In this week’s episode of the Driving Change podcast, Jeff Bloomfield interviews Pat Del Medico, COO of the Florida Arizona Region | Partner at Shepherd Insurance, part of one of the 50 largest independent Insurance agencies in the country. Pat shares his life journey and the lessons he has learned along the way. They discuss the importance of being interested in others, the power of connection, and the value of reading the room. Pat emphasizes the need to focus on the other person and their needs, rather than just trying to sell a product. He also highlights the impact of his father’s example in treating everyone with respect and taking an interest in their stories. The conversation explores the importance of making others feel significant and the impact it has on our lives. It emphasizes the need for intentional actions to help others feel seen and valued. The concept of vulnerability and being open to feedback is discussed as a key aspect of leadership. The power of empathy in building relationships and creating a successful organization is highlighted. The conversation also touches on the importance of giving back to the community and supporting causes that make a positive impact.

Takeaways

• Focus on the other person and their needs, rather than just trying to sell a product.
• Take the time to be interested in others and ask questions about their background and needs.
• Read the room and pay attention to the details that can help you connect with someone on a deeper level.
• Treat everyone with respect and take an interest in their stories.
• Remember that everyone has a story, and it’s important to listen and understand. The need for significance is a fundamental human need, and it can be fulfilled by making others feel significant through intentional actions.
• Vulnerability and openness to feedback are essential qualities of effective leaders.
• Empathy is a powerful tool for building relationships and creating a successful organization.
• Giving back to the community and supporting causes that make a positive impact can bring purpose and fulfillment to our lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Pat Del Medico’s Life Journey

07:04 Lessons Learned in the First Five Years of Work

12:18 The Power of Connection and Being Interested in Others

15:48 The Importance of Reading the Room

21:15 The Power of Making Others Feel Significant

25:34 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership

28.46 The Impact of Empathy on Relationships and Organizations

35.30 Finding Purpose Through Giving Back

Project 180: https://www.project180reentry.org/

LinkedIn: Pat Del Medico

Email: pdelmedico@shepherdins.com