In this episode of The Recode Podcast, I explore many dimensions with my friend Kelly Gonyo; Founder and President of Blue Line Insurance Agency, Inc. Kelly is a business owner, leader and compassionate professional in the insurance industry. You’ll hear how she pushed through the challenges of a low college GPA to build a thriving business in the challenging, bustling and heavily regulated financial landscape that is New York State.

During this “Women’s History Month” I am honored to celebrate her success, and truly inspirational journey. You’ll hear how she renews and recharges her commitment to her team and our industry by spending time in nature and with family.

Kelly is a beacon of light that spotlights the remarkable difference that women make in the workplace, her parents played a significant role in the woman she has become today and she does not mince words in giving them the credit they deserve for the tough guardrails within which they raised her and siblings.

The conversation is boisterous, we laugh out loud, banter through substantive tools for success in life. “You must care for people, be respectful and be respected”...
conventional words of wisdom that are not so conventional these days.

Thank You Kelly!

My guest is Ebenezer Ikonne, Author, keynote speaker, leader at Cox Automotive, father, thinker, and also my friend. Hear the inspiration behind his book "Becoming a Leader in Product Development" and Video log Channel titled "Joy at Work". We dive deep and lose track of time bouncing from topic to topic; I didn't bother to edit the episode; so what you'll see and hear is one straight take in all its purity. 

We tackle benefits of growing up in a third world country, religion, family, the current reflection of leadership and future expectation from both past and future generations and the giving of oneself beyond altruism.

Ebenezer reminds leaders to challenge even our deepest held beliefs. I know you will come away feeling challenged and inspired at the same time. 

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Katelyn Johnson is the Managing Director at American Fam Ventures. Listen to her expose some of the challenges startups are facing in our ever-changing business landscape. She also brings her energy to the conversation through her unique lens in the insurtech ecosystem. Her passion is captivating and her mechanical engineering background is evident in her structured diction. 

She also shares some strategies for budding insurance industry investors like me. Katelyn is quite the dynamic insurance industry leader so naturally, we dove into leadership topics and styles. The episode does not disappoint.