women in the profession. We're going to have fun. Let's get to it! [3:39] Interview! Marya Propis, Welcome Back to RIMScast! [3:49] Since the last time Justin and Marya spoke, Marya has joined RT Specialty. She is coming up on her 6th anniversary with RT Specialty. It has been the most enjoyable and successful career chapter she has been fortunate to enjoy. [4:04] Marya says there are so many great things to talk about in terms of what's going on in the marketplace and at RT Specialty and how that pertains to Spencer. [4:20] Marya is President of Retail Distribution. She was promoted to that role several months ago. A dedicated group under her leadership is keeping a finger on the pulse of what's going on in the ultra-dynamic U.S. retail landscape. [4:47] They are always thinking of ways to be more client-centric, partner more fully with their retail clients, and think of all the places that their clients need RT to be as the top wholesale partner in the U.S. [5:08] Marya has six people on her team for a wholesaler that placed $32 billion of premium last year. But, actually, her team is the entirety of all the brokers and underwriters that work for RT Specialty. That's 1,500 people. [5:28] Marya's job is to make the brokers and underwriters who work for the team more successful every day. Her stakeholders are the market-facing, talented brokers and underwriters. They are her team. [5:46] Marya sets best practices and standards around compensation, conferences, and the way they engage. Client-centricity is very important, so Marya extends direction for it. [6:00] Marya explains how leadership style has evolved. In the first half of her career, it was all about command and control, from the top down. Telling everyone what to do has evolved positively. [6:19] Marya prides herself on having very good influence and leadership skills. She says people want to follow her direction. She had to learn a lot to go from telling people what to do to creating a path people want to follow. Being a command-and-control leader doesn't feel good. [7:00] Marya says that when we started talking about emotional intelligence as an important part of leadership, she realized she had it. She just hadn't been using it in any of her management or leadership roles. [7:11] It became more acceptable to use emotional intelligence to get your team aligned and get people thinking around the direction you need to go as a team or a firm. That's been very positive for Marya, but she couldn't flip that switch overnight. [7:30] Marya had to learn a lot to change her leadership style so people want to follow and feel that she is creating the right direction, so they can be more successful, not leading them down a path to doom and demise. [7:52] Marya says that an emphasis on emotional intelligence came hand in hand with the industry starting to pay attention to women in insurance and the lack of representation of female leadership in insurance. [8:09] Marya says that a decade ago the insurance industry started to be deliberate about realizing they didn't have many women in leadership and that there were obstacles in the industry to women being promoted and compensated at the same rate as their male colleagues. [8:31] Emotional intelligence came along with the recognition that women have a distinct and unique skill set. Emotional intelligence is a prevalent part of a woman's skill set. Women bring real value as leaders. The traits that come with that include emotional intelligence. [9:07] Justin says we have such a great group of rising risk professionals, particularly females, in the profession and the RIMScast listenership, so this is a great way to kick off this dialog. [9:25] Marya says she has worked for a lot of great leaders. She was fortunate to work closely with many executives. You can watch a leader and learn a technique or a trait that you can add to the skill set you already have. Marya says she gets her best material from others. [10:14] Marya says Pat Ryan, who founded RT Specialty, is the absolute Superman of insurance. Any time she hears Pat Ryan talk, she leaves with a gem that she commits to do or think about, going forward. He uses an expression: "Do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do." [10:47] If you use that as a guiding principle for how you set your priorities and make decisions, based on what your retail clients need, then it's very obvious what you need to do. It has become a guiding principle for her in the way she makes decisions every day. [11:47] Marya says her scope of responsibility is just retail clients. Her colleague Leah Ohodnicki oversees carrier management. They talk all the time. There are so many of the same principles that they apply, just to different channels in the marketplace. [12:07] Marya has been a career salesperson. For her whole insurance career, she has sold stuff. She has sold capabilities and products. She sells and represents wholesale brokerage services. [12:27] Marya says no client is like another. You must see every client with fresh, objective eyes. Every client has something unique, or a competitive advantage, or something special about the way they've built their firm. Sometimes you have to look carefully to find it, but it's always there. [13:06] You have to be willing to put yourself in their shoes. How do they see the world? How is that retailer creating visibility and driving success? [13:26] Marya prides herself on being a student of who the retail client is and thinking about how to better frame partnership strategies to work with them as effectively as possible, rather than thinking about herself, RT Specialty, and all the stuff she can throw at any retail client. [13:48] In Marya's mind, the way to do it is to start by asking what they need. Where is the place that they will need RT Specialty to be more successful? Then she constructs an engagement approach around that. That's different from how she thought about it 20 years ago. [14:15] In any industry, Marya doesn't want to be a vendor. She wants to be a partner. There's a big difference in the way you have to think to be a trusted business partner. That's a very important part of Marya's personal and professional philosophy in creating partnerships. [15:13] Marya says she's very committed to the digital distribution model. It's been one of the more exciting and dynamic components of the retail channel. Marya doesn't use AI interchangeably with digital distribution. Digital distribution is where we sell things online. [15:41] Marya says AI is a technology enabler that helps us be more efficient in sales. RT Specialty has an online portal called RT Connector that has been trading E&S Specialty, Micro and Small Commercial P&C products for eight years on the digital distribution platform. [16:09] Marya says there's a newish type of retail agent in the U.S. marketplace called digital agencies. They want to trade as efficiently as possible. They want API connectivity. They're focused on a specific segment and industry, in terms of where they feel they can sell and trade. [16:31] Marya says even the way they acquire leads is very different than a traditional retail model. Marya says we're certainly not going to sell RT the same way to a digital agency as we do to a big Alpha house. They're very different. [16:51] Understand the model. Understand how that retail agent or broker is structured, and meet them where they are. With digital retail agents, it's a completely different type of retail partnership that they can build with them vs. other models they've worked successfully with. [17:18] Marya says our retail clients are always evolving and changing and buying lots of stuff, in mergers and acquisitions. They restructure. How they choose to go to market. How they're winning business. Marya loves all the learning that comes as the market and her clients evolve. [17:45] Marya says they're a wholesaler. Their digital platform will reflect the appetite and eligibility of the technology-enabled carriers that are represented on the RT Specialty platform as trading partners. [18:10] Marya says they have 130 talented binding authority teams across their U.S. platform. They know what their appetite is; they have the binding authority. That's human interaction. [18:28] Marya says RT Specialty mimics that same process with some of the same carrier partners by putting their product-specific appetite on their digital platform. [18:38] The same agent can either go to the RT binding authority underwriter or go through RT Connector. If it fits the appetite of the products on RT Connector, in five minutes, the agent can rate quote, bind, issue, e-deliver policies, surplus lines taxes, and finance premium. [19:02] Marya says she can ask agents how they want to trade the E&S specialty marketplace. There are a lot of paths they can follow that get them to the same place where they win. RT Specialty can put the right resources around that. [19:35] Marya says if a retail client brings a franchise opportunity to RT Specialty, if it's a franchise operation that's insured, RT Specialty will write it. They write lots of them in the U.S. Marya participates in risks her retail clients bring to RT. [19:52] Marya doesn't sell directly to franchises, but RT has a lot of franchises and programs in chains in their book of business. RT has the largest sports and entertainment practice in the wholesale segment in the U.S. It's a tough segment of the marketplace. [20:20] RT Specialty has invested a lot in terms of talent. RT Specialty owns the largest MGU in the marketplace. The sports are professional, amateur, and everything in between. It's a very successful market segment for RT Specialty. [20:41] Marya explains that an MGU is a Managing General Underwriter, which is different from an MGA (a Managing General Agency), which is different from a Program. Marya says this has been one of the fastest-growing segments of the specialty market in the United States. [21:09] Marya says you create a homogeneous appetite for a certain bulk of business, find a carrier partner, set up a Program, and open your storefront and either distribute through retailers or wholesalers. Some are direct-to-insureds [21:30] Managing General Underwriter means that we would create the appetite and the guidelines. Managing General Agent means that the carrier has already defined that, and they're allowing us to put a storefront in front of that. [21:54] That's different from some of the traditional carriers that RT Specialty works with, like Lexington Insurance Company or Westchester Insurance Company. Those are carriers. That is a different solution than when RT Specialty approaches an MGU on behalf of their retail client. [22:18] Marya says anytime you have a lot of people in one place at an event, there are lots of risks associated with that: gun violence, political violence, and means of evacuation response. We have seen that time and again. [22:43] When you have a lot of people congregating for a sporting event, a demonstration, a commemoration, or other event, it's gotten much riskier when you put a lot of humans in one place. That has made that segment of the marketplace much more challenging than ever. [23:10] Marya mentions boxing matches in Vegas or the number of active shooter incidents in Vegas. Marya believes the Excess and Surplus Lines market segment is the permanent home for high-hazard risks in the U.S. It's not an escape valve. [23:42] Marya says that in her lifetime, those types of risks will never swing back to the direct admitted standard carrier side. As a wholesale broker, RT Specialty is looking to partner with carriers that have the right type of appetite to support those risks. [23:59] RT Specialty builds products, so they own MGUs, MGAs, and Programs. They invest and build products when segments of the marketplace become very tough, so they have solutions available through their brokers and underwriters to write any risk in any class of business. [24:19] A Quick Break! There are so many other wonderful RIMS events coming up in 2026. The Annual Florida RIMS Educational Conference will be held from July 28th through August 1st at the lovely Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. A link to the event is in this episode's show notes. [24:37] Register now for the Second Annual RIMS Texas Regional Conference, which will be held from August 10th through 12th at the Grand Hyatt on the San Antonio River Walk. [24:48] The 11th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum will return to the Old Post Office on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, in Chicago. Visit ChicagolandRiskForum.org for more information. [24:59] The RIMS Western Regional Conference will be held from October 4th through the 7th in Seattle, Washington. Registration is open, and you can also submit a session. Visit RIMSWesternRegional.com and the link in this episode's show notes for more information. [25:16] Save the dates October 18th through the 21st. We will be in Quebec City to celebrate the 50th Live RIMS Canada Conference. Booth sales are already open. Earlybird registration is open now. [25:31] Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca for more information. Also, remember to check out RIMS.org/Canada for our spinoff show, RIMScast Canada, hosted by National Conference Committee Chair, Aaron Lukoni. [25:45] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. The deadline for educational content submissions is Friday, June 19th. Get submissions in now. The link is in this episode's show notes. Registration opens in July. [26:08] Let's Return to Our Interview with Marya Propis! [26:32] Justin asks about Marya incorporating workouts into her life so she can perform better as a risk and insurance professional. Justin also feels that he has missed out if he has not exercised or worked out for a certain time each week. [27:03] Mary has 35 years in the business. She travels every week. She flies a lot. She is very focused on her wellness routine. She has been an athlete her whole life, so working out is important to her. So is self-care. [27:34] Having gone through menopause and figuring out what was going sideways, physically and mentally, Marya feels good about where she is today, in her commitment to herself, supplements she takes, and understanding healthy brain function and the effects of hormones. [28:09] Marya says we know hormones have a significant impact on our ability to function, both for men and women. Marya says her lifestyle is not perfect. She eats at restaurants 80% of the time, and entertaining clients involves alcohol. [28:40] Marya loves the relationship-building, social, and personal connection side of the business. She's not going to skip drinks or dinner with anyone. But it's a place where there can be a lot of pitfalls. She doesn't subscribe to an austerity lifestyle. But she has to pick her spots, now. [29:10] Marya says she can't be dragging on Thursday morning. She still has two big days ahead of her to deliver. Marya talks about sleep quality, not just how much you get, which gets tough when you're sleeping in different hotel rooms. [29:35] Marya says, This is the way it is with the career I have chosen, and I love. She has to be much more deliberate and mindful and remind herself that in June, she is traveling 18 days. On the days she's not traveling, she knows what to do for working out and for her wellness routine. [30:24] Marya says she is open and willing to learn. She is open to trying and learning new things. She believes in supplements and vitamins. She takes different ones now than she would have taken a decade ago. You have to be a student of that, like everything else in life. [30:43] Marya says The second you start to lose the desire to learn, what's next? It's not really fun when people's mindsets change. [30:54] Marya has been a Yoga practitioner for 30 years. She does Power Vinyasa in an infrared studio. Marya says the benefits of infrared are scientifically not debatable. She says infrared is great for joints, skin, and healthy brain functioning. It amped up her Yoga routine. [31:15] Marya does TRX bodyweight exercises. Most of the hotel gyms today have a TRX setup. She loves that, since she spends a lot of time in hotels and hotel gyms. Marya does circuit training. She works with heavy weights three times a week to maintain skeletal strength. [31:53] Marya says it sounds like a lot. As an athlete, when you have to perform and deliver, it's part of the way you have to think. It's how Marya thinks. She has to show up and be her best self when she's representing RT Specialty in the marketplace. [32:14] Marya has a lot of people relying on her to be crisp and present with a great level of energy. You can't do that if you're dragging all the time. [32:40] Marya grew up in Buffalo, New York, so she's a skier. It was the first sport for her family. She played tennis in high school and college. She ran track as a sprinter. Her favorite sport is Yoga. A couple of genres of Yoga have world competitions. Mary likes vigorous, athletic Yoga. [33:34] Another Quick Break! The Spencer Educational Foundation's Risk Manager on Campus application period is now open, and it will close on June 30th. Grant awardees, colleges, and universities are typically notified in September. [34:05] General Grant applications are open, and the application deadline is July 30th. Internship Grant applications open on August 15th and close on October 15th. [34:16] Links to each of these grants are in this episode's show notes. Visit SpencerEd.org for more information. [34:24] Let's Conclude Our Interview with One of the Two Honorees of the Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future Gala 2026, Marya Propis! [34:48] Justin asks about associations Marya is plugged into that support empowering women in the risk and insurance industry, such as APIW and WISE. [35:01] Marya represents RT Specialty on two boards. One is CIAB (The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers), an international organization known for its regulatory and lobbying efforts. [35:25] Marya spent a week in London last month with CIAB. There is so much going on in the London marketplace. That has been a lot of fun and a place to continue to learn. [34:47] The second board is WSIA (Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association), representing the wholesale specialty segment. There are specialty markets around the world, but the E&S lines market segment only exists in the United States. WSIA is a wonderful organization. [36:14] Marya says that what's great about both CIAB and WSIA is what they do to support young and developing insurance and risk management professionals. It's consistent with and complementary to the work, scope, and mission of the Spencer Educational Foundation. [36:32] Marya loves the way all of that comes together. Marya has been in the space developing, recruiting, and supporting emerging leaders and talent in the insurance and risk management marketplace for a long time. It's a space she loves to be in. [35:56] It all comes together nicely with Marya's board service and her commitments to foundations and causes. [37:10] Justin says the Spencer Funding Their Future Gala will be on Thursday, September 17th, at the world-famous Waldorf Astoria. Marya is one of the two honorees this year. Justin asks what this honor means to Marya. [37:35] Marya can't remember a time when she looked forward to something so much. First, she was surprised, and she feels really humbled. Marya had been a Spencer Board member and Chair of the Board, thinking about whom they would honor, every year for a decade. [38:05] It's really humbling to be considered, let alone this year, going back to the Waldorf Astoria. Marya remembers the Spencer Gala there, at which she spoke as Chair of the Fundraising Committee. [38:22] Marya just about passed out before going on stage, as she had never talked before so many people. She was hyperventilating. She didn't fall off the stage. She enjoyed herself a little bit. The Waldorf Astoria is one of the most storied hotels in the history of New York City. [39:06] Marya says Sierra Signorelli is the other honoree for the Gala. Sierra and Marya worked together early in their careers at AIG. They got a significant start to their careers then. They've known each other for a long time. Marya praises Sierra and is so happy to be doing this with her. [39:32] Justin notes that Sierra is the Zurich U.S. CEO and the Zurich Commercial Insurance CEO. Those are not easy titles to achieve. Zurich is a global insurance carrier. Marya admires Sierra's career trajectory and the leadership influence she has had on so many. [39:51] This is the first time there have been two female honorees in the history of the Spencer Gala. Marya says sharing that honor with Sierra, someone she knows, trusts, and respects so highly, makes it even more special and a night to look forward to. She can't wait! [40:17] Marya is now a Director of Distinction on the Spencer Board. Her RT Specialty colleague, Michael VanAcker, is on the Spencer Board today. Marya mentions that Pat Ryan was honored by Spencer at one of the first Galas. Tim Turner, RT Specialty CEO, introduced Pat that year. [40:53] RT Specialty has had a seat on the Spencer Board for years. Marya is a Director of Distinction as she is a former Board Chair. They ask her to be an advocate where Megan Miller needs her, and to be conversant on where Spencer continues to support and drive results. [41:18] Marya stays in touch and makes sure she knows what is going on with the programs and schools they are partnering with. Her role is to be informed, be an ambassador, and jump in at any place that Megan and the Spencer team would need her to influence, help, and support. [41:41] Marya spoke at the E&S Insurer conference. At the end of the conference, she brought Megan Miller in and introduced her to the writers' folks and asked if they could get a five-minute spotlight on Spencer next year. That is an example of where Marya can try to help. [42:15] Marya says Spencer scholars are so excited about their insurance career. There is nothing more infectious than their enthusiasm for the career path they have chosen. To talk to a young person who has their whole life in front of them is super energizing for Marya. [42:57] Marya says that when a young person wants to talk to her and spend time with her, she thinks it is great. Enthusiasm is infectious. [43:05] At the end of the day, Marya wants to leave the insurance industry in a much better place than it was when she came into the business. Spending time with young people who will be the leaders of our industry in the future, there's no better feeling. [43:30] Marya says that anything she can do to have influence, set an example, or help them think through something helps her to continue to feel wildly enthusiastic about her career. She loves when she gets to spend time with the young brokers and underwriters at RT Specialty. [43:52] Justin says that the scholarship recipients he has seen on stage at the Gala have been so impressive. They're in school, and they're so involved. They're a shining example of what we want the future of this profession to be. [44:10] Marya says that there was no way, when she was 22 years old, that she could have gotten up in front of a room of 800 people in her profession and spoken like that. She would never have been able to do that. Their ability to get up in front of that audience and talk is huge! [44:37] Marya is impressed by what they talk about, in terms of their careers, and what they've learned. [44:42] Marya is delighted that Spencer has basically kept the Gala format consistent. The focus is on the students and the benefits that Spencer funding drives for the industry. [44:56] It's a place where you can see real impact on real lives because of the fundraising dollars that the risk management and insurance industry has stepped up and invested. That's the focus. Then they have dinner. There are two honorees, and they wrap it up. [45:12] Marya loves that they have never complicated the program for Gala. It has kept the focus in the right place, which is what they are doing to fund the future leaders of the insurance and risk management industry. She's excited to meet the Spencer scholars who will speak at the Gala. [45:35] Marya says that lots of times the speakers bring their families. She says her Mom and Dad will be there. That will round out what's going to be a terrific and exciting evening. [45:47] Jason says, We look forward to seeing you there on September 17th at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Marya will be there with her old friend Sierra Signorelli. It's going to be a fantastic, tremendous time! The link to the Funding Their Future Gala is in this episode's notes. [46:08] Marya, we're very happy for you. Congratulations again! I can't wait to see you again in September. Marya looks forward to seeing Justin again and the team from RIMS, another long-standing, awesome, successful partnership between Spencer and RIMS. [46:27] Special thanks again to Marya Propis for rejoining us here on RIMScast! We congratulate her again in advance of her receiving the honor at the Spencer Educational Foundation's 2026 Funding Their Future Gala, which will be held on September 17th at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. [46:47] Visit SpencerEd.org for more information and to purchase your ticket and for sponsorship opportunities. Join us next week, as we will be joined by Spencer Board Chair Johnell Holley. We will learn all about his career journey and risk philosophies. [47:03] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [47:32] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [47:50] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [48:08] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [48:24] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [48:37] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [48:49] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continued support! Links: Spencer Educational Foundation's 2026 Funding Their Future Gala | Sept. 17, 2026 RIMS ERM Conference 2026 | November 19‒20 in Columbus, Ohio | Session Submission Deadline: Friday, June 19 RIMS Canada Conference — Oct. 18‒21, 2026 | Quebec City | www.rimscanadaconference.ca | Advance Registration Open | Sponsorship Opportunities Available RIMScast on YouTube! Spencer Educational Foundation — Scholarships and Grants | Open Calls and Timelines. RIMS-CRO Certificate Program In Advanced Enterprise Risk Management | July‒Sept. 2026 Cohort | Led by James Lam | Register Now! 2026 Florida RIMS Educational Conference | July 28‒Aug. 1 | Register Now RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 | Aug. 10‒12 in San Antonio | Register Now! ChicagoLand Risk Forum | Sept. 24, 2026 RIMS Western Regional Conference — Oct. 4‒7, 2026 | Seattle, WA | Register Today and Submit an Educational Session! RIMS Risk Management Magazine | Contribute | Look for the Awards Edition in "Digital Issues"! RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) | Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! RIMS, the Foundation for Risk Management The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Stories RIMScast Canada — Episodes Now Live RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | July 21‒22, 2026 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops Upcoming RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars "Too Hot To Ignore: Heat-Related Injuries and Workers' Compensation" | July 16 | Presented by Zurich Related RIMScast Episodes: "Spencer Day 2026 | The Future of Strategic Risk Management" "Risk Management Momentum with Tim Ryan" (2025 Spencer Honoree) "The Strengths of DE&I Initiatives with Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray of Alliant Insurance Services" (2024 Spencer Honoree) "RIMS Honor Roll Inductee Emily Buckley" "RIMS Rising Risk Professional Award Winner Tyler Vaughan" Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "48 Hours From a Storm: What to Do Before A Hurricane Strikes" (New!) | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "AI-Scale, Risk Ready: Engineering Controls for the New Data Center Boom" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Facing Into Risk: Navigating the New Risk Landscape" (New!) | Sponsored by AXA XL "Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges" | Sponsored by AXA XL "The ART of Risk: Rethinking Risk Through Insight, Design, and Innovation" | Sponsored by Alliant "Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors" | Sponsored by Diligent "Cyberrisk: Preparing Beyond 2025" | Sponsored by Alliant "The New Reality of Risk Engineering: From Code Compliance to Resilience" | Sponsored by AXA XL "Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs" | Sponsored by Zurich "Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding" | Sponsored by Zurich "What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping" | Sponsored by Medcor "How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips" | Sponsored by Alliant RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla! RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model® Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information. Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org. Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About our guest: Marya J. Propis, RT Specialty, President, Retail Distribution Production and engineering provided by Podfly.
Learn more about the NABIP Medicare Advantage Certification. This program is another way agents can satisfy their Medicare & Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training requirements. Read the text version Get Connected:
Everyone knows how to find Flo, the Geico Gecko, or Jake from State Farm. But how do customers actually find an independent insurance agent?One of the biggest challenges (and greatest opportunities) for independent agencies is visibility. We discuss online reviews, referrals, community involvement, referrals, social media, authentic relationship-building, and the real ways customers discover and choose independent agents.T If you've ever wondered why some agencies seem to attract customers effortlessly while others struggle to get noticed, this episode offers practical ideas you can implement right away.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
Want to write 30 life policies in 30 days? Join Michael Weaver's FREE live training - Thursday, June 4th at noon Central.
The hard market forced a lot of agencies into survival mode. We became insurance hostage negotiators for frustrated clients. But as the market begins to stabilize, this is our opportunity to remember who we really are.We're not order takers, quote machines, or in the business of finding the cheapest policy every six months. We're advisors, educators, and advocates.And the agencies that thrive in the next chapter won't be the ones chasing the lowest price. They'll be the ones creating the deepest trust.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.
Most agents don't have an opportunity problem… they have a skill problem. In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, Roger Short and Chris Ball break down the real reason so many agents stay stuck, inconsistent, and broke in the insurance industry — even while working hard. They dive into: • The 4 stages every successful agent goes through • Why motivation alone won't make you money • The hidden cost of staying "self-trained" • How real immersive training changes everything • What separates agents who struggle from agents who scale If you've ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure why things aren't clicking yet… this episode is for you. You'll hear powerful stories from real agents who transformed their confidence, production, and careers by getting into the right environment and developing real sales skills. Whether you're brand new or already producing, this conversation will challenge the way you think about growth, coaching, and what it actually takes to win in telesales and life insurance sales.