In this episode, hosts Dustyne Bryant and Ashley Fitzsimmons engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Mike Koscielny, MBA, CIC, CPCU about the difficult topic of the insurance company layoffs that unfolded during the summer and fall months of 2023.
Mike shares valuable insights on the challenges individuals might face as a result of these layoffs within the insurance industry and sheds light on the transformative influence of regulatory challenges in various states, which may have played a significant role in shaping organizational decisions.
Mike illuminates the difficulties that industry professionals may encounter in their search for new opportunities amidst these uncertain times. Despite the current circumstances, job prospects within the insurance industry are still available for those willing to adapt and seize them.
This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of continued learning and growth, as well as the power of professional connections. Dustyne, Ashley, and Mike will inspire you to embrace the challenge of change, paving the way for future success and personal fulfillment within the insurance industry.
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Mike Koscielny, MBA, CIC, CPCU
Director of Field Marketing for Graduate Business Programs at Olivet College, CEO and Founder of Born2Lead LLC, and National Faculty Member for The National Alliance For Insurance Education & Research
Michael Koscielny, MBA, CPCU, CIC, is founder and chief executive officer of Born2Lead, LLC. He has more than 40 years of experience creating effective teams and innovative processes for underwriting and pricing. He serves as the Director of Field Marketing for The University of Olivet since July of 2023. He is an Instructor for The National Alliance and The Institutes. Koscielny has held many roles in the 27 years as a volunteer for The Institutes CPCU Society, including as president of the CPCU Society Leadership Council in 2017 and of the Underwriting Executives Council. He lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, Deborah, and dogs, Wiley, and Teddy. He has written numerous articles and given many presentations. He published his first book, Born2Lead: Lessons in Leadership in 2023.
Dustyne Bryant, MBA, CIC, CISR
Personal Lines Academic Director & Awkward Insurance Co-Host
Dustyne Bryant, is the Personal Lines Academic Director for The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. In her role, Dustyne collaborates with National Alliance faculty and industry colleagues to research and analyze Personal Lines segment trends, data, and coverage in an effort to deliver relevant and quality educational content to growing insurance professionals.
Ashley Fitzsimmons, CISR
Director of Professional Development, Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc.
Awkward Insurance Co-Host
Known as the Beyonce of Insurance, Ashley has grown up in insurance. She has real life experience on the agency side – for nearly the last decade. She has had to overcome the same daily struggles and has personally researched and implemented many tools and programs to help her family agency run more efficiently.
Nine years spent as the fourth generation in a family agency located near Scranton, PA, obtaining her CISR designation, multiple speaking engagements across the country as well as being nominated the 2018 National CSR of the year has given her the knowledge and experience to help other agents thrive instead of just survive.
