Episode Summary
Nikki Brandt joins host Meg McKeen to share more about the hunch that grew to become her thriving business - one that is challenging the way we recruit and nurture professionals in the insurance industry.
In This Episode
00:00 - 02:10 | Welcome to Bound & Determined℠, Nikki Brandt! Nikki brings a fresh perspective into recruiting in the insurance industry.
02:11 - 04:49 | Meg shares more about how she lines up the guests on the podcast; they are usually people she knows, but today is the first time she and Nikki have connected. Meg knew as soon as she saw a post that Nikki recently shared that she just had to be on the show.
04:50 - 06:29 | Nikki shares more about the lessons she's learned since starting NB Talent 10 months ago; when we stop worrying about doing things the "right" way, new opportunities can present.
06:30 - 09:34 | An insurance career path doesn't have to be what it used to be - Nikki and Meg had some overlap but have landed in very different places. Nikki shares more about why she started the business she's building - we've all received one of those spammy messages on social media from a recruiter, right?
09:35 - 17:10 | How many times have you had a hunch - but never acted on it? We talk through the emotions we feel when we are ready for change and Nikki shares more about her career path - from a degree in fashion merchandising to underwriting to sales.
17:11 - 20:19 | Many people are evaluating the alignment between career and life - and challenging the current status quo. Nikki shares openly about the feelings she experienced when making the decision to choose a different path in her career, including the importance of the support of her network.
24:39 - 25:29 | A quick note about co-working; Meg is a big fan of this concept (shared office space for professionals) and it's something Nikki is exploring, too.
25:30 - 26:29 | Mentorship takes different shapes and we often struggle to recognize when we are ready to be a mentor, or when we need a mentor.
26:30 - 30:29 | Business is booming for Nikki - a sign that she's on a good path. She's helping organizations connect with underwriters, account managers, and producers/salespeople. Happy employees aren't typically looking for a new opportunity, which is a compliment to the organizations they work for who have made a commitment to employee satisfaction a priority.
30:30 - 35:59 | People want to work with individuals who value their work and are engaged in the work they do - Nikki is both. Nikki shares more about the non-negotiables for candidates today. Spoiler alert: employees want flexibility.
36:00 - 37:17 | A fun reminder that even when our business cards don't say "sales," we still need to focus on building our networks and developing new business. Thanks for joining Meg on the podcast, Nikki - you're welcome back anytime!
In Nikki's words: I'm a wife, mom of 2, dog lover, and I love to network and connect people! I've had much success in insurance, but saw an opportunity in the recruiting space to do it differently so here I am! I have a second business in the anti-aging beauty space, and I love all things that help women look and feel their best - both personally and professionally!
To learn more about Nikki Brandt and follow along on her journey, visit NB Talent, follow her on Instagram @blondestgirlintheroom, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
To learn more about the work Meg McKeen does to support insurance professionals visit Adjunct Advisors, and 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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