On February 18, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the opportunity to hear from Marilyn McCullough, an Insurance Specialist with Thompson Insurance. Marilyn, who also served on the CEO Board from the program’s inception until last year, led a thoughtful and engaging discussion about adapting to change and preparing for the realities of today’s professional world.
She began by sharing her own career path and explained how being open to new opportunities helped guide her journey. Marilyn encouraged the students to remain flexible and willing to try new things, reminding them that career paths do not always follow a straight line. To make the session interactive and enjoyable, she organized a Jeopardy-style game focused on insurance topics that relate to situations young adults may face today. The activity helped the cohort better understand real-world insurance concepts in a fun and memorable way.
Throughout the visit, Marilyn also shared several important principles that have helped her succeed in business. She stressed the importance of leading with integrity by making honest and ethical decisions. She spoke about the value of building strong connections and professional relationships, while always staying true to yourself and remaining authentic. Marilyn encouraged the students to give back to their community and support others whenever possible. She also emphasized the importance of putting yourself out there, paying attention to the small details that can set you apart, and maintaining a positive growth mindset. According to Marilyn, confidence and resilience grow from having the right attitude.
In addition, she discussed the importance of teamwork and collaboration, reminding the cohort that success often comes from working with a supportive team. She encouraged the students to stay informed, ask questions, and seek referrals when building professional relationships.
Marilyn left the cohort with an important reminder: always stay open to new opportunities because you never know where they may lead, and never be afraid of failure. The Daviess County CEO Cohort greatly appreciated Marilyn’s time, insight, and willingness to share her experiences with the next generation of leaders.