Where curiosity leads, connection follows.
Key Takeaways
- A meaningful conversation at NASIP helped the Arrowhead Tribal Program demonstrate its impact in real time.
- Listening closely and responding quickly led to a tailored solution — and a new opportunity to serve.
- When underwriters show up informed and aligned, it builds confidence that goes beyond the policy.
Showing up
Not every meaningful meeting starts with a calendar invite. Some begin over a shared meal at a conference dinner.
That was the case at this year’s Native American Schools Insurance Program (NASIP) conference, hosted by The Mahoney Group, where three members of the Arrowhead Tribal team connected with representatives from a tribal college considering the program.
Arrowhead General, a gold sponsor of the event that brings together tribal educators, administrators and insurance professionals, was there to support and celebrate the Native American communities they help protect — including schools, colleges and universities. The Tribal Program’s mission is, after all, to deliver tailored coverage that respects tribal sovereignty, supports long-term progress and reflects the unique needs of each Native American community.
For Tiffany Poletti, tribal program leader; Michael Ogle, tribal underwriter; and Leeanna Kersey, tribal underwriter and marketing communications lead, the conference was also an opportunity to step out from behind the desk and meet with school leaders face-to-face.
Tuning in
The team’s goal wasn’t to pitch. It was to listen. And that’s exactly what they did when the tribal college representatives began sharing their concerns. What could the Arrowhead Tribal program do for their school? What made it different? And how could Arrowhead navigate the coverage complexities they were facing?
The team leaned in with curiosity, empathy and respect. As Leeanna shared, “We listened to their unique challenges and understood their goals.”
Related: Where tribal sovereignty meets tailored protection
Digging deep
What happened next speaks volumes. Instead of launching into a sales pitch, the Arrowhead team asked more questions, clarified the college’s needs — and then got to work. Drawing on their deep knowledge of the program and real-time support from teammates working behind the scenes, they delivered an on-the-spot indication tailored to the college’s requirements. All while still at the conference.
“It’s rare for Tribal underwriters to sit down with the tribe,” said Leeanna. “But we embraced the opportunity, even if it meant missing part of the conference to find a solution. The personalized customer service we provided was worth it, as we were able to build trust that goes beyond a policy.”
Following through
The effort paid off. The college chose to move forward with the program, marking a significant win not just for Arrowhead Tribal, but also for The Mahoney Group and, most importantly, the school itself.
“It was an honor to meet with the tribe and work with them in real time to provide an indication and earn their business,” said Michael.
But this success is about more than winning the account. As Leeanna described it, “It was incredible to see how all hands were on deck to make this such a success story. It was truly a major highlight of the event, showcasing how our team works and operates.”
Related: How to build meaningful relationships in the insurance industry
Keeping it human
In the end, it wasn’t one big pitch that moved the needle. It was a thoughtful conversation, a well-timed response and a team that knew how to meet complexity with clarity. That’s how trust is built. That’s how business gets done.
The Arrowhead Tribal team’s success serves as a reminder of what it means to show up, not just physically, but fully. To lead with curiosity. To listen before offering solutions. And to deliver meaningful answers in real time, backed by a team that’s ready and aligned.
These moments may not always make headlines, but they make a difference. When field teams show up, listen closely and move with purpose, they make insurance feel personal again.
Stories like this reflect the heart of the Arrowhead Tribal Program. Learn more about who we serve and how we work here.
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This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only, is intended to apply generally rather than to any specific company and presumes appropriate discretion will be exercised regarding any particular situation.