james m. benson is president and chief executive officer of john hancock life insurance company, a division of manulife financial corporation. overseeing insurance and annuity sales, marketing, and distribution operations, he is responsible for all of the company's distribution channels. prior to joining hancock, he was president of metlife's individual business unit and was also chairman and chief executive officer of new england financial, as well as chairman, president, and chief executive officer of genamerica financial corporation. before joining new england financial and metlife, jim held the dual position of president and chief operating officer of equitable companies, inc. and was chief executive officer of its flagship life insurance operation, equitable life assurance society. from 1968 to 1984, he held a variety of positions in sales, marketing, and product development with pacific mutual life insurance company. paul karasik is the president of the business institute, a sales and management training and consulting company. he has devoted eighteen years to helping america's financial industry professionals achieve their goals. paul is the author of six business classics, including sweet persuasion, how to make it big in the seminar business, and seminar selling: the ultimate resource guide for marketing financial services. he is the founder of the american seminar leaders association and a popular presenter at professional conferences and seminars throughout north america.