[0:40] Jim introduces the topic of today's episode that is very near and dear to his heart
Connect with your why and leverage your centers of influence to grow something extraordinary
Do this by 1. learning how to rally and 2. growing your book of business
[1:45] Jim introduces guest Clay Snellings
He is a member of his agency's executive team
He is currently transitioning from CEO to the chairman of the board
Clay is also uniting the industry to find a cure for cystic fibrosis: Insure the Cure
[4:12] The pivotal moment in Clay's life that started his influence
If you feel compelled to support Clay in what he is inspiring, go to agentsgrowthacademy/curecf
His insurance firm was exposed to Simon Sinek's Ted Talk and book: It's About the Why
"Emotion and connection to a cause is what causes people to take action and that's what Insure the Cure has been able to accomplish." -Clay Snellings
One of his favorite agency questions when connecting with someone influential: "Who do you know who would take my call just because you asked?"
[7:50] Clay's "why:" he explains his personal cystic fibrosis story
Clay's youngest daughter, Emily, was born with cystic fibrosis
They were told that it would be beating the odds to live until she was 30 years old
There has been huge progress here; the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has already extended their lifespan by decades
Her life expectancy is now 50 years; they've picked up 20 years in her lifetime!
[10:35] Clay walks us back to the moment he had with Scott Dalton
Clay had to call and apologize for missing a meeting appointment because his daughter was being hospitalized for treatment
Scott and Clay got together and attended a walk for cystic fibrosis and raised $30,000 in a year
[13:00] Realizing that their other insurance companies and competitors would want to join the cause
Clay explains the impact that they've really made with their multi-million-dollar donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The drug produced as a result of their funding research has reduced his daughter's hospital visits exponentially
"Our research will continue until CF stands for cure found, not cystic fibrosis." -Clay Snellings
This disease research will benefit genetic diseases outside of CF
[18:15] What cystic fibrosis feels like
What would it be like to breathe through a straw?
[19:33] What a day in the life of someone with cystic fibrosis looks like
3-4 times a day breathing treatments
Taking a fistful of pills each day
The importance of avoiding illness and remaining active every day
[21:55] How did Clay market such a big movement?
First, they got the foundation staff involved in helping them with shareable collateral information material
Forming a leadership team of their most staunch advocates and pulling potential resources between them gave another entry into the why
"Get people inspired. When they're inspired, they will do things that they wouldn't normally do." -Clay Snellings
[25:00] How finding the why has affected their company culture
"One of the 6 key components of a healthy company is vision. And we are very intentional about sharing our vision with our audience." -Clay Snellings
An important thing that came as a result of their leadership programs for attracting, training, and maintaining top talent
Better boss, bigger vision, brighter future (in reference to Chick Fil A)
People are attracted to companies who have a strong why!
[30:20] Jim shares his first experience with Clay's introduction to cystic fibrosis
"For anyone out there thinking 'Is it worth it to get involved with this foundation?' That's a hell yes." -Jim Schubert
[32:15] Clay explains the Volunteer Leadership Conference that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has each year
When anyone wants to copy anything you do, that flatters Clay more than anything
[33:33] Where to go if you feel compelled to get involved
agentsgrowthacademy.com/curecf
[34:00] A piece of technology that Clay can't live without is his phone and Zoom
[35:10] A book Clay suggests: Breath from Salt by Bijal P. Trivedi
[36:25] What advice would Clay give to his younger self?
"Don't be afraid;" Clay recalls being young and feeling like he didn't have a right to sell in the insurance agency
Jim explains the topic's connection to Tommy Breedlove
[38:17] How is Emily doing today?
She just began working for an accounting company and is independent, well educated, has great friends, and feels great!
[40:00] Jim sends Clay something more personal than soup in today's episode
They're going in at the $25,000 level this year!
[41:00] The last piece of advice Clay leaves with listeners in order to become the best they can be
Find your why and pursue it!
Write it down and etch it in your brain with real thought
