Advisor education: A dynamic approach to empowering knowledge and building community
This article was produced in partnership with Desjardins Insurance.
Advisors today need more than just standard training seminars or product manuals—they require dynamic, adaptable learning resources that address the complexities of a rapidly changing industry. Recognizing this need, Desjardins Insurance has prioritized empowering advisors with tools and strategies to stay ahead of the curve, transforming challenges into opportunities.
In response, Desjardins Insurance crafted a dual approach with its Discovery Series and Master Class webinars, tailored to meet advisors at every stage in their careers and equip them with both technical know-how and human-centered insights. “We didn’t want to wait for the industry to change, so we decided to take the lead,” says David Lee, Business Development Support Manager at Desjardins Insurance.
Empowering knowledge for stronger client relationships
The Discovery Series embodies Desjardins Insurance’s commitment to creating accessible, peer-driven platforms where advisors can share real-world experiences and actionable insights. The Series empowers advisors to learn directly from their peers, offering both practical advice and inspiration to strengthen client relationships.
Through its engaging and interactive sessions, the Discovery Series fosters a sense of community, connecting advisors across the country to share best practices, successes, and challenges. “Our strategy was to democratize peer-to-peer content nationwide,” adds Lee, making it possible for advisors to hear directly from their peers in ways that are both relatable and impactful.
The Discovery Series creates a sense of connection and community, while the CE-accredited Master Class webinars offer the technical expertise advisors need to excel. Tailored to real-world applications, these webinars empower advisors to confidently apply advanced product knowledge in their practices. By combining a conversational approach with technical depth, these sessions are more than lectures—they provide actionable insights advisors can use immediately to better serve their clients.
Rebuilding community in a remote work era
Through the Discovery Series and Master Class, Desjardins Insurance fosters a sense of community and support that helps bridge this gap. In this digital space, advisors can connect with others to address shared challenges and learnings, transforming isolation into innovation.
The *Discovery Series: Unplugged* podcast expands the conversation, offering deeper dives into advisor stories, practical strategies, and expert insights. It’s another way Desjardins Insurance democratizes access to knowledge, empowering advisors to learn and grow wherever they are. This platform highlights a wide range of voices and topics that may not fit the traditional webinar format, creating a well-rounded resource for continuous learning.
A foundation rooted in cooperative values and community commitment
Desjardins Insurance’s community-driven approach lies at the heart of its mission as part of Desjardins Group, North America’s largest cooperative financial group. By supporting local growth and well-being, Desjardins Insurance not only empowers advisors but also strengthens the ties between advisors, clients, and their communities.
This commitment is reflected in initiatives like the GoodSpark Grant program, which in 2023 provided $3 million in grants to 150 local businesses. Many advisors actively participate by helping clients apply for these grants, reinforcing Desjardins cooperative mission and strengthening their ties to the community.
In 2023 alone, Desjardins returned $538 million to its members and local communities, underscoring its commitment to sustainable development. These community investments represent Desjardins dedication to supporting advisors, clients, and regional growth, creating a foundation of trust and shared purpose.
A strategy set to evolve
Desjardins Insurance is redefining advisor education to keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry. Through its innovative, multi-platform approach—including webinars, podcasts, and CE-accredited courses—Desjardins Insurance ensures advisors are equipped with the insights and resources they need to thrive in a competitive landscape.
By offering timely, relevant content from a range of voices—including advisors who don’t typically appear on industry circuits—Desjardins Insurance provides practical advice that resonates with both new and experienced advisors. These “everyday heroes,” as Lee calls them, offer grounded, relatable insights that advisors can use to improve their practices.
Through its proactive strategy, Desjardins Insurance isn’t just meeting current needs—it’s anticipating future ones. As the insurance industry changes, Desjardins Insurance’s commitment to empowering advisors will continue, building a future that prioritizes meaningful connection, sustainable growth, and a robust support network for all.
Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company. Desjardins®, Desjardins Insurance®, all trademarks containing the word Desjardins, as well as related logos are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.
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