TAIA shines the Spotlight on Lauren Bayha
In today’s fast-paced world, many professionals find themselves struggling to balance their careers with their personal lives. For Lauren, a successful broker with over two decades of experience, the decision to leave the corporate world and go independent was driven by a desire for more flexibility and fulfillment. As a working mom, Lauren wanted to be present for her children without sacrificing her career ambitions. In this month’s spotlight, we dive into Lauren’s inspiring journey from the corporate side to becoming an independent broker, exploring how she navigated the transition and found success and satisfaction along the way.
How did you get started in the insurance business, and how many years of experience do you have?
Lauren: “I began my career in insurance in 2003, right after college. I started working for a family friend at an employee benefits office in Southern California. Initially, I focused on account management and eventually became the Director of the Employee Benefit Division at a brokerage agency in Newport Beach. After getting married, my husband and I decided to move to Sacramento, where we started our family, and I continued to pursue my career. Over the years, I’ve accumulated over 20 years of experience in the employee benefits space and have recently jumped into Medicare, which has been an exciting change and addition to my business.”
So, Lauren, what led you to transition from a corporate role to becoming an independent insurance agent?
“Before COVID hit, I was a sales manager, overseeing major accounts and managing a team. We had started discussing remote work as a potential benefit, but not everyone believed it would happen. I remember sitting in a meeting when someone joked about the news coming out of China, saying, “It’s not going to happen here.” Then, within a week, everything shut down, and we had to shift to remote work. Luckily, we were prepared, and the transition went smoothly.
Being on lockdown changed my perspective on life and work. It made me realize that I wanted to live on my own terms and be the mom I wanted to be, without missing out on my kids’ field trips and classroom activities. I knew I couldn’t give 110% to both my corporate job and my family without feeling like I was letting someone down.
This realization was a turning point for me, ultimately, I decided to pursue a career that allowed me the flexibility to balance my professional and personal life. Becoming an independent insurance agent has given me the freedom to work on my own terms and be present for my family. It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
What is your niche, and what products do you specialize in?
“My niche lies in employee benefits and group insurance, which I know like the back of my hand. However, I have found a new passion for Medicare since going independent. At my former employer, a leading health care provider in Northern California, I helped develop the group Medicare product for employers, which sparked my interest in this area. Surprisingly, I’ve found that I thoroughly enjoy working with Medicare clients, and it’s become the fastest-growing part of my business. It’s an exciting time, and I’m eager to expand my reach by hiring an assistant to help manage the administrative side of things.”
What marketing strategies have you found successful for your business?
“Interestingly, I haven’t done much formal marketing. Instead, I’ve relied on my existing network and referrals to grow my business. Networking has been instrumental in building connections and gaining new clients. One avenue I’ve been able to grow my outreach is through my membership with the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU), a non-profit who supports Insurance professionals and organizations in the health insurance industry. I’ve had so many opportunities through their advocacy, event and educational opportunities to grow my business organically. Referrals from satisfied clients and industry colleagues have been the primary source of my leads. However, I’m planning to focus more on marketing myself, and with the help of the TAIA Marketing team in the coming year accelerate growth by utilizing my social media outlets and planning more in-person events.”
Now that you’ve been with TAIA for almost a year, what would you say are the top three benefits you’ve found in working with an FMO?
“Oh my goodness, there are so many benefits to working with an FMO! Number 1 hands down the back-office support they provide is invaluable, especially when dealing with Medicare questions and challenges where I need an expert like Rosamaria and the assistance of her enrollment team on the phone to help me through it. I’d say the next thing best thing for me has been the lead opportunities and networking they offer. It’s been great being connected to various carrier representatives and having access to networking events and regular carrier training sessions. It really feels like a one-stop shop for all the information and resources I need. Lastly, the guidance I’ve received on compliance and marketing strategies is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of insurance regulations. I could not do it without Rosamaria and her team, who provide the clarity and direction to stay compliant.”
Share with us how you stay updated with changes and trends in this ever-evolving industry?
“Staying informed is essential in this business, and I rely on several resources for this. As I mentioned earlier, I’m actively involved with organizations like SAHU CAHIP and NABIP which provide webinars and updates on industry regulations and trends. Networking with colleagues and mentors has also been invaluable in keeping me abreast of the latest developments. I also rely heavily on any updates TAIA sends out, as Rosamaria is amazing at keeping us abreast of the industry news and changes. “
To get to know you a bit better beyond your role as an employee benefits and Medicare specialist, what are some of your passions and interests outside of insurance?
“I’m a mom and wife who loves sports and enjoys getting my kids involved in athletic activities. I coach girls’ middle school basketball, which I find incredibly rewarding. I used to referee games but had to pause that after a back surgery. Outside of sports, I love spending time in nature and traveling. I’m looking forward to introducing my kids to international travel in the next couple of years.
Key factors to becoming a successful Independent Broker …& The Importance of work/life balance!
Success as an independent broker hinge on two key factors: strong support systems and valuable networking opportunities. Lauren’s successful transition from a corporate role to independent broker underscores this. Having TAIA as her FMO, provides Lauren with essential resources and guidance, ensuring a smooth shift to independence, enabling her to focus on business growth, sales and work-life balance.
Complementing this support, her involvement with the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) and the invaluable mentorship she has received along the way, were instrumental in building lasting connections and securing word-of-mouth referrals. Lauren’s experience demonstrates that with the right support and networking, achieving success as an independent broker is within reach.
TAIA is honored to support brokers like Lauren who set a path towards success in achieving their goals through strong dedication and a clear vision.
We’d like to thank Lauren Bayha for sitting down with us and sharing her inspiring story!
