My model for leadership excellence

"All employees have an innate desire to contribute to something bigger than themselves," according to Jag Randhawa, author of The Bright Idea Box. I had the privilege of meeting Jag seven years ago at an insurance industry conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was the keynote speaker, a newly published author, and he spoke about the possibility of creating a culture of innovation and the six-step master formula he created to build innovation from the ground up.

When I spoke with him after his session, it wasn't hard to see that he is authentic, inspiring, and has a contagious passion for life. He embodies the leadership characteristics required to innovate from within, increase productivity, and create real happiness in the workplace. That was one meeting, seven long years ago.

I think of him often and will always find ways to support him. Although I haven't been lucky enough to spend more time with him in person, that one meeting made an impression on me that has given me tremendous value throughout my career. He was one of the first leaders I had the privilege of meeting who struck the perfect balance of humility and confidence, humor and integrity. He took the time to talk with me about neuroplasticity and the power we all have to become greater versions of ourselves no matter how old we get (his wife is a neuroscientist). I will never forget him and the conversation we had. And I will always strive to inspire others the way he inspired me that day, seven very, very,very long years ago. I miss you, Jag.

Flash forward to today and I'm reminded of Jag and his teachings about the value organizations stand to gain when employees feel like equal partners in a company. And today, I'm able to see this first hand as I get to know someone else who has left a mountain of a positive impression on me. That is, Kip Radigan, Group CEO of Global Risk Solutions (GRS). My employer, Security First, partners with GRS to scale resources and technology to effectively serve thousands of our customers (homeowner's insurance policyholders) after a major storm. I met Kip for the first time nearly three years ago at a business dinner. He was the first CEO I had met who did not have any level of tunnelvision for only engaging with the primary decision makers in the room.

I was part of the meeting to explore ways we could communicate our philosophy and customer expectations to his team. I am not part of deciding whether or not we renew his contract, yet, he took the time to genuinely get to know me, understand my background, and recognize the work I do at Security First and the industry awards I had recently won. He had done his homework! In that moment, he unknowingly taught me the importance of making everyone feel important and valued, which undoubtedly leads to greater overall success. He made me feel like an equal partner in his company from the moment I met him. He proved he valued me and respected my work. I admire Kip and the company he's built and that admiration is pretty evident when his company is brought up in our meetings or when we're talking about our company's catastrophe response plans.

I've been in touch with Kip on a regular basis through the years. He often provides valuable advice and has helped me become a better person. I'm fascinated with the company he's built—an organization that has a very clear vision, strong tenets that leave no ambiguity to what's expected from employees, and a business model that provides transparency and true ownership that comes with accountability, recognition, and reward. Every employee, shareholder, and partner fully understands GRS and the value the company brings to its clients. They have a network of the most talented insurance and disaster response professionals that provide service that's unparalleled to their competitors. But, it's not just the network that delivers better-than-expected results; it's the employee-centered organization Kip has built that breeds happy, driven, enthusiastic employees who manage the network and ultimately deliver on the company's promise of bringing the best people, process and technology to solve their clients’ challenges. As a result, they exceed expectations and make their partners feel special by adding a personal touch.

It's the first time I've been able to look at an organization and see the wonderful and powerful traits of its owner so clearly manifested in the culture, quality of service, and business results. How remarkable! You are quite extraordinary, Kip!

Kip is described by his employees as a leader who is not bound by the way things have always been done and treats everyone with respect. Financial results, projections, Glassdoor reviews—these are good metrics, but they are not nearly as important as understanding the character of a company, its employees, and its owner.

A company will only model the level of excellence that's developed from the people working inside. And the highest level of excellence is acheived by hugely successful entrepreneurs and innovators who are humble, confident, and take the time to make every person in the room feel like a valuable contributor and partner. A great sense of humor helps, too. Let's all take the time to really get to know someone and let them know they're valued. Let's get out there and achieve greatness!