Leading with Purpose:
A conversation with Charles Steele, President of MedMutual Protect

Tell us a little bit about your background and your career in healthcare and insurance?

Charles Steele: I've spent my entire career in healthcare and insurance. It's been a journey of continuous learning and growth, driven by a passion for improving the industry. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work in various roles that have allowed me to understand the intricacies of both fields and how they intersect.

How did you end up in this field? 

Charles Steele: It was a combination of interest and opportunity. My initial interest in healthcare stemmed from a desire to make a difference in people's lives, and as I progressed, I realized that insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring access to healthcare services. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

Charles Steele: My leadership style is collaborative and supportive. I believe in empowering my team by providing them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed. By fostering a culture of open communication and mutual respect, we can achieve our goals together. 

What are some of the key elements driving MedMutual Protect growth? 

Charles Steele: Three main factors have driven our recent growth. Two years ago, we implemented a new admin system. We overcame some challenges but that is all paying off as we launched new products and improved our administrative capabilities, making it easier for brokerage firms to work with us. We are growing our traditional agent base as well…We've also built strong relationships with several brokerage firms, which has significantly boosted our monthly sales. Our ability to attract and retain a skilled sales organization has been crucial - a driven and dedicated sales team is essential for growth.

The MedMutual Protect mission is guiding and protecting policyholders with personalized health insurance solutions for all stages of life. How do you ensure this mission is reflected in your daily work and decisions? 

Charles Steele: Our mission is at the core of everything we do. We make sure it's reflected in our daily work by focusing on personalized solutions and keeping our customers at the heart of our approach. Every decision we make aims to provide the best protection and guidance for our policyholders. 

How do you foster a culture of trust and exceptional service within the company? 

Charles Steele: Fostering a culture of trust and exceptional service starts with leadership and communication. We strive to foster a culture of transparency, integrity and accountability in all our interactions. By setting clear expectations and providing continuous support, we create an environment where trust and exceptional service can thrive.  

Why would you recommend that independent agents/brokers partner with MedMutual Protect?  

Charles Steele: Independent agents should consider selling MMP benefits because of our commitment to personalized solutions and exceptional service. Our products are designed to meet the diverse needs of policyholders at all stages of life, and our administrative support ensures a seamless experience for agents. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to succeed in the insurance industry? 

Charles Steele: My advice would be to stay adaptable and continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth. The insurance industry is constantly evolving, and those who can adapt to changes and stay informed will be best positioned for success.  Being a successful sales agent involves facing a lot of rejection. It's the most challenging aspect of the job, but it's important to learn from it, stay resilient and keep pushing forward and maintaining a positive attitude.  

What initiatives are you most excited about? What are the businesses’ biggest opportunities? 

Charles Steele: I'm particularly excited about our new product launches and the enhancements to our administrative system. They'll help us get products out faster, provide exceptional service to our policyholders, and make things smoother for our partners. The biggest opportunities are continuing to innovate by expanding our product line, deepening our ties with brokers, and improving the agent’s experience. 

Interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.