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2025 ANNUAL AWARDS
Brokerage of the Year: Johnson & JohnsonCompany of the Year: The HartfordSmall Agency of the Year: Haltom InsurnceMedium Agency of the Year: Cornerstone Insurance GroupLarge Agency of the Year: INSURICAINSURCON Impact Award: Rich & CartmillYoung Agent of the Year: Jose OrquizUnderwriter of the year: Ashley BeardenAgency Staff Member of the Year: Stephanie CherryMarketing Representative of the Year: Brad OwensAgent of the Year: Tom PerraultLegacy of Service Individual Award: Jeff Burton
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Give to OKpac PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Make Your Voice Heard: Join Independent Insurance Agents at the Oklahoma State Capitol Mark your calendars! On March 31, 2025, independent insurance agents from across Oklahoma will gather at the State Capitol for a powerful day of advocacy, connection, and engagement. BIGiOK’s Day at the Capitol is your opportunity to ensure that lawmakers understand the challenges and opportunities facing our industry while building relationships that can shape its future. Why Attend?This event isn’t just about being present—it’s about making an impact. You’ll have the chance to: - ✅ Hear from State Senators – Gain firsthand insight into key legislative issues affecting the insurance industry.
- ✅ Meet Your Legislators – Sit down face-to-face with your senator to discuss the policies that matter most.
- ✅ Advocate for Your Business – Help shape the future of independent insurance by ensuring lawmakers hear directly from those on the front lines.
Your Voice MattersLaws and regulations directly influence how you do business, and there’s no better way to protect your interests than by engaging with decision-makers. Attending BIGiOK’s Day at the Capitol not only strengthens the collective voice of independent agents but also reinforces the value and impact of our industry. Join Us!Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or new to legislative engagement, your presence makes a difference. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of insurance in Oklahoma. 📅 Save the Date: March 31, 2025
📍 Location: Oklahoma State Capitol Schedule of Events:
11:30-1pm- Lunch at Capitol- Multipurpose Room 100- RSVP Required 1-2pm- Conversations with Legislators - Oklahoma State Capitol- Multipurpose Room 100. 2-4pm- Meet with Your Legislator- Oklahoma State Capitol
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP
2024 Event Photos
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One of the most gratifying aspects of my work as a coach is guiding individuals through what is called in the Kolbe world, Transition. Those times when their instinctive ways of operating seem to shift, and they're left questioning their ability to act freely, based on how their naturally wired. 10% of society is in “Transition" on any given day, based on Kolbe's research and I've validated that in my own experience as a consultant. While change can be unsettling, it's also an incredible opportunity for self-awareness and growth. I recently worked with an individual over the course of a year who was experiencing this very process. She took the Kolbe A Index three times, and with each assessment, my gut told me she was not just in Transition, due to her external and internal circumstances, but might ultimately reveal a Facilitator/Mediator CoAction—one of the rarest and most valuable combinations of strengths in a team. Facilitators operate with a unique balance of conative strengths, making them adept at bridging gaps, fostering collaboration, and adapting to a variety of needs. However, this same strength can also lead to over-accommodation—constantly adjusting to others to the point of exhaustion. When we finally confirmed her results, everything clicked! Not only did she understand her immense value to the team, but she also recognized her high risk of burnout if she wasn't intentional about setting boundaries. This is exactly why understanding one's Kolbe strengths is so essential. It's not just about maximizing productivity—it's about aligning with how you naturally take action so that you can thrive rather than just survive. Transition is not a loss of ability; it's a recalibration. When individuals gain clarity about their instinctive strengths, they can navigate challenges with confidence, communicate their needs effectively, and make purposeful contributions without sacrificing themselves in the process. Helping someone see their unique strengths through this journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of my coaching. When they finally recognize not only what makes them exceptional but also how to sustain that excellence, they step into their true potential. And that, for me, is why this work matters so much! If you've ever felt like something has shifted in how you operate, you feel a little like a fish swimming upstream, or if you're leading a team that includes individuals in Transition, let's talk. Understanding your natural strengths isn't just insightful—it's empowering. Registration is open for our April 30th Kolbe Strengths Workshop, online from 2:00 – 4:00pm. This is a great time to dive deeper into your own innate strengths for striving or gathering your team together for some collective learning and synergy support! To register use THIS LINK.
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Leadership isn't just about what you know—it's about who you know, how you grow, and the connections that shape your journey. That's why we're inviting you to The Gathering, an exclusive online experience where you'll engage with like-minded women, gain fresh insights, and explore the power of MyNetwork masterminding. These informal yet impactful virtual events give you a front-row seat to see how MyNetwork fosters real conversations, personal growth, and leadership development—all at no cost to you. Whether you're an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or somewhere in between, The Gathering is designed to meet you where you are and challenge you to go further. Kicking Off March 31: “Authentic Leadership" with Amie Haar Our first Gathering of the year launches on March 31 with a session featuring Amie Haar on Authentic Leadership. In today's world, where leadership is constantly evolving, authenticity has never been more essential. This session will dive into how you can lead with integrity, stay true to your values, and cultivate a leadership style that inspires trust and impact. Why Join The Gathering? ✅ Connect with like-minded women who are leading across different layers of our industry.
✅ Experience MyNetwork's unique masterminding approach—a space for real conversations and real growth.
✅ Walk away with practical leadership insights to apply in your personal and professional life.
✅ It's free to attend—there's no cost, just an opportunity to invest in yourself. Who Should Attend? If you're a woman navigating leadership—whether you're just stepping into it or have been leading for years—The Gathering is for you. And if you know someone in your organization who would benefit from this experience, share this opportunity with them! Join us on March 31 and experience what it means to grow, lead, and connect through The Gathering using THIS LINK. Let's take leadership to the next level—together.
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March brings a timely and powerful conversation to MyNetwork as we honor Women's History Month with a session titled “Leading as a Woman." Leadership looks different for everyone, but this month, we're taking a focused look at how women are shaping the future of business and how we can all—men and women alike—play a role in supporting and amplifying the next generation of female leaders. The 2025 Women's History Month theme, “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," challenges us to think beyond our own careers and consider the broader impact of leadership. At MyNetwork, this means structured discussions around how we pay it forward—not just by mentoring, but by fostering workplaces where future female leaders can thrive. We'll also dive into the unique strengths women bring to leadership and the responsibility we all share in making the business world better for the next generation. These conversations aren't about exclusion but inclusion—recognizing that when women rise, organizations, industries, and communities benefit. Regardless of title, experience, or industry, leadership is about more than just personal success—it's about creating pathways for others. Every leader, male or female, has the opportunity to support, sponsor, and advocate for the talented women in their teams and organizations. This session will encourage thoughtful discussion about what's working, what still needs to change, and how we can each take meaningful action. At MyNetwork, we're not just talking about leadership—we're living it. Through virtual masterminding, we bring together female leaders from across the country to challenge, develop, and connect in ways that create lasting impact. Who in your organization should be at this table? If you know a woman who is stepping into leadership, looking for professional growth, or could benefit from being in a community of strong, like-minded peers, invite her to explore MyNetwork. Or, if you're a leader yourself, consider joining us in these conversations. When we invest in leadership development, we invest in the future of our industry. Let's move forward together—educating, inspiring, and leading with purpose. Learn more about MyNetwork and how to get involved with THIS LINK
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|  In leadership, the right tools and connections can make all the difference between spinning your wheels and driving real progress. Executive coaching not only brings a fresh perspective to your challenges but also connects you with vetted resources and trusted solutions to help you achieve your goals faster. Coaches have a unique vantage point. They've worked with leaders across industries, seen what works, and built a network of reliable tools, frameworks, and professional contacts. This means you don't have to waste time testing options or searching for answers—you'll gain access to proven resources tailored to your unique needs. Here's how a coach's resources can support your success: - Practical Tools: From leadership assessments to project management frameworks, coaches provide the tools to streamline your processes and improve results.
- Expert Contacts: Need a specialist? Coaches often have a network of professionals ready to assist with specific challenges, saving you time and ensuring quality support.
- Targeted Strategies: Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, coaching delivers personalized recommendations that align with your goals and priorities.
Imagine having a trusted partner who not only helps you see the path forward but equips you with everything you need to walk it confidently. That's the power of a coaching relationship. Call to Action:
Take advantage of a coach's network and resources tailored to your needs. Reach out to me today to learn more and discover how coaching can support your leadership journey. Sara@BIGiOK.com
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You don’t want to miss a very special Women’s History Month edition of agencyWISE, featuring Gayle Page, President of Farmers Mutual of Nebraska and the first female leader in the company's 134-year history.
In this powerful conversation, Gayle shares her remarkable leadership journey—from stepping away from the workforce for nearly a decade to focus on family to returning and rising through the ranks of a legacy organization. She’ll discuss the challenges of leading through industry transformation, balancing tradition with innovation, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Whether you’re navigating career decisions, stepping into leadership, or striving to build a culture of trust and resilience, this session is packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways for both men and women in the industry.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a trailblazing leader who is redefining what it means to lead with purpose in a legacy-driven industry.
- Episode Release Date: March 13, 2025
- To subscribe to this and future agencyWISE webcasts use this link:
- This and prior episodes are also available on the Virtual Agency Solutions website.
BIGiOK.com/AgencyWise
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As leaders, it's easy to get so close to our work that we miss opportunities or overlook solutions. That's where a coach comes in. Executive coaching offers something invaluable: a fresh, experienced perspective that's not tied to your day-to-day operations. Think of it like stepping outside to view your business or leadership challenges through a new lens. Coaches aren't there to take over but to ask the right questions and help you see possibilities you might have missed. Here's how a fresh perspective can benefit you: - Uncover Blind Spots: Even the most successful leaders have areas they can't see clearly. A coach helps you identify and address these, opening the door to new opportunities.
- Challenge Assumptions: It's human nature to fall back on what's familiar, but growth often lies in rethinking the status quo. Coaching encourages innovative thinking and bold strategies.
- Reframe Challenges: Stuck on a problem? A coach helps you step back, rethink, and reframe issues to discover practical, achievable solutions.
Leaders who embrace outside perspectives make smarter decisions, lead more effectively, and inspire their teams to reach new heights. Coaching gives you the clarity to focus on what matters most and the confidence to take action.
Sara Bradshaw Rae
- BIGiOK VP of Strategic Initiatives
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Call to Action:
Ready to uncover fresh strategies and solutions? Let's talk about how executive coaching can reframe your challenges. Contact me today to get started. Sara@BIGiOK.com
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|  MyNetwork focuses on the "O" in WHOLE: Organizationally Focused this month. For leaders at the table, this means defining and sticking to a dynamic strategic plan—whether it's for your business, your team, or even yourself. It's about aligning personal and professional goals with purpose and intention so you can lead with clarity and confidence. At our February sessions, we'll explore practical strategies for being Organizationally Focused, equipping participants with tools to craft or refine their strategic vision. No matter where you are on your leadership journey, this focus ensures you're not just setting goals but staying committed to achieving them. We'll also host a special BrainTrust session, where members will share their "My Favorite Things"—the books, tools, apps, and practices that have made a meaningful impact on their leadership. This exchange of ideas adds to the rich repertoire of resources and inspiration we bring to our leadership roles. Why MyNetwork? For those who haven't experienced it, MyNetwork isn't just a program—it's a powerful space for growth, connection, and transformation. It's designed specifically for female leaders at all stages of their careers to challenge themselves, learn from peers, and leave better equipped to tackle leadership demands as a woman. Our monthly virtual sessions bring together women from across the country in the insurance industry to tackle real challenges, share actionable strategies, and foster meaningful relationships. MyNetwork creates a community where women can be vulnerable, supported, and inspired to take their leadership to the next level. A Call to Action Do you know a woman in your organization who would benefit from MyNetwork? Or perhaps you're a leader looking for a space to develop, challenge, and connect with others. Whether you're an emerging leader or an established executive, MyNetwork provides tools and insights to lead with purpose and impact. Now is the perfect time to join the conversation or share this opportunity with someone who could benefit from it. Help the women in your organization thrive by giving them access to a resource that prioritizes growth, connection, and leadership. Ready to Take the Next Step? Learn more about MyNetwork and how you or the women in your organization can get involved by visiting www.MyNetworkINS.com. Let's build stronger leaders and more impactful organizations, one connection at a time. Together, we're building leaders who are not just at the table—they're shaping the conversation. Join us for some special events this Spring and Summer to get a feel for what the magic of MyNetwork is all about by using THIS LINK
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It's a question we often hear in moments of doubt or challenge, but what if we flipped it into an opportunity for self-reflection and empowerment? Who do you think you are? Not in terms of your role, responsibilities, or résumé—but at your core, how do you naturally take action? Understanding and validating your innate strengths is not just a journey of self-discovery; it's the foundation of confident, effective leadership. The Kolbe A™ Index is a powerful tool designed to help you answer this question with clarity and certainty. It doesn't measure your personality or skills; this assessment reveals your conative strengths—instinctive ways you approach tasks, solve problems, and get things done. Through this lens, you can embrace who you are at your best, lean into your natural strengths, and better understand how to collaborate with others whose strengths complement your own. If you're ready to dig deeper into who you think you are and unlock the potential of your Kolbe strengths, I invite you to join our virtual Kolbe Strengths Workshop on April 30th. This interactive session will provide practical insights and strategies to effectively leverage your unique strengths in both your personal and professional life. Ready to Dive Deeper into Your Strengths? Join us for the next Virtual Kolbe Workshop on April 30th, 2024, from 2:00–4:00 PM CT. During this interactive session, you'll learn to identify and leverage your Kolbe strengths to unlock your full potential. Register now to reserve your spot:
Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with your natural strengths and start the new year with clarity, confidence, and purpose. I look forward to seeing you there! Sara |
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