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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, CIC, CKC
Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Go to VirtualAgencySolutions.com
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|  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. 
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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Like all individuals, we all have an “Action Mode." The trick sometimes is to figure out what helps us to lock in and go especially at our best when everything is firing and we feel like we are in that sweet spot zone…you know the one. So let's take a look at our KOLBE “Fact Finders"... Our "Fact Finders" are the ones who rely heavily on historical perspectives and detailed analysis when it's “go time." Their unique approach to time is that they operate primarily from a focus on the past. Excelling at estimating how long tasks will take, drawing on their experience and expertise to make accurate predictions, our Fact Finders are able to look bak to look forward. This historical context allows them to evaluate the effectiveness of past actions and apply those lessons to current situations - generally with a great amount of accuracy.
In communication, "Fact Finders" prefer to use written words, ensuring that their messages are clear, detailed, and well-documented. This method of communication allows them to express their ideas with precision and to provide the necessary context for others to understand their point of view. Their preference for written communication is also reflected in their learning habits. When seeking to understand a new concept, "Fact Finders" often turn to books and other respected resources to explore how similar challenges have been addressed before. They are methodical learners who value traditional approaches and thoroughly investigate a topic before forming conclusions. Achieving goals is a well-lined out process for "Fact Finders" as well. They rely on their strengths to set priorities, carefully weigh the pros and cons, and make decisions that are grounded in practicality and realism. Keywords that you might describe someone with high "Fact Finder" strengths include: "traditional," "historical," "detailed," "thorough," "practical," "realistic," and "specific." And when it's time to take action, they focus in by asking, "What is the number one thing I'm trying to accomplish?" This question helps them streamline their efforts and ensures they remain aligned with their objectives. So when asked what it might look like when you step into action, what might you say?
Have you thought about it before? Let's find YOUR action mode and get you in the zone!
Begin by joining us for one of the upcoming KOLBE Workshops by checking the calendar and registering HERE. Have questions now?
Send me an email at sara@bigiok.com and we'll find a time to get together to talk more about how you and your organization can leverage Kolbe!
Want to know more about what else is going on in the education world of BIGiOK?
Visit our website: BIGiOK.com/education
Let's unlock your strengths (and honor your differences) potential today!
by: Sara Bradshaw-Ray, CIC, CKCBIGiOK Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives(8-7-3-2)
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| As the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at BIGiOK, I have the unique privilege of leading a consulting practice that stands out in the insurance industry. What makes our role particularly special is that Oklahoma is one of only five states nationwide with in-house consulting expertise dedicated to serving independent insurance agents. This distinction underscores our commitment to elevating the standards of excellence and leadership within our community.
In a groundbreaking effort to extend our reach and impact, we have joined forces with our counterparts in these select states to form Virtual Agency Solutions. This innovative collaboration is designed to bring our top-tier consulting services to Big I members across the country, particularly those in states that do not have access to such specialized expertise. Through Virtual Agency Solutions, we are not just making our premier services available, but we are equipping our members with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive marketplace, including Strategic Planning, Kolbe Strengths Coaching and Training, Executive Coaching, Operational Improvement, Website Reviews and Agency Technology Consulting. In this article, I am excited to share more about the unique offerings, our BIGiOK pivotal role in Virtual Agency Solutions, and how these services can empower insurance agencies to achieve their full potential.
The Formation of Virtual Agency Solutions The creation of Virtual Agency Solutions represents the epitome of collaboration and mutual support within our industry. Recognizing the unique strengths and expertise housed within our five states—Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and New York—we saw an opportunity to combine our resources and knowledge to create something truly exceptional. Virtual Agency Solutions was born out of a shared vision: to elevate the standards of the insurance industry by providing unparalleled consulting services to Big I members across the nation. This initiative is not just about extending our reach; it's about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collective growth. Each state brings its own set of specialized skills and insights to the table. For instance, our BIGiOK Consulting strengths lie in Strategic Planning, Kolbe Strengths Coaching, and Executive Coaching, while our state partners contribute their expertise in Operational Improvement and Website Reviews. By uniting these diverse areas of proficiency, we have created a comprehensive suite of services that address the multifaceted needs of insurance agencies. This collaborative approach ensures that every BIGiOK member now has access to the highest caliber of consulting expertise regardless of geographical location. Virtual Agency Solutions is more than a service provider; it is a testament to the power of working together to achieve a common goal. We are committed to lifting each other up and, in turn, lifting the entire industry to new heights.
Downloadable Flyer Key Resources available through Virtual Agency Solutions Virtual Agency Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of consulting services designed to address the diverse needs of insurance agencies. Here's a closer look at each of the six key areas: 1. Strategic Planning Strategic planning is essential for any organization aiming to thrive in a competitive market. Our strategic planning services help agencies define their vision, set achievable goals, and create actionable plans to reach those objectives. By leveraging our extensive experience, we guide agencies through a structured process that includes market analysis, SWOT assessments, and roadmap development. The result is a clear and cohesive strategy that aligns with the agency's long-term vision and operational capabilities. 2. Kolbe Strengths Coaching and Training Understanding and harnessing the innate strengths of your team can significantly enhance productivity and job satisfaction. Kolbe Strengths Coaching and Training focuses on identifying individual and team strengths using the Kolbe Index. This insight allows leaders to align tasks and roles with the natural abilities of their team members, fostering a more efficient and harmonious work environment. Our coaching sessions provide practical strategies for leveraging these strengths to improve collaboration, decision-making, and overall performance. 3. Executive Coaching Effective leadership is the cornerstone of any successful organization. Our Executive Coaching services are designed to support leaders in refining their skills, enhancing their strategic thinking, and overcoming personal and professional challenges. Through personalized coaching sessions, we help executives develop greater self-awareness, improve their communication skills, and cultivate a leadership style that inspires and motivates their teams. Our goal is to empower leaders to drive their organizations forward with confidence and clarity. 4. Operational Improvement Operational efficiency is critical for sustaining growth and profitability. Our Operational Improvement services focus on identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within an agency's processes and workflows. We conduct thorough assessments to uncover areas for improvement, recommend best practices, and implement solutions that streamline operations. For SwissRe E&O policyholders, this service also offers risk management credits, providing an additional incentive to enhance operational performance and mitigate potential errors and omissions exposures. 5. Website Reviews In today's digital age, an effective online presence is crucial for attracting and retaining clients. Our Website Review service evaluates an agency's website from a user experience and compliance perspective. We identify potential issues that could lead to errors and omissions exposures and provide actionable recommendations to enhance the site's functionality, accessibility, and overall user experience. Like our Operational Improvement service, Website Reviews are eligible for SwissRe E&O risk management credits, making them a valuable tool for safeguarding against potential liabilities. 6. Agency Technology Consulting Staying ahead of technological advancements is vital for maintaining a competitive edge in the insurance industry. Our Agency Technology Consulting services, provided by Catalyit, the result of another IA collaboration, helps agencies assess their current technology infrastructure, identify gaps, and implement cutting-edge solutions to enhance efficiency and service delivery. From cybersecurity measures to software integration and digital transformation strategies, we provide comprehensive support to ensure agencies leverage technology effectively to meet their business goals. We invite all BIGiOK members to take advantage of the unique opportunities available through Virtual Agency Solutions. Whether you are looking to refine your strategic vision, optimize your operations, or harness the power of technology, our team of experienced consultants is here to support you every step of the way. Remember that with BIGiOK Consulting by your side, the path to becoming an exemplary leader in the insurance industry is clear. The journey towards excellence starts with a single step; the choice is yours. Your commitment to growth today can prepare you for the success of your agency tomorrow. For more on any of these programs and just to talk about where your organization could be growing use this link to add me to your smartphone and grab a spot on my calendar for a visit. I look forward to connecting with you. by: Sara Bradshaw-Ray, CIC, CKCBIGiOK Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives(8-7-3-2)
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Join us {virtually} on Tuesday, September 10th at 3:00pm CST for a transformative journey as we explore the powerful insights from the book How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith. This book is more than just a guide; it's a beacon for women striving to break through barriers and achieve their full potential in leadership and beyond.
In How Women Rise, the authors identify 12 habits that often hold women back from reaching their highest aspirations. Through practical advice and real-life stories, the book offers strategies to overcome these barriers, empowering women to rise in their careers and personal lives. Our {Virtual} Empowered Women Book Club is a space where women can come together to discuss, learn, and grow. It's a gathering of minds and hearts, where we not only explore the themes of the book but also share our experiences, challenges, and victories. This is a supportive community where every voice matters, and together, we can lift each other up.
By participating in this book club, you're not just reading a book; you're engaging in a collective movement towards self-discovery and empowerment. Let's rise together, support one another, and continue the journey of growth that leads to lasting change.
See you there by REGISTERING HERE!
by: Sara Bradshaw-Ray, CIC, CKCBIGiOK Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives(8-7-3-2)
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by: Amie Haar, Elite Professional Network Memeber, BIGiOK Consulting Growth Coach and MyNetwork Facilitator
The field of coaching (including mentoring, managing and leading) thrives on the premise of guiding individuals through personal and professional challenges. Coaches are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of their clients, but in the process, they often overlook their own needs for guidance and support. Recognizing the significance of self-care and personal development, coaching for life coaches has emerged as a pivotal tool for nurturing resilience, enhancing empathy, and maintaining balance within the realm of personal growth. So how do we, as the coaches, the leaders, the managers, the mentors, do that? WE. HAVE. OUR. OWN. COACHES. As coaches, we are instrumental in helping others navigate through life's complexities, yet we too grapple with our own personal and professional dilemmas. Engaging in coaching ourselves allows us to delve into our own emotional landscapes, understand our strengths AND limitations, and work towards personal growth. By fostering a culture of self-awareness and continuous improvement, we have the opportunity to set an example for our clients, demonstrating the significance of introspection and ongoing development on the journey of self-discovery. When we have our own coaches, we can enhance our abilities of both empathy and effective communication. These two areas combined and knowledge within them enable coaches the opportunity to understand their clients, teams, mentees, etc. at a much deeper level, offering more perspectives to support them through their struggles. That being said..maintaining empathy amidst the challenges of coaching sessions and conversations can be daunting. By creating space for our own coaching, we are able to not only practice, but experience active (TRUE!) listening, improvement of communication techniques, hone in on our own approaches to come alongside and walk with those we are leading rather than metaphorically pulling them along behind us and hoping they will catch up. Sharpening tools for these areas not only enhance our effectiveness in helping those we coach, it fosters a more compassionate, understanding, and trustworthy environment…one that nurtures growth. And what about this burnout epidemic we are all aware of, experiencing, or both? Well. Coaches being coached can aid in the prevention of burnout and sustained well-being. The demands of leading, coaching, mentoring, etc. can be emotionally taxing. We are exposed to increased knowledge and awareness of client/team/mentee hardships and struggles, which can take a massive emotional toll if not managed properly. By engaging in coaching relationships ourselves, we have increased space to process experiences, set boundaries, and develop self-care strategies that in-turn create that same space for those we coach. By making our mental and emotional well-being a priority, we have more capacity for maintaining the things we are called to do…to help others ESPECIALLY when we can operate from a place of not only authenticity, but also vitality. What a concept One of the many things we as coaches love to be able to say is , “I can help with that."
And so we would like to say those exact words…to YOU. If you are in a space of leadership, management, mentorship, coaching, and could use someone to come alongside and lead you well. We can help with that. At BIGiConsulting, we have a team of Growth Coaches who are ready, willing, and continuously sharpening their own tools so they can show up as their best for you. We would love the opportunity to provide a space for YOU to grow.
For YOU to be nourished.
For YOU to be poured into… Because coaches need coaches, too.
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|  The Excellence in Insurance Education award recognizes state associations and staff who have made significant contributions to insurance education for members and the industry. Through a variety of traditional and cutting-edge professional development programs, recipients of this award have proven their dedication to promoting quality insurance education and the Big 'I' Agent Development Group is proud to honor them for their accomplishments.
OklahomaAs a first-time Diamond Elite recipient, 2023 was a big year for Oklahoma! Two successful workshops on agency perpetuation and future ownership of an agency were created – Legacy Blueprint and Blueprint for Success. The first workshop focused on current agency owners and operational details, while the second workshop educated individuals interested in owning an agency in the future. Free Friday Ethics continued to be offered to help agents achieve their three mandatory ethics credits for each license period. These classes, produced in partnership in ABEN in an on-demand format, ranged from 20-120 participants. Big I OK also partnered with other state associations to offer benefits to members, including a Webinar Wednesday series with Ohio, the IA-MBA program with North Carolina, and CIC, CISR, and other seminars with Kansas.
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We are thrilled to announce that Denise Johnson, BigIOK CEO, has been honored with the prestigious OSAE Excellence in Innovation Award at the OSAE Annual Conference held at Shangri La Resort on July 17th. The OSAE Excellence in Innovation Award is a testament to remarkable visionaries who have significantly impacted their industries through innovative practices and exceptional leadership. This year, the award has found a deserving recipient in Denise Johnson, whose contributions have not only elevated our association but also set a new benchmark for excellence within our field. Denise Johnson is a visionary leader whose influence has transformed our organization. Under her guidance, our association has seen unprecedented growth and has become a crucial hub for addressing major industry issues. Denise's commitment to building strong partnerships and fostering collaboration with other state associations has created a cohesive community that thrives on unity and collective progress. Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, foresight, and an unwavering dedication to considering diverse goals and perspectives. Denise's ability to drive forward with a clear vision while remaining inclusive and considerate of others' viewpoints has been instrumental in our success. "We are privileged to have Denise's leadership guiding us into the future," said BigIOK COO Josh Reasnor. "Her contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her relentless efforts and innovative spirit." The OSAE Annual Conference serves as a platform for industry leaders to come together, share insights, and celebrate achievements. The presentation of the Excellence in Innovation Award to Denise Johnson was a highlight of the event, underscoring the significant strides she has made in advancing our association's mission and goals. Please join us in congratulating Denise Johnson on this remarkable achievement. Her dedication, vision, and leadership continue to inspire us all.
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|  Robert “Bob" Earl DeWayne Harper, CPCU, CIC, retired shareholder at Rich & Cartmill Insurance passed on June 28, 2024 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa with his two sons by his side. Bob was born August 8, 1939 at St. Anthony hospital in Oklahoma City to Winifred Casey Harper. Bob's Dad (Thaddeus S. Harper, Jr.) was killed in an auto accident six months before Bob was born. It was the first of several life challenges Bob would overcome. Bob was the youngest of eight. When he was in the 9th grade, his family moved to Chandler, OK. Bob always said it was one of the best things that ever happened to him. Bob was always proud to be a Chandler Lion! Bob was especially grateful to his speech teacher, Mrs. Marvel LaGere, who encouraged him to participate in Speech, Debate and Drama. The principal at Chandler High School, Mr. Shelby Wyatt, pulled Bob aside his senior year and told him he needed to go to college. Bob attended Central State University (UCO) in Edmond and graduated from Okla. City University. The whole time Bob worked to pay his tuition. In the fall of 1961 while walking through the Student Union at OCU, one of his professors introduced him to Charlie Doggett from the Travelers Ins. Company, who was on campus recruiting. Bob told him he had enlisted in the Navy and was leaving after the first of the year. He kept Charlie's business card. Bob served two years in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga. He was on board the Saratoga in October of 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his enlistment was up, he returned to Oklahoma City and reached out to Charlie Doggett. He interviewed and was hired by the Travelers Ins. Co. He was a field rep. and traveled the state calling on independent agents. He and Charlie were friends for 60 years. After four years with the Travelers, Bob joined Alexander & Alexander (now called AON) as an insurance broker. He enjoyed the work, but did not like working for a large corporation. He saw Jack Mandeville as they were leaving church and Jack invited him to come talk to Dick Teubner, Ed Bentley and him about joining Rich & Cartmill. Bob began at Rich & Cartmill on Jan. 1, 1970. He would be there for 48 years. In that time, Dick, Ed, Jack, Bob and later Ron McCullough laid the foundation for where Rich & Cartmill is today. They were strong advocates of the independent agency system, and were always willing to share ideas with fellow independent agencies. Bob always felt R&C was more than just a place to work and talked often of the Rich & Cartmill Family. Up to the day he retired, he was always one of the first people to welcome a new employee to Rich & Cartmill. Bob was Past President of the Ind. Ins. Agents of Tulsa, the NE Okla. Chapter of CPCU and served as President of IIAO in 1989-90. For many years he taught classes at the IIAO – Norman School – with his good friends Ken McGranahan and Bruce Schutte. Bob had a well earned reputation as a nice guy – because he treated everyone the same. He is preceded by his first wife, Jane Sherry Harper, and his second wife Barbara Ann Harper. He is survived by his two sons, John and Mike and their families, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be Friday July 12 at 11:00 at the Church of St. Mary; 1347 E. 49th St.; Tulsa, OK. Reception to follow in the church hall. The service will also be livestreamed at www.churchofsaintmary.com. To honor Bob, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Tuition Assistance fund at Bishop Kelley High School – 3905 S. Hudson; Tulsa, 74135
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