Applied Net 2024 (Sept. 9-12) will feature hundreds of insightful sessions educating attendees on business tactics and trends essential to all insurance professionals. Jackson Rollo shares a sneak peek of what attendees can except to learn during his session, “Mastering the Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback as Leaders.”

ACN: What is your background on your session’s subject? What excites you most about being in this field?

Jackson Rollo (JR): I have been president of Rollo Insurance for the last two and a half years. I became president at the age of 24. To be successful as president at that age, I had to lean on the wisdom of others around me who had more industry experience. This meant I had to learn how to receive feedback. Also, being 24 meant I had new, innovative ideas that I wanted to implement, so I had to develop the skill of giving feedback. As any second-generation agency principal will tell you, changing a company’s culture isn’t an easy task.

During my session, I am most excited to discuss the concept of self-development. I am a huge advocate of intentionally developing yourself. It’s a core part of our culture at Rollo.

ACN: What can attendees look forward to during your session?

Jackson Rollo (JR): They can look forward to a fast-paced session focusing on how we as leaders must develop the humility and attitude necessary to receive feedback. Building off that concept, I will then discuss that when our teams see us developing and receiving feedback, they will be willing to do the same. I will also talk about the difference in discipline versus motivation. We need both, but my session will cover when we need to be disciplined and when we need to motivated. Additionally, I’ll be sharing quotes that have helped motivate me in my quest to become the best leader I can be.

ACN: Is there a particular topic in your session you think is especially interesting?

Jackson Rollo (JR): The topic of being a humble leader will come up quite often. In order to develop others, leaders have to develop themselves. A quote I’ve heard recently is, “You can’t give from an empty wagon.” In order to give to others, you have to first work on your own development. This starts with being humble!

We will also discuss the necessity of being a genuine and authentic leader. For your teams to listen to you, they first have to know you care. No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. Giving and receiving feedback isn’t just about a process for collecting information; it’s about making sure the feedback you give and receive is genuine. For people to tell you their entire story, they need to know you are going to listen and respond. Responding doesn’t always mean action, but it does mean communication.

ACN: What is a highlight or two you hope attendees will take away from your session?

Jackson Rollo (JR):

• A plan of action for developing as a leader. This plan will be comprehensive and will cover what it takes to develop as a well-rounded leader.
• A plan of action for scheduling employee development sessions. Half the battle of delivering feedback on how you want your teams to improve can be addressed by adding this time to the calendar.
• An attitude that only through action does change happen. During the session, attendees can plan to set up time on their calendar to address these issues and to put changes in place when they get back to their desks the week after Applied Net.

Overall, this class will first address the leader. Then, when you are ready to become a better leader, you will help your teams get better by both receiving and giving excellent feedback. Finally, you will use this feedback to make things better in your agencies and businesses.

Register today for Applied Net, taking place Sept. 9-12.

Jackson Rollo has a passion for competition and success. As the third generation in a family of insurance professionals, he earned his position through hard work and determination, beginning his career while still a student at Texas A&M University. Jackson rapidly ascended in the industry, earning the "Top Producer 2019" designation and serving as director of sales before becoming the agency’s president. He graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M in 2020 and completed his CIC certification in 2022, showcasing his commitment to professional excellence. Driven by a deep commitment to his family, he and his wife Kate have two children, Rowen and Rhett.