IA Forward

Shane Tatum and Tonya Lied
  • 5.0 (11)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Independent Insurance Agency Playbook: The insurance business is all about playing an infinite game. Shane, Tonya, Mike, and Robby discuss how to play the long-term game of being a successful agent and creating a culture of freedom for yourself. Learn more at www.integrapartnernetwork.com

  1. What Independent Agents Should Expect From a Network

    4D AGO

    What Independent Agents Should Expect From a Network

    Choosing the right agency network can shape your agency’s growth, profitability, and long-term success, but most agents are only looking at how many carriers they get and the commission split. We're discussing what independent agents should expect from a network, what often gets overlooked, and why “fit” matters more than buzzwords or promises. Whether you’re evaluating a network, already part of one, ortrying to build a stronger independent agency, this episode will help you think more strategically about the partnerships that support your business. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

    54 min
  2. Can Agency Owners Really Take a Vacation?

    JAN 27

    Can Agency Owners Really Take a Vacation?

    Agency owners are constantly told they need to take time off. But when your name is on the door, your clients are calling, and claims don’t pause for beach trips, what does “time off” actually look like? Let's get real about vacations, burnout, and revenue anxiety. This conversation will help you step away without losing momentum (or coming back to chaos).  Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

    50 min
  3. Not Viral, Just Consistent: What We've Learned About Agency Ownership in 300 Episodes

    JAN 20

    Not Viral, Just Consistent: What We've Learned About Agency Ownership in 300 Episodes

    We’re celebrating 300 episodes the only way we know how: with real talk, a little chaos, and the lessons that actually matter when you’re building an agency. We didn’t get here because something went viral. We got here because we kept showing up. In this milestone episode, we break down what consistency really looks like, why most people quit before the results show up, and how agency owners can stay in the game long enough to win it. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

    55 min
  4. Say No Without Going Broke

    JAN 13

    Say No Without Going Broke

    You've heard people say "you can’t write everything for everyone," but you also still have to pay the light bill. We break down how to focus on profitability, how agents “drift” into lines they never planned to write, and why saying yes to the wrong business can cost you way more than it earns. We share practical ways to build guardrails (through carrier strategy, marketing focus, and referral boundaries) so you can grow profitably without getting trapped in a book you hate servicing. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

    1h 6m
  5. Say No to the Noise (And Yes to the 20%)

    JAN 6

    Say No to the Noise (And Yes to the 20%)

    The 80/20 rule isn’t new in business, but most agency owners are still drowning in the wrong 80%.  We discuss how the Pareto Principle shows up in agency life: service overload, monoline accounts, paper chaos, and clients that consume time without moving revenue.  If your team feels stretched, your service load feels heavy, or your agency isn’t scaling the way it should, this episode will help you cut through the noise and refocus on the 20% that truly matters.  Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

    40 min
  6. Resolutions or Results: The New Year Reality Check

    12/30/2025

    Resolutions or Results: The New Year Reality Check

    New Year’s resolutions sound great until reality hits. This episode discusses why most resolutions fail, what actually leads to results, discipline over motivation, planning for obstacles, and why progress beats perfection every time. This episode is a reality check for independent agency owners who are tired of vague goals and ready to make decisions that create momentum. No hype. No guilt. Just practical insight on building habits, adjusting the plan when life gets messy, and staying in motion when motivation fades. Because results don’t come from wishing. They come from deciding, then doing. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

    47 min
  7. Welcome To The Week When Nobody Gets Anything Done

    12/23/2025

    Welcome To The Week When Nobody Gets Anything Done

    We are taking a step back from the holiday to-do lists, to discuss why clarity and intention matter more than urgency as we prepare for 2026. This episode isn’t about strategies or checklists, but about perspective, gratitude, and giving yourself permission to breathe before the next year begins. Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

    43 min
  8. Where AI Helps and Where Customers Say No

    12/16/2025

    Where AI Helps and Where Customers Say No

    Everyone’s talking about AI, but customers aren’t convinced it's in their best interest. This episode explores where AI improves the insurance experience, where it raises red flags, and what agency owners need to know before leading with tech.  Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Independent Insurance Agency Playbook: The insurance business is all about playing an infinite game. Shane, Tonya, Mike, and Robby discuss how to play the long-term game of being a successful agent and creating a culture of freedom for yourself. Learn more at www.integrapartnernetwork.com

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Tatum and Tonya Lied
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    304
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 IA Forward
  • Show Website
    IA Forward