We鈥檙e looking back on a career filled with heart, humor and quiet acts of kindness

Throughout his four-plus-decade career, Jeff Stein has occupied many roles. He has been the founding member of his own firm. He has been the past president of the Florida Land Title Association (FLTA). And he has played a defining role in leading 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 underwriting operations for the past 15 years, helping us become a respected member of the industry and a truly great place to work. Now, as he prepares for the final chapter of his career, it鈥檚 clear that Jeff should be known as one thing above all: A diligent professional who not only cared deeply for those he worked with, but provided them with the guidance and help they needed to succeed. Here, we celebrate the career impact of this very special legal and title insurance professional.

A common beginning for an uncommonly helpful career

Like many in the title industry, the seeds of Jeff鈥檚 eventual career were planted long ago. 鈥淚 had enjoyed real property in law school,鈥� he reflected, before continuing, 鈥淢y first job after graduating, but before passing the bar, was with a small law firm. One of my initial tasks there was to examine abstracts to determine insurability. When I got out of law school in 1980, and when I left that firm, there were few jobs. I started practicing on my own and soon ended up working as a title attorney with another lawyer who mentored me.鈥�

An unconventional professional

Jeff fully made the leap into the title industry when one of the insurers he worked with advertised for an in-house underwriter and claims attorney. 鈥淚 was hired and have been in the industry ever since.鈥� He quickly excelled, showing himself to be far from a traditional title professional, thanks to his unique ability to solve tough challenges.

鈥淚 can think of one anecdote that was particularly fun,鈥� he said when asked about how he dealt with challenges throughout his career. 鈥淲e had a situation where we needed a deed from a grocer’s union. I could find no way to communicate with them other than to join the union. As a result, I got a call from their general counsel wondering why a real estate attorney wanted to join the union. I explained my motivation, and he secured the deed we needed while applauding my creativity. I suspect he continues to tell that story 鈥� as do I.鈥�

Becoming the industry鈥檚 Yoda

While solving tough challenges through unconventional means, Jeff also found ample opportunities to begin practicing the care that today has become his trademark. 鈥淥ne employee of an agent of ours nicknamed me Yoda,鈥� he remarked with wry humor when asked to share a story he is proud of from his tenure. 鈥淲hile it is certainly an honor to be compared to the great Jedi Master, it is more humbling that she credits me with having mentored her and helped her become a knowledgeable leader at her title agency.鈥�

The woman Jeff mentored is now running her agency鈥檚 branch operations, and her story is just one of the many instances where Jeff has made a hugely positive impact on both individual professionals and the industry. This is the natural result when you organize your career around core principles like curiosity and service.

鈥淏e curious,鈥� Stein noted regarding what advice he鈥檇 give to new industry professionals. 鈥淭ake the time to get to know the folks you are working with, whether they are agents or co-workers. Use that curiosity to listen and work to help them with what they actually need, not what we assume they need. Have fun and enjoy those around you. Be mindful of the impact you can and do have on others. It is a big deal.鈥�

Gaining ample and impactful insights

Given how central curiosity has been to his underwriting career, Jeff has naturally gleaned many insights about how the profession has changed over time. 鈥淲e began as stewards of the public records. Our mission was to keep the titles as 鈥榗orrect鈥� as possible,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e were less concerned over assessing risk and more concerned with making things perfect. That has changed since I started 45 years ago. While we are still mindful of the record, the shift is more to assessing risk, deciding what we can accept to move the transactions forward both to mutually beneficial success.鈥�

But that isn鈥檛 the only takeaway from his time in title and underwriting. Having managed teams throughout his career, Jeff is also well-versed in what success looks like for leaders within the industry. 鈥淔irst, make sure to provide everyone with a great environment to work in.  What is great differs for everyone, but as a leader in a company, that is a core responsibility,鈥� he noted. 鈥淪econd, hire folks that are smarter than you and allow them to excel even if that means they move past you. The real success of a mentor or teacher is having the student surpass the teacher. Third, be helpful to those you work with. In other words, truly be a servant leader. Remember that the success of those that report to you is truly your success. Fourth, enjoy what you do, enjoy the humanity of those around you. The relationships are what makes leadership fun.鈥�

Final thoughts from an enviable career

Those final notes are what Jeff sees as the perfect summation of his career. As with many other dedicated title professionals, for Jeff, the work has always been about people. People are what guided him in the early stages of his career. People are at the heart of his proudest moments. And people are what drove his underwriting and leadership philosophies throughout the decades. Lastly, it is people who will remain with him as he prepares to embark upon a new chapter. 鈥淭hrough it all, I have had a lot of fun, and in the end, I鈥檒l value the friendships and connections I made the most.鈥�

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By Adam Mohrbacher

星空传媒 星空传媒 was recently certified as a Great Place to Work庐鈥攊ts eighth straight certification. This honor reflects the hard work of many people to build a workplace where employees can bring their whole selves to work and contribute their unique skills, insights and experiences to the betterment of the organization and the agents it serves. Below, you鈥檒l hear about some of the reasons why 星空传媒 星空传媒 gained its eighth certification and how this enables the company to deliver more for its independent agents.

Building solidarity and support with EET

Perhaps the most foundational element of 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 welcoming, inclusive and high-performing culture is its employee engagement team (EET). The EET was designed to create a working environment where every employee feels engaged, rewarded and personally committed. Kim Bergner, 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 Internal Auditor, recently spoke to the effectiveness of those efforts.

Bergner has been a part of the EET for two years. She described how one of its subcommittees, called 鈥淜nowledge Bytes,鈥� offers employees a Zoom-based forum to showcase contributions and 鈥渆xplain their challenges and how others in the company can help.鈥� From Bergner鈥檚 perspective, these programs are essential for fostering a positive work culture. 鈥淭hey build bridges and relationships between employees in different departments of the company,鈥� she explained, which is deeply important in an era of remote work.

Creating future leaders through the Trailblazer Mentorship Program

The EET is just one of many initiatives that contributes to 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 Great Place to Work庐 status. A new program launched this year is the Trailblazer Mentorship Program. Structured as a seven-month initiative, the Trailblazer Mentorship Program pairs veteran employees with workers who are interested in improving their skills, confidence and careers. The program offers monthly group and one-on-one meetings where mentors and mentees connect to explore topics like goal setting, leadership and career growth鈥攁ll within a safe and supportive space.

Bergner recently completed the Trailblazer Mentorship Program and has spoken positively about the effort. Another 星空传媒 星空传媒 employee who took part is Jace Coffie. As one of 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 youngest employees, Coffie represents the next generation of professionals that any underwriter should seek to cultivate and grow into a long-term employee. For Coffie, the program accomplished exactly that, helping him establish a solid foundation for a long and successful career. 鈥淭his program has had such a huge impact on my first-year journey, and I know it will continue to shape me moving forward,鈥� he said.

Great Place to Work庐 pays off beyond 星空传媒 星空传媒

Investing in employee wellness, growth and development is about much more than the company itself. It also benefits stakeholders. Bergner notes that programs like EET and Trailblazers 鈥渂uild morale in the organization.鈥� Higher morale, she continues, 鈥渃an foster satisfaction, which can ultimately lead to longer employee retention.鈥�

Time and time again, longer-tenured employees perform better on behalf of partners and customers. Data from Gartner showed that companies which successfully retain employees achieve 23% higher productivity than those that don鈥檛. Glassdoor discovered a similar correlation between employee happiness and a company鈥檚 impact on its stakeholders. Its research showed that each 鈥�1-star improvement in an employer鈥檚 Glassdoor company rating out of 5 is associated with a statistically significant 1.3-point increase in customer satisfaction.鈥�

Here’s to the next eight

Given this data, there鈥檚 no question about the importance of credentials like Great Place to Work庐. This honor isn鈥檛 just something nice to tuck into a press release or fact sheet. Instead, it is a mission-critical priority for any business desiring to create positive outcomes for its employees, partners, customers and communities. 星空传媒 星空传媒 couldn鈥檛 be happier to have achieved this goal and its associated benefits for eight years and counting. And it looks forward to raising the bar for many years to come.

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Last year, we announced plans for 星空传媒 星空传媒 to join Dream Finders Homes, one of the nation’s fastest-growing homebuilders. I’m pleased to report that we recently received regulatory approval, and the transaction has officially closed. We’re thrilled to be part of the Dream Finders Homes family! .

In recognition of this important moment for our company, I’m also proud to announce that today, we’re launching our new public-facing 星空传媒 星空传媒 website.

We’ve thoughtfully designed the site to offer easier access to tools and important information for agents and lenders. From the new public site, you can quickly reach our Agent Resource Center whenever you need it. We’ve also included information to help residential and commercial buyers and sellers better understand the benefits of working with independent title agents.

Over the last few years, The 星空传媒 星空传媒 Advantage blog has become a go-to source for insights on everything from cybersecurity to marketing strategy. We鈥檝e made the blog even more accessible and user-friendly, helping you quickly find useful information. 

2025 marks 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 20th anniversary, and as we enter this new chapter with Dream Finders Homes and launch our redesigned website, I鈥檓 both proud of what we鈥檝e accomplished and optimistic about what鈥檚 ahead. I鈥檓 excited to see this new relationship go to work for the benefit of independent title agents.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we build the future together.

The post Celebrating Our New Partnership With Dream Finders Homes And Unveiling The New 星空传媒 星空传媒 Website appeared first on 星空传媒 星空传媒 Title Insurance Co..

Each April during Stress Awareness Month, we sit down with 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 HR Director Stacy Stolen to explore how we can all manage stress more effectively. This is an important conversation because too much stress can negatively impact both individuals and organizations. Having worked for years in HR and compliance, Stolen is no stranger to helping mitigate stress in the workplace. She shares ideas that can help you reduce stress in your agency and build the kind of workplace your team will love.

Confronting the pervasive problem of stress

According to Stolen, stress is a major problem in workplaces today, and available data supports this view. In a recent 鈥淢cKinsey Health Institute survey of more than 30,000 employees worldwide, only 57% reported good holistic health.鈥�[i] Given the scope of the problem, business leaders have a vested interest in helping employees manage their stress levels. Not only is it the right thing to do, but unchecked stress can have a negative effect on worker performance. Recent survey data, in fact, showed 60% of respondents indicating that high stress harmed their output. [ii] None of this should really be surprising according to Stolen. After all, she said, 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 pour from an empty cup.鈥�

Reframing how we respond to stress

Stress should always be taken seriously鈥攂ut that doesn鈥檛 mean avoiding it. It means learning how to manage it. The fact is stress is often little more than the body鈥檚 response to change. And 鈥渃hange鈥攚hether in your personal life or at work鈥攃an be stressful but also an opportunity for growth,鈥� said Stolen. If stress can鈥檛 be avoided, Stolen said, 鈥渉ow you respond makes all the difference.鈥� She then continued by noting that 鈥淪mall, consistent efforts to care for your mental and physical well-being can help you thrive鈥攅ven in challenging times.鈥�

Putting wellness at the heart of culture pays off

So how can workplaces help employees rethink and manage stress? There are really too many to count. Mindfulness programs. Fitness incentives. Mental health support groups. Flexible work options. Financial literary workshops. Healthy living perks. These are just a few examples, but there are many more. 

The ROI of these programs speaks for itself. Companies often see a return of $4 for every $1 invested in mental health treatment.[iii] Results like this are often attributed primarily to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. Additionally, mindfulness programs can reduce employee stress by 30% says the 星空传媒 Institute of Health,[iv] while another study found workplace flexibility programs can generate over 25% less employee stress.[v]

星空传媒 星空传媒 is committed to being part of the solution

星空传媒 星空传媒 has long taken such figures to heart and has put stress awareness and employee wellness at the heart of its working culture. Some of the specific initiatives and programs it uses to advance these goals include:

• The 星空传媒 星空传媒 Employee Engagement Team (EET), which aims to boost engagement, foster personal commitment and motivation, and support fair compensation.
• Mental Health Challenges, which are designed to encourage employees to use their available PTO to rest and recharge.
• The 星空传媒 星空传媒 Employee Assistance Program, which is multifaceted support program intended to assist employees with navigating issues related to work, money, legal issues, identity theft, physical and emotional wellbeing and more.
• All staff wellness challenges.
• Mental Health Awareness month activities revolving around work/life balance and sharing mental health resources.
• HR-led meetings focusing squarely on mental health support.
• Ongoing segments on company calls designed to foster laughter, goodwill, camaraderie, and stress relief.
• And more.
  

In 2025, 星空传媒 星空传媒 continued adding to its stress awareness and employee wellbeing efforts. It recently hosted guest speaker Josh Emery, a renowned therapist, consultant and coach, who spoke to the 星空传媒 星空传媒 team about the role stress plays in our lives and how we can stay on top of its impacts.

Managing stress is the key to unlocking a brighter future It is impossible to avoid experiencing some level of stress. After all, stress is a part of any change, which, as we all know, is the only constant in life. But if we can鈥檛 stop stress, what do we do to reduce its effects? This is a deeply important question, especially for businesses whose productivity and profitability are firmly in the crosshairs whenever employees become overstressed. The answer, however, is a simple one. Workplaces only need to take small, gradual steps to confront stress. Over time, this will build a culture that helps employees mitigate stress鈥檚 effects and continue working harmoniously. When done successfully, the results can be transformative and pave the way for lucrative, long-term growth and achievement

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Understanding Cultural Paradigms

Organizational culture can be viewed through various lenses. Some companies focus on performance, where results and individual achievement drive culture. Others adopt a purpose-driven culture, aligning actions with a higher mission or set of values. At 星空传媒 星空传媒, we鈥檝e found our greatest strength in fostering a culture of trust. But it鈥檚 important to note that no single cultural paradigm is inherently better than any other. The key is to identify which approach aligns most closely with your organization鈥檚 values and mission.

In the title insurance industry, relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and that鈥檚 why we ultimately decided to build our culture on the foundation of trust. Behind every transaction is a person or family entrusting us with their dreams and future. Trust is the cornerstone of these relationships, enabling us to be part of critical moments in people鈥檚 lives. Without trust, we鈥檙e merely facilitating transactions; with it, we鈥檙e partnering in something much more significant鈥攈elping people pursue the American Dream of economic prosperity.

The 3Cs: Our Foundation for Trust

To cultivate this trust, we鈥檝e centered our culture around three key principles we call the 3Cs:

1. Care for Others: Genuine care involves truly listening and understanding the needs of those we serve鈥攐ur agents, partners, and colleagues. It鈥檚 about making meaningful connections and offering assistance that can have a positive impact on someone鈥檚 life.
2. Competency in Our Work: We believe in continuous improvement. By staying informed, honing our skills, and striving for excellence, we ensure that we鈥檙e equipped to meet the needs of our clients and each other effectively.
3. Commitment: This is about reliability and follow-through. Doing what we say we will do, meeting our obligations, and being dependable in every situation reinforces the trust others place in us.

These principles aren鈥檛 just corporate ideals. We try to live them as daily practices that guide us through our interactions with our agents and fellow team members.

Intentional Culture Building

Good culture doesn鈥檛 happen by accident. It takes intention, reflection, and a willingness to change. A few years ago, we took an important step by developing a booklet describing our company culture. It鈥檚 essentially a collective expression of what makes 星空传媒 星空传媒 special on our best days. It includes our Purpose, Mission, Vision, Core Value, and Guiding Principles. Simply stated, the 鈥溞强沾� 星空传媒 Way鈥� is: caring about people by providing uncommonly valuable help that delivers a positive impact. This articulation of our shared beliefs has provided a compass for our actions.

If you haven鈥檛 had the opportunity to define what鈥檚 most important about your culture, we鈥檝e found that the exercise can be incredibly valuable. For us, it wasn鈥檛 about creating something new, but rather about uncovering and articulating what was already true about our organization. We found that the project gave us a rare opportunity to talk to our team, reflect on shared experiences, and capture our unique narrative.

Beyond defining culture, it鈥檚 important to take steps to live it more deeply and consistently. To support this, we established an Employee Engagement Team to ensure that culture remains an ongoing focus. This group serves as a conduit for feedback and ideas, helping culture rise from every level of the organization.

Other important initiatives included creating a set of Management Rules of the Road, which outlines what employees can expect from their managers. Additionally, our culture has been strengthened through regular Outward Mindset seminars from the Arbinger Institute. The goal of these sessions is to help team members understand that other people鈥檚 needs matter just as much as their own. They encourage collaboration, break down silos, and remind us to work together.

Steps to Building a Great Culture

Every company, regardless of size or industry, stands to benefit from a strong, intentional culture. Based on our experience, here are a few steps that we hope may be helpful in your own cultural journey:

1. Define Your Core Values: What principles are non-negotiable for your organization? Whether it鈥檚 trust, innovation, customer focus, or something else entirely, clarity here sets the foundation. A key aspect in defining your values is also in prioritizing them. It鈥檚 easy to say loyalty, honesty, and integrity are the values of the company. What happens when these values are in conflict?
2. Engage Your Team: Culture is a collective endeavor. Regularly involve team members at all levels in discussions about values and practices. Their insights can be surprising and powerful.
3. Be Intentional: Develop initiatives, programs, and traditions that reinforce your values. Solicit feedback from employees to ensure alignment and celebrate your cultural successes regularly. Values are most reflected in an organization based on who gets promoted or rewarded.
4. Measure and Reflect: Utilize tools like surveys, focus groups, or external certifications to assess your cultural health. Benchmarks provide valuable insights into where you鈥檙e succeeding and where there鈥檚 room to grow. For example, at 星空传媒 星空传媒, we鈥檝e participated in the Great Place to Work certification process for over eight years, and in 2024, we were recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the聽Best Small Workplaces聽and one of the聽Best Places to Work in Real Estate.
5. Embrace Continuous Improvement: Culture isn鈥檛 static. Be open to change and ready to adapt as your organization grows and the environment evolves.

Recognition and Celebration

One great way to promote culture is to share stories of success. At 星空传媒 星空传媒, we鈥檝e found tremendous value in communicating and celebrating our cultural achievements during 星空传媒 星空传媒 Live!, our bi-monthly all-hands call. My favorite part of the call is a feature we recently added 鈥� the Winner鈥檚 Circle. It鈥檚 an opportunity for employees to nominate colleagues who exemplify what it means to work the 鈥溞强沾� 星空传媒 Way.鈥� Most importantly, this peer-nominated recognition is to identify someone who demonstrates one of more of the 3Cs. A nomination takes time and effort, so these nominations reflect the genuine appreciation and respect colleagues have for one another鈥檚 contributions. These stories and celebrations help our team feel more connected and aligned with the company鈥檚 values.

Looking Ahead and Staying Committed

As we approach 2025 and our 20th anniversary, I couldn鈥檛 be more excited about the future of 星空传媒 星空传媒. Our imminent partnership with Dream Finders Homes marks an exciting new chapter, creating new opportunities to grow and better serve our agents. Additionally, we are eager to continue innovating with tools like our anti-fraud solution, SecureMyTransaction, which reinforces trust and security in real estate transactions.

As I look ahead, I鈥檓 reminded that our success is built on our cultural foundations that enable us to provide value to our agents. While there鈥檚 much to be proud of, no culture is ever 鈥渇inished.鈥� It requires continuous care and attention to ensure alignment with our mission and goals.

Whatever cultural foundation you choose鈥攚hether trust, purpose, performance, or a blend鈥攊t鈥檚 important to invest in it intentionally. At 星空传媒 星空传媒, we鈥檝e found that fostering a culture of trust has brought great benefits to our team, agents, and partners.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here鈥檚 wishing you a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

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The 星空传媒 星空传媒 team includes people from all walks of life who are united by a shared commitment to independent agents. Another commonality is a dedication to the broader title community that goes beyond the nine-to-five. At every level of the company, you鈥檒l find individuals who have made a commitment to leadership in various title insurance, real estate, legal, and similar professional organizations. It is a commitment that has a broad impact.

A more informed and inclusive community

One of the benefits of association involvement is the opportunity to build community and share valuable information. 鈥淚 served with an amazing group of volunteers,鈥� said Margaret Cook, EVP, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer and Past President and Board Member of the Land Title Association of Colorado (LTAC). 鈥淚t gave me a chance to give back and expand my knowledge and network.鈥�

Micah Owen, South Carolina and Georgia Agency Manager, recently became a Director of the Palmetto Land Title Association (PLTA) and noted that she appreciates the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas and help the association grow. She also relishes bringing more of the community into the conversation by calling 鈥渦pon people that have great ideas but may be too shy to share.鈥� Owen added that associations are a wonderful mechanism for disseminating crucial information, such as PLTA鈥檚 鈥淐ase Law Update.鈥�

鈥淒awn Watkins is our current legal liaison,鈥� said Owen. 鈥淪he does a great job keeping the board and members current on all judicial updates. Attorneys are so busy as it is, so we try our best to help them.鈥�

KC West, Sr. Vice President and Southwest Regional Manager, echoed Owen鈥檚 sentiments, noting how associations foster a more connected and inclusive industry. Having recently taken up the mantle of President of the Oklahoma Land Title Association (OLTA), West said that it is an 鈥渉onor to serve the title professionals of Oklahoma and to be the voice in the room for those that aren鈥檛 always available to attend.鈥� Being involved in leadership, he added, 鈥済ives you a chance to act as the voice for the collective鈥� and ensure the 鈥渧iews of title professionals [are reflected] in the decisions being made.鈥�

Collaborating to drive critical improvements

The value of joining associations goes beyond the opportunity to build an informed and inclusive community, however. Associations also provide a framework for professionals to collaborate on important operational and industry initiatives and drive substantive improvements.

星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 TJ Johnson, Assistant Vice President and State Agency Manager for Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, recently held leadership roles in two industry organizations. He sat on the Colorado 鈥楪ood Funds鈥� committee and served as PAC Chairman for the Land Title Association of Arizona (LTAA), where he collaborated with like-minded professionals to improve industry processes and bolster organizational finances.

In working with the 鈥淕ood Funds鈥� committee, for example, Johnson 鈥渄iscussed best practices for disbursing insured payoff and proceed funds while mitigating risks to title agents and the general public.鈥�

鈥淧art of the committee鈥檚 fact-finding process involved polling other states to compare and, in some cases, better our own standards,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e eventually sent our findings to the state鈥檚 department of insurance to influence their protocols.鈥�

During his time as LTAA PAC Chairman, Johnson worked on equally important initiatives. One of the organization鈥檚 goals was to 鈥渄evelop strategies on how to best target our campaign contribution funds,鈥� Johnson said. In addition, the committee launched the 鈥淧ast Presidents Classic Golf Tournament鈥� and a silent auction to strengthen the association鈥檚 finances and deliver more benefits for the Arizona title community.

Rodney Anderson, EVP and 星空传媒 Agency Manager of 星空传媒 星空传媒, also had the chance to make a dynamic impact on the industry by serving as President of the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) from 2023-2024. Assuming this role was the culmination of a long-held goal for Anderson. During his tenure, he worked with others to strengthen the association鈥檚 educational programs, ensure access to the latest information and training, assist with navigating legislative and legal changes, and advocate for policies beneficial to the industry and consumers.

Creating a favorable legislative environment

Industry-related legislation is one area where the value of associations can perhaps be most vividly seen and felt. Title associations, said Anderson, help 鈥渋ndustry professionals collaborate [鈥 and stay informed about regulatory changes and market trends,鈥� which 鈥渧ary significantly by state and frequently face attacks at a state and federal level.鈥� Individuals who join industry organizations, he said, contribute their 鈥渆xpertise, leadership and commitment鈥� to 鈥渟hape standards and practices鈥� and 鈥渆nsure the integrity of the industry.鈥�   

During her time in leadership, Cook found herself immersed in similar responsibilities. 鈥淲hile I was with the association, Colorado revised its title insurance regulations and market conduct examination procedures. It was a very busy time,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 fascinating how many bills and regulations could negatively impact real property records and the ability to securely close and insure transactions. It takes countless volunteer hours to positively influence the outcome.鈥�

Furthermore, two of 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 underwriters have spent time working with industry groups to improve the field鈥檚 legislative and legal environment. Brianna Dowling, Underwriting Counsel, has been involved with the LTAC board of directors 鈥渇or quite a few years now.鈥� Perhaps the most rewarding for Dowling has been 鈥渨orking through legislative initiatives.鈥� The industry must have a 鈥渟eat at the table when it comes to real estate and insurance legislation,鈥� she said.

As the Immediate Past Chair of the Title Issues & Standards Committee for the Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar, Rebecca Wood, 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 Assistant Regional Counsel Florida and VP, was also positive about becoming involved in leadership. She noted that these positions allow volunteers to shape the industry鈥檚 future. 鈥淲hat I found most rewarding about serving on the committee was coordinating continuing legal education programming,鈥� she remarked.

Building a stronger, safer and more effective industry

Given the 星空传媒 星空传媒 team鈥檚 experience, one thing becomes clear: whether it be fostering a more informed, inclusive community or developing better processes, protocols, or legislative outcomes, association work delivers benefits on multiple levels.

Individual title experts, for example, 鈥済ain benefits and career development from this experience,鈥� said Cook, reflecting on her time. Johnson seconded this: 鈥淓very title and escrow professional,鈥� he said, 鈥渟hould serve on a board or committee. It will broaden your knowledge base and increase your influence within our industry.鈥�

Anderson noted that becoming involved can also strengthen by proxy the company that an association member comes from. Taking part in these organizations helps build 鈥渞elationships with partners, clients and other stakeholders who value the company鈥檚 role in advancing the industry,鈥� he said. In 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 case, for instance, the company has been able to have 鈥渋ts perspectives considered in broader industry conversations,鈥� which builds its credibility and solidifies its position as an industry thought leader.

Most significant, however, is that when title professionals get involved in association work, the entire industry stands to gain. Anderson probably said it best, remarking: 鈥淚n essence, both the organizations and the people who participate in them are vital for maintaining the stability, reliability and growth of the title industry.鈥�

And this fact makes it an entirely worthwhile effort for anyone thinking about throwing their hat into the ring.

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April is 鈥淪tress Awareness Month,鈥� making it the perfect moment to explore how stress affects both individuals and organizations. While stress is a normal process, it can take a toll when left unchecked. 星空传媒 星空传媒 HR Director Stacy Stolen discusses the consequences of runaway stress and shares strategies for creating healthier workplaces.

Stress 101

Everyone experiences stress, but have you ever wondered what exactly it is? Stolen says that while stress typically carries negative connotations, on a basic level, it is simply the body鈥檚 response to a demand. Any change in a person鈥檚 day-to-day life can be stressful.

Here are a few more important things to know about stress:

• Stress affects everyone.
• Not all stress is bad.
• Long-term stress can harm your health.
• There are ways to manage stress.
• If you feel overwhelmed by stress, it鈥檚 important to reach out to a health professional.
  

Where does stress often show up?

Stress can be anywhere, but it frequently pops up in workplaces, where it can do sizable harm. 鈥淲orkplace stress has adverse effects on workers鈥� mental health, with an increased risk of anxiety, burnout, depression and substance use disorders,鈥� Stolen said. 鈥淪tressed workers are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as drug abuse or poor dietary patterns.鈥�

The negative consequences of stress affect businesses as well. 鈥淚t decreases employee productivity,鈥� said Stolen. 鈥淚nteractions with co-workers may also become strained, causing conflict, complaints and grievances; health concerns; and higher absenteeism.鈥�

Reducing stress begins with awareness

Given how serious stress can be, it must be elevated as a topic of concern for businesses. Employees must also feel comfortable talking about their stress levels and seeking help when stress becomes unmanageable. According to Stolen, recent years have brought increased cultural awareness of the consequences of stress 鈥� which is a welcome change. 鈥淚t has become more acceptable to 鈥榯alk鈥� about stress,鈥� said Stolen. Yet there is still more work to do. 鈥淐ompanies are still struggling to manage workplace stress,鈥� said Stolen, 鈥渁nd perks like onsite gyms and nap rooms are not the answer to our problem. We must go deeper.鈥�

How can workplaces better address stress?

Addressing the root causes of stress meansdigging into the psyches of stressed-out employees. 鈥淚f your employees perceive your workplace as a threat, then you cannot build the trust your team needs to collaborate and innovate effectively,鈥� Stolen said. 鈥淓mployers need to shift from individual-level to organization-level approaches for reducing stress, which can foster employee well-being while simultaneously improving business performance.鈥�

How does 星空传媒 星空传媒 reduce stress?

星空传媒 星空传媒 has developed a plan to reduce workplace stress. Part of this includes the 星空传媒 星空传媒 Employee Engagement Team (EET), which helps employees 鈥渇eel engaged, fairly compensated, rewarded, and personally committed to and inspired by their work.鈥�

The underwriter also tries to let all employees know that it is not only acceptable to take time off to rest and recharge 鈥� but encouraged. Additionally, Stolen is working on a mental health 鈥渃hallenge,鈥� where she reaches out to managers to determine if their direct reports have large PTO balances. The intention is to determine whether team members are using the time that they have earned, and if not, to understand why.

星空传媒 星空传媒 also runs several internal challenges driven by its EET. These focus on stress reduction, fitness and kindness, and mix in other fun challenges such as. Examples include a baby pics challenge, trivia games; and virtual holiday celebrations.

Stolen notes that many of 星空传媒 星空传媒鈥檚 initiatives revolve around encouraging laughter throughout the day. Now, humor can鈥檛 cure all ailments, but data has proven that a good laugh can have short- and long-term benefits, including:

• Short-term benefits 鈥� Laughing doesn鈥檛 just lighten your mental load, it induces physical changes in your body:
  
  • Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
  • A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
  • Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce the physical symptoms of stress.
    
• Long-term benefits 鈥� Laughter isn鈥檛 just a quick pick-me-up, it鈥檚 also good for you over the long term:
  
  • Positive thoughts release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.
  • Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
  • Laughter makes it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
    

There is no magic bullet against stress, but progress is possible!

鈥淚 have no secret sauce or silver bullet,鈥� Stolen said when asked about how she manages her own stress. 鈥淏ut what I have learned is that I need to unplug and be able to tell my boss when I am stressed and need help 鈥� not so I feel weak, but so I can be good to myself.鈥� This is an effective summation of how we can all better manage stress in our lives and particularly in the workplace. Through a combination of honesty and proactivity, individuals can ensure that they keep their stress levels at a reasonable level. Businesses can also follow this approach during Stress Awareness Month and year-round to create happier, healthier and more sustainable workplaces for all.

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It is created through a language and customs, arts and practices that are shared by a particular work group. Culture is an identity, and it can attract or repel engagement with your organization.

All companies have a culture, whether it is one that develops on its own or is deliberately nurtured. The questions is do you have the culture you want?

Does your culture revolve around how your people respect each other and your customers? Does your culture foster the experience you want your customers to have? Is it time to be more deliberate or even make a bold change?  

In a recent Gallup poll, 53% of workers reported they are 鈥渘ot engaged.鈥� From Gallup鈥檚 : 鈥淭hey may be generally satisfied but are not cognitively and emotionally connected to their work and workplace; they will usually show up to work and do the minimum required but will quickly leave their company for a slightly better offer.鈥� That same poll reported that 34% of workers are 鈥渆ngaged,鈥� and it鈥檚 the highest number since this Gallup poll was created in 2000. Only about one-third of our workforce feels engaged, and that鈥檚 an improvement.

Imagine the change possible if we could reverse these numbers? Gains in productivity, increases in job satisfaction 鈥� wins for everyone! And that鈥檚 just a start.

To improve employee engagement, it may be time to reexamine your company鈥檚 culture. Do you know what your people really want and what is important to them? Have you asked them or are you making assumptions?

Each employee brings his or her own unique personality, life experiences, skills, talents, work history and world view. We act, behave and influence others based on who we are 鈥� and what we have gone through in life.

How people work together can either happen by chance or by deliberate action. Culture allows us to find commonalities among our differences, to align the group鈥檚 focus on a single objective to achieve success.

I look forward to exploring company culture with you during the  at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23 during the ALTA One conference in Austin, Texas.

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