IA Forward
The Independent Insurance Agency Playbook: The insurance business is all about playing an infinite game. Shane and Tonya discuss how to play the long-term game of being a successful agent and creating a culture of freedom for yourself.
Episodes
266 episodes
Visibility or Sustainability? Defining Your Agency’s Path
Shane and Tonya discuss the rise of insurance influencers, the pressure to chase visibility over sustainability, and the challenge of rethinking your agency’s direction to create a business that aligns with your goals and works for you.
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Season 1
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Episode 264
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30:11
Resilience, Relationships & Real Conversations
Resilience isn’t just a word, it’s a way of showing up when things get tough. In this episode, Shane and Tonya dive into what resilience really looks like in the independent agency world, why relationships matter more than ever, and how honest ...
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Season 1
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Episode 263
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34:58
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What AI Really Means for Independent Agents (with Chad Jackson and Justin White)
Shane and Tonya talk AI in the independent insurance channel with special guests Chad Jackson and Justin White of Strawberry Antler. From automating quoting to solving real agency problems, they explore how AI can transform the way small and mi...
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Season 1
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Episode 262
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28:20
Fees & Fumbles: Avoiding E&S Mistakes
Excess and surplus lines (E&S) can open up new opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Shane and Tonya break down the common fumbles agents make, share how to avoid costly mistakes, decide when to say no, and discus...
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Season 1
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Episode 261
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24:34
Don’t Lose Your Agency Identity at Baggage Claim
When Southwest Airlines starts charging for checked bags, it’s more than a policy change; it’s a brand identity crisis. Shane and Tonya discuss how staying true to your agency’s unique strengths, rather than chasing trends or comparisons, is th...
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Season 1
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Episode 260
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29:02
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Own Your Business, Don’t Let It Own You: The Power of JOMO
What if the real key to success is JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out)? Shane and Tonya break down how to stay focused, make intentional decisions, and let your business serve you—rather than the other way around.
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Season 1
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Episode 259
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27:54
Don't Just Complain, Create Change: How Agents Can Shape the Industry
Feeling frustrated with the lack of control in the insurance industry? Shane and Toya discuss how independent agents can move beyond frustration and take action. From carrier councils to industry advocacy, learn how to create real change for yo...
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Season 1
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Episode 258
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25:14
We’re Here to Run A Business with Aaron and Justin Husman
Shane and Tonya sit down with Justin and Aaron Husman of The Phoenix Insurance to discuss the mindset shift from “helping people” to strategically running a successful agency. They discuss building a business with intention, protecting your tim...
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Season 1
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Episode 257
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38:50
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60-Second Stories: Selling Insurance With Real-Life Lessons
The best way to connect with clients is through storytelling, not by being boring or overly technical. Shane and Tonya discuss into the power of 60-second stories that turn real-life lessons into personal, memorable, and successful sales moment...
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Season 1
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Episode 256
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28:46
Fail. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Celebrate.
Does agency size determine success? Shane and Tonya break down the challenges of scaling, the myths around agency size, and why success isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this special anniversary episode, they reflect back on lessons learned over the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 255
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31:21
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The Power of Personalization with Kristyn Klaes and Kylie Lowery
Tonya is joined by Kristyn Klaes and Kylie Lowery to explore the power of personalization in the insurance industry, strategies for making every client interaction meaningful, and setting your agency apart from the competition. They discuss how...
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Season 1
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Episode 254
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26:21
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Resilience: How to Thrive Through Challenges
Shane and Tonya explore what it takes to thrive through challenges, from navigating a hard market to managing client expectation, and reveal their Words of the Year for 2025. Tune in for insights on staying steady, pushing forward, and embracin...
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Season 1
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Episode 253
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27:03
From Mac and Cheese to McLaren: Financial Expectations of Success
Shane and Tonya explore the shifting perceptions of financial success, diving into surprising salary and net worth expectations. Listen for insights on building realistic goals, managing "expense creep," and finding true financial fulfillment i...
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Season 1
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Episode 252
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26:21
Follow the Directions (Or Skip Them): Balancing Tradition With Innovation
Shane and Tonya dive into the eternal struggle between following directions and blazing your own trail. From puffer jackets to agency best practices, they explore how independent agents can balance tradition with innovation to drive success.&nb...
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Season 1
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Episode 251
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27:18
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From Comfort Zones to Milestones: Celebrating 250 Episodes of IA Forward Insights
Celebrate with Shane and Tonya in the 250th episode of IA Forward! From the power of discipline over motivation to the best way to create a "stop-doing list," this one is full of practical insights, a look back at the most popular episodes, and...
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Season 1
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Episode 250
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41:09
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Reflect, Realign, Reset: Starting 2025 Strong
Shane and Tonya kick off the new year by exploring how independent insurance agents can Reflect, Realign, and Reset to set themselves up for success in 2025. They share insights on identifying what’s essential, eliminating distractions, and bui...
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Season 1
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Episode 249
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28:12
Business Moves from Holiday Movies: Inspiration for the New Year
In this special New Year’s Eve episode, Shane and Tonya reflect on timeless lessons from holiday movies and how they can inspire your business and life as we welcome 2025. From the authenticity of Elf to the resilience of A Charlie...
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Season 1
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Episode 248
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27:15
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Unwrapping the Unexpected: Hidden Gifts of the Insurance Industry
In this Christmas Eve episode, Shane and Tonya explore how independent insurance agents make a meaningful difference, turning unexpected challenges into opportunities to serve. From protecting families to creating lasting impacts, this episode ...
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Season 1
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Episode 247
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28:15
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How Carriers Are Pivoting for 2025
Shane and Tonya discuss how carriers are pivoting for growth in 2025 amid shifting market pressures. From the disruptive Geico Effect to renewed focus on auto lines, they explore what these changes mean for independent agents.
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Season 1
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Episode 246
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28:26
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Capacity Crunch: Why Progressive's Dwelling Fire Exit Is Good News
Shane and Tonya break down Progressive's recent decision to exit the dwelling fire insurance market and explain why it’s not the catastrophe some agents fear. They discuss how this move will open new opportunities for homeowner’s capacity and g...
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Season 1
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Episode 245
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26:34
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The Cycle Turns: Preparing for a Softer Commercial Market
Shane and Tonya discuss the potential shift to a softer commercial market and what it means for independent agencies. They explore how a new market cycle can impact growth opportunities and share strategies to stay competitive.
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Season 1
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Episode 244
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24:24
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Turkeys, Traditions, and the Power of Thanks
Join Shane and Tonya for a special Thanksgiving week episode as they share heartfelt reflections on gratitude, holiday traditions, and the power of building meaningful relationships in business and life. From turkey, dressing, and football riva...
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Season 1
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Episode 243
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27:06
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Spray Painted Grass: The Cost of Change
Shane and Tonya explore why salespeople often get sold on the next big thing, from spray-painted grass to shiny new software. They share practical strategies for avoiding impulsive decisions, questioning the need for change, and focusing on too...
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Season 1
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Episode 242
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27:23
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The Power of Perspective
Shane and Tonya explore how choosing gratitude and maintaining a positive perspective can make all the difference, even in the toughest of markets. They share personal stories, practical tips, and the importance of leading by example, reminding...
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Season 1
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Episode 241
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26:11
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