Episode Summary
What lies at the intersection of our work and our values? And of our actions and their outcomes? Megan Bock Zarnoch joins Meg McKeen to share more about the work she's doing to help others to create values-driven cultures within the insurance industry.
In This Episode
Host Meg McKeen welcomes Megan Bock Zarnoch to Bound & Determined.
00:00 – 02:00 | Welcome to Bound & Determined, Megan Bock Zarnoch! Here we hold space to tell the stories of women in the insurance industry.
02:01 – 05:12 | Meg and Megan first met when, years ago, Megan would've been Meg's boss - and then again during an event supporting women in insurance, and then again, as we are carving our paths, consulting within the insurance industry.
05:13 - 05:59 | Despite the challenges, Megan and Meg have stayed connected this past year - brainstorming business ideas during chilly walks and in a virtual yoga session that Megan teaches.
06:00 – 09:00 | Megan shares more about the experiences that led to the consulting work she's doing now through her company, Boundless Consulting Group LLC.
09:01 – 9:50 | Megan and Meg both experienced a misalignment of their personal and professional values while working in a traditional corporate insurance setting. Can you relate?
09:51 – 13:30 | Megan shares relatable stories about those moments when we blend to fit in while working in a corporate environment - think golf! and whiskey! and cigars! It's no surprise to learn that business is taking place in these spaces where we don't always feel like we belong.
13:31 – 15:00 | Should we apologize for not liking golf? There is so much to forgive - and forget - as we change the face of what a career in insurance looks like.
15:01 – 17:20 | Megan is focused on helping companies see their culture as it is - and helping them to shape a culture that attracts the clients and employees they want to serve.
17:21 – 19:14 | Megan's extensive experience in commercial underwriting leadership uniquely qualifies her to do this work. Diversity in corporate cultures drives business outcomes and both Meg and Megan are uniquely positioned to be part of the change we want - and need - to see.
19:15 - 21:29 | Every organization has a culture - the culture informs how people show up in their work and engage with their customers. And, simply, how they feel at work. Does the culture of an organization support and enable its employees?
21:30 - 25:34 | What does an empowered underwriter look like? Meg and Megan talk about punitive underwriting cultures and what that looks like in practice. We aren't going to get it right 100% of the time.
25:35 - 27:09 | There is such an advantage to having an outside perspective. The unspoken rules can often shape culture - and their legacy can be long.
27:10 - 28:37 | As we see more technology utilized in business practices, it brings a lot of change. Change can bring confusion and uncertainty and understanding the cultural implications is key.
28:38 - 31:25 | Meg and Megan are collaborating on a new project, creating space for open and honest dialogue between agents and underwriters to drive relationships - and business outcomes.
31:26 - 35:19 | The pandemic created space for Megan to explore her passion for yoga. She earned her teaching certification and is integrating many of those teachings in the work she does today.
35:20 - 37:59 | Are we ready for yoga in the workplace? Let's hope so!
38:00 - 40:39 | Work-life integration feels a lot more attainable than work-life balance. Can we undo some of the behaviors that have historically supported the hustle culture?
40:40 - 42:42 | Thanks for joining the conversation, Megan!
To learn more about Megan Bock Zarnoch and to connect with her on LinkedIn, head here. Continue the conversation when you send her an email at megan@boundlessconsult.com or join her Sunday yoga series at yogapractice@boundlessconsult.com.
To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance salespeople, through private coaching and workshop facilitation, visit Adjunct Advisors.
To stay up-to-date on offerings, ideas, and Meg's latest travel plans, subscribe to To Taking the Risk here.
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