By Maggie Bender-Johnson, CEO, Bender Insurance Solutions
For the past two years, we’ve been on a transformative leadership journey at Bender Insurance Solutions through our Leadership Cohort, guided by the incredible Leslie Whatley. This program has been a game-changer for our leadership team, helping us hone our strengths, refine our approach, and continually push ourselves to be better leaders.
One of the core frameworks we use is the Leadership Circle Profile, which has provided deep insights into how we show up as leaders—where we excel and where we have opportunities for growth. As we continue this work, we’re not just revisiting the fundamentals but diving deeper into advanced coursework, refining our leadership approach each quarter.
Why I’m Sharing My Results
Leadership growth isn’t just about personal development—it’s about creating an environment where open, honest reflection leads to meaningful change. That’s why I want to share my journey with the Leadership Circle Profile and what I’ve learned from it.
As leaders, we often focus on helping others grow, but it’s just as important to be transparent about our own development. By sharing my insights, I hope to:
- Encourage more open conversations about leadership challenges.
- Model the importance of self-awareness and continuous improvement.
- Invite feedback and learning from others who are also on this journey.
I believe that strong leadership starts with vulnerability—the willingness to assess, adapt, and grow. The more we share, the more we learn from each other.
Leaning Into Strengths & Elevating Growth
Through my Leadership Circle Profile 360, I’ve gained valuable insights into my leadership style. Some of my greatest strengths include:
- Authenticity – Leading with integrity and staying true to my values.
- Achieving – Driving toward ambitious goals with focus and determination.
- Purposeful & Visionary – Thinking ahead, challenging the status quo, and pushing for continuous improvement.
- Courageous Authenticity – Tackling difficult conversations head-on with honesty and conviction.
At the same time, I recognize areas where I continue to refine my leadership:
- Presence & Composure – Ensuring I bring full focus and energy to every moment.
- Trust & Delegation – Empowering my team by letting go where needed.
- Balancing Relationships & Results – Making sure that while I drive outcomes, I also foster deeper connections.
What’s Next? Sharing the Journey
Leadership isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s an evolving practice. Over the next year, I’ll be sharing key takeaways from each quarter’s coursework, highlighting the themes we revisit, how our leadership continues to evolve, and the advanced work we’re doing to grow together.
For those who have gone through the Leadership Circle Profile or similar leadership development programs, I’d love to hear your thoughts:
- What has been your biggest leadership breakthrough?
- How do you refine your leadership over time?
Let’s keep learning from one another and growing together. Stay tuned for more updates!
Sincerely, Maggie Bender-Johnson, CEO, Bender Insurance Solutions
