Season 3 Episode 32
Season 3 Episode 32
Ryan holds a degree in Insurance, Risk Management and Financial Planning from Mississippi State University. Obtaining his Life & Health Insurance license at 18 years old and now with over 20 years of experience, Ryan is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Morgan White Group. As EVP he manages a $100 million block of business in group and individual sales. He also serves on the board of a property & casualty insurance company as well as a life & health insurance company. He is a part-owner of a consulting company in the association sector and also presides on the board of several non-profit organizations.
Ryan manages and hosts the Insurance Leadership Podcast. Currently in its second season, the podcast is listed in the top 5% of most popular shows out of 2.7 million podcasts globally. The podcast is designed to help develop insurance leadership skills. He and his guests seek to provide listeners with practical resources and information. Through the podcast Ryan is able to exercise his creativity, which is essential to maintaining success and cultivating a vision for the future.
Ryan is a Christian man who holds himself to high standards in both business and personal endeavors. As a devoted husband and father to two boys, one of his favorite ways to spend time with his family is by coaching sports teams for his children. As a family they attend Word of Life Church in Ridgeland, MS. He enjoys outdoor activities, reading, podcasts, and learning new things. Ryan is devoted to continually learning, and as a result he has achieved significant wisdom and insight on the topics about which he is passionate. As an additional hobby Ryan is licensed in real estate in several states, as he is intrigued by land improvement, foreclosures, and rental properties.
Whether he is working or spending time with family, Ryan strives for excellence and kindness. The scope of his expertise and experience has distinguished him to be a leader in multiple industries.
Welcome to the Insurance Leadership Podcast, where top business leaders and experts share insights. In this episode, the roles are reversed as Ryan Eaton takes the helm, discussing deep into thought-provoking discussions with Casey Combest. The focus is on the nuances of leadership, personal development, effective communication, team engagement, and the intricate art of decision-making. Here's a recap of the top 5 discussions:
Ryan Eaton provides a nuanced perspective on leadership, describing it as influence. He articulates how effective leadership extends beyond professional spheres, impacting both teams and families positively. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power that arises when personal and corporate goals are aligned. By exploring this foundational aspect of leadership, Ryan sets the stage for a comprehensive understanding of how influence can shape a collective vision.
“Influence transcends professional boundaries, shaping not only teams but also positively impacting families.”
Reflecting on his extensive 20-year journey in the insurance business, Ryan shares valuable insights into the challenges of transitioning from self-leadership to leading a team. The discussion goes beyond theoretical concepts, diving into the real-world nuances of diverse motivations within a team. Ryan's personal experiences serve as a guide for leaders navigating the dynamic landscape of personal growth and leadership challenges, while offering practical strategies for adapting leadership styles and fostering a shared vision.
“Thriving on unity and trust, our exceptional team builds deeper connections through functions and celebrations, setting us apart.”
Ryan unveils the contents of his leadership toolkit, showcasing practical tools such as personality profiles like DISC and the Enneagram. Setting clear expectations for team members ensures alignment with the overarching values of the team. The incorporation of regular check-ins emerges as a key strategy for understanding individual goals and maintaining a balanced team dynamic. This discussion provides actionable insights for leaders looking to enhance their toolkit for understanding and motivating their teams effectively.
“Leaders have to be learners, period.”
The conversation with Casey Combest explores the critical role of communication in effective leadership. Ryan underlines the importance of intentional and clear communication, drawing parallels between the clarity required in day-to-day interactions and the insurance business. The insights shared shed light on how leaders can convey goals and visions to their teams while emphasizing the significance of being concise and repetitive in communication. This segment equips leaders with valuable communication strategies that transcend the conventional boundaries of leadership.
“As a leader, communication is key. Speak with intentionality and clarity, ensuring your team understands the goal.”
Ryan shares profound insights into maintaining a highly engaged and motivated team. The discussion encompasses various aspects, including the significance of team-building activities, monthly celebrations, and quarterly events. By highlighting the importance of empathy in leadership, Ryan emphasizes the role it plays in creating a supportive work environment. Practical examples of team events that go beyond the typical office setting contribute to a positive team culture. This discussion provides a comprehensive guide for leaders seeking to foster an engaged and collaborative team dynamic.
“Trust is essential for building strong relationships.”
Conclusion: In this insightful episode, Ryan provides a wealth of knowledge on leadership principles. The dynamic discussions touch on self-awareness, decision-making, and building trust within a team. As these topics are vast, we invite you to come back next month for Part 2 with Ryan Eaton, where we'll further discuss the intricacies of leadership in the insurance industry.
For the full conversation and more valuable insights, tune in to the Insurance Leadership Podcast. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and contribute to a positive work environment.
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