Episode 235: Leadership Lessons in Controlled Chaos with Oak McCulloch LTC U.S. Army (Retired)

This week I have the pleasure to have the renowned author and speaker, Oakland McCulloch. Together, we delve into the fascinating world of leadership, exploring the continuous journey of improvement and the ability to navigate change in controlled chaos. Oakland shares his expertise on servant leadership and the importance of taking care of your team, leading to better performance and loyalty. We discuss the consequences of employees feeling unappreciated and the increasing trend of resignations in America. Get ready to discover the power of developing and empowering your team, earning trust through actions, and the importance of building a legacy of leadership.

Highlights:

  • The speaker has been involved in recruiting officers for the Army for 16 years.
  • Your legacy is not about the company, but the leaders you produce.
  • Producing leaders with lasting impact, substituting nations with any domain.
  • Reflect on failure, prioritize improvement over personal gain, and embrace servant leadership for success.
  • Define the vision for the future, create a plan to achieve it, and shape your organization’s culture to align with it.
  • Trust is crucial in organizations for the people inside to know each other.
  • Leadership should extend in all directions, not just from top to bottom.

About Oak McCulloch Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army (Retired):

Oakland McCulloch was born in Loudon, Tennessee and raised in Kirkland, Illinois. After graduating from high school, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point for two years. He then graduated from Northern Illinois University and received his commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Course in 1986.

In his 23-year career in the Army Oak McCulloch held numerous leadership positions in the Infantry and Armor branches. He assisted in disaster relief operations for Hurricane HUGO in Charleston, South Carolina and Hurricane ANDREW in south Florida. His operational deployments include Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Peace Enforcement Operations in Bosnia and Peace Keeping Operations in Kosovo. He held numerous instructor positions at the US Army Ordnance School, the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Australian Command and Staff College and the University of South Alabama. His last position in the Army was a three-year tour as the Professor of Military Science at the University of South Alabama where he led the training and commissioning of Lieutenants and tripled the size of the program in his three-year tour.

LTC McCulloch retired from the Army in September 2009 with over 23 years of active service and joined the staff at the Bay Area Food Bank as the Associate Director during the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He was also the Vice Chair for Military Affairs on the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Mobile Rotary International Club. He left the food bank in December 2010 to become the Recruiting Officer for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In his 15 years as the Recruiting Officer, he grew the program at Stetson University from 15 Cadets to over 100 Cadets and he more than doubled the size of the Eagle Battalion. Cadet Command selected Oak as the top recruiting officer, out of 274 recruiters, for 2019. In his 15 years of working with Army ROTC he was involved in the commissioning of over 550 Lieutenants for the United States Army.

In February 2021 LTC Oak McCulloch published his first book – “Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be”.

LTC McCulloch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Northern Illinois University in 1987 and a Master of Military Arts and Science in Leadership and History from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 2002. He received thirty-one military service awards including the Bronze Star, eight Meritorious Service Medals and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

LTC Oak McCulloch is married to the former Kelly Smyth of Wauconda, Illinois. They were married at Fort Sheridan, Illinois in 1987 and they have two children, Oakland Vincent McCulloch and Caileigh Nicholson. They also have a granddaughter, Ryleigh Jade Nicholson and two grandsons Christopher Bryce Nicholson and Oakland Maverick McCulloch.

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984
Website: http://unstoppableprofitproducer.com/

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Email [email protected]

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Episode 153: Amazing Agency Legacy Continues with Monica Elsom

Over the last 35+ years as a proud independent insurance agent, I’ve met so many amazing people and agents across North America who have simply incredible business stories. After I learned more about Monica Elsom and her story, I was touched deeply by this agency entrepreneur’s extraordinary, relentless drive, passion, and determination after her world was devastated in the worst possible way. You will be inspired by Monica’s journey and contributions to so many….so far. Of course, the best is yet to come.

Key Takeaways:

  • Monica shares how she carried on her husband’s insurance agency after his unexpected death.
  • Following her instinct to just immediately step in and keep the business going
  • Her entire team gives back to the community in the form of volunteer work with other organizations
  • The recognition she gains is not solely about her, it is about her team.

 

About our Guest:

Monica Elsom is the owner and operator of Insurance Pacific Inc. After the unexpected tragedy of her husband’s passing, Monica immediately stepped in to take over the business.  She has grown the business to provide her services in nine states. Insurance Pacific Inc is a team of 11 women from all over Oregon, giving them a unique understanding of the diverse demographics.  Monica attributes her great success mainly due to this team and their ability to “determine each individual’s or organization’s unique exposures” and the overall support they give to each other.

Monica is a firm believer in giving back to the community including Board President and volunteer at Rimrock Trails Treatment Center.

Https://insurepacific.com

 

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

 

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984
Email [email protected]

Episode 78: It’s Better to Give Than to Receive

Patty Lares does not believe in giving up.   Faced with challenges in her youth, she had to quit school to find a job and survive but that did not stop her. At the age of 18, she earned her insurance license and never looked back.   Patty shares her story and the lessons learned to inspire all the entrepreneurs out there.

Highlights:

  • Foraging ahead to start her own business, knocking on doors and handing out flyers
  • The strength of asking for support and investing in yourself
  • Being the first female Hispanic woman to be recognized by Rough Notes Magazine
  • Acquisitions and helping them sustain their legacy
  • Strategies for organic growth

 

About Our Guest:

Patty Lares is the founder and President of AA Lares Insurance Services, Inc. Starting her insurance career at the age of 16 in Anaheim, CA, Patty has been an active member of the in the insurance community for over 30 years. On October 2, 2000 Ms. Lares opened her own agency. Fast forward 19 years later, Patty is now leading a team of 15 members across two locations.

Recognized as Agency of the Month in 2018 by Rough Notes Magazine and BIG Independent Group’s Professional Agency of the Year in 2016, the AA Lares Insurance team continue to wow their community and push the boundaries from what is expected of insurance brokers and agents in the eyes of insurance carriers and clients. The AA Lares team volunteers monthly at a number of local nonprofits such as March of Dimes, Backpacks for Success, and OC Heart Walk.  Ms. Lares has participated in various insurance business groups including the Alliance of Insurance Agents and Brokers, as well as the Unstoppable Profit Producers.

Outside of the office, Patty loves spending time with her family on road trips and at soccer matches. Early morning hikes and motivational audiobooks are embedded into her daily routine.

Stay connected with Patty and her team by visiting the company website (laresinsurance.com) or social media accounts (@laresinsurance).

 

Until next time, get out there and make a difference, be unstoppable, and leave no regrets!

 

Mike Stromsoe
The Unstoppable Profit Producer
Call 800-770-9984
Email [email protected]

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