The Power of Co-Leadership: Lessons from Frank Cox and Zack Pittman - Ep. 3

Listen to this episode on your favorite podcast app, including Apple and Spotify, HERE.

In this insightful episode of "Everyday Leaders, Leading Exceptionally," I had the pleasure of delving deep into the minds of co-leaders Frank Cox and Zack Pittman, who co-founded iCOR Solutions. Their journey from their stable roles at MarshBerry to starting their own impactful venture is nothing short of inspiring. We explored their combined strengths, the importance of transparency, and how their complementary styles create a powerful, cohesive leadership dynamic. Their stories of mutual respect, trust, and vulnerability provide a blueprint for effective co-leadership that truly resonates with our mission to highlight everyday leaders, leading exceptionally.

Frank shared his experiences in cultivating an environment of openness, where transparency isn't just encouraged but foundational to their success. He candidly discussed how he and Zac manage to maintain a seamless partnership by recognizing and balancing each other's strengths and weaknesses. Frank's "ACE" philosophy—Accountable, Collaborative, Enjoyable—perfectly captures their approach, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where team members feel respected and motivated. Zac complemented this by emphasizing their commitment to quick recovery from setbacks and continuous improvement, which they liken to the strategic game of golf, focusing always on the next opportunity ahead.

The episode also highlighted their innovative approach to leadership development, breaking it down into character, task, and relationships. Frank's systematic thinking and Zac's focus on keeping the big picture clear for the team have tangibly transformed their organization. Their emphasis on ongoing learning, role-playing for preparedness, and maintaining open channels of communication has set a new standard for what effective, modern leadership can look like. Listening to their journey and the wisdom they've gained along the way was not only enlightening but also a testament to the immense potential we all have when we lead with purpose and passion.

Frank Cox’s Bio:

As a Co-Founder of iCOR, Frank has a passion for growth and development, seeking to provide value on every interaction.

Prior to iCOR, Frank was the Senior Vice President of Management Consulting at MarshBerry, the nation's leading growth and advisory firm in the Insurance industry, with more than ten years of insurance sales experience and a track record for coaching, sales training, public speaking and senior executive management. Frank led a team that was focused on delivering management consultation and sales leadership to MarshBerry’s portfolio of insurance brokerage clients. 

Prior to iCOR, Frank worked as USI’s Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, which involved leading Property & Casualty (P&C) and Employee Benefits sales. His responsibilities also included senior operations management.

Frank holds both a P&C and Life & Health license and holds certifications in DiSC training and Professional Selling Skills. Frank earned his associate’s degree in business from Grand Rapids Community College and holds a bachelor’s of science in Business Management from Cornerstone University.

Zack Pittman’s Bio:

As a Co-Founder of iCOR, Zack has a passion for sales and operational improvement, focusing on the development and execution of plans that align with organizational growth.

Prior to iCOR, Zack was the Vice President of Organic Growth at MarshBerry. As a leader of MarshBerry’s Organic Growth division, Zack worked with agencies and brokerages to build an infrastructure that would achieve growth and profitability goals, as well as working with them through the continued development and execution of that process.​

Zack has a passion for helping his clients increase sales through a strategic growth plan, while improving culture and focusing on team development dynamics. Additionally, he’s driven to develop sales leaders and sales teams to help implement a successful and repeatable sales process while also assisting firms with organizational infrastructure, business planning and sales management.

Zack holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and marketing management from the University of Akron.

Connect with Frank and Zack: 

Website: https://www.icoradvantage.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icor-solutions/ 

Connect with Ashley:

Schedule a call with Ashley: https://calendly.com/evokecs 

Connect with Ashley on IG: www.instagram.com/evokecoachingservices/