Get to know the individuals that ignite the insurance industry as they answer our icebreaker questions.  

With more than 25 years of insurance marketing expertise, Shannon Chatman helps agencies attract new business and retain valuable existing customers. As part of the Agent for the Future Advisors team, she spends her days talking with successful independent agents about the best ways to build strong client relationships and nurture agency talent. Her consultations also cover the latest digital tools that can save agencies time and money while boosting performance.

Shannon has also been a featured guest on the Agent Support Network of America (ASNoA) Dynamic Women of Insurance podcast and is part of RISE, an industry group that empowers women in insurance.

Hi, Shannon, glad you could join us. We're just going to get personal right off the bat here. What three items are always in your handbag?
Chapstick, a pen and cough drops. Because you never know when you'll need to write a note, moisturize your lips, or cough in style.

The essentials! Sounds like you're always prepared for a minor emergency or a sudden need to doodle. If you had to enter a talent show, what would be your performance?
I'd probably perform an interpretive dance about the struggles of finding matching socks. It's a universal issue.

Finally, an artistic expression of the universal struggle. What is your favorite pizza topping?
Canadian bacon and pineapple. Controversial, I know. But add some pepperoni and barbecue sauce, and you've got a delectable treat!

The great pineapple debate continues! But hey, your pizza, your rules. What is the moment that you realized you were an adult?
Wait, I am an adult? When did this happen?!

Usually around the time you start dancing for joy because of socks. What is your coffee order?
Iced nonfat vanilla latte—even when it's cold! I like my coffee like I like my humor: chilled and a little sweet.

A bold choice! Nothing says “I'm an adult" like drinking iced coffee in a blizzard. Do you have any tattoos?
Yes, but only one. Because moderation is key ... even with permanent ink.

One tattoo, the gateway ink. Next thing you know, you'll have a sleeve dedicated to your love of coffee. What superpower do you wish you had?
Teleportation. It would make visiting family and avoiding traffic a breeze. Plus, you could skip the TSA lines at the airport. Total win.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?
Swimming. I used to swim competitively and still love it. Plus, there's less risk of falling flat on your face.

Smart choice. And a built-in excuse to rock a swim cap. What do you do to unwind after a long day at work?
Come home, turn off the noise, have some quiet time and stretch. It's like hitting the reset button on my sanity.

Much healthier than screaming into a pillow. Who has had the biggest influence on your professional career?
My dad. He pushed me to keep learning and trying new things. He always said, “Get out of your comfort zone—that's where the magic happens."

Wise words. What one piece of advice would you give to your great-grandchildren?
Never stop learning and asking why! The more you know, the more you can annoy your friends with random trivia and win at bar quizzes.

Lastly, what is something you're looking forward to?
Watching our daughter grow into a young adult and seeing how the world has changed for her. And vacation. Always vacation.

Always. Vacation. That would be my advice to my great-grandchildren. Thanks for joining us, Shannon!

This is a monthly column for Independent Agent magazine and iamagazine.com. To be featured, email hello@agencynation.com.