Mick Hunt of Premier Strategy Box & Mick Unplugged: 5 Things You Should Do To Become a Thought Leader In Your Industry
An Interview With Dina Aletras
Be Authentic and Consistent: Authenticity builds trust, and consistency reinforces it. Be genuine in your communications, sharing both your successes and failures. Consistently produce quality content that reflects your values and vision. Share personal stories and lessons learned, like ‘enter example’, to connect on a deeper level with your audience.
As part of our series about how to become known as a thought leader in your industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mick Hunt.
Mick Hunt is a dynamic leader who organically grew his agency to $3.2 million in revenue in just three years using smart strategies to streamline sales and align teams. As the founder of Premier Strategy Box and Mick Unplugged, Mick helps businesses achieve sustainable, organic growth while also being a thought leader in cybersecurity and insurance. Mentored by Les Brown, Mick delivers impactful keynotes, workshops, and coaching sessions designed to challenge norms and inspire ambition.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us! Our readers are eager to learn more about you. Could you provide some background information about yourself?
Of course, I’d be happy to share. When I made a vow in a moment of despair to change my family’s life and build a legacy. This marked the end of my childhood and the beginning of a relentless journey toward fulfillment and change. I began my career in the insurance industry, and, in just three years, I grew my agency to $3.2 million in revenue organically. Without relying on fancy technology, I used smart strategies to streamline sales and align teams. Later, I applied the same playbook to a major MGA, boosting its revenue from $50 million to $70 million. My journey is rooted in my relentless drive to inspire and empower others. As the founder of Premier Strategy Box, I help businesses achieve sustainable, organic growth. My expertise extends beyond sales and leadership. I am a thought leader in cybersecurity and insurance, addressing critical issues like AI coverage under cyber liability policies, protecting businesses from AI threats, and the top questions to ask vendors about their AI usage and its impact on business.
What establishes you as an authority on thought leadership? Could you briefly share your expertise with our readers?
My authority in thought leadership comes from years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the insurance and cybersecurity landscapes. As the founder of Premier Strategy Box, I’ve helped businesses achieve sustainable, organic growth through innovative strategies and a keen focus on AI and technology. My role as a thought leader is also bolstered by my mentorship from Les Brown and my extensive experience delivering impactful keynotes, workshops, and coaching sessions. My expertise spans critical issues like AI coverage under cyber liability policies and protecting businesses from AI threats.
Can you recall a funny mistake you made when you were first starting out? What lesson did you learn from it?
When I first started my career, I was eager to impress my first big client and decided to use a flashy PowerPoint presentation with all the bells and whistles — animations, sound effects, the works. Halfway through the presentation, the slides froze, and the sound effects kept looping. It was a technical nightmare. The client was trying not to laugh, and I was sweating bullets. In the end, I had to abandon the presentation and just speak from the heart about our strategy and vision. Surprisingly, that impromptu speech sealed the deal. The lesson I learned? Simplicity is powerful. The substance of your message is far more important than the flashiness of your presentation. Authenticity always wins.
What are the most significant disruptions you foresee in your industry over the next five years, and how can businesses adapt to these changes?
The insurance industry is on the brink of major disruptions due to advancements in AI and machine learning. These technologies will revolutionize underwriting, claims processing, and customer service, enhancing efficiency and personalization. However, they also introduce challenges such as algorithmic biases, data privacy concerns, increased cyber threats, and the rise of intellectual property (IP) crime.
To adapt, businesses should focus on:
- Continuous Learning: Invest in ongoing education for teams to stay updated on new technologies and industry trends.
- Robust Cybersecurity: Implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches and cyber threats. Regular audits and advanced security protocols are essential.
- Addressing Biases: Actively work to identify and mitigate biases in AI algorithms by diversifying data sets and conducting fairness checks.
- IP Protection: Secure intellectual property through patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Use non-disclosure agreements and monitor for infringements to safeguard assets.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead of regulatory changes in AI, data privacy, and IP protection to ensure compliance and adapt practices as needed.
- Innovation Culture: Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging creative thinking and investing in research and development. This will help companies stay agile and competitive.
Additionally, leadership plays a crucial role in navigating these disruptions. Effective leaders must inspire their teams, drive continuous improvement, and embrace change. By leveraging their expertise and fostering a collaborative environment, leaders can guide their organizations through the complexities of technological advancements and emerging threats.
In summary, staying informed, investing in cybersecurity, protecting IP, and fostering innovation are key to adapting to industry disruptions. Strong leadership will be essential in steering businesses through these changes and ensuring sustained success.
Can you explain the benefits of becoming a thought leader? Why is it valuable to invest time and resources into this?
Becoming a thought leader elevates your professional standing, enhances your credibility, and opens up new opportunities for speaking, consulting, and collaboration. It attracts clients and partners, allowing you to shape the future of your industry. Thought leaders often enjoy greater respect and influence, leading to both professional and personal rewards. It’s a worthwhile investment as it not only benefits your career but also allows you to inspire and drive positive change within your industry.
Can you share an example of a significant challenge you faced in your career and how you leveraged innovative thinking to overcome it?
One significant challenge I faced was when I first attempted to scale my insurance agency. We were experiencing rapid growth, and our team was struggling to keep up with the increased demand. Our traditional methods of sales and client management were becoming inefficient, leading to missed opportunities and decreased client satisfaction.
To tackle this issue, I decided to reimagine our sales process completely. Instead of continuing with the conventional approach, I introduced a new strategy focused on building deep relationships with clients. We shifted from a purely transactional model to a consultative one. This meant training our sales team to not only sell policies but to understand our clients’ unique needs and provide tailored solutions.
I also implemented a mentorship program within the agency, pairing experienced agents with new hires. This helped rapidly transfer knowledge and fostered a collaborative culture. Additionally, we embraced digital tools to enhance our client interactions, like personalized email campaigns and virtual consultations.
These innovative changes allowed us to handle the increased demand more effectively. Our client satisfaction scores improved significantly, and our retention rates soared. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and the power of combining traditional wisdom with innovative thinking to overcome challenges.
Now that we have covered that, we’d love to hear your advice on becoming a thought leader. Can you share five strategies that someone should follow to gain recognition as a thought leader in their industry? Please include examples or stories from your own experience for each strategy.
1 . Master Your Craft: Dive deep into your field, constantly learning and refining your skills. Mastery isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about applying that knowledge effectively. Your expertise should be unparalleled, making you a go-to resource in your industry.
Example: When I first started in the insurance industry, I dedicated countless hours to understanding every aspect of the business. This included everything from policy details to customer service techniques. I took every opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and applied this knowledge diligently. My commitment to mastering my craft paid off when I was able to grow my agency to $3.2 million in revenue in just three years. This deep expertise made me a trusted advisor to my clients and peers alike.
2 . Share Your Knowledge Generously: Thought leaders are educators at heart. Whether through blogs, podcasts, social media, or public speaking, consistently share valuable insights and actionable advice. This builds trust and establishes you as an authority. For instance, share detailed strategies on ‘enter topic’ to help your audience navigate challenges.
Example: I regularly share my insights on sales strategies and leadership through my blog and the Mick Unplugged podcast. One particular instance was when I wrote a detailed blog post on “Effective Sales Funnel Strategies for Insurance Agents.” This post provided step-by-step guidance and real-world examples, helping many agents optimize their sales processes. The positive feedback and engagement from this post solidified my reputation as a knowledgeable and helpful resource in the industry.
3 . Engage Deeply with Your Audience: Build a community by engaging directly with your audience. Use Q&A sessions, webinars, and interactive social media to listen, respond, and address their needs. This two-way interaction fosters loyalty and positions you as a leader who genuinely cares about their followers’ success.
Example: During the launch of my 90 Day Producer Rest Challenge/Workshop, I hosted several live Q&A sessions where participants could ask questions and share their challenges. These sessions were incredibly valuable as they allowed me to understand the specific needs of my audience and tailor the workshop content accordingly. The direct engagement not only enhanced the program’s effectiveness but also built a loyal community of followers who appreciated the personalized support.
4 . Collaborate with Other Experts: Collaboration amplifies your reach and credibility. Partner with other industry leaders to co-create content, host joint webinars, or co-author articles. This not only broadens your audience but also enhances your credibility by association with other respected figures.
Example: I partnered with Chris Paradiso, a well-respected figure in the insurance industry, to co-author an article on “The Future of Insurance in the Age of AI.” This collaboration brought together our unique perspectives and reached a broader audience. The joint effort not only enriched the content but also increased our visibility and credibility within the industry.
5 . Be Authentic and Consistent: Authenticity builds trust, and consistency reinforces it. Be genuine in your communications, sharing both your successes and failures. Consistently produce quality content that reflects your values and vision. Share personal stories and lessons learned, like ‘enter example’, to connect on a deeper level with your audience.
Example: One of the most impactful stories I’ve shared was about the promise I made to my mother at the age of ten. This personal story, shared during keynotes and on my podcast, resonates deeply with audiences because it’s authentic and heartfelt. It illustrates my “Because” and demonstrates how personal experiences shape my professional journey. Consistently sharing such stories has built a strong connection with my audience, reinforcing my authenticity and commitment to my mission.
How do you foster a culture of innovation within your organization, and what practices have you found most effective in encouraging creative thinking among your team?
Fostering a culture of innovation involves creating an environment where team members feel safe to share their ideas and take risks. I encourage open communication and collaboration, and I make it a point to celebrate both successes and learning experiences from failures. Providing ongoing training and development opportunities also helps keep the team informed and inspired. One effective practice is holding regular brainstorming sessions where everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
Who do you think is an outstanding example of a thought leader? What specific qualities impress you about this person?
Les Brown is an outstanding example of a thought leader. His journey from overcoming significant personal challenges to becoming one of the world’s most renowned motivational speakers is incredibly inspiring. What impresses me most about Les is his ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level, his unwavering optimism, and his powerful storytelling. His emphasis on the power of perseverance and the importance of self-belief has profoundly influenced my approach to both life and business.
Another thought leader I admire is Daymond John. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur and investor is a testament to his resourcefulness, creativity, and determination. Daymond’s emphasis on leveraging the “power of broke” to drive innovation and success resonates deeply with me and has significantly influenced my approach to business and personal development. His ability to turn challenges into opportunities and his relentless drive for success are qualities that continue to inspire me.
How do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your strategic planning?
I stay informed by regularly reading industry publications, attending conferences, and engaging with other experts in the field. I also make it a point to participate in continuous learning through courses and workshops. This knowledge is then incorporated into my strategic planning by identifying emerging trends and potential disruptions and aligning my business strategies to leverage these opportunities and mitigate risks. I also stay informed and learn by joining rooms in which I am not the smartest person in the room and listen. That is the secret to success!
Some people feel that the term “thought leader” is overused and has lost its impact. What are your thoughts on this?
While the term “thought leader” may be overused, its essence remains powerful. A true thought leader drives innovation, inspires others, and shapes the future of their industry through deep expertise and visionary thinking. The key is to focus on genuine impact and value rather than the title itself. Authentic thought leadership is about making a real difference and contributing to meaningful progress in your field.
How do you balance short-term business goals with long-term strategic vision, especially in a rapidly changing market?
Balancing short-term goals with long-term vision involves setting clear priorities and maintaining flexibility. It’s important to achieve immediate targets while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. I regularly review and adjust our strategies to ensure they align with both current market conditions and future trends. This dynamic approach allows us to stay agile and responsive, ensuring sustained growth and success.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? How has it been relevant in your life?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes is from Les Brown: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” This quote has been a guiding principle in my life. It reminds me to set ambitious goals and to not fear failure. Throughout my career, I’ve taken bold steps and aimed high, whether it was growing my agency or launching new initiatives. Even when things didn’t go exactly as planned, the effort and determination have always led to significant progress and unexpected opportunities. This mindset of aiming high and embracing challenges has been crucial in building my success and inspiring others to do the same.
Many influential figures in business and entertainment follow this column. Is there someone you’d love to have lunch or breakfast with? They might notice if we tag them.
I’d love to have lunch with Daymond John. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur and investor is incredibly inspiring. His emphasis on leveraging the “power of broke” to drive innovation and success resonates deeply with me. I admire his resourcefulness, creativity, and determination. Having the opportunity to discuss business strategies, personal growth, and the importance of resilience with him would be invaluable.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can follow my work through my website, Mick Unplugged, and Premier Strategy Box. I’m also active on LinkedIn and Twitter, where I share insights on AI, insurance, and business strategy.
- Twitter: @MickUnplugged
- LinkedIn: @MickHunt
- Facebook: @MickUnplugged
- Instagram: @MickUnplugged
Thank you so much for your insights. This was very insightful and meaningful.
About the Interviewer: Dina Aletras boasts over 20 years of expertise in the corporate media industry. She possesses an in-depth understanding of growth, strategy, and leadership, having held significant roles at some of the UK’s largest media organizations. At Reach PLC, the UK’s largest tabloid publisher, she served in various director capacities. Additionally, she held leadership roles at The Independent Magazine Group and DMGT. Her extensive knowledge spans editorial, digital, revenue, sales, and advertising.
