In Memory of Jim Spuller
We’re saddened to share that Jim Spuller, a long-time insurance industry leader and former Gibson sales coach, passed away on July 16, 2025. Jim had more than 40 years of experience in sales, leadership, and coaching—and he brought that expertise to Gibson in a meaningful way after retiring from Marsh. He had an unmatched ability to see potential in others and push them to grow. Many on our team benefited from his mentorship, and his legacy continues to shape the way we lead and serve.

In honor of Jim, we’re republishing this post written by Tim Leman in 2013—a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable mentor and friend.

Are you a good mentee?

Maintaining Your Network

Having good mentors and a strong network can make or break you. But have you ever taken the time to consider whether or not you are a good mentee?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been disappointed on a number of occasions when someone I’m trying to help never follows up to let me know how things turned out. Or, they asked for my assistance, and I willingly gave it, only to find they never took advantage of what I did for them.

We started our Gibson leadership blogs over 10 years ago – wow! I’ve especially enjoyed the unique collection of leadership thoughts, perspectives, and insights our guest bloggers have provided. I also want to thank our Gibson team for sharing their voices throughout the year – it was great to have so many of my fellow employee-owners featured in our posts!  

Let's celebrate our most popular blogs of 2023.  

What a year for The Edge Podcast! We recorded 21 episodes – featuring leaders from across the country and a vast array of industries and experiences. We even had a very special Mother’s Day edition featuring the one and only Ruth Leman.  

I learned so much from these guests and their journeys. They each have a unique edge in life and lessons to share. I hope you enjoyed listening to their stories!  

Let's celebrate our most popular podcast episodes of 2023.

Throwback Thursday: This 2015 blog shares important reminders for the holiday season. Take some time to listen - what bells are you hearing? 

You would be hard pressed to miss the sound of ringing bells this time of year. Church bells, sleigh bells, and of course Salvation Army bells all proclaim the joy and happiness of the Season. It makes me wonder – do we all hear the same bell?

Throwback Thursday: Are you leading to your fullest? Great reminders in this 2015 blog, inspired by Hemingway, about being resilient, introspective, adaptive, collaborative, and clear.

On a visit to Key West, I was able to spend a little time at Ernest Hemingway’s home in Key West. Hemingway resided in the house for most of the 1930s, as well as when he visited in the 1940s and 1950s. I was particularly struck by his writer’s studio on the second floor of a carriage house on the grounds.

Throwback Thursday: How do you move away from "The Doctor Is In" approach to a healthier and more productive workplace? The difference lies in a simple question. Give this throwback blog from 2018 a read for a great reminder and change in perspective. 

Like the Peanuts cartoon depicts, organizations often have someone operating a complaint department. Most visitors are well-intentioned in their session with the company “therapist.” They’re seeking coaching or advice on a challenging issue and plan to act upon it. Unfortunately, what they often get back is the equivalent of Lucy’s “Eat a jelly-bread sandwich” guidance to Charlie Brown.

Alternatively, they may just be looking to release some pent-up frustration. They’re looking for “a sympathetic ear, and the promise of keeping things ‘between us.’ In many organizations, these therapists seem to serve a valuable purpose – or at least do no real harm,” writes author, speaker, and business leader Mike Paton.

But is that really the case? Does this habit of “complaint departments” really cause no harm?

According to Tom Peters, lunch is sacred. As he sees it, throughout the year we have “225 golden-never-to-be-repeated opportunities” to meet new people, learn new things, and build and nurture relationships inside and outside our organizations.

Okay, I like lunch as much as the next person. I fill my shared lunch hours with friends and colleagues whenever I can. But I’ve never thought of it as sacred. What gives?

Throwback Thursday: Tom Peters' The Excellence Dividend provides a business case for leaders putting their people first. But what does it mean for employers to REALLY put their people first?

It’s said that most adults will spend one third of their life at work. That’s roughly 90,000 hours! Putting it in these terms provides a different context in which to view the employer-employee relationship.

Author Tom Peters says leaders need to accept responsibility for the role they play in employees’ lives. “Every leader has a moral obligation [today] to develop people so that when they leave, they are better prepared for tomorrow than when they arrived,” writes Peters.

That’s heavy. I care about our people a lot. I think about the 150+ families relying on our leaders to make good decisions with the best interest of our team at heart. Yet “moral obligation” is an even larger burden. And you know what? He’s right. We owe that to our team.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed team victories more than individual accomplishments. What’s the point of doing “it” if you can’t share the experience with others?

As much as I enjoy blogging, hosting The Edge Podcast and getting the opportunity to talk with leaders about their journeys has been a great experience! Teams, hard work, collaboration, sacrifice, family - we have hit on so many topics and I know I've learned a lot from these episodes - I hope you have, too! 

Let's celebrate our most popular podcast episodes of 2022: