Western & Southern Business Subsidiaries Lead Through Disruption

Western & Southern Financial Group •
John Barrett John Bultema and Troy Brodie
For the first time, Western & Southern Financial Group business subsidiaries Western & Southern Life, Columbus Life and Lafayette Life hosted virtual conferences for their top performers and valued partners in lieu of their traditional in-person events. The conferences, held Oct. 20-22, shared a common theme – Leading Through Disruption – and discussed the challenges our current environment brings and the need to adapt and lead through it.  

Each conference featured special guest speaker Daymond John, founder and CEO of FUBU and the Shark Tank Group, and investor in the hit TV show “Shark Tank,” who shared with the virtual audience suggestions on how to be successful through challenging times and how to be resilient during change. He also shared recognition for each of the agents, agencies and producers who won high accolades. 

In his remarks, W&S Agency President Troy Brodie shared his thoughts about the theme of the conference. “Leading through disruption is not to be confused with living through disruption. Living through disruption leads us to words like coping, existing, managing, dealing with and adapting. Leading through disruption however, is a higher bar and forces the mindset of responding and not reacting – and to making adjustments to our practice with the focus of prospering and growing. Business as usual will not work today.”
 
To audiences that included financial professionals and independent agents, Columbus Life and Lafayette Life President John Bultema expressed gratitude for their determination, dedication and passion.
 
“Selling insurance and speaking about investments is no easy task under ordinary circumstances. But now, with the introduction of so many challenges and so much uncertainty, it adds complexity and difficulty,” Bultema said. “Your profession is an admirable one. You help secure the financial futures for individuals and families ... And, in times like these, what you do becomes even more important.” 
 
Attendees from each virtual conference also heard an update on Western & Southern business results from Western & Southern Financial Group Chairman, President and CEO John F. Barrett

“Despite our current environment, Western & Southern Financial Group stands tall – we are well positioned to deliver the financial solutions our policyholders and clients need,” Barrett said. “Our capital position is still among the absolute strongest of all life insurance companies, and we are prepared to weather the volatility of the markets and meet the shifting needs of our environment and our customers.”