The podcast for independent insurance agency leaders and their teams to learn practical strategies and behaviors to become their best version possible. Hosted by Sitkins Group President, Brent Kelly, The Agent Leader Podcast provides agencies with leadership, sales, and self-development methods that actually get results. With our focus on a total-team approach to improving independent insurance agencies, we dive into sales, service, and leadership teams. Leadership is not a title. Leadership ...
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AI and Insurance: From Hype to How with Steve Anderson
56:59
56:59
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56:59Renowned insurance technology expert Steve Anderson, co-founder of Catalyit and author of The Bezos Letters, joins us to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the insurance industry. Drawing lessons from the internet boom of the late ’90s, Steve shares how today’s agencies can move from AI hype to real-world results. You’ll discover h…
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Beyond the Policy: Transforming Insurance from Commodity to Connection
39:51
39:51
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39:51Is your agency stuck selling insurance as just another commodity? In this powerful episode, Brent Kelly reveals how to shift that perception through meaningful communication and client connection. Learn how to differentiate your agency by going beyond the overused promises of "great service" and "experienced staff." We explore the "head, heart, and…
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Row Together, Grow Together: Agency Alignment Secrets with Kari Glennon
42:30
42:30
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42:30Is your agency rowing in the same direction—or just spinning in circles? In this episode, senior consultant Kari Glennon joins Brent Kelly to break down the real reasons insurance agencies struggle with internal misalignment—and what to do about it. From duplicated efforts to pricing uncertainty, Kari shares how a lack of formal communication and r…
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From Chaos to Clarity: Turn Workplace Distractions into Peak Productivity
37:31
37:31
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37:31Feeling pulled in every direction in your agency? In this episode, Brent Kelly shares how to flip daily distractions into your biggest productivity wins. Inspired by Cal Newport’s Deep Work and Darren Hardy’s Insane Productivity, Brent offers practical strategies for creating focus zones, setting boundaries, and aligning your work with what truly m…
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Building a Thriving Insurance Agency: Insights from Bravera Leaders
51:53
51:53
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51:53In this episode, Brent Kelly sits down with two dynamic leaders from Bravera Insurance, Brennan Quintus and Tess Pergande, to uncover the key drivers behind their agency’s success. From fostering a strong team culture to leveraging open communication and strategic leadership, they share actionable insights that can transform any independent agency.…
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Unlocking the Hidden Millions in Your Agency
37:53
37:53
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37:53Is your insurance agency leaving money on the table? In this power-packed episode, Brent Kelly reveals how to maximize your agency’s valuation by mastering the people side of the business. Discover the critical leadership shifts that drive real growth. Brent explores how to break free from a scarcity mentality and create an abundance-driven culture…
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Simplify to Succeed: Joe Calloway’s Strategies for Maximum Impact
55:31
55:31
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55:31What if simplicity was the key to becoming a stronger leader? In this episode of The Agent Leader Podcast, renowned author and speaker Joe Calloway shares his journey from a Tennessee farm to captivating audiences at iconic venues like the Staples Center. With a talent for breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies, Joe reveals h…
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Beyond the Comfort Zone: Jeff Schulz on Onboarding, Growth & Leadership
44:05
44:05
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44:05Join us for a motivating episode of The Agent Leader Podcast as we sit down with Jeff Schulz from J. Krug & Associates to explore his journey from fraternity connections to leadership in the commercial lines division. Jeff’s story highlights the power of continuous learning, industry designations, and a relentless commitment to growth. 🎧 Highlights…
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Closing the Performance Gap: The KPIs That Drive Agency Growth
51:02
51:02
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51:02Discover how to bridge performance gaps and drive unprecedented success in your insurance agency with insights from Roger Sitkins, founder and CEO of the Sitkins Group. In this episode, we break down the transformative power of key performance indicators (KPIs) and introduce the Performance Gap Analyzer—a game-changing tool designed to help agency …
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In this episode of the Agent Leader, Brent Kelly dives into the transformative power of setting standards over merely chasing goals in insurance agency leadership. Drawing inspiration from James Clear's "Atomic Habits," Brent explores how establishing consistent standards can turn your aspirations into tangible achievements. Discover actionable ins…
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Producing Agency Excellence with Dan Elliott
34:33
34:33
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34:33Discover the Secrets to Consistency and Balance in Insurance Sales In this episode, Brent Kelly sits down with Dan Elliott, managing partner of the Diebold Agency and a fourth-generation leader, to uncover how he steers his family-run business toward multi-location success. Drawing from his journey to leading the Diebold Agency to new heights, Dan …
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Elevate Your Leadership Game with Jill Wagner Kelly
47:34
47:34
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47:34Jill Wagner Kelly, the Chief Distribution Officer at Grange Insurance, shares her profound insights from over 30 years in the insurance industry on this episode of The Agent Leader. Jill's journey from a personal lines underwriter to an executive leader is filled with pivotal moments and invaluable lessons in authenticity, mentorship, and leadershi…
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From NFL Dreams to Insurance Success: Winning Insights from Matt Hughes of First MainStreet
55:58
55:58
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55:58Dive into a transformative journey as Matt Hughes shares his path from NFL player to Growth and Sales Strategist at First MainStreet Insurance on this episode of The Agent Leader. From his beginnings as a college athlete and NFL player to a thriving career in the insurance industry, Matt shares invaluable lessons on resilience and leadership. Liste…
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Join us on this special episode of the Agent Leader Podcast, where Brent Kelly, Roger Sitkins, and Kari Glennon explore transformative insights for insurance agencies drawn from 2024. Highlights include: (07:42) - Intentional Communication in Leadership (15:50) - Cohort Management and Practice Culture (26:54) - Maximizing Producer and Service Effic…
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From Family Legacy to Modern Success with Tom Krug
41:11
41:11
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41:11Unlock the secrets of transforming a traditional family business into a thriving, innovative insurance agency as we sit down with Tom Krug, the visionary president of J Krug & Associates. Discover how Tom's journey from working alongside his father and grandfather to reshaping the agency with a modern employee stock ownership model has paved the wa…
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Building Success from Setbacks with Mark Shipp of HUB International
46:04
46:04
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46:04Mark Shipp, Senior Executive VP at HUB International, joins us to share his extraordinary transformation from early career hurdles to becoming a multi-million dollar producer in the insurance industry. Mark's journey underscores the role of mindset, strategic processes, and a heart for service. From his beginnings in the family business to honing s…
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Grit, Growth & Gumption with Tinsley English
45:32
45:32
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45:32Discover the transformative power of self-leadership in this inspiring episode featuring Tinsley English, a dynamic leader in the insurance industry. Tinsley shares her unexpected journey into insurance and how she embraced it with passion and purpose. Drawing from her empowering book, Grit, Growth, and Gumption for Women, she unveils strategies fo…
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From $10 Million to $140 Million & Beyond - Trent Tillman's Blueprint for Success
45:56
45:56
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45:56Trent Tillman, President and Chief Revenue Officer of TrueNorth Insurance, joins us to share the extraordinary growth story of the agency, scaling from under $10 million to over $140 million in revenue. Gain insights into a leading agency's strategic vision for growth as the discussion covers the company's expansion across multiple locations, its r…
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Success Through Strategic Living with Joe Vens
49:38
49:38
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49:38Join us as Joe Vens, a leading risk advisor at First MainStreet Insurance, returns to share his transformative journey in the insurance industry. Through the themes of mentorship, coachability, and dedicated personal growth, Joe discusses how these qualities have shaped his career and set him apart. Joe dives into the art of balancing family, profe…
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A Tech-Savvy Yet Human-Centric Approach to Agency Growth
32:40
32:40
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32:40What if you could seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with personal growth in your insurance agency? This episode of the Agent Leader promises insights into just that as we chat with Billie Jo Galle, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Operations at TRICOR Insurance. Billie Jo's extensive experience provides a unique perspective on harmoniz…
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Mastering the Champion's Mindset with Dr. Rick Jensen
52:23
52:23
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52:23Renowned sports psychologist and performance coach Dr. Rick Jensen draws from his remarkable experience coaching pro champions to offer powerful insights for excelling in insurance. Dr. Jensen emphasizes the value of specialization, and the competitive advantage gained by becoming trusted consultants within specific niches rather than staying gener…
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Fitness & Focus to Double Agency Revenue with Dick Gibbs
40:52
40:52
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40:52How can leaders help shape up their agency culture for heightened success? Dick Gibbs, CRO and VP of Sales at Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency, joins us to share how his own commitment to personal well-being has propelled his leadership abilities and fostered a thriving team culture. With his impressive background in both company and agency sides of t…
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Empowering Teams for Lasting Agency Growth with Matt Fairbanks
52:33
52:33
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52:33What if the key to your agency’s growth lies in something you're overlooking? In our latest podcast episode, Matt Fairbanks, Vice President of Sales and Producer Development at EHD Insurance, joins Brent to reveal how investing in your team can transform your agency’s success. Learn from Matt’s incredible journey from managing a $2 million book of …
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The Journey from $6 Million to $33 Million: Insights from Ed McGrath
34:22
34:22
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34:22How did Ed McGrath lead BancFirst Insurance Services from $6 million to an astounding $33 million in revenue? Discover the secrets behind this monumental growth as Ed, the President and CEO, sits down with us to discuss the pivotal strategies and leadership decisions that made this transformation possible. You'll hear about the importance of an ind…
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Transforming Challenges into Growth with Bart Straka
42:24
42:24
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42:24Unlock the secrets to agency growth and leadership success with Bart Straka, President and CRO of TRICOR Insurance. Discover how Bart transformed from a producer to a leader at one of the top 100 agencies in the country. Learn how the agency has expanded to 32 locations and 310 employees, with an impressive projected revenue of $58 million, and the…
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Planning Your Purpose After Perpetuation with Mark Rollins
48:55
48:55
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48:55In this episode, Brent Kelly is joined by Mark Rollins, a former highly successful insurance agency leader and current founder of Retirement Transformed. Mark, also the author of The Evolving Man, shares insights that go beyond the usual financial aspects of perpetuation. Together, they explore the emotional and spiritual journey leaders face when …
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Maximizing Agency Value with Max Olson of Legacy Advisors
35:08
35:08
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35:08Brent Kelly sits down with Max Olson of Legacy Advisors, an expert in agency valuation, to discuss the strategies that can significantly increase the value of your insurance agency. Whether you're preparing for a buyout or simply want to boost your agency's future, Max shares key insights on optimizing revenue, streamlining operations, and securing…
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How to Avoid the Good Results Traps in Your Agency
51:47
51:47
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51:47How can good results be holding your agency back? Roger Sitkins joins Brent Kelly to dive deep into all seven of the Good Results Traps - or common challenges that many agencies face when they become content with merely good outcomes instead of pushing for the Best Version Possible results. This Good Results mindset prevents agencies from reaching …
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Unlocking The Power of Talent & Technology in Your Insurance Agency - Trap #7
24:16
24:16
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24:16Are you falling into Good Results Trap #7 by under-utilizing your agency’s technology and talent? In this episode of The Agent Leader, Brent Kelly dives into the critical importance of your agency’s talent and growth strategy. Brent emphasizes that the key to staying competitive and efficient lies in a proactive approach to investing in both your p…
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Ignoring the Power of the 80/20 Rule - Trap #6
25:05
25:05
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25:05Skyrocket your agency's revenue by embracing proven strategies used by top-performing agencies. In this episode, Brent Kelly gets into how the 80/20 principle can revolutionize your business model, helping you focus on the top 20% of your clients who generate 80% of your revenue. Imagine the impact of having half your revenue come from just the top…
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Is Accountability Ruining Your Strategy? - Trap #5
23:02
23:02
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23:02Do your agency’s beliefs and behaviors align? Brent Kelly dives into Good Results Trap #5 which covers having limited or no culture of accountability in your insurance agency on this episode of The Agent Leader. Learn how fostering a Culture of Accountability can not only boost performance, but also make your agency a beacon for top talent. Examine…
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How can you turn part-time clients into full-time profits for your insurance agency? Brent Kelly shares the strategies that can transform your business model, boost your profitability, and secure your agency's future in this episode which continues our Good Results series with Trap #4 Part-Time Clients. Understand the critical importance of transit…
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What's the best way to scale your agency's revenue and ensure sustainable growth? Escape the Part-Time Producer Trap! Brent Kelly continues the Good Results Traps series with Trap #3, having part-time producers. Discover the critical elements that can elevate your agency from "doing ok" to thriving. Brent dives into the often-overlooked factors tha…
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How Unique is Your Sales Approach? - Trap #2
25:54
25:54
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25:54What is your agency's set offense? Can you clearly articulate the differences of your agency vs. everybody else? Are your pipelines overflowing? If any of those answers are no, you may be falling into Good Results Trap #2, which wecover on today's Agent Leader podcast. In this episode, Brent Kelly continues the GoodResults Traps 7-part series by co…
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Trap #1 – The Cost of Not Having a Clear Plan
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25:05
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25:05Is your agency getting good results? Careful, these good results could very well be traps that are holding your agency back from becoming its best version possible. In this first of a seven-part series, Brent Kelly talks agency leaders through the first trap - having no clear strategic or financial plan. Get ready to ask yourself if your business m…
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Collaborate and Thrive: Specialty Risk Success Story with Chance Morgan
47:18
47:18
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47:18What's the secret to sustaining impressive growth in your insurance agency year after year? Discover Specialty Risk Insurance Agency’s blueprint for achieving a staggering 32.4% year-over-year growth for 12 years straight in this episode of The Agent Leader podcast! Chance Morgan joins Brent Kelly to deep dive into the strategies, hiring philosophi…
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3 Must-Take Steps to Unlock Your Best Version Possible
16:00
16:00
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16:00In this episode of the Agent Leader podcast, host Brent Kelly discusses the three steps to becoming a Best Version Possible agency. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, alignment, and focus in achieving agency transformation and growth. (5:30) It all starts with agency leaders answering three key questions for Clarity: where are we today, where…
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The Power of Quitting: Elevate Your Agency by Letting Go
16:17
16:17
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16:17What's the secret to transforming your agency with less effort and more impact? Discover the blueprint to agency success that every leader needs. This episode dives into the heart of empowering insurance agency leaders, showcasing how doing less can actually lead to achieving more. By focusing on strategic delegation, cultivating team empowerment, …
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Are you coming at accountability backwards? Brent Kelly discusses how to use accountability for success in your insurance agency on this episode of The Agent Leader. Discover the essential strategies for growth through insights on aligning your team, understanding roles, taking strategic actions, and the power of coaching to excellence. Learn how a…
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Are you a cow or a buffalo in the insurance industry? Brent Kelly introduces a "cow mentality" and a "buffalo mindset" and how each pertains to different areas of an independent insurance agency. Learn how to shift from a cow to a buffalo with eight specific areas: Focus on problem vs. a focus on the solutions. (7:30) Activities vs. Results (9:00) …
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What's the secret to building powerful relationships with CFOs? Unlock the key to establishing meaningful connections with CFOs by understanding their priorities, challenges, and strategic goals with this episode of The Agent Leader. Brent Kelly and Kari Glennon dive into what makes a CFO tick, from the nuances of their day-to-day responsibilities …
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Brent Kelly discusses the parallels between dunking a basketball and achieving success as an independent insurance agency in this episode of The Agent Leader. Brent explains how training applies to both basketball and insurance agencies. Much like our producer program, ProducerFit, which focuses on building foundational blocks for success, you can'…
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What are three reasons why agencies and their teams often avoid one of the most powerful areas of agency growth? Brent Kelly introduces the concept of the Ultimate Growth Strategy in this episode of The Agent Leader, along with the three reasons for avoiding this strategy: Complacency (6:30) Lack of capacity (7:40) Lack of confidence (9:43) If you'…
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Is what you're thinking stopping you from achieving? In this episode of the Agent Leader podcast, Brent Kelly and Roger Sitkins discuss the importance of beliefs and thinking in achieving success. Listen in for tips on how to turn internal convictions into external actions and desired outcomes. Our coaches are big believers in positive thinking as …
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In this podcast episode, Brent discusses the easy, normal, and comfortable things that insurance agencies often do that can hinder their long-term growth and success. Listen as Brent highlights four specific areas where taking the easy way currently could be making your future harder: Accountability (6:20) Productivity (11:30) Agency profitability …
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Best Way to Transform Your Agency into a Sales Powerhouse
20:21
20:21
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20:21What's the secret to transforming your independent insurance agency into a high-performing powerhouse? Discover the undeniable power of a structured selling process in our latest episode. Brent Kelly delves deep into why relying solely on talent isn't enough and how a systematic approach can significantly elevate your agency's success. Learn the cr…
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Three Questions Everyones Asking About You
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25:02
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25:02In this podcast episode, Brent Kelly discusses three important questions that people are asking about you as an agency leader: "Can you help me?" (3:00) "Do I trust you?" (8:43) "Do you really care about me?" (15:00) Brent emphasizes the importance of these questions in determining a leader's impact, influence, and results. Listen in for practical …
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Learn how to make your agency soar with seven characteristics of eagles that can be applied to independent insurance agencies in this episode of The Agent Leader. The characteristics include: Vision (5:20) Fearlessness (9:30) Tenacity (16:30) Hunting (19:40) Vitality (23:15) Flying high (27:00) Nurturing (29:10) Listen in for highlights on the impo…
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Unlock Agency Growth by Eliminating Hysterical Activity
46:27
46:27
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46:27Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing your agency's revenue and client satisfaction by escaping hysterical activity! Roger Sitkins joins Brent Kelly to unravel the art of prioritizing top customers, managing the 80/20 rule, understanding revenue concentration, and much more. Whether you're struggling with client management or looking for ways to boost…
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Mastering Conversations: Guide the Talk to Success in Insurance
28:42
28:42
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28:42In this podcast episode, Brent Kelly discusses the importance of asking questions in order to improve communication, engagement, and connection with others. Brent emphasizes that asking questions is the number one skill to learn for agency leaders, sales professionals, and insurance service professionals. Listen in for four reasons why asking quest…
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