
What It Takes To Lead
A podcast about Mike Sterlacci's faith, family, friendships, and business lessons learned over 40+ years of selling insurance and building a growing multi million dollar insurance agency in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.
Episodes
20 episodes
The Future of Leadership: A Legacy of Growth and Integrity
In this episode of What It Takes to Lead, Mike Sterling dives into the core leadership value of open and honest dialogue. Reflecting on his decades of experience in business and life, Mike shares the transformative power of authentic c...
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59:31

Lessons in Leadership, Love, and Faith with Mike Sterlacci
Today’s episode is a lightening round for Mike Sterlacci. Listen in and Leir and Charlie ask Mike questions about Life, Love, Leadership, and what his remaining years hold. The conversations ranges from building a marriage around a shared fa...
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1:03:37

Balancing Passion and Business: Navigating the Modern Business Landscape
Ever wondered how top entrepreneurs differentiate between good and great business ideas? Join the cast for a discussion on balancing faith, family, and business in the modern world. Mike and the crew discuss knowing what opportunities to pur...
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1:14:36

Ansel and How Technology and AI is Transforming the Insurance Industry
Our latest episode offers fascinating insights from our special guest, Tony Smith, CPO of Ansel, who unveils the innovative vision behind Ansel and Coverica. The whole crew sits down to discuss where the fast paced technology world meets the...
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1:33:53

Transferring Company Ownership to Employees: Creating a Culture of Ownership
Get a behind the scenes look at the long talked about succession plan for Coverica. Today you’ll hear firsthand why Mike chose to transfer 30% of his company to its employees and how this move aligns with his core values, avoiding nepotism a...
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1:17:23

Applying the 4 Precepts in Business and in Life
Eric Hurt returns to the podcast for a discussion about Mike’s 4 precepts and how they are used in CoVerica for conflict resolution, effective communication, and the nexus of faith and decision-making. The whole cast weighs in with personal ...
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1:24:19

Aligning Career with Purpose: The Path to Cultural Leadership
Mark Conley, takes us through his transformative journey, sharing the pivotal moments and hard-earned wisdom from transitioning out of General Mills to guiding a church and creating a flourishing consulting practice. It's a tale of aligning ...
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Episode 14
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1:01:55

Assuming New Leadership Roles with Coverica's New Directors
Ever wondered how teamwork can elevate your sales game? Alison Nielson and Eric Hurt unveil the secret sauce: a blend of empowerment and collaboration that's turning Coverica into a sales powerhouse. We talk candidly about the transformative...
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Episode 13
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1:10:50

Mentorship Matters: Steering the Next Gen to Business Success
Join us as we sit down with Chris Sterlacci, Air Force veteran and Managing Partner at Covarrica Agency Alliance. He is also the son of our show’s host, Mike Sterlacci.Navigating the professional terrain with kin oft...
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Episode 12
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1:12:41

Balancing Culture and Strategy in Agency Mergers
In this episode you will meet John Sutter (EVP of Risk Management) and Andy Bracken (CRO) of CoVericaImagine navigating the tumultuous waters of agency mergers and acquisitions, where every decision can either forge ...
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Episode 11
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1:14:11

The Crucible of Leadership: Internal and External Struggles that Leadership Faces
In this episode you will meet Rhonda Cox, the Interim CEO of CoVerica. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship, resilience, and the foundational pillars of faith, family, and friends. This episode peels back the layers o...
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Episode 10
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1:18:53

Leadership Resilience and Legacy Building with Paul Kiesling
On this episode of the podcast, we open a treasure trove of leadership lessons and growth strategies, drawing from both personal transformation and the enduring wisdom of biblical figures like Moses. Today, you will meet Paul Keisling and he...
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Episode 9
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1:11:53

Unlocking Professional Growth Within An Employee-Owned Business
On this episode of the podcast, we wade through the fascinating journey of Coverica's transition to employee ownership. Mike's candid revelations illuminate how core company values and the power of patience are crucial when guiding a team th...
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Episode 8
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1:16:47

What It Takes To Give: Building a Business While Giving Back
On this episode of the podcast, Mike’s wife, Heidi Sterlaccie, joins the podcast to talk about how they built their company around giving. Heidi has been with Mike for over 30 years. During that time she saw the ups and downs of the building...
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Episode 7
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1:09:57

Success in Sales (and Leadership) Begins With a Relationship
On this episode of the podcast, Eric Hurt joins the podcast to talk shop and sales with Mike and the crew. Eric Hurt is the Vice President of Personal Lines a...
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Episode 6
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1:02:21

The Three Types of Friendships
On this episode of the podcast, Mike invites Ralph Heffelman onto the show to talk about their friendship of virtue and history together in business. Ralph and Mike share how they met and continued their relationship professionally and perso...
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Episode 5
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1:01:47

Selling Your Company To Your Employees
On this episode of What It Takes To Lead, Mike shares how he intends to leave a legacy that takes care of his employees even after he is gone. The crew talk about the problems that come up when a company sells and what Mike would like to do ...
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Episode 4
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1:03:50

3 Ways to Deal With Employees
On this episode of What It Takes To Lead, Mike digs deeper into his 3 ways of dealing with employees. The crew also talk about company culture and building community, the importance of having employee roles fit personalities, and when to let...
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Episode 3
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1:09:54

Business Leaders Need A North Star
On this episode of the podcast, our hosts talk about leadership and doing the right things for the right reasons in business. You will hear from Mike on thinking long-term as a business, and why finding your “North Star” is so important for ...
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Episode 2
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1:02:40
