Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tonya Zlock. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tonya, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Reflecting on where my resilience comes from really takes me back to my roots. Growing up wasn’t easy by any means. Life constantly felt like a battle, pushing me into a corner where I had two options: fight or flee. I chose to fight, to claw my way through every challenge just to survive. During my teenage years, life threw one of its hardest punches when my father passed away. Shortly after, with just $100 in my pocket given by my mom before she moved across the country, I was left to navigate the world on my own.
The irony in all of this? My knack for adapting and solving problems on the fly meant that when success finally came knocking, it brought along an unexpected guest: anxiety during peaceful times. It was baffling at first, but it opened my eyes to the importance of weaving self-care into the fabric of our daily lives.
Throughout my journey, which is still unfolding, I’ve learned a powerful lesson: resilience isn’t just about personal grit; it’s deeply influenced by the company we keep and the environments we choose. Sure, there were times when those choices were out of my hands, but even then, I focused on what I could control and made the most of it.
Over the past decade, I’ve been fortunate enough to build an incredible support network. This team, this family that I’ve chosen, has been pivotal in helping me stay resilient through the winds of change. They remind me every day that we’re not just survivors of our past; we’re architects of our future. And that, to me, is the essence of true resilience
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Whenever I pause to consider what truly brings me joy, it almost always circles back to witnessing happiness in those I care about. That moment when someone shares their joy with me, or when I have good news that I can’t wait to tell someone, it’s an unmatched feeling. Bringing this perspective into the world of insurance, which, let’s be honest, is seldom associated with ‘fun’—it’s a necessity, often laden with sensitivity and complexity. However, I find immense satisfaction in demystifying this realm for people, in educating them so they can make informed decisions. That’s the beauty of working with a broker like us; our goal isn’t to sell you a plan but to understand your needs and present you with options.
This journey towards making insurance a positive experience began quite unexpectedly. I was on the path to finishing medical school when life took a surprising turn—bed rest during a surrogate pregnancy with twins led me to dive into the insurance world full-time. I hadn’t anticipated this becoming my career, let alone expanding to include a team. Insurance is often a source of frustration for many, but my passion for education and spreading happiness found its outlet. The industry is tough; the margins are thin, which leads many to adopt a ‘burn and churn’ approach. I chose a different path. By taking the time to truly help my clients, not only have I made a significant impact on their lives, but I’ve also created a self-sustaining cycle of referrals. My approach means more than just finding leads; it’s about offering relief and clarity in an area of life that’s typically fraught with dread.
I’m thrilled to share that this philosophy of care and understanding is at the heart of everything we do. And it’s exciting to see where this journey is taking us. We’re constantly looking for ways to expand our services and reach, ensuring that dealing with insurance becomes a source of relief rather than a burden. Our mission is to transform the narrative around insurance, making it a positive touchpoint in people’s lives, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to lead this change
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, there are three pivotal qualities and skills that truly shaped my path. Sharing these, I hope to offer some guidance for those just starting out.
1. Healthy Boundaries: It’s a common misconception that going above and beyond for clients non-stop is the hallmark of excellence. However, I’ve found that demonstrating a healthy work-life balance actually earns more respect and admiration. Those who don’t appreciate your boundaries are probably not the clients you want to keep. Learning to set realistic deadlines and communicate clear expectations has been key. For instance, instead of rushing proposals, I schedule reviews based on when it truly needs to be done, aligning with my availability rather than overextending to meet an arbitrary urgency. Remember, establishing time boundaries doesn’t compromise outcomes. I also ensure to carve out daily personal time for activities like meditation, exercise, and meals.
2. Documented Processes and Procedures: Not initially planning for insurance to be my career left me overwhelmed when my client base exceeded 1,000. The challenge was exacerbated by the lack of documented systems. Over the last year, I’ve put every process in writing, not only facilitating easier training but also improving operational efficiency. This preparation allows for adaptability and growth, ensuring that anyone can step in during busy periods without sacrificing service quality.
3. Trust in Yourself: An unforgettable moment came when a referral led to a complaint, shaking my confidence. The client was under stress due to personal issues, which I initially took as a reflection of my work. However, supportive words from a referral partner and a colleague reminded me to approach such situations with kindness and empathy, rather than defensiveness. This not only reaffirmed the trust others have in me but also taught me that negative feedback often has more to do with the client’s personal struggles than with my performance. The client eventually returned, apologizing and becoming a great lead. This experience underscored the importance of self-trust and the power of approaching every interaction with compassion and respect.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities within yourselves. Establish and respect your boundaries, document your work processes for clarity and efficiency, and trust in your own worth and abilities. Approaching challenges with kindness and professionalism will set you apart and attract the right clients and opportunities.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
One individual stands out when I think about the support and guidance I’ve received on my journey: my dear friend Jon Nalbandian. A significant challenge for me has always been the fear of being unloved, stemming perhaps from my natural inclination towards being a solution-focused, numbers-oriented person. Jon, who shares a background in a numbers-driven profession (He is a loan officer), brought a unique perspective into my life—one that blends a keen analytical mind with a profound pursuit of happiness.
What I’ve admired and learned from Jon is the art of finding love and joy in all aspects of life, without losing sight of professional ambitions. He embodies this remarkable balance between embracing a ‘Buddha nature’—finding love and compassion in every situation—and maintaining a sharp focus on work goals. This approach was eye-opening for me, as I had previously compartmentalized personal growth and business success into separate realms. Jon’s influence has been instrumental in showing me how intertwined every aspect of our lives truly is.
Beyond his wisdom, it’s Jon’s character that truly resonates with me. He speaks of others with such kindness and respect, never uttering a bad word about anyone. This, more than anything, has been a lesson in itself—showing me the value of positivity and respect in building relationships. Jon has not just been a mentor but has also become a cherished friend, continually inspiring me to integrate love and joy into my professional journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zinsuranceteam.com
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-zlock-102503284
- Other: Our website is fine, but we are revamping it just as an FYI
Image Credits
A networking group I was in. Peter & Myself (that’s my partner). Theo my son and I. Z Insurance logo. An event I volunteered to help Covered CA with free help to people
