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Power Producers Podcast

Power Producers Podcast

By: David Carothers
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 We are refining and redefining the sales game. A place where sales professionals can come to learn from other sales professionals and thought leaders who have mastered their craft. Real sales professionals. Real stories. Real results. Are you ready to feel the power? Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Becoming the Protege with Joe Hollier

    Becoming the Protege with Joe Hollier
    Oct 31 2025
    In this second episode of the "Becoming the Protégé" series on Power Producers Shop Talk, host David Carothers sits down with Protégé Season 3 contestant Joe Hollier, also known as "Mr. Hotel." Joe, a 20-year industry veteran, shares why he's joining the competition to accelerate his full transition into the commercial insurance space. The conversation covers his deep background in the hospitality industry, his niche focus on boutique and luxury hotels, and how he's building a brand focused on service over sales and improving hospitality culture to differentiate himself. Key Highlights: Why a 20-Year Veteran Joined the Protégé Joe Hollier explains that after 17 years primarily in personal lines, he made the full commitment to "kill commercial." He joined The Protégé to 10x his growth, gain new perspectives from top coaches, and be held accountable by industry professionals as he builds his hospitality and hotel niche. A Call for Industry Diversity & Ciara's Journey The episode opens with a candid discussion about the disappointing lack of female and minority applicants for Season 3. David and Joe champion the need for more diversity to combat the industry's "pale, male, and stale" image, using Ciara Gravier's personal and professional transformation as a powerful case study for how mentorship can build a "powerhouse" producer. Lessons from the Hospitality Trenches Joe shares how his extensive background in restaurants—from cooking school and the kitchen to bartending and management—provided invaluable lessons in human relationships. He explains how the high-stress hospitality world taught him how to read people, handle conflict, and connect with clients on a genuine level, skills that translate directly to sales. Building a Niche: Service Over Sales Joe details the challenges of the hotel niche, from price-shoppers in the economy tier to the difficulty of finding decision-makers. He explains his strategic pivot to move beyond being a "quoter" and instead offer a value proposition built on service over sales, improving hospitality culture, risk expertise, and storytelling. Connect with: Joe "Mr. Hotel" Hollier LinkedIn David Carothers LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Garcia Insurance Services Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes
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    55 mins
  • Reclaiming Purpose in a Distracted World with Tania Khazaal

    Reclaiming Purpose in a Distracted World with Tania Khazaal
    Oct 29 2025
    In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck welcome Tania the Herbalist, a former top insurance salesperson turned holistic life advisor. Tania shares her journey from corporate burnout to helping people become the "CEO of their life" by finding purpose and balance across health, career, and relationships. The conversation delves into the scarcity mindset around time and energy, the societal programming that hinders women's confidence in the workplace, the detrimental effects of the "cutoff culture," and the importance of holistic independence from broken systems. Key Highlights: Becoming the CEO of Your Life Tania explains her core philosophy: you can have it all—a fulfilling career, vibrant health, strong relationships, and time for family—without compromise. She discusses tackling the common scarcity mindset around time and energy through practical audits, revealing that prioritizing even small daily actions can lead to significant life improvements. The Confidence Gap & External Validation Drawing on her insurance background, Tania addresses why women may feel held back or lack confidence in corporate settings. She argues it stems from deep societal programming emphasizing external validation over internal self-worth, exacerbated by social media, which statistically makes women less likely to speak up or pursue leadership roles. Escaping the Matrix: Holistic Independence Tania shares her perspective on achieving true independence by breaking free from reliance on potentially flawed systems (corporate, medical, governmental). This involves pursuing financial freedom, regaining bodily autonomy through holistic health practices (linking to her herbalist roots), and cultivating emotional resilience. Critiquing the "Cutoff Culture" & Distractions The conversation explores the modern phenomenon of estrangement (the "cutoff culture") and pervasive societal distractions. Tania traces its roots to person-centered therapy and pop psychology, arguing it hinders conflict resolution skills and distracts people from their purpose and building meaningful connections. Connect with: David Carothers LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Tania Khazaal LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Tania the Herbalist Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes
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    46 mins
  • Becoming the Protege with Sam Louwrens

    Becoming the Protege with Sam Louwrens
    Oct 24 2025
    In this first episode of a special 12-part Power Producer Shop Talk series titled "Becoming the Protégé," host David Carothers introduces the contestants and coaches for The Protégé Season 3. Kicking off the series is Sam Louwrens (Can't shut up Sam on X), whose application video generated significant buzz. David sets the stage, explaining his motivation for reviving The Protégé—to give back, train new talent, and challenge the industry's often inadequate approach to developing producers. Sam shares his creative background, why he decided to jump into the competition, the story behind his unique application video, and the early media attention he's already receiving. Key Highlights: Introducing Sam Louwrens: Confidence and Creativity Sam Louwrens, a young producer specializing in construction from Jefferson Financial and Insurance Services, joins the show. Known for his confidence and creative flair (musician, graphic designer, and keytar player in a punk band), Sam discusses how he uses his artistic skills in his insurance career and the story behind his memorable Protégé application video, filmed with a Goodwill suit and a metal detector prop. David's "Why" Behind The Protégé David Carothers shares his deep-seated reasons for bringing back The Protégé. Stemming from his own frustrating entry into the industry 20 years ago, his goal is to provide real-world training, give back, highlight the need for new talent, and prove that his successful sales process is replicable—debunking skepticism about industry coaching programs. Why Sam Joined: Pushing Comfort Zones & Agency Support Sam reveals that the discomfort of "building in public" was exactly why he felt compelled to join the competition. He shares how he got immediate buy-in from his agency owner, who even committed to investing in new agency tech (AMS/CRM) to support his participation and growth. Early Buzz and Building a Base The conversation touches on the immediate attention Sam received, including interest from Reuters. David emphasizes the importance of building a following ("getting your base") early on, drawing lessons from Season 1 winner Derek Hayden, who dominated the final vote through relentless local promotion. Making Insurance Sexy: An Impossible Task? Sam brings up David's stated goal for The Protégé: to "make insurance sexy." They discuss the challenge of changing the public perception of a typically mundane industry and how highlighting the entrepreneurial opportunity and financial success available might be the key, similar to shows like Million Dollar Listing. Connect with: Sam Louwrens LinkedIn David Carothers LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Lauer Creations Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes
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    42 mins
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