Breathe Out
By Heather Smyrl
Connect with Heather Smyrl and Highpoint on Linkedin now!
Breathe OutJun 01, 2020
E58: Reaching Out with Elijah Rising
This episode of Breathe Out contains some topics that may be sensitive for some listeners, and parental supervision of young listeners is advised.
Elijah Rising was founded in 2012 as a prayer circle that wanted to end human trafficking in the Greater Houston Area. Today, their organization has grown significantly and works to end sex trafficking through prayer, awareness, intervention, and restoration.
We are joined in this episode by Elijah Rising's Director of Marketing, David Gamboa. He shares how he got involved with their mission and how God called him to pursue this full-time. He shares stories of men & women whose lives have been saved by Christ and restored through the services Elijah Rising provides, such as housing, recovery services, reunification with family, and so much more.
Elijah in The Bible used his fiery spirit to speak out and act upon what it right and what is wrong. We are so honored to have Elijah Rising as one of our philanthropic partners to be a part of impactful change. Our Tee Up Together for Charity event will benefit their organization, and 100% of the proceeds made at this event will go toward their mission.
To learn more about Elijah Rising, get involved, or make a direct donation, visit https://elijahrising.org/ today!
To sign up for our Tee Up Together event, click HERE to register!
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers
Malachi 4:5-6
E57: Insurance Sucks! (Personal Lines Edition)
We won't sugar coat it. Insurance is EXPENSIVE right now! Whether you blame it on the economy, recurring natural disasters, housing market, labor shortage, or anything else - there's just no way around it.
We know your personal lines policies - meaning your home insurance, auto insurance, boat or luxury valuable coverages - are essential to protecting your family. Our approach is simple: we are going to be transparent with our clients. We are committed to communicating early, often, and along the way of their renewal timeline. We want to find every custom-tailored solution we can to lower your insurance costs.
But the reality is, we feel the pain too! And because of this, it's our responsibility to be honest and direct with our successful clients.
This is the first episode of a series about just how much Insurance SUCKS!
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E56 - The Go-Getter Approach with Carter Whitaker
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“By wisdom a house is built,
and by understanding it is established;
by knowledge the rooms are filled
with all precious and pleasant riches.
A wise man is full of strength,
and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
for by wise guidance you can wage your war,
and in abundance of counselors there is victory.”
Proverbs 24 3-6
E55 - Highpoint Hearts with Brandon Smyrl
Highpoint's greater purpose is to give more than we take, having a servant's heart for our clients, coworkers, and community. In this episode, owners Brandon & Heather Smyrl talk about how that greater purpose statement was established, and what it means to them. Because giving back to others is so important to our agency, Highpoint Hearts was founded as an impact group to intentionally serve and hold events to support those in need. We want to inspire other business leaders to inspire purpose in their employees, bring meaningful impact to your goals, and also boost morale and employee engagement within the workplace. Serving others is doing a service for your own heart too. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:23 Visit our Highpoint Hearts page to learn more about our impact group & greater purpose! Click here to learn more about our Top Golf Event on May 11, 2023! To learn more about our Non-Profit Partners, Click below: Jane Around the World Living Water International The Bridge Over Troubled Waters Elijah Rising Hope Legacy Collective
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E54 - Healthy Things Grow
Spring is here, and our people are ready to GROW. There is a common fear that if your business isn't getting bigger, it's not getting better. At Highpoint, we believe the opposite. If we get better at everything we do, and if our team members are thriving in their environment, our growth and success will be great!
How do you make sure your organization and employees are healthy? How do you get your hands dirty in your own garden to control the weeds? In this episode, Heather tells the story of how she approached each department to ensure we are excellent in every way.
Heather became inspired about this concept at the Grow Leaders Conference at Church of the Highlands and eventually, it became our intention for 2023. To be intentional and steady, to value our rest as much as our efforts, and to take care of our health - physically, spiritually, mentally, and professionally.
The law of Sabbath calls us to rest - as God rested on the Seventh day. It's just as important to labor as it is to cease, to enjoy fellowship with other believers, to reflect on our relationship with God and rest our bodies to prepare for new growth.
Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’
but you have not let me know whom you will send with me.
You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’
If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.
Remember that this nation is your people.”
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
- Exodus 33:12-14
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E53 - Lead With Love
Every episode of Breathe Out ends with the phrase, “lead with love.” In this episode, Heather breaks down what that means to her. She believes it’s important to challenge yourself to lead your employees from a vulnerable place and influence them to act with compassion, just as Jesus teaches us to love one another. Just like Heather says in Episode 2 - no one wants to work for a jerk.
Listen as she shares 5 actions you can practice to Lead with Love and influence your team members to create a more supportive, accountable, and loving working environment - destined to thrive. At Highpoint, we ultimately believe in the platinum rule - treating others the way THEY want to be treated.
"...Set an example for the believers in speech,
in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
- 1 Timothy 4:12
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To learn more about Patrick Lencioni's Working Genius, check out his Youtube and Podcast
To learn more about the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment, check out their site.
E52 - Navigating Hard Market Conversations with Todd Guilbeau
The past three years have been filled with unprecedented events and their economic impacts - insurance costs included. In this episode, Heather is joined by Property Underwriter Todd Guilbeau. With 15+ years in the insurance industry, he explains how natural disasters, recessions, labor shortages, and so much more have caused individual's and company's insurance costs to skyrocket. This conversation gives key insight to importance of transparency during this hard market. Listen to learn how you can approach your policies' renewals with confidence and understand the influences behind the challenging premium increases. We know it's hard out there, both personally and corporately, and it's our mission to put our client's mind at ease and help you find real sustainable solutions.
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Heather Smyrl is the CEO of Highpoint Insurance Group located in Friendswood, TX. With 20+ years of experience, she strives to educate, coach, and champion those in the insurance industry to become the best that they can be.
Connect with Heather on Linkedin: Heather Smyrl
To learn more about Highpoint, visit our social media channels!
Facebook - @highpointinsurancegroup
Instagram - @highpointinsurancegroup
LinkedIn - @highpoint-insurance-group
Our Website - www.hpigrp.com
E51: Becky Khan Saying Yes
Heads up... this week's episode might leave you teary-eyed!
Becky Khan speaks on servant leadership - one of Highpoint's core values. Becky has been a Highpoint team member since 2009 and has been a professional, spiritual, and personal leader to every single person on the staff. Besides insurance, she also has been leading ministry for over a decade and is an amazing wife and mother to 3 awesome kids. Their family created the Jane Around the World mission in 2019 and since then, has been making huge waves of change in the greater Houston area - and beyond - for those that are homeless and in the foster care system.
Her credit to their success is God's story, and the key is being obedient to the words of the Holy Spirit. Trusting in the unseen can be difficult, but God wants us to succeed - while make positive impact on people's lives. Listen and become inspired now!
Jane Around the World:
www.janearoundtheworld.org
Facebook: @janearoundtheworld12
Instagram: @janearoundtheworld12
Promotional Video: https://vimeo.com/518747978
The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.
- Proverbs 16:9
E50 - Power of Gratitude with Parker Richardson
"Gratitude is one of the most underutilized and undervalued resources that we all have that we can actively live out every day."
Back and better than ever, it's the 50th episode of BREATHE OUT! Follow us wherever you stream podcasts to keep up with each new episode.
In today's episode, Parker Richardson of Highpoint Church in Friendswood, TX shares with us how gratitude is more than an emotion, and can be used as a tool and resource to navigate us through life. He takes the time to explain several points that we can apply in every day situations to transform our attitudes.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
E49: Playing for a Purpose - TopGolf Tournament for Charity
Join Highpoint Insurance Group and Hope Legacy Collective at TopGolf as we seek to raise funds for THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS and LIVING WATER INTERNATIONAL. This will be a fun night dedicated to serving and impacting communities in need locally and around the world. This is also a great opportunity to network with like-minded companies!
When: Thursday May 12, 2022 6-9 pm
Where: TopGolf Webster
To register to play or sponsor, visit www.hpigrp.com/non-profit-night-out/ and click REGISTER NOW, where you'll be redirected to Hope Legacy Collective, a 501(C)(3) organization.
E48 - The Burden of Burnout with Jackie Keys
E47 - Working Through Soul Purpose with Craig McAndrews
In this episode, Heather is joined by University of Houston Professor Craig McAndrews! In addition to teaching at UH's Bauer College of Business and writing his book Soul Purpose Inc., he has been a mentor for our sales team at Highpoint and leader of our summer internship program. Throughout his experience in corporate America to academia, he has remained a firm believer in the power of prayer. Heather and him talk about the transformational change that happens in our careers when we turn off the noise of the world and obey the guidance of God. When we bring love into the workplace, we can impact the community, our coworkers, and everyone's families & friends. By centering our career path on these principles, our faith and desire to help one another becomes stronger. It motivates someone to work every day to make the world a better place. We highly recommend listening to this episode and reading his book for some powerful inspiration. You can get your own copy of Soul Purpose Inc. at major online retailers like Amazon and B&N or by visiting www.soulpurposeinc.com today!
E46 - Implementing Our Working Genius with Jackie Keys, CHO
E45: Building Safe Workplaces with HASC's Cami and Dr. Thomas Hysler, MD
In this episode of Breathe Out, Heather is joined by the Health and Safety Council's Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Operations, Thomas and Cami Hysler. Formerly known as the Houston Area Safety Council, the HASC's mission is to build safe workplaces by improving the quality and integrity of the workforce. Since 1990, they have been providing resources to industrial companies such as classroom courses, return to work programs, technical education, and leadership development to establish great safety training in their members' businesses. Tommy and Cami share their career journeys, the growth and development of the HASC, workers compensation insurance, most common injuries, and so much more valuable insight that any business owner can appreciate. To become a member of the HASC or learn more about the resources offered, visit www.hasc.com today!
E44: Choose Wellness with Jamie Eubanks
We're back with a brand new episode featuring our inspiration manager, Jamie Eubanks! In this episode, Coach Jamie and Heather discuss the Wellness Challenge that Jamie organized for our agency. By considering our mental, spiritual, emotional, nutritional, and professional wellbeing, we can see which areas need the most focus to create balance and peace. Running on adrenaline and ignoring our needs leads to burnout and actually depletes our productivity and positive energy. We believe that with small steps of dedication and gratitude, you can create better healthy habits to get out of that negative mindset. Check out our Choose Wellness blog and download your own Daily Habit Tracker by visiting our website at www.hpigrp.com today!
E43: Part 1 - Servant Leadership with Kelly Niemeier
E42: Part 2 - Servant Leadership with Kelly Niemeier
Happy Monday! This month we are focusing on mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. In this episode we listen on a conversation between Heather and Kelly Niemeier of HighPoint Church in Friendswood, Texas. Listen in as we hear about what has inspired her throughout her journey in life and what keeps her motivated. She believes that leadership is nothing more than influence, and shares how we can lift others up to their best potential through our service. To learn more about her ministry, visit myhighpointchurch.com today!
E41 - Behind the Healthcare Curtain with Erika Ensign
As a businessowner, you probably know that your employee's benefits are in the top 5 administrative costs. Healthcare is something we all need, so shouldn't you be spending that money wisely? In this week's episode of Breathe Out, Heather is joined by Senior Risk Architect Erika Ensign - who most people know as The Insurance Lady. Erika has a passion for helping people and exposing the truth of insurance premiums, deductibles, co-pays and so much more in the world of health insurance. She believes that insurance was intended to give us peace of mind, and crippling costs have turned it into a pain. Just as Dorothy goes behind the curtain to find the Wizard of Oz is a bunch of bells & whistles, Erika gives us valuable industry insight and how we can put ourselves in a position to use our benefits and save money. Listen and learn!
E40 - Making a Difference with Jamie Hampton
E39 - The IQRM: A Business Benchmark
At Highpoint, we believe that strategy without execution is just an idea. So in this week's episode, we want to tell you all about our favorite tool in our toolkit - the IQRM. Exclusive through our membership with the Beyond Insurance Global Network, it's a risk assessment scorecard that benchmarks your company's performance and best practices. By taking intelligent proactive measures, you're ultimately driving your premiums down and improving your business! Check this out under Client Tools on our website, www.hpigrp.com and let us help elevate your success!
E38 - Highpoint's Company Core Values
E37: Managing the Perfect Schedule
The past year seems like it has been a constant state of uncertainty. It's frustrating to look back and think how much of it has been a blur. How do you make sure you're still progressing when nothing goes according to plan? On this week's episode of Breathe Out, Heather reminds us that we live in a world of progress and not perfection. A lot of people avoid creating a weekly schedule for fear it won't work out. That is why we reflect on the failures, give ourselves credit, and adapt in order to be resilient in the hard times. Ask yourself what's working and what gets in the way. Whether it's a proposal, zoom meeting, date night, or workout, it's important to map out what you want to accomplish for yourself and for your family. Face the challenges. Be intentional ♡
E36: Auto Awareness & Effects of the Hard Market
Back in Episode 13, we discussed the hard market and why it matters to everyone. After all, 2020 brought its fair share of changes and we're going to feel the growing pains for years to come. In this week's episode of Breathe Out, Heather focuses on the auto industry and how the past couple of years have led to premium increases across the board. Record-setting auto claims and medical bills, distracted driving from technology, sleep-deprivation, and stress, delivery demands and deteriorating road infrastructure - these are all variables that have affected the supply & demand of auto coverage. At Highpoint, we encourage you focusing on what YOU can control, despite the uncontrollable and unpredictable. Getting an assessment of your preparedness and making wise choices will ultimately pay off. Let us help you get the most out of your investment and visit us at www.hpigrp.com or send an inquiry to info@hpigrp.com today!
E35: Sales Perspective with Adam Outland
In this week's episode of Breathe Out, Heather is joined by our awesome Sales Coach, Adam Outland! With 15+ years of experience, Adam is a Partner, Executive Coach, and Team Lead for Southwestern Consulting. He has been working with the Highpoint sales team for a few months, and the impact has been incredible. Listen as they talk through Adam's journey from seminars to consultations and take notes on a few secrets and skills to help your business business grow and thrive. When it comes to the client, it's important to tell them what they NEED to hear, not just what they WANT to hear. To learn more about Adam, check out his own podcast "Inside Great Minds" on all streaming services or visit www.southwesternconsulting.com today!
E34: Love Languages with Jackie Keys, CHO
When you are intentional about showing appreciation for another person, it's important to understand what is actually effective. Author Gary Chapman wrote The Five Love Languages and The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace - two books that provide great understanding to treating people the way they want to be treated - what we at Highpoint call "The Platinum Rule." In this week's episode, Heather sits down with our very own Chief Heart Officer Jackie Keys to discuss each expression - 1) Quality Time 2) Acts of Service 3) Words of Affirmation 4) Physical Touch and 5) Giving Gifts. They provide examples of how the love languages can be applied both personally and professionally to make every one of your relationships more compatible. To learn more, we highly recommend Gary Chapman's books which can be found online and any popular bookstore! Lead with love 💕
E33: Great Culture Benefits Everyone with Trey Davis
E32: Being Extra Careful with Claims Expert George Canavan
Accidents happen, and the insurance industry was created to protect us from unforeseen events and losses. We serve our clients to ensure their businesses are covered by great policies. But we also believe that value must always exceed price, and that coverage is more than a document. In this week's episode of Breathe Out, meet George Canavan! George has 25 years of experience as a client advocate, claims adjuster, and a regular person like you & me. Heather knew that his skills and wisdom were needed at Highpoint to level-up our customer service. We believe by treating people the way you want to be treated, being organized, and remaining persistent, you create a stronger sense of trust with your client while also holding the insurance companies accountable. Listen in on their conversation for some ideas how you and your business can handle claims smarter and improve loss prevention strategies to ultimately lower your expenses. To learn more, visit our website at www.hpigrp.com today!
E31: Daily Habits Make or Break You
Happy Monday! In this week's episode, we're talking about discipline. We're four weeks into the new year... have you kept your resolutions? Listen as Heather gives some tips and tricks on how she stays on track to accomplish ambitious goals. Good habits are easy to make but hard to keep. It's important to be self-aware of your weaknesses and find support in those areas to hold yourself accountable. Consistency compounds and at Highpoint, WE BELIEVE that success is in the follow-through! After all, strategy without execution is just an idea. To learn more about our awesome team, visit our site www.hpigrp.com today!
E30: Industry Insight with Scott Howard
E29: We Reached A Goal
E28: Spiritual Wellness with Brian Horner of Marketplace Chaplains
Marketplace Chaplains is a faith based non-profit serving Christ and the community through their chaplains. In this week's episode, Heather and Jamie are joined by Brian Horner, Executive Director of Operations in Southeast Houston. This organization is far more than an employee assistance program for Highpoint. It has had impact on our staff's wellness - for both mental and spiritual health. We've even used their services to reach out to our clients when we know they need support. The chaplains that Highpoint has had for a little over two years now are just as much a part of our family as anyone else. They're welcome in our office anytime and are always here to listen and pray over anyone at their request. That's the beauty of this program - it is entirely voluntary and works by reaching into your heart rather than hesitating to reach out. As Brian says, "it's not rocket science - it's a thousand little things that make all the difference." We put forth the highest recommendation on their services, and if you want to learn more you can visit www.mchapusa.com or call (972) 941-4400 to discuss the ways your business could benefit.
E27: The 75 Hard Challenge
Everyone needs support to overcome their personal battles - inside and out - but getting stronger for yourself is the greatest achievement of all. From September 8 to November 21, two incredibly inspirational women took on Andy Frisella's "75 HARD - A Tactical Guide to Winning the War with Yourself." This 11 week challenge involves transforming your physical state BY transforming your mental state. It doesn't cost anything, but requires a ton of discipline. Listen as Heather and Jamie discuss how they got through all 75 days of committed and intentional self-care. Whether it was scheduling their workouts, daily reading time, or meal plans, they talk about how no other challenge is like 75 Hard and how they PURSUED DISCOMFORT to overcome every trial and temptation. To learn more about this tool you can visit andyfrisella.com and possibly dare to try it out!
E26: What Are You Waiting For?
E25: How Culture Influences Change with Becky Khan
E24: How Culture Reflects Character with Chris Coburn
E23: Pursuing Discomfort and Planning for the Future
E22: The 90/90 Analyzer - Reflection & Elevation
E21: Adjustments of the Justice System with Isaac Villareal
E20: Highpoint’s Core Values and Culture
E19: The Extraordinary Productivity of Q2
Time management is crucial to achieving your long-term goals. In this episode, Heather demonstrates the concept of dividing your tasks-at-hand into four quadrants based on importance and urgency. More often than not, we are pulled into the whirlwind of urgent unexpected emails and phone calls, we have meetings to attend, and we end up feeling burned out. It requires intentionality to do the things that will have the most impact on your roles and goals. To watch the video of this lesson, follow this link: https://vimeo.com/467354279 and try it out for both your personal and professional life. Schedule the big rocks, don’t sort gravel!
E18: The L-10 Meeting Structure
E17: Getting Practical with EPLI
E15: The Basic Strategies of Risk Management
E14: The Meaning of Labor Day
E13: What’s a Hard Market and How Does it Affect You?
E12: Finding Your Rhythm to Relax and Connect
In this week's episode of Breathe Out, the Wonder Women join forces again to discuss the importance of relaxation and connection. In our fast-paced work environment - especially when Heather is your boss - it can become difficult to slow down and give yourself permission to rest. Listen as they discuss the importance of recharging and how it goes hand-in-hand with reconnecting with your loved ones and your truest self. To learn more about how Highpoint focuses on wellness, visit www.hpigrp.com or follow us on your favorite social channels :)
E11: Wonder Woman Leadership and Wellness
E10: Heather’s Top 10 Books for a Better YOU
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
- The Five Choices by Stephen Covey
- Find Your Why by Simon Sinek
- Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud
- The Collaborative Way by Jason and Lloyd Fickett
- Leadershift Insights by Jennifer Eggers
- The Growth Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
- The One Thing by Gary Keller
- Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
- The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn
After all, everyone’s a student and every day is an opportunity to use that knowledge. It’s what Breathe Out is all about! To learn more about Highpoint’s company culture, visit www.hpigrp.com today and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram 🎙☁️