May 4, 2022
Dr. Leroy Nunery is the President of Evolution Advisors, LLC. Dr. Leroy D. Nunery II is a Senior Advisor with Econsult Solutions and is Founder and Principal of PlūsUltré LLC, a boutique advisory and consulting company started in 2007 that focuses on turnaround, growth, and innovation planning, resource development, talent development, governance training and diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. In 2017, PlūsUltré was commissioned to author a groundbreaking study titled, “The Journey of African American Insurance Professionals: Past and Present,” which has been widely praised and cited within the industry as a resource to better understand DEI dynamics. In today’s episode, Dr. Nunery shares insights into his current work as president of Evolution Advisors as well as a look at the past, present and future of the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Nunery shares the journey that led to his current position.
- The goals of Evolution Advisors as an MBE-focused firm and what they are looking for when meeting with potential investment companies.
- Growth capital, partnerships, and opportunities for expansion all illustrate DEI in action.
- Key characteristics of the most successful agencies in the industry.
- “The Journey of African American Insurance Professionals: Past and Present” had a major impact on the industry. What inspired Dr. Nunery to author this groundbreaking piece?
- While talking about inclusion is essential, so is recognizing and respecting historical roots.
- There were 52 African-American-owned mutual life insurance companies formed around the reconstruction period after the Civil War. Dr. Nunery shares the inspiration he gains from this history.
- The critical importance of diversity is not limited to only to color, gender and race, it needs to include underserved, uneducated and untapped markets as well.
- African Americans are as likely as anyone to buy insurance products, but too often they
buy the wrong products for their needs.
- Dr. Nunery reflects on the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion in the insurance industry.
- What messaging could make this industry more attractive to the next generation of professionals?
- Attracting talent into today’s industry needs to include opportunities for AI, predictive analytics, digitizing, and omnichannel marketing strategies.
- A five year look into the future of the industry reveals that developing broader relationships and committing to a more positive impact is essential.
- Dr. Nunery reveals the things he wishes he knew when he started his career in 1969 that would have increased his confidence and flexibility.
Keep Getting Better
Quotes
“It’s an exciting time to be in this industry, because it’s DEI in action. It’s implementation, not just words or philosophy.”
“While we talk about inclusion, folks, you do have historical roots here. Appreciate those. Learn from them.”
“What we’re trying to do by telling these stories is to inspire people to reach further.”
“The work is important, but you’ve also got to build relationships and be exposed.”