Power Women In Insurance Teresa Kitchens

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Rebecca Adelman, a lawyer for insurance companies defending insureds in lawsuits to talk about the legal and insurance industries and how she had made her home in that space. They also talk about how to step over challenges and show up authentically by embracing the courage to make a difference in our world.

Episode Highlights:

Rebecca talks about her past and how she got to where she is in her work now. (2:01)


Rebecca notes that she has dealt with a wide range of coverage kinds and finds it to be an interesting aspect of her job. (9:39)


Rebecca explains that over the years, insurance companies have been able to adapt to what the consumers' needs are. (15:21)


Rebecca discusses her story and how she overcame the odds in the insurance and law fields, which have traditionally been controlled by men. (18:23)


Rebecca explains that she tells her story to inspire people, especially women, to pursue the path that they want in their careers. (23:03)


Rebecca shares that there is no work-life and no life outside of work, but only your life that you have to live out. (28:00)


Rebecca discusses how empowerment for her is the byproduct of this idea of showing up authentically and showing up with courage. (34:50)


Rebecca explains that thresholds are at the beginning and end, depending on how you courageously see it. (43:47)


Rebecca shares that part of courageous living is showing presence in our professional lives, particularly in this world of insurance. (48:30)


Rebecca says that, despite the industry's natural progress, she believes there is still a long way to go. (53:14)


Rebecca shares that a way to authentically show up is to ask yourself if you have done five things that made you happy. (55:54)



Key Quotes:

"10 years ago, well, most of the interfacing I would do and the networks on my insurance side were men. Now 10 years down the road 90% of the work that I do is for women." - Rebecca Adelman

"There's nothing like your work life and your life outside of work. There's just your life. It's just your life. There's no work-life, this life is just your life, go and live your life." - Rebecca Adelman

"Dismantling the idea that there's any, that there's even a possibility to find a balance, like, it's not really about balance, it's how you deal with being inbalance." - Rebecca Adelman


Resources Mentioned:


Rebecca Adelman LinkedIn

Adelman Law Firm

Contact Teresa Kitchens


Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Treell Gorden, Partner at Premier Insurance Advisers. Treell and Teresa talked about how to be authentically you in this industry.

Key Topics:

Overcoming scammy experiences and finding legitimate opportunities

Treell Gorden’s transition from a receptionist to agency owner

The importance of authenticity in professional growth

Managing work-life balance, especially when working from home

The shift from captive to independent agency work

Strategies for building long-lasting client relationships


Connect with:

Treell Gorden

Teresa Kitchens


Visit Websites:

Premier Insurance Advisers

Sterling Insurance Group


Produced by Podsquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, to close out our financial series, we talk to Chris Paradiso, Carey Wallace, and Aaron Stocks with Agency Point. Agency Point is a full-service financial service for agency owners for commissions reconciliation, bookkeeping, and other important services that help your agency run like a well-oiled machine.

Key Topics:

The significance of understanding and managing financials in the insurance industry

The journey of agency owners from initial struggles to achieving financial clarity

Insights into the importance of commission reconciliation and its impact on agency operations

Strategies for agency owners to overcome common financial hurdles

The role of external financial services in enhancing agency financial health

Real-life examples of how accurate financial management can lead to agency growth and stability

The importance of preparing agencies for future transitions, including acquisitions and perpetuation planning


Connect with:

Chris Paradiso

Carey Wallace

Aaron Stocks

Teresa Kitchens


Visit Websites:

Agency Point

Paradiso Insurance

AgencyFocus

PFS Global

Sterling Insurance Group


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In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus. Teresa and Colby discuss what is profit and how to use it to get you where you want to go in your business. 

Key Topics:

The role and impact of financial consulting for independent insurance agencies

Understanding and defining profit for your agency

The importance of aligning personal values with business financial decisions

Strategies for budgeting and financial planning to achieve your goals

Differentiating between core and non-core income for a more accurate financial picture

The significance of intentional decision-making in business growth and sustainability

Personal reflections on the emotional aspects of discussing and managing business finances


Connect with:

Colby Allen

Teresa Kitchens


Visit Websites:

AgencyFocus

Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus.

Colby shares his deep knowledge of financial statements like profit & loss and balance sheets, and they discuss how important it is to understand money matters for running a business, and why knowing your financial numbers is key for making smart choices in business and life.

Key Topics:

The role of financial statements in business ownership

Navigating the complexities of P&L statements and balance sheets

The significance of knowing your numbers for strategic decision-making

Strategies for effective financial planning and risk management

The impact of financial literacy on personal and business growth

Understanding the value of your agency and preparing for future transitions

The importance of professional guidance in financial management


Connect with:

Colby Allen

Teresa Kitchens


Visit Websites:

AgencyFocus

Sterling Insurance Group


Produced by Podsquad.fm

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens is joined by Colby Allen, Consultant and Financial Analyst at AgencyFocus.

Colby and Teresa talked about the mental and emotional journey of an agency owner to hire and to deliver solid compensation. We also talked from the producer conversation about what producers want and how both sides can create a great working relationship.

Key Topics:

The transition from individual success to agency growth and the role of agency focus

Insights into the valuation and financial organization for agency growth

The challenges and strategies of transitioning from a salesperson to an agency owner

The critical role of hiring, onboarding, and managing talent in agency expansion

The concept of equity and ownership in the producer-agency owner relationship

Strategies for planning, implementing, and managing growth objectives


Connect with:

Colby Allen

Teresa Kitchens


Visit Websites:

AgencyFocus

Sterling Insurance Group