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Dec 03
Managers...up your game now!

Managers bootcamp

The Manager's Bootcamp is a 7-session virtual training series encompassing key leadership aspects of workplace management in the insurance industry.  Each weekly 3-hour session is designed to help supervisors develop a set of foundational skills that will make them more effective leaders in a supervisory role. Topics will include thinking styles, motivation, change, feedback, communication, coaching, handling conflict, and teamwork.

This series is focused on new supervisors and managers, as well as leaders who have been in management for quite some time but can benefit from a fresh perspective on their leadership. The curriculum includes lecture and participant-centered activities. In addition to the actual class time, participants are also responsible for weekly homework and reading assignments required to utilize the principles discussed in each class.

Get to Know Your Facilitator

Read Graduate Feedback

Below are the topics that are covered over the seven weeks:

Essentials of Modern Supervisory Practices:

  • Characteristics and traits of an effective supervisor
  • How managing has evolved
  • Rethinking management
  • The 4 Questions every leader must answer for employees
  • The management team hierarchy

Maximizing Managerial Effectiveness through Self-Awareness:

  • The world according to me (thinking style)
  • As I think, so I behave
  • Leadership and management style

Enhancing Agency Performance Through Effective Team Management:

  • Personal energy
  • Pattern learning
  • Beliefs and values
  • The law of clarity
  • Motivators and de-motivators
  • Employee engagement
  • The dynamics of change

Enhancing Team Performance with Effective Communication and Feedback Strategies:

  • Feedback definition
  • Feedback process
  • Communication/feedback model

Enhancing Team Performance with Effective Communication and Feedback Strategies:  cont.

  • Listening to understand
  • Assertiveness
  • Manager as coach
  • Worker maturity cycle
  • Competency/willingness model

Building Trust to Enhance Agency Effectiveness:

  • Definition of trust
  • The economics of trust
  • Self-trust
  • Relationship trust
  • 13 behaviors of high-trust leaders
  • Extending trust

Effective Conflict Management for Insurance Professionals:

  • The world, according to ME
  • When emotions take charge
  • Responding to conflict situations
  • Conflict resolution strategies
  • Naming the conflict behavior

Mastering Team Dynamics for Insurance Professionals:

  • What makes a team?
  • Stages of team development
  • What team leaders do
  • Team dynamics
  • Sustained growth through mentorship
  • Accountability for lasting impact

Each course participant receives a 250+ page guide that includes personal assessments, application activities, and on-the-job assignments to help them connect the information with their workplace experience. 

  • Base BIGi Member Program Fee:  $850
  • Non-BIGi Member Program Fee:  $1065
(3 and 5-session private coaching bundles are also available upon request for an additional fee.)

7-week weekly schedule to begin January 21, 2025 – 1:00 – 1:00 PM CT

Licensed participants in approved states will be eligible to receive up to 21 hours of general CE credit with full attendance validation. 

More Information or Register

Dec 03
Now's Your Chance to Breathe


Have you ever been so emotionally exhausted that it felt like you have nothing else to give? 


Have you lost your joy for life? 

If so, you aren't alone. 

This level of heaviness isn't relieved with a bubble bath or a walk around the block, but it's also not possible for most women to rearrange their lives to create completely different circumstances. 

So how do we find the rhythm of a middle ground? 

This session of exploring how the body + brain connection = well-being will help you explore strategies to determine how to let go of what isn't working in your world and embrace the people and projects that give you room to thrive. 

It's time to reclaim your energy, rediscover your joy, and breathe again with featured speaker, Anna Irwin.

December 10 | 2:00pm – 3:15pm CT

MyNetwork Endowed Speaker Session sponsored by InsurBanc – register here

Dec 03
The Whole Person Approach: Leveraging Strengths Assessments to Unlock Potential in Your Team


“Our staff meetings absolutely drive me crazy."


​“Why can't Jane just take my directions and execute?"


​“I don't understand why client A won't respond to my emails."​


​Sound familiar? I've been there, and I've heard these frustrations countless times from agency owners. Early in my career, I shared those same thoughts. I expected everyone to operate the way I did—efficiently, with a clear action plan, ready to execute. And that client who never replied to my detailed emails? It turned out they weren't ignoring me; they just wanted the executive summary while I was sending them the encyclopedia.

It wasn't until I discovered the power of strengths assessments that I realized the real issue: Not everyone thinks, feels, or acts the same way I do. And that's a good thing. Understanding this was a game-changer, both for my leadership approach and for how I helped my clients build stronger, more effective teams.

This realization is where tools like the Kolbe A™ Index and CliftonStrengths come into play. They allow us to see the whole person—to understand not just their skills and personality but how they instinctively take action. Let me share how these tools have shaped my journey and how they can transform yours.

The Power of Knowing Yourself

Self-awareness is the foundation of growth and effective leadership. Over the years, I've come to appreciate the transformative power of strengths assessments in unlocking potential. My own journey of self-discovery began with the CliftonStrengths assessment, which revealed my top five strengths: Individualization, Achiever, Analytical, Responsibility, and Discipline.

Understanding these strengths gave me clarity about how I operate, helping me build stronger relationships and work more effectively. Individualization, for example, allows me to recognize and appreciate the unique qualities in each person I encounter. This strength is invaluable in my consulting work, where tailoring my approach to each client's specific needs has been key to building deeper, more meaningful partnerships.

My Achiever strength fuels my productivity, helping me set and reach ambitious goals, while Analytical allows me to think critically and examine problems from multiple angles. Rounding out my top five, Responsibility and Discipline reflect my commitment to reliability and maintaining a structured approach to work.

But as powerful as CliftonStrengths is in understanding how we relate to the world, it only tells part of the story. That's where the Kolbe A™ Index comes in.

Beyond CliftonStrengths: The Kolbe A™ Index

While CliftonStrengths reveals our cognitive and affective strengths—how we think and feel—the Kolbe A™ Index measures our conative strengths, or how we naturally take action. This assessment helps us understand the instinctive ways we operate when we are free to be ourselves.

For me, the Kolbe A Index reinforced much of what I learned through CliftonStrengths. My high score in Fact Finder aligns perfectly with my Analytical strength, reflecting my natural tendency to gather and evaluate information before making decisions. Kolbe also helped me recognize that while I excel in research and critical thinking, I must be mindful of potential analysis paralysis. Knowing this allows me to balance my approach and take action when it's needed most.

Why This Matters for Your Team

These tools are not just about personal growth—they're about building stronger, more effective teams. Whether you're hiring a new team member or developing the talent you already have, understanding the whole person can dramatically improve how your agency operates.

Hiring with Confidence: When you're hiring, traditional methods often fall short. You can find candidates with the right skills (cognitive strengths) and cultural fit (affective strengths), but that doesn't guarantee success. The missing piece is understanding how someone will naturally take action—and that's where Kolbe provides critical insight.

For example, if you're hiring for a role that requires consistent systems management, you need someone with strong Follow Thru capabilities. Hiring someone who thrives in chaos and improvisation (a Quick Start strength) could set them up for failure, even if they have the right skills and personality. Using assessments like Kolbe during the hiring process allows you to find people whose natural strengths align with the job's requirements, reducing turnover and ensuring long-term success.

Developing Your Existing Team: The benefits don't stop with hiring. Once you have a team in place, understanding each person's strengths helps you develop them in ways that increase engagement and productivity. Take a producer who excels in Quick Start but has been tasked with repetitive administrative work—over time, they'll burn out. Realigning their role to focus on high-risk, fast-paced activities can reignite their engagement and boost performance.

In my own consulting practice, I've seen how aligning employees' roles with their strengths not only increases satisfaction but also drives business results. Whether it's tailoring communication styles or shifting responsibilities to better match natural strengths, these small adjustments can lead to significant improvements.

The Importance of Strengths-Based Leadership

Running a strengths-based business isn't about fixing people's weaknesses—it's about playing to their natural abilities. When you understand the whole person, you can put people in roles where they will not only succeed but thrive.

 

Using both CliftonStrengths and Kolbe A Index together provides a complete picture:

CliftonStrengths helps you understand what motivates your employees, what energizes them, and how they build relationships.

Kolbe A Index tells you how they instinctively take action, whether they're natural problem-solvers, system-builders, or hands-on implementors.

Together, these tools allow you to build a team that is not only capable but perfectly aligned with your agency's goals.

In fact, research shows that businesses that focus on strengths experience higher engagement, better performance, and lower turnover. When your employees are doing work that aligns with their strengths, they're more productive and engaged, and your business benefits from their higher energy and focus.

My Personal Experience: Applying Strengths in Practice

The power of strengths-based leadership has transformed how I approach my own work. For example, my Achiever strength keeps me focused on setting and reaching goals, while my Analytical and Fact Finder strengths ensure that I approach problems systematically and consider all angles. My Individualization allows me to tailor my communication to each person, and Responsibility and Discipline ensure I meet deadlines and maintain high standards.

This approach has not only helped me grow as a consultant but also made a tangible impact on the clients I work with. When agency leaders understand their own strengths and those of their teams, they can delegate more effectively, improve collaboration, and ultimately drive better results.

Conclusion: The Whole Person, The Whole Business

In today's fast-paced, competitive environment, understanding the whole person is essential to building a successful, strengths-based business. By leveraging the CliftonStrengths and Kolbe A Index, you can gain a deeper understanding of your team, align them with the right roles, and create an environment where everyone thrives.

As I've seen firsthand in my work with insurance agencies, investing in strengths assessments isn't just about hiring the right people—it's about developing a team that is fully engaged, highly productive, and capable of driving your business forward.

If you're ready to harness the power of Kolbe and CliftonStrengths to build a strengths-based business, I'm here to guide you. Reach out to me at BIGiOK Consulting to discover how we can work together to unlock the full potential of your team. Let's start your journey toward greater engagement, productivity, and success.

Contact me today at sara@bigiok.com to take the first step in transforming your team with a strengths-based approach!​



by: Sara Bradshaw Ray, CIC, CKC
BIGiOK Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

(8-7-3-2)​​​​​​

Dec 03
Mastering the Power of Your Initiating Implementor Strength

Kolbe-implementor strength 

Do you find yourself naturally focused on creating tangible, lasting quality in everything you do? If so, your Kolbe Initiating Implementor strength is your key asset, grounding you in the present moment and driving you to produce work that stands the test of time.

Initiating Implementors excel in the present time zone, where the here and now is all that matters. You are deeply rooted in the moment, ensuring that every action you take results in something of enduring value. This strength is about more than just building or crafting—it's about bringing ideas to life in a concrete, physical form that can be touched, seen, and experienced.

When it comes to communication, Initiating Implementors prefer props, models, and demonstrations. You thrive in face-to-face interactions, where you can show rather than tell, using physical objects and your own body language to convey your message with clarity and impact.

Your learning style is hands-on. You learn best when you can work with models or prototypes, immersing yourself in the physical aspects of a project. As an Initiating Implementor, your path to goal attainment involves setting concrete, demonstrable goals crafted with the highest-quality materials and technology, ensuring that your work is not only functional but also built to last.

To switch into action mode, ask yourself: "How can I show it?" This question helps you focus on making your ideas tangible, using your natural craftsmanship and attention to detail to create something real and enduring.

Your Initiating Implementor strength is characterized by being tangible, physical, hands-on, and focused on quality. Leverage these qualities to bring your ideas to life in a practical and enduring way, ensuring that your work leaves a lasting impact.

Did you know that Implementor is just one of four Action Modes that the Kolbe A Index measures? Understanding all four modes—Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start, and Implementor—can give you a comprehensive view of how you naturally take action and solve problems. This is why taking the Kolbe A Index, followed by a personalized 1:1 coaching session with me, is invaluable. Together, we can explore how your strengths across all four Action Modes can be harnessed to unlock your full potential and achieve your goals.

Ready to discover more about your unique strengths? Contact me today to learn how the Kolbe A Index can provide deeper insights into your natural abilities. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership, improve team dynamics, or simply understand yourself better, the Kolbe A Index is a powerful tool to help you succeed.

Sara@BIGiOK.com for more information.​




Oct 28
​ Embracing the Power of Your Initiating Quick Start Strength

 

Do you thrive in dynamic environments, easily envisioning future possibilities and embracing change? If so, your Kolbe Initiating Quick Start strength is your driving force, empowering you to innovate, take risks, and lead with bold, visionary thinking.

Initiating Quick Starts excel in the future, focusing on what could be and anticipating change. You're not just reacting to the present but actively forecasting and shaping the future. This strength is about more than just quick thinking—pushing boundaries, experimenting with radical ideas, and driving innovation.

When it comes to communication, Initiating Quick Starts prefer spoken words. Whether pitching a new idea or rallying a team, your ability to articulate your vision with passion and energy helps you inspire others to take action.

Your learning style reflects your preference for innovation; you learn best through experimentation with radical ideas and testing the limits of what's possible. As an Initiating Quick Start, your path to goal attainment involves a sense of urgency, short-term deadlines, and seeking solutions that defy the probabilities. You don't just follow the rules—you rewrite them.

To switch into action mode, ask yourself: "What are my options?" This question helps you generate new ideas, improvise, and explore multiple pathways to success.

Your Initiating Quick Start strength is characterized by being spontaneous, a risk-taker, an originator, and a brainstormer. Leverage these qualities to create visionary goals and execute on them with agility and confidence, ensuring that your innovative ideas come to life.

Did you know that Quick Start is just one of four Action Modes that the Kolbe A Index measures? Understanding all four modes—Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start, and Implementor—can give you a comprehensive view of how you naturally take action and solve problems. This is why taking the Kolbe A Index, followed by a personalized 1:1 coaching session with me, is invaluable. Together, we can explore how your strengths across all four Action Modes can be harnessed to unlock your full potential and achieve your goals.​


​Ready to discover more about your unique strengths? Contact me today to learn how the Kolbe A Index can provide deeper insights into your natural abilities. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership, improve team dynamics, or simply understand yourself better, the Kolbe A Index is a powerful tool to help you succeed.

Sara@BIGiOK.com for more information. 


Oct 28
Season 10 of MyNetwork Kicks Off: Empowering Journeys Begin with New Facilitator and Fresh Energy

whole leader logo 

We're excited to announce the launch of Season 10 at MyNetwork, marking the beginning of another empowering journey for women leaders across the nation. This season, we are delighted to welcome Julie Webb as our newest facilitator. Julie joins our existing team of passionate leaders, expanding our facilitator group to three, all dedicated to guiding our participants through transformative experiences.

Introducing "The WHOLE Leader"

This season, under the theme "The WHOLE Leader," we are focused on fostering all aspects of leadership that make a fulfilled and impactful leader:

  • W – Wellbeing: Encouraging leaders to maintain their wellness for sustained success.
  • H – Holistic: Promoting a comprehensive approach to personal and professional life.
  • O – Organizationally-focused: Sharpening strategic thinking to align with organizational goals.
  • L – Leading as a Woman: Navigating unique challenges and leveraging strengths as female leaders.
  • E – Empathy: Cultivating deep connections and understanding within teams and networks.

Expanding Horizons with Three New Groups

Season 10 welcomes three new groups of women, each committed to our E3 Purpose: to be empowered, ENCOURAGED, and have their lives enhanced. These virtual mastermind tables are designed to connect like-minded women who are at similar stages in their leadership journeys, providing a supportive space to share insights and grow together.

A Season of Growth and Connection

With the addition of new groups and the enthusiastic leadership of Julie Webb, we are set to provide even more opportunities for our members to develop and thrive. Julie's expertise in leadership development and her empathetic approach to facilitation will help drive the mission of MyNetwork forward, ensuring that each session is enriching and impactful.

As we continue through the next eight months, we look forward to witnessing the personal and professional transformations that come from such dynamic and supportive collaborations. Season 10 of MyNetwork is not just about achieving goals but about creating a nurturing environment where every member can excel and succeed.

To learn more about MyNetwork visit our website at www.MyNetworkINS.com or follow us on social media:

Please follow us, comment and share posts at:

 facebook@mynetworkins


@mynetworkins


 

Sara Bradshaw Ray​


 @mynetworkins1


mynetwork lgo

Oct 28
Is Your Website E&O Compliant? Let's Make Sure.

 

Your website is a powerful tool, but it could also be a hidden liability. Virtual Agency Solutions offers a specialized E&O Website Review to identify and fix potential risks unique to independent insurance agencies.
 
Why Choose Us?
  • Tailored for Insurance: We understand the industry-specific risks.
  • Trusted Insights: Protect your agency with our thorough analysis.
  • Peace of Mind: Avoid costly claims and secure your reputation.
  • Potential Savings:  You could get 5% off your E&O insurance policy annually for up to 4 years. 

*Premium credit must be approved by carrier. Contact Virtual Agency Solutions for details.

Protect What You've Built.

Ensure your website is risk-free with an E&O Website Review
Oct 22
Young Agent's Of Oklahoma & Kansas Conference 24

​​

Event Photos Coming soon

Sep 30
Dear BIGiOK Members, Virtual Agency Solutions is Here for You.

VAS Logo 

I'm excited to share some great news about the resources now available to you through Virtual Agency Solutions, a collaborative effort between several Big “I" state associations. We've brought together a team of experienced consultants to help your agency grow, innovate, and overcome the challenges we all face in this dynamic industry.

As part of this initiative, I'll be focusing on providing services in Kolbe Strengths, Strategic Planning, and Executive Coaching. Many of you know how passionate I am about developing leaders and helping agencies achieve their goals, and I'm thrilled to bring that same commitment to this new venture. The rest of our Virtual Agency Solutions team is made up of my esteemed colleagues from other Big I state associations, all bringing their own areas of expertise to the table.

I'm always happy to chat about how we can work together to support your agency's success. Whether you're interested in learning more about the services I'm offering or want to explore how our broader team can assist, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to continuing our work together and helping your agency thrive. 


Warmly,

Sara Bradshaw Ray Signature 

Sara Bradshaw Ray, CIC, CKC
Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives



Go to VirtualAgencySolutions.com

Sep 30
MyNetwork celebrates 10 seasons “at the table” with “The WHOLE Leader” – virtual mastermind groups dedicated to emerging and seasoned female leaders in the insurance space.

Join us or share the opportunity with female colleagues for an exciting new season at a MyNetwork facilitated mastermind table! This October, we launch “The WHOLE Leader," an innovative season tailored specifically for female leaders who are eager to expand their horizons, whether they are just stepping into leadership roles or have decades of experience guiding teams and organizations.

the whole leader

Why "The WHOLE Leader"?

At MyNetwork, we believe that leadership is not just about meeting targets and managing teams; it's about cultivating a well-rounded approach that encompasses all aspects of life and work. "The WHOLE Leader" is our response to the growing need for a leadership model that balances professional expertise with personal growth, embodying five key elements:

W – Wellbeing: Prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health.

H – Holistic: Embracing a comprehensive view of leadership that incorporates personal and professional life.

O – Organizational: Enhancing strategic thinking and operational skills to align with organizational goals.

L – Leading as a Woman: Navigating the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in leadership.

E – Empathetic: Building strong relationships based on understanding and respect.

What Can Participants Expect?

This season, participants will delve into a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire. You'll join a diverse group of like-minded women, participate in sessions led by expert speakers, and engage in discussions that spark innovation and introspection. Whether you're an emerging leader looking to carve out your path or a seasoned executive striving to enhance your impact, “The WHOLE Leader" offers valuable perspectives that cater to all levels of experience.

How to Join

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Applications are now open to women who are driven, passionate about growth, and ready to make a significant impact in their fields. To apply for a seat in “The WHOLE Leader," visit our website: MyNetworkINS.com or apply with THIS LINK by or before 10.15.24.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative journey that redefines what it means to be a leader. Secure your spot now and join a community of women who are not just reaching for the top, but redefining it.

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