What's Your Ethos Peter Colis

Host Peter Colis sits down with Eric Olson, the charismatic CEO of Global Financial Impact, as he recounts his remarkable transformation from a toll booth operator to the architect of a thriving life insurance empire. Eric's candid storytelling reveals the essence of entrepreneurship, highlighting the pivotal moments that propelled him forward and the decision to pioneer a new path in the life insurance world after parting ways with World Financial Group. His commitment to fostering a sense of ownership among his team is a testament to his innovative leadership, setting a new standard in an industry ripe for change.
GFI's unique approach to life insurance that champions living benefits, affirming the company's dedication to enhancing clients' lives beyond mere financial security. Building a $300 million business wasn't an overnight feat; it required unwavering trust and a focus on long-term relationships, underscored by a staggering 90% persistency rate. The conversation also spotlights GFI's groundbreaking partnership with Ethos and the impact of technology in expediting policy approvals. Emerging leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, take note - this episode is a treasure trove of insights on building a legacy, the importance of a diverse team, and the drive required to succeed in the fast-paced world of life insurance.
A former college athlete turned millionaire entrepreneur, Eric founded GFI, a financial services company focused on client success and fair compensation. Driven by his "5 Fs" values (faith, family, finance, fitness, fun), Eric inspires and trains others to achieve financial freedom. Aiming to empower 1,000 people across North America, Eric leverages his competitive spirit and experience to help clients and build successful brokers. A dedicated family man, Eric enjoys traveling and coaching his kids' sports teams.
The What’s Your Ethos podcast is brought to you by Ethos Insurance and is hosted by Ethos’ CEO Peter Colis. In each episode, Peter sits down with some of the life insurance industry’s biggest movers and shakers. You’ll hear them talk through their biggest breakthroughs, business insights, and leadership challenges — and get to know them on a more personal level. 
Founded in 2016, Ethos is a technology company providing access to instant, accessible life insurance online. Ethos’ mission is to help millions protect their families with access to simple, affordable life insurance. The company has redesigned the application process from start to finish to ensure the customer always comes first. Ethos offers flexible coverage options, access to valuable online tools, and a team of licensed agents ready to help you through it all. Ethos always puts the customer first. 
Discussion points:

Eric Olson - from toll booth to CEO
Building Global Financial Impact's successful culture
Putting the “life” in life insurance
Leadership, team empowerment, and true ownership at GFI
GFI's innovative approach redefines traditional life insurance perspectives
Client satisfaction - 90% persistency rate, no cold calls

Join Peter Colis as he sits down with David Sweitzer, President – Business Units, Sales & Marketing at TruStage, in a candid chat that traces his unique career trajectory from a fresh college graduate in sales to a top-tier executive. Discover how David's commitment to a customer-centric approach has fueled TruStage's expansion, supporting credit unions and touching the lives of millions of consumers. He shares his personal journey, one that took an unexpected turn away from a passion for music to forging a fulfilling career path in insurance and financial services. Along the way, David infuses humor and reflective wisdom on the serendipitous nature of professional growth, emphasizing the role of adaptability in today's ever-changing work landscape. 
Our conversation delves into the seismic shifts transforming insurance, where technology meets empathy to enhance customer interactions and safeguard against fraud. David offers a treasure trove of insights, from the spike in COVID-19 claim payouts to the democratization of life insurance for the middle market. He also casts a forward-looking gaze at the fusion of insurance products within the burgeoning digital-first economy. Wrapping up with sage advice for the up-and-comers in the industry, David's philosophy of proactive learning and the art of collaboration stands as a testament to his success—and might just be the catalyst you need to navigate your own professional voyage. 
The What’s Your Ethos podcast is brought to you by Ethos Insurance and is hosted by Ethos’ CEO Peter Colis. In each episode, Peter sits down with some of the life insurance industry’s biggest movers and shakers. You’ll hear them talk through their biggest breakthroughs, business insights, and leadership challenges — and get to know them on a more personal level.  
Founded in 2016, Ethos is a technology company providing access to instant, accessible life insurance online. Ethos’ mission is to help millions protect their families with access to simple, affordable life insurance. The company has redesigned the application process from start to finish to ensure the customer always comes first. Ethos offers flexible coverage options, access to valuable online tools, and a team of licensed agents ready to help you through it all. Ethos always puts the customer first.  
Discussion points: 

David Sweitzer's musical background to insurance leadership 

In this episode, host Peter Colis welcomes JC Bruckner, the US CEO of SCOR Global Life Americas, a significant player in the reinsurance industry. Bruckner shares his journey from selling life insurance to leading a reinsurance titan, and how his past experiences have influenced his leadership style. The discussion centers on the evolving reinsurance market, the shift from a commodity-driven business to one focused on partnerships, and the impact of data and technology in shaping the industry. Bruckner also provides insights on Score Global Life's approach to closing the insurance gap and leveraging partnerships to meet the needs of the uninsured and underinsured.
 JC has served as US CEO of SCOR Global Life Americas since 2015. He is responsible for all aspects of SCOR’s life reinsurance business in the U.S. SCOR is a recognized innovator in the insurance space, offering reinsurance solutions that help clients in the US minimize risk exposure and operate more efficiently. By leveraging worldwide modeling expertise, structuring capabilities & multi-jurisdictional facilities, we help clients efficiently satisfy certain capital and reserve requirements.
The What’s Your Ethos podcast is brought to you by Ethos Insurance and is hosted by Ethos’ CEO Peter Colis. In each episode, Peter sits down with some of the life insurance industry’s biggest movers and shakers. You’ll hear them talk through their most significant breakthroughs, business insights, and leadership challenges — and get to know them on a more personal level. 
Founded in 2016, Ethos is a technology company providing access to instant, accessible life insurance online. Ethos’ mission is to help millions protect their families with access to simple, affordable life insurance. The company has redesigned the application process from start to finish to ensure the customer always comes first. Ethos offers flexible coverage options, access to valuable online tools, and a team of licensed agents ready to help you through it all. Ethos always puts the customer first. 
Discussion points:

JC’s Journey to CEO
Importance of data in shaping strategic decisions
Shift from commodity-driven to partnership-based reinsurance
SCOR Global Life's innovative Velogica underwriting engine
Changing dynamics of client relationships in reinsurance
Closing the insurance gap through team and partnerships
Collaborations enabling understanding and meeting uninsured needs
Potential for tapping into small markets with innovation
Bruckner's leadership style and creating a collaborative atmosphere
SCOR Global Life's approach to ecosystems
Leveraging partnerships for innovation and closing the insurance gap

In this episode, host Peter Colis, CEO of Ethos, welcomes Barry Clarkson, CEO of Equis Financial and managing partner of Integrity Marketing Group. Barry shares his journey in the insurance industry and how his passion for serving middle-income families has shaped his approach to life insurance, college education, and retirement plans. 
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Barry has built a successful business focusing on the needs of middle-income families in their most vulnerable moments. He discusses his experiences with Equis Financial, the challenges faced in this market, and the strategies employed to provide comprehensive coverage and services. The recent acquisition of Equis by Integrity Marketing Group opens up new avenues of collaboration and resources, with Barry highlighting the partnership's potential to drive industry growth and innovation. The episode also features insights from Bill Martin, partner of Equis Financial, and Rob Jones, partner of Integrity Marketing Group, discussing their leadership and the virtual business environment during COVID-19.
The What’s Your Ethos podcast is brought to you by Ethos Insurance and is hosted by Ethos’ CEO Peter Colis. In each episode, Peter sits down with some of the life insurance industry’s biggest movers and shakers. You’ll hear them talk through their biggest breakthroughs, business insights, and leadership challenges — and get to know them on a more personal level. 
Founded in 2016, Ethos is a technology company providing access to instant, accessible life insurance online. Ethos’ mission is to help millions protect their families with access to simple, affordable life insurance. The company has redesigned the application process from start to finish to ensure the customer always comes first. Ethos offers flexible coverage options, access to valuable online tools, and a team of licensed agents ready to help you through it all. Ethos always puts the customer first. 
Discussion points:

Barry Clarkson's accidental entry into the insurance industry in 1980
National Agents Alliance's success with mortgage lead business in the 90s
Equus Financial's focus on serving middle-income families' insurance needs
Challenges and strategies in providing comprehensive coverage for middle-income families
Equus Financial's acquisition by Integrity Marketing Group, driving growth and innovation
Adapting to the virtual business environment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Equus' unique approach to training and agent empowerment
The technology developed to help agents stay in business and track progress
The importance of accurate communication and maintaining a strong culture
The passion for helping families in vulnerable times through life insurance
Understanding the nuanc

In this episode, host Peter Colis welcomes Shawn Meaike, Founder, CEO, and President of Family First Life. Family First Life was launched in 2013 and has grown into a multi-million-dollar insurance organization. As Shawn describes it, he is “building a company that truly puts both the families of our clients and the families of our agents first.” Family First Life is now represented by over 17,000 licensed agents in almost all 50 states marketing mortgage protection, final expense, life insurance, and annuities. The company is projected to reach over $600 million dollars in issued paid premiums. 
You’ll hear Shawn’s inspiring journey from being a social worker to heading a successful insurance company and the evolution of Family First Life. Shawn shares the challenges he faced on his way to success, his leadership principles, and his family-centric approach to business. The discussion also covers the company's expanded range of insurance products and services, and their new partnership with Ethos. You’ll also hear valuable insights and lessons for personal and professional growth.
The What’s Your Ethos podcast is brought to you by Ethos Insurance and is hosted by Ethos’ CEO Peter Colis. In each episode, Peter sits down with some of the life insurance industry’s biggest movers and shakers. You’ll hear them talk through their biggest breakthroughs, business insights, and leadership challenges — and get to know them on a more personal level. 
Founded in 2016, Ethos is a technology company providing access to instant, accessible life insurance online. Ethos’ mission is to help millions protect their families with access to simple, affordable life insurance. The company has redesigned the application process from start to finish to ensure the customer always comes first. Ethos offers flexible coverage options, access to valuable online tools, and a team of licensed agents ready to help you through it all. Ethos always puts the customer first. 
Discussion points:

Shawn Meaike’s journey from social worker to insurance industry leader
The evolution of Family First Life over the past decade
Discussion on company culture and putting agents and customers first
Difficulties faced, including their CRM system shutting down
Expansion of insurance products and services 
Partnership with Ethos and the impact on the business
Shawn's leadership principles and family-centric approach to business
The importance of staying humble and hungry in business
Mentoring new leaders and fostering a culture of respect and growth
How COVID-19 has affected the insurance industry and Family First Life
Shawn's insights on navigating industry complexities and fostering transparency

Reso

In this episode, host Peter Colis welcomes Priscilla Hung, President and COO of Guidewire. Priscilla shares her journey from the tech world to a leadership role in the insurance industry. She discusses Guidewire's transformation from a startup to a dominant provider of core admin systems for property and casualty insurance carriers and the company's transition from mainframes to on-prem systems and the cloud. Additionally, she shares her insights on the rapid implementation of AI and IoT, strategies for maximizing the efficiency of enterprise sales cycles and attracting and retaining top talent in the industry.
Guidewire is a leading provider of core administrative systems to property and casualty insurance carriers. With a background in engineering, Hung has held various roles throughout her 18-year tenure at Guidewire, helping the company transform from a startup to an industry leader. Prior to joining Guidewire, Hung worked at Oracle and Sun Microsystems.
The What’s Your Ethos podcast is brought to you by Ethos Insurance and is hosted by Ethos CEO Peter Colis. In each episode, Peter sits down with some of the life insurance industry’s biggest movers and shakers. You’ll hear them talk through their biggest breakthroughs, business insights, and leadership challenges — and get to know them on a more personal level. 
Founded in 2016, Ethos is a technology company providing access to instant, accessible life insurance online. Ethos’ mission is to help millions protect their families with access to simple, affordable life insurance. The company has redesigned the application process from start to finish to ensure the customer always comes first. Ethos offers flexible coverage options, access to valuable online tools, and a team of licensed agents ready to help you through it all. Ethos always puts the customer first. 
Discussion points:

Priscilla Hung's journey from Oracle to Guidewire leadership.
Guidewire's transformation from startup to industry leader
Challenges in transitioning from mainframes to cloud systems
Rapid implementation of AI and IoT in insurance
Maximizing efficiency of enterprise sales cycles
Attracting and retaining top talent in the industry
Mobile devices and augmented reality for customer engagement
Explosive growth of IoT and telematic devices
Dynamic pricing for policyholders through technology
Differences between P&C and life insurance markets
Personal growth, vacations, and work-life balance
Guidewire's focus on P&C insurance market
Transitioning insurance carriers from on-prem to cloud