Finding Peak [Formerly The Ryan Hanley Show]

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comReady to master the art of remote leadership and build effective training programs?We discuss these and so much more in my first AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode of the podcast...Strap in as we embark on a journey through the complexities of maintaining unity and connection within a remote team environment. We'll get hands-on with the power of regular meetings, random check-ins, and the unifying force of company swag.I’ll share with you my own experiences and insights on how to celebrate team win in a remote setting and the importance of intentional connections within the team.Navigating the challenges of training and managing remote teams can be tricky, but fear not. We delve into the process of onboarding new employees remotely, customizing training approaches, and developing a modular program for company-specific training. From the benefits of digital training platforms to the importance of cultural understanding and process familiarity, we'll equip you with the tools you need to ensure your remote team is on the same page.In the final leg of our journey, we get real about underwriter-agent relationships, focusing on solutions and how to help agents get to a 'yes'. I open up about personal experiences and the frustrations that come with submitting accounts to underwriters. Further, we discuss the concept of service in solving problems and the importance of a killer instinct in life. To round off, we end on a lighter note and indulge in my love for conspiracy theories and the role of entertainment in our lives. So tune in and buckle up, because this is going to be one insightful adventure.Resources Mentioned: Reach out to Ryan Hanley Ryan Hanley Instagram Rogue Risk Finding Peak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comSome of the toughest decisions in my life involved hiring and firing employees.I was confronted with the emotional toll it took on both ends of the spectrum. That's why our guest, Joey Coleman, renowned author of 'Never Lose a Customer Again' and 'Never Lose an Employee Again', is here to shed some light on this intricate process.With his own experiences as a leader and the challenging decisions he made as a CEO, Joey offers a unique perspective on the employer-employee dynamic.The episode further highlights the intertwined connection between customer experience and employee experience, shedding light on the employer's responsibility to create a remarkable environment for their team members.We also dissect the balance of hierarchy and dialogue in decision-making, the dangers of confirmation bias, and the importance of rest and recovery after big projects.So, grab your headphones and tune in to this enlightening episode packed with valuable insights for leaders and managers alike.This is not just a conversation; it's a transformative journey.Episode Highlights: Ryan and Joey discuss their experience of speaking with Marcus Sheridan and how much they admire his skills. (6:57) Joey shares his experiences during COVID, including giving speeches and consulting for struggling businesses, and witnessing the contrasting emotions of people facing hardships and successes. (15:43) Joey discusses the importance of employee experience in creating remarkable customer experiences and the interconnectedness between the two. (25:51) Joey mentions that employers struggle to create a positive employee experience due to a lack of firsthand experience, a fear of vulnerability and admitting uncertainty, and a disconnect between customer and employee experience. (30:42) Joey believes that being a great employer is understanding that employee experience is a journey, not a destination, and adapting to the changing world and employee needs (34:29).   Joey discusses the importance of valuing team opinions and involving them in decision-making while acknowledging that leaders must make tough decisions and take responsibility for the results. (46:42) Joey mentions that leaders often fail to learn from experiments because they focus on justifying the results instead of understanding why things didn't go as planned. (56:25) Joey discusses the episode's main takeaway, which is to be intentional about the type of people you want in your organization and to incorporate that into every step of the hiring and employee management process. (1:00:08) Key Quotes: “The best books are the ones that you can come back to. You can read it at a different point in your career when you're facing a different problem, a different situation, a different scenario, you're in a different organization, you've got a new product, a new service, whatever it may be.” - Joey Coleman “Most leaders don't actually learned from the experiments. They justify why the experiment ended up the way it did, without exploring why the experiment didn't go the way they thought it was.” - Joey Coleman “Words totally matter, like, it is literally the foundation of our ability to communicate in the modern era, is words, language.” - Joey Coleman Resources Mentioned: Joey Coleman LinkedIn Website: Joey Coleman Book: Never Lose an Employee Again Book: Never Lose a Customer Again Reach out to Ryan Hanley Rogue Risk Finding Peak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comDiscover how to revolutionize your insurance business as we chat with the incredible Shawn Fitzgerald of the Scratch Agency podcast.Shawn's unique blend of progressive technology and prospecting techniques, combined with a respect for traditional methods, will give you the edge you need in today's competitive market.Together, we'll explore the importance of finding freedom within ourselves, overcoming limitations, and navigating the challenges of the current economic crisis.Dive into the world of carrier sales centers as we discuss how they can help you maximize efficiency and grow your business.Learn the ins and outs of working with carrier representatives and customer service centers and the advantages of carving out a niche for yourself in the insurance industry. We'll also reveal the power of AI tools like ByWordAI, Chat GPT, and Grammarly in revolutionizing your blog writing process, saving you precious time and resources.Finally, we get personal with Shawn as we discuss the mental and emotional journey of being a scratch agent. Shawn shares the incredible benefits of starting a podcast to build relationships, learn from guests, and find a sense of community, from the loneliness to the self-discipline required.Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that will inspire you and provide tangible strategies to elevate your insurance business to new heights.Episode Highlights: Shawn discusses his approach to purchasing leads for his insurance agency and the benefits of doing so. (7:04) Shawn shares the benefits of using a service center versus a sales center for insurance agencies, and how it can help maximize time and resources. (19:12) Shawn mentions that AI has significantly improved efficiency in blogging, reducing time spent on writing from three hours to 30 minutes. (29:23) Ryan shares his process for creating two blog posts daily in 30 minutes or less using a tool called Byword and a paid subscription to ChatGPT. (31:05) Shawn mentions that he uses GPT to send emails more efficiently, providing a state of the market for commercial clients and personalizing them with Grammarly, creating a Facebook ad, and responding to forms. (37:04) Ryan discusses the benefits of choosing a niche in the insurance industry and how it can lead to success. (42:06) Shawn believes that mistakes in the industry can lead to avoiding passions, but finding a niche or field you love will keep your fire burning. (46:14) Shawn explains that they started the Scratch Agency podcast because they wanted to share valuable information and learn from guests and the insurance industry community. (50:38) Key Quotes: “If you're not in a niche or a specific field that you love. It's easy to just skip out on that day. You know, if you love it, like I said before, it's going to keep that fire burning.” - Shawn Fitzgerald “As a scratch agent one of the first things I did was I kind of had to build my niche based around the carrier access I had. So sometimes you don't always have the option. But once you get to a certain point, you can pick and do what you'd like.” - Shawn Fitzgerald “The relationships I've built from the podcasts that Steven and I have built from the podcasts, I feel like are invaluable. So I know, we both know how hard those times are. And it's the three of us who know how hard those times are being a scratch agent. So I feel like if that can help, literally one or two people that also makes me happy.” - Shawn Fitzgerald Resources Mentioned: Shawn Fitzgerald LinkedIn Scratch Agency podcast Reach out to Ryan Hanley Rogue Risk SIAA Finding Peak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comJoin me as I dive into an enlightening conversation with Kimi Donahue, senior agency success manager at Openly.Discover her inspiring journey in the insurance industry and how her passion for connecting with others through music has played a role in her success.Kimi opens up about living with Tourette's and its impact on her communication skills. We delve into the importance of understanding neurodiversity, providing feedback, and exploring the potential dangers of falling into a victim mentality.Learn how to better communicate with neurodivergent individuals and foster an environment of understanding and acceptance.Finally, listen as Kimi and I discuss respect, freedom, and relationship communication. We explore the power of respectful differentiation, personal agency, and improvement.Hear how striving for excellence can help you further develop your unique skills and talents. Don't miss this insightful and thought-provoking episode with the amazing Kimi Donahue!Episode Highlights: Kimmy shares her experience with Tourette Syndrome, including her diagnosis, symptoms, and how she copes with it. (8:17) Kimi explains the importance of setting expectations and being open to communication styles. (15:35) Kimi mentions that being open to feedback and learning from it can lead to better communication and understanding of different personalities. (25:26) Kimi discusses the importance of respect in relationships, whether it be in the workplace or in a romantic relationship. (37:07) Kimi explains how being different has become mainstream these days and how some people use it as a crutch to get shallow feedback and victories. (42:40) Kimi mentions that she is always looking for new experiences and strives to be the best at them. (53:58) Key Quotes: “I've just been really lucky or have done a good job of surrounding myself with people that are similar, that are just very growth minded. That's what I mean by learning basis is people that understand that, like, there's always room for improvement. And your perspective isn't always the only one that exists. And I think that's probably the biggest piece that my parents really helped drive home for me and my sister.” - Kimi Donahue “I'm always looking for something new. And then of course, when I do it, I want to be the best I can be at it. That's hence, where the competitive nature comes in. You know, I enjoy recognition, I enjoy being a winner.” - Kimi Donahue Resources Mentioned: Kimi Donahue LinkedIn Openly Reach out to Ryan Hanley Rogue Risk Finding Peak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comJoin us for an eye-opening conversation with Brian Falchuk, author of The Future of Insurance, as we explore the exciting potential of traditional insurance carriers collaborating with insurtech solution providers.Brian shares valuable lessons from his experience in the industry, emphasizing the need to push boundaries, try new things, and adopt a fresh perspective on success. Together, we tackle the challenges insurance professionals face in delivering successful collaborations and highlight the revolutionary potential of AI and technology within the industry.This fascinating discussion delves into the incentives driving insurance carriers and the importance of shifting our perspective on success. We emphasize the need to avoid hubris, ego, which can hinder progress, and the challenge of incentivizing people within large bureaucracies.Brian shares his thoughts on how insurers can avoid stagnation by looking for "not losers" instead of winners and the potential consequences of ignoring warning signs when it comes to technology.Finally, we touch on the necessity of adaptability in the face of changing buyer culture and trends. Brian stresses the importance of not putting any one ideology on a pedestal, as this can limit a business's success.We also discuss the importance of understanding the diverse needs of different buyers and the role of AI and technology in bridging the gap between the tech and insurance industries. Don't miss this captivating conversation with Brian Falchuk as we uncover the future of insurance and the steps we can take to ensure success in this rapidly evolving industry.Episode Highlights: Brian mentions that he has a new book, "The Future of Insurance," which is the third edition in the series. (4:11) Brian discusses the importance of understanding the culture, values, and engagement in a company. (10:59) Brian explains the difference between insurers and venture capitalists in terms of underwriting. (17:09) Brian discusses the benefits and drawbacks of the slowness of the insurance industry in adapting to new technology and the importance of being aware of industry trends. (25:24) Brian shares a story about a successful texting solution for claims that moved a customer to tears, highlighting the importance of delivering on promises in the insurance industry. (43:33) Brian discusses the challenges of using buzzwords in the insurance industry and how skepticism serves as a barrier to collaboration between traditional carriers and InsurTech companies. (48:05) Brian mentions that the “Future of Insurance” book series emphasizes the importance of respecting staff and systems, focusing on people and processes. (53:22) Key Quotes: “It's really hard to genuinely understand what it's like to live in an agent's shoes if you haven't actually been there.” - Brian Falchuk “The whole book series is not about any one specific thing. It's about the lessons we personally need to start living, to make the change where we can.” - Brian Falchuk  Resources Mentioned: Brian Falchuk LinkedIn Website: Brian Falchuk Book: The Future of Insurance Reach out to Ryan Hanley Rogue Risk Finding Peak SIAA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comWhat does it take to rise from humble beginnings and achieve massive success in business while creating millionaires out of your key employees? Join us as we sit down with James Webb, author of Redneck Resilience, and explore his incredible journey from a small town in Mississippi to becoming a successful entrepreneur owning one of the country's largest Orange Theory Fitness franchises.In this fascinating and inspiring conversation, we dive into James's entrepreneurial journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his life and career. We touch on his early experiences selling pot holders at church bazaars, becoming an x-ray tech, and how the internet changed his entire trajectory. Throughout our discussion, we also examine the importance of resilience, relationships, and generational thinking in overcoming challenges and fostering long-term success.Don't miss this engaging episode, as we also discuss the often-overlooked topic of compensating high-performing employees in industries like the independent insurance industry, where there is no consistent solution. James shares valuable insights from his own experience on creating an ownership structure that motivates and rewards employees, as well as the benefits of profit-sharing plans and equity-based incentives. Tune in to learn from James's incredible journey and unlock the secrets to resilience and success.Episode Highlights: James shares his entrepreneurial journey, including lessons learned from starting and selling companies. (9:13) James discusses his experience being fired from executive positions and how it led them to become an entrepreneur. (17:27) James believes that relationships define life, and mentors can guide individuals through difficult times. (23:06) James discusses the commission structures and bonus programs they implemented for their sales reps, which led to significant increases in earnings. (31:05) James mentions that equity is a motivating factor over profit sharing, as it provides ownership and rules. (38:11) James explains that resilience is finding another path after being knocked down, rather than just getting back up and doing the same thing. (42:41) Key Quotes: “Relationships will define your life. And for me, it was developing relationships during these hard times. Mentors, people that helped me see, helped me guide. One of the reasons I love being a mentor now. It's been a lot of time doing that, is helping people get out of that thing.” - James Webb “I use the term resilience. It's not just getting knocked down and getting back up. Why the hell do you want to get punched in the face again? It's getting knocked down, getting back up and finding another path. You know, I think that's one of the keys to resilience.” - James Webb “My parents were probably the biggest influence in my life in terms of driving me and teaching me and showing me.” - James Webb Resources Mentioned: James Webb LinkedIn Book: Redneck Resilience Website: James Harold Webb Reach out to Ryan Hanley Rogue Risk SIAA Finding Peak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comDoug Benz, co-founder of New Buffalo Insurance (with his incredible wife, Liz Benz), is one of my personal favorite people in the insurance industry. One of the things that I enjoy about Doug is he always has one eye on the future while staying true to his professional insurance agent roots. I loved this conversation and I'm sure you will too...Episode Highlights: Doug discusses how insurance sales used to be a secret business controlled by families and how people outside those families didn't know how much money you could make doing it or what it was really all about. (7:15) Ryan mentions that some business owners prioritize maximizing their personal income over growing their agency, and how this can negatively impact their ability to attract and retain employees. (13:21) Doug shares why he decided to take a field trip to New York City, and how it changed his life. (24:20) Doug believes that the world is returning to a better spot, and people are buying buildings and doing things again, leading to more insurance needs. (36:35) Ryan discusses the challenges and opportunities for small businesses in a hardening market and the importance of marketing and adding value during this time. (39:39) Doug shares how he shifts his mindset when he's going into dark places and how it it helps in an industry many different dimensions. (48:00) Doug mentions that discipline and clarity are essential for success, but getting into a rhythm and feeling good is hard. (50:59) Key Quotes:“I'm excited about this year. I feel like last year was just like the one year since we started. It was just like, what is going on? And in terms of you know, we had some nice growth from premiums on the rise, but in terms of like new business, it was awful compared to the years prior. And I'm like what's going on? So, it feels like we're back on track this year, a little bit. But it's like a little bit of scariness out there. I'm not gonna lie.” - Doug Benz Resources Mentioned: Doug Benz LinkedIn New Buffalo Insurance Reach out to Ryan Hanley Rogue Risk Finding Peak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comIn this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan Hanley interviews CJ Hutsenpiller.CJ Hutsenpiller is a true insurance entrepreneur, running his family agency while also being co-owner of The Collective Agency Council and owner of Tacobot, a chatbot agency that specializes in lead generation and client experience chatbots for the insurance industry.I loved this conversation with CJ and I know you will too...Episode Highlights: CJ shares about a successful marketing strategy for their insurance agency, which involves displaying historical images of their town on the website. (8:28) CJ discusses the use of virtual employees and bots, such as chatbots and robotic process automation bots, to enhance their agency's efficiency. (16:57) CJ explains their straightforward hiring process, consisting of an interview followed by a group interview with the entire team. (22:45) CJ mentions that traditional agents struggle with paying their employees competitively and tend to treat them as mere numbers. (34:53) CJ shares his experience using Chat GPT to generate content for their insurance business, including an Edgar Allen Poe-inspired insurance poem. (48:44) CJ discusses the potential of AI-generated video content for automation purposes. (1:03:37) CJ explains the importance of appealing to various types of buyers in order for agencies to grow larger. (1:07:19) Key Quote:“One thing that we really focus in on is like, how can we make our processes and servicing personal lines more efficient. So our little motto for the agency is, ‘Where the convenience of online shopping meets the security of having a local insurance agent.’” - CJ HutsenpillerResources Mentioned: CJ Hutsenpiller Hutsenpiller Insurance The Collective Agency Council  Tacobot Reach out to Ryan Hanley Rogue Risk Finding Peak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comIn this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan Hanley is joined by Michael Eagan.Michael Eagan founded The Independence Hub, which seeks to make insurance the preferred industry for neurodivergent talent. Insurance Hub aims to offer the insurance industry connections to best practices and talent through industry educational and neurodivergent recruiting events.Don't miss this episode...Episode Highlights: Michael shares his experience with ADHD and how he started a remote work center for neurodivergent people. (7:37) Michael mentions that ADHD brains continue to develop throughout life, while neurotypical brains stop developing. (16:11) Michael believes that a manager needs to be trained and aware of neurodiversity and the leader needs to be mentored and have tools to translate the awareness into the business world. (24:45) Michael explains how neurodivergent people have unique skill sets that are often overlooked in the standard hiring process. (37:55) Michael discusses the challenges of disclosing neurodivergent conditions during job interviews and the need for proper management of executive function skills. (48:43) Ryan mentions that his mission is to make the insurance industry more exciting and appealing to people, including those with ADHD. (53:24) Ryan encourages listeners to get involved in the program and talk to Mike if they have questions or frustrations. (58:23) Key Quotes: “Do you know that ADHD brains continue to develop through our lives? Whereas other neurotypical people, their brains, they stopped developing. So like, where you'll continue to have interests your whole life, like you'll find new music, you'll find new art, you'll find new hobbies.” - Michael Eagan “So that's why I won't listen to anybody because when I listen to people, it doesn't work. When I do it my way, it may be a little messy, but wow, it turns out a lot of times, I'm better at things than you.” - Michael Eagan Resources Mentioned: Michael Eagan LinkedIn The Independence Hub Reach out to Ryan Hanley Rogue Risk Finding Peak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9

Became a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.comIn this episode of The Ryan Hanley Show, Ryan Hanley is joined by Monica Parker. Monica brings to the table a vast knowledge of navigating and communicating organizational change. An international speaker and presenter, she is a regular contributor to several platforms, including The Guardian and Thrive Global, and has also appeared on CNN and BBC Worldwide as an authority on organizational culture, change management, and inclusion.Monica is the author of The Power of Wonder; The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live, Learn, and Lead.This episode is going to blow your mind...Episode Highlights: Monica shares practical ways to find wonder, including taking a wonder walk, trying new things, and creating a wonder mindset through slow thought and gratitude practice (7:37) Monica mentions that authenticity directly enhances and is enhanced by wonder and is linked to humility, which boosts job satisfaction, engagement, motivation, and performance. (19:19) Monica discusses incentivizing ideal behavior and the importance of recognizing the diversity of value that people bring to a company. (33:19) Monica explains the benefits of wonder over happiness, how wonder can deepen our emotional vocabulary, and how it can lead to pro-social emotions. (37:24) Monica discusses the concept of psychological richness and how it contributes to a wonder mindset, which is not just a moment but a mindset that can be created. (43:15) Monica mentions that wonder can be found in little moments and can be amplified when shared through storytelling or journaling. (48:34) Key Quotes: “Authenticity is another one of those elements that is directly enhanced by wonder and also can enhance wonder.” - Monica Parker “Psychological richness, to me, is the underpinning of what then creates a wonder mindset. And that's one of the things I always try to say, again, Wonder is not a moment. It's a mindset, it's something we can create.” - Monica Parker “I want people to start using the language of wonder and not shy away from it so that we start sharing this language as something that's pivotal to who we are, it's critical to who we are as humans. It's not just a hobby, it has gravitas. It's how our soul thrives and if we share that with other people, then it helps it grow within us.” - Monica Parker Resources Mentioned: Monica Parker LinkedIn Website: Monica C. Parker Book: The Power of Wonder; The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live, Learn, and Lead. Reach out to Ryan Hanley Rogue Risk Finding Peak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9