The Insurtech Leadership Podcast

In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Joshua Hollander speaks with Ali Azhar, Chief Business Development Officer at Hover, a leading prop-tech and insurtech company leveraging advanced AI and 3D spatial data to streamline property assessments and claims processes. Ali shares his remarkable personal journey—from childhood entrepreneurial efforts driven by "altruistic capitalism" to founding and scaling tech companies, including ScholarshipExperts.com, and his pivot into software sales following an impactful business failure. His candid reflections offer valuable insights into resilience, reinvention, and leadership. Ali also explains Hover's groundbreaking technology, initially developed from military-inspired photogrammetry, and details how contractors "Trojan-horsed" Hover into the insurance industry. With over 10 million properties modeled, Hover's innovative approach significantly improves accuracy, reduces manual errors, and supports digital transformation across insurance and construction. In This Episode: [02:19] Ali's entrepreneurial roots and how overcoming business failure led to career reinvention. [11:33] Hover's unique technology origin story and entry into the insurance market. [20:37] Why user experience and adjuster adoption are central to Hover's growth. [22:40] Hover's aggressive investment in innovation—allocating 50% of revenue to R&D. [25:33] The evolution of Hover's interior claims automation from challenging beginnings to industry-leading solution. [29:39] Critical advice for insurtech startups: Be an innovation partner, not just a vendor. Notable Quotes: “Insurance carriers are not technology businesses—they're risk aversion experts. We have to meet them where they are.” [32:49] “The thing that always helped separate me from anyone else was I was willing to do more than what was asked.” [00:08:55] “Our bread and butter has been the exterior scoping solution. Over 10 years, we've modeled over 10 million properties.” [00:23:14] About Our Guest:   Ali Azhar is a sales and business development leader with a proven track record of driving exponential revenue growth at companies like HOVER, GoodData, and MongoDB. A serial entrepreneur, he co-founded ventures like ScholarshipExperts.com and Velocity Athletics. Known for scaling teams, adding thousands of customers, and executing high-impact strategies, Ali combines hands-on startup experience with corporate leadership. He holds a degree in Management and Marketing from the University of North Florida and champions "altruistic capitalism" in business. Resources: Ali Azhar https://www.linkedin.com/in/aazhar/ https://hover.to/ Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/  

What if insurance data weren't just extracted—but earned? In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Josh Hollander sits down with Elan Nyer, CEO and Co-Founder of Ownli, to explore how policyholders can take control of their data and become active participants in the insurance value chain. Elan shares how Ownli enables consumers to share verified, first-party data—such as mileage, location, and vehicle condition—directly with insurers, creating a permissioned, transparent data marketplace. This shift not only improves underwriting and claims accuracy but also strengthens engagement between insurers and policyholders. The conversation also dives into AI-driven verification, flexible integration models, and the larger opportunity to serve untapped, non-telematics users. Elan's vision turns traditional data collection on its head—empowering individuals to own, protect, and profit from their digital footprint. In This Episode: [00:59] Elan's background in automotive data and connected mobility [03:01] The founding insight behind Ownli: data control and transparency [05:00] Verified use cases: mileage, parking location, and condition check-ins [09:35] Serving non-telematics users with valuable, self-reported insights [12:06] Verifying user-submitted data with AI and 11-layer model architecture [14:00] Ownli's revenue-sharing model where users benefit from their data [16:30] Three integration paths: SDK, web portal, and standalone app [22:16] Building a verified “insurance profile” to streamline quoting and renewal [30:12] Regulatory challenges and advocating for individual data ownership   Notable Quotes:  “If I had verified mileage and condition on my policy, my claim would have been resolved in 24 hours. Instead, it took months.” – Elan Nyer “Your data is an asset—just like money in a bank. We're building the platform to help you own it, protect it, and earn from it.” – Elan Nyer   Our Guest: Elan Nyer is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ownli, a platform that empowers consumers to share verified, first-party insurance data through a consent-first marketplace. Previously, he led teams at Mobileye and Nexar, focusing on automotive safety and connected vehicle intelligence.   Resources: Elan Nyer – LinkedIn | Ownli Josh Hollander –  LinkedIn | Horton International | Insurtech Leadership Show

In a world where digital transactions are the norm, why are many insurers still processing paper checks for claims settlements? In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Josh Hollander talks with Shannon Elsea, founder of Settlement Done Easy, about bringing a faster, more secure approach to third-party claims. Drawing on his 30 years as a personal injury attorney, Shannon highlights the inefficiencies of traditional check-based settlements and explains how digital solutions can help both insurers and legal professionals streamline the final steps of the claims process. They also explore how Settlement Done Easy bridges compliance and security requirements—like SOC 2 and NACHA—to address legal and ethical considerations. Shannon sheds light on what it takes to bootstrap a startup in insurance, the support he's found in insurtech communities, and the potential to eventually offer same-day settlements.   In This Episode: [00:10] Introduction to Shannon - Shannon's background as a personal injury lawyer and why he built Settlement Done Easy to cut down on payment delays. [00:49] The Real Cost of Paper Checks - Insight into why paper-based settlements are slow, prone to theft, and surprisingly expensive. [02:27] Paying Third-Party Claimants - How Settlement Done Easy addresses the compliance gap when sending funds to individuals, attorneys, and law firms. [07:04] Security at the Core - An overview of the platform's SOC 2- and NACHA-compliant approach to safeguarding transactions. [18:34] Future of Same-Day Settlements- Exploring the potential for accelerating ACH timelines even further to meet market demand. [00:25:41] Bootstrapping a Startup - Shannon's journey from idea to prototype, and how mentorship and startup communities provided essential support. Notable Quotes [00:49] “We built Settlement Done Easy using current technology to replace the process of paper checks through the mail with an ACH payment.” – Shannon Elsea [02:27] “The challenge is, how do you pay the third-party claimant? How do you pay the represented claimant? And that's where Settlement Done Easy comes into the mix.” – Shannon Elsea [11:54] “Over one billion dollars worth of checks are stolen out of the mail every year in the U.S.” – Shannon Elsea   Our Guest Shannon Elsea is the founder of Settlement Done Easy, a digital platform that replaces mailed paper checks with secure ACH payments. Leveraging his 30+ years of experience as a personal injury attorney, Shannon aims to expedite insurance settlements and reduce risk for insurers and legal professionals alike.   Resources and Links   Shannon Elsea  LinkedIn | Settlement Done Easy   Josh Hollander  LinkedIn | Horton International | Insurtech Leadership Show

The insurance industry faces mounting challenges to simplify financial operations and deliver fast, seamless claim payments. In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Joshua Hollander talks with Curt Hess, U.S. Executive Vice President of Vitesse, about how the company's treasury and payment platform helps insurers, managing general agents, and third-party administrators gain real-time visibility over funds and streamline claims payments. They explore how Vitesse's technology addresses long-standing pain points, such as managing complex cash flows and reconciling accounts among multiple stakeholders. Curt explains how real-time insights, trusted fund management, and digitized settlements can enhance both operational efficiency and the policyholder experience. He also shares his perspective on leading cross-border teams, navigating market differences, and partnering with private equity. Whether you're an industry veteran or simply curious about the evolving landscape of insurance finance, this conversation provides an inside look at technology solutions reshaping treasury and claims processes.   In This Episode: [00:10] Introduction to Curt Hess - Meet the U.S. Executive Vice President of Vitesse and learn why his banking and treasury background fuels the company's expansion strategy. [02:38] Real-Time Fund Visibility - Curt explains how Vitesse's unified technology platform offers insurers real-time insights on fund flows, improving operational efficiency. [06:51] The “Last Mile” of Claims Payments - How Vitesse enables policyholders to choose their preferred payment method and reduces claim settlement times from weeks to hours. [10:40] Addressing Long-Standing Pain Points - A look at how historic inefficiencies—like scattered funds and time-consuming reconciliations—are being tackled with new solutions. [14:40] Navigating U.S. Market Differences - Key learnings from adapting a UK-born platform for the American insurance landscape, including regulatory nuances and client feedback. [25:34] Collaboration with KKR - Curt highlights Vitesse's partnership with private equity firm KKR and how it supports the company's strategic initiatives and growth. [28:24] The Industry's Future - Curt's perspective on how insurers are modernizing financial workflows in response to factors like inflation, natural disasters, and rising customer expectations.   Notable Quotes [00:07:31] "The last thing that a policyholder wants at the time of need is to worry about where their claim is and how they are going to get paid." – Curt Hess [00:20:06] "Bringing people over is super important because unless they come over and experience it, they really may not quite understand some of those differences that need to be addressed." – Curt Hess [00:23:31] "It's really important that the culture in Vitesse across the pond is the culture we want to build here in the U.S., around having humility, driving to succeed, and ultimately having a real client focus." – Curt Hess [00:28:24] "The industry is having to adapt with a number of headwinds, whether it's natural disasters, inflation, or social inflation driving things up with legal and court verdicts." – Curt Hess   Our Guest Curt Hess is the U.S. executive President of Vitesse, a global treasury and payment solutions provider specializing in the insurance industry. With a background in banking, he brings extensive experience in financial services. At Vitesse, Curt focuses on expanding operations, particularly in the U.S., and enhancing client-centric solutions for efficient claims processing and treasury management.   Resources and Links   Curt Hess https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-hess-81425251 https://www.vitesse.io/   Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true  

Commercial insurance is a billion-dollar industry—but behind the scenes, it's a mess. Agents are buried in outdated processes, struggling to keep up with client needs and fighting to prove their value in a system that just isn't built for efficiency. So, what if there was a better way? What if technology could finally give agents the tools they need to move beyond paperwork and actually reduce risk for their clients?   In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Joshua Hollander sits down with Lawson Condell, CEO and founder of Riskbly, to talk about how he's tackling these challenges head-on. Riskbly is a platform designed to modernize the fractured and siloed processes that have long plagued commercial insurance, giving agents real-time insights and better ways to manage risk.   Lawson shares his journey from working at major corporations like Oracle and Thomson Reuters to launching a platform built specifically to empower commercial agents. They dive into what's broken in the industry, why white-label solutions are a game-changer, and how Riskbly is helping agents shift from simply selling policies to becoming true risk advisors. Plus, Lawson reflects on how his military background shaped his leadership style and what he sees as the future of commercial insurance in a tech-driven world.   If you're ready to see how technology is rewriting the rules of commercial insurance, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Let's dive in! In This Episode: [00:40] Founding Riskbly – Lawson's motivation behind creating Riskbly for commercial agents. [01:07] Challenges in Commercial Insurance – The fragmented and manual processes in commercial insurance communication. [02:37] Building the Riskbly Platform – The development of Riskbly, aimed at improving agent-client interactions. [03:41] Real-Time Insights for Agents – The platform provides agents with real-time insights and risk management tools. [04:40] The Role of Agents as Risk Advisors – The importance of agents acting as risk advisors to clients. [08:48] Product Evolution – The ongoing evolution and future features of the Riskbly platform. [09:57] Team and Development – Lawson shares how he assembled his development team for product creation. [12:50] Data Analysis Capabilities – Exploration of the platform's ability to analyze data for client benefits. [16:23] Target Audience for Riskbly – The platform caters to both existing commercial agents and newcomers. [18:01] Best Practices for Successful Agents – Insights on what makes successful agents stand out. [21:03] Risk Management Transparency – How Riskbly helps demonstrate risk management efforts to insurers for better premium rates. [22:01] Comparison with Oracle – Lawson compares his tech startup experience with his time at Oracle, emphasizing platform flexibility. [25:00] Military Experience Influence – Lawson reflects on how his military background shaped his leadership philosophy and approach to business. [29:05] Client Relationships and Value Perception – The need to continually earn client trust and adapt to changing perceptions of value. Notable Quotes [00:04:26] "I come in as the risk advising agent wanting to lower your total cost of risk. We go through a diagnosis, and I find these things. You agree on it, but in six months or a year, I come back, and you haven't done anything. It's a frustrating process." – Lawson Condell   [00:14:10] "We are here to support the agent. We are here to make that agent that partners with us the very best. I promise to each agency, to each agent, I'm here to make you better. My team's here to make you better." – Lawson Condell   [00:28:13] "I think if you try to stay as close to the client and your employees as you can, and I don't mean emotionally close, I mean in the trenches with them, helping them out, figuring out what motivates them, it makes a difference." – Lawson Condell   Our Guest Lawson Condell, CEO and founder of Riskbly, a platform designed to empower commercial insurance agents with tools to manage risk, streamline operations, and deliver better value to their clients. With a background in corporate America, including roles at Oracle and Thomson Reuters, Lawson brings a wealth of experience in SaaS solutions and commercial insurance. A former military officer, Lawson's leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by his time in the Air Force.   Resources and Links   Lawson Condell https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawson-condell/ https://www.riskbly.com/   Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurt

In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Josh Hollander welcomes Nakita Devlin, CEO and Co-founder of Ric, who shares how her company is democratizing parametric insurance products for everyday Americans. Unlike traditional catastrophe coverage, Ric's approach focuses on immediate, predefined payouts triggered by meteorological events rather than complex damage assessments.   Devlin, drawing from her background as an insurance broker specializing in catastrophe coverage, explains how Ric is transforming parametric insurance from an enterprise-focused product into an accessible consumer offering. Their flagship flood product, launching in 2025, offers a $10,000 payout for $14 monthly, using only meteorological data for triggering events – a significant departure from traditional flood insurance's complex underwriting requirements.   Key Insights:  Reimagining Distribution: Rather than traditional insurance channels, Ric is partnering with employers to offer parametric coverage during benefits enrollment, positioning it alongside standard offerings like dental insurance Simplified Underwriting: Breaking from traditional catastrophe policies, Ric uses only meteorological data instead of extensive property information, making coverage more accessible and equitable Rapid Response Focus: Products designed for immediate payouts to cover both property damage and financial disruption, addressing gaps in traditional coverage that can take months to pay claims Workforce Resilience: Targeting employers whose workforces face climate risks, positioning parametric coverage as a business continuity tool Market Evolution: Using micro-parametric products to help insurers re-enter challenging markets with controlled exposure through capped payouts   Notable Quotes: "Insurance has a really big role to play in creating adaptability and resilience against climate change - not just for Fortune 500 companies, but for your average American." - [20:08] Nakita Devlin   "We think that for most Americans, even if you're making $100k a year, you're still living paycheck to paycheck... [they] shouldn't be penalized because they didn't know their home isn't properly protected for flood that's happening in 2025." - [38:57] Nakita Devlin   Key Topics Covered: [09:16] Journey from catastrophe broker to insurtech founder [15:10] Innovative distribution through employee benefits [24:27] Structuring capacity as an MGA [31:08] Product pivot based on market feedback [38:22] Strategic focus on meteorological data [41:03] Future of public-private climate partnerships   About Our Guest: Nakita Devlin is the CEO and Co-founder of Ric, bringing deep expertise from her background as a catastrophe insurance broker. Her experience managing large-scale disaster coverage programs inspired Ric's mission to make parametric insurance accessible to everyday Americans. Under her leadership, Ric is pioneering new distribution channels and simplified underwriting approaches to address climate resilience gaps. Resources: Nakita Delvin https://www.helloric.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakita-devlin-38155916   Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/ 

How do today's leaders navigate the fast-paced evolution of the insurtech space? What does it take to leverage cutting-edge technology while building sustainable and impactful businesses? From balancing innovation with operational rigor to fostering collaboration across diverse teams, leadership in insurtech requires vision, adaptability, and a relentless focus on solving customer challenges. This episode dives into the leadership journeys of two prominent figures shaping the future of insurance: Xing Xin, CEO and Co-Founder of Upfort, and Ben Jennings, CEO of Embroker. Xing shares how Upfort is redefining cyber resilience by integrating advanced cybersecurity and insurance solutions tailored for small and mid-sized businesses. Ben discusses Embroker's role in leading the Insurtech 2.0 movement, combining technological innovation with traditional insurance expertise to deliver exceptional customer value. Join host Joshua R. Hollander as he explores the pivotal moments, challenges, and strategies that have propelled these leaders to the forefront of the insurtech revolution. Hear their insights on harnessing AI, overcoming industry hurdles, and building dynamic, customer-focused organizations that thrive in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Key Insights: The importance of aligning technology with real-world business challenges. Strategies for building a collaborative and effective team culture in insurtech. Leveraging AI and data to transform customer experiences and risk management. Balancing growth with profitability in a competitive landscape. Building resilience through innovation in cyber insurance and beyond. Featured Conversations: Xing Xin, CEO & Co-Founder of Upfort [00:02:12] - Reflections on ITC and the evolution of the insurtech community. [00:05:56] - Upfort's mission to enhance cyber resilience. [00:08:16] - Using AI to reduce claim frequency by up to 75%. [00:20:18] - Managing a dual distribution strategy for enterprises and small businesses. [00:24:40] - The role of personal cyber solutions and expanding into new markets. [00:30:42] - Cultivating a balanced team culture of tech and insurance professionals. Notable Quote: “Too many people start from the technology instead of the business problem. Our focus is always on solving real-world challenges through innovation.” - Xing Xin   Ben Jennings, CEO of Embroker [00:00:39] - Observations on the tech-forward vibe at ITC 2024. [00:01:33] - How Embroker leads the Insurtech 2.0 movement. [00:03:46] - Practical applications of AI to create a seamless customer buying experience. [00:06:12] - The importance of radical prioritization and focus in leadership. [00:08:01] - Transition from Chief Revenue Officer to CEO. [00:12:19] - Balancing profitable growth with technological innovation. [00:14:08] - Advice for aspiring leaders on humility, continuous learning, and collaboration. Notable Quote: “Success in Insurtech 2.0 comes from balancing advanced technology with insurance expertise to deliver exceptional customer value.” - Ben Jennings   Key Themes: Cyber Resilience and Innovation Upfort's holistic approach to combining cybersecurity and insurance tools to reduce risk and enhance SMB resilience. Leadership in Action Ben Jennings' transition to CEO and his focus on radical prioritization and team alignment to achieve sustainable growth. AI and Data Integration Leveraging AI to transform underwriting, claims, and customer experiences. Team Building and Collaboration Insights on fostering a culture of respect and collaboration between tech and insurance professionals. Future-Focused Strategies Exploring new opportunities in personal cyber solutions and advancing Insurtech 2.0. About Our Guests: Xing Xin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Upfort, a leading platform for cyber resilience. With extensive experience in AI and cybersecurity, he has revolutionized SMB risk management and insurance. Xing previously co-founded a computer vision startup and has been at the forefront of AI-driven solutions since 2017. Ben Jennings is the CEO of Embroker, where he leads a mission to modernize and simplify commercial insurance. With over 30 years of experience in enterprise technology, Ben has guided Embroker through transformative growth, achieving a unique balance of insurance expertise and technological innovation. Resources: Upfort: upfort.com Embroker: embroker.com LinkedIn: Xing Xin LinkedIn: Ben Jennings Tune in to this engaging conversation and gain valuable insights from two leaders at the cutting edge of insurtech innovation! Don't forget to subscribe for future episodes.  

How do today's leaders navigate the fast-paced evolution of the insurtech space? What does it take to leverage cutting-edge technology while building sustainable and impactful businesses? From balancing innovation with operational rigor to fostering collaboration across diverse teams, leadership in insurtech requires vision, adaptability, and a relentless focus on solving customer challenges. This episode dives into the leadership journeys of two prominent figures shaping the future of insurance: Xing Xin, CEO and Co-Founder of Upfort, and Ben Jennings, CEO of Embroker. Xing shares how Upfort is redefining cyber resilience by integrating advanced cybersecurity and insurance solutions tailored for small and mid-sized businesses. Ben discusses Embroker's role in leading the Insurtech 2.0 movement, combining technological innovation with traditional insurance expertise to deliver exceptional customer value. Join host Joshua R. Hollander as he explores the pivotal moments, challenges, and strategies that have propelled these leaders to the forefront of the insurtech revolution. Hear their insights on harnessing AI, overcoming industry hurdles, and building dynamic, customer-focused organizations that thrive in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Key Insights: The importance of aligning technology with real-world business challenges. Strategies for building a collaborative and effective team culture in insurtech. Leveraging AI and data to transform customer experiences and risk management. Balancing growth with profitability in a competitive landscape. Building resilience through innovation in cyber insurance and beyond. Featured Conversations: Xing Xin, CEO & Co-Founder of Upfort [00:02:12] - Reflections on ITC and the evolution of the insurtech community. [00:05:56] - Upfort's mission to enhance cyber resilience. [00:08:16] - Using AI to reduce claim frequency by up to 75%. [00:20:18] - Managing a dual distribution strategy for enterprises and small businesses. [00:24:40] - The role of personal cyber solutions and expanding into new markets. [00:30:42] - Cultivating a balanced team culture of tech and insurance professionals. Notable Quote: “Too many people start from the technology instead of the business problem. Our focus is always on solving real-world challenges through innovation.” - Xing Xin   Ben Jennings, CEO of Embroker [00:00:39] - Observations on the tech-forward vibe at ITC 2024. [00:01:33] - How Embroker leads the Insurtech 2.0 movement. [00:03:46] - Practical applications of AI to create a seamless customer buying experience. [00:06:12] - The importance of radical prioritization and focus in leadership. [00:08:01] - Transition from Chief Revenue Officer to CEO. [00:12:19] - Balancing profitable growth with technological innovation. [00:14:08] - Advice for aspiring leaders on humility, continuous learning, and collaboration. Notable Quote: “Success in Insurtech 2.0 comes from balancing advanced technology with insurance expertise to deliver exceptional customer value.” - Ben Jennings   Key Themes: Cyber Resilience and Innovation Upfort's holistic approach to combining cybersecurity and insurance tools to reduce risk and enhance SMB resilience. Leadership in Action Ben Jennings' transition to CEO and his focus on radical prioritization and team alignment to achieve sustainable growth. AI and Data Integration Leveraging AI to transform underwriting, claims, and customer experiences. Team Building and Collaboration Insights on fostering a culture of respect and collaboration between tech and insurance professionals. Future-Focused Strategies Exploring new opportunities in personal cyber solutions and advancing Insurtech 2.0. About Our Guests: Xing Xin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Upfort, a leading platform for cyber resilience. With extensive experience in AI and cybersecurity, he has revolutionized SMB risk management and insurance. Xing previously co-founded a computer vision startup and has been at the forefront of AI-driven solutions since 2017. Ben Jennings is the CEO of Embroker, where he leads a mission to modernize and simplify commercial insurance. With over 30 years of experience in enterprise technology, Ben has guided Embroker through transformative growth, achieving a unique balance of insurance expertise and technological innovation. Resources: Upfort: upfort.com Embroker: embroker.com LinkedIn: Xing Xin LinkedIn: Ben Jennings Tune in to this engaging conversation and gain valuable insights from two leaders at the cutting edge of insurtech innovation! Don't forget to subscribe for future episodes.  

Why should life insurance sales be a long, complicated process? What if agents could close deals faster, more efficiently, and still deliver top-quality service? Imagine a world where the journey from initial intake to underwriting orders takes minutes, not days. It sounds almost too good to be true…   In this episode, we sit down with Hillard Milner, co-founder of Optifino, and the Xcela team—Angus Dunn, Xuejun Tao, and Nick Bowman—to explore their innovative approach to life insurance technology. We discuss how Optifino and Xcela use AI to enhance agent and client experiences, streamline processes, and address industry challenges. The conversation also delves into evolving market strategies, the importance of understanding client needs, and the industry's historical challenges with innovation. Xcela and Optifino's commitment to trust and adaptability shines through as they reshape the future of life insurance.   Tune in to learn more about the future of life insurance and how technology is transforming the industry. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights! Key Insights: The role of technology in modernizing the life insurance industry. Xcela's mission to enhance life insurance sales and distribution Strategies for market penetration and adapting to customer needs Importance of building relationships and trust with clients Overcoming legacy issues and regulatory challenges in the life insurance sector. Challenges of technology adoption in the insurance sector Dual approach to engaging both agents and management in sales Navigating lengthy sales cycles typical in the insurance industry The transformative potential of AI and the need for flexibility in tech solutions Commitment to data security and compliance in building client trust   Featured Conversations:   Hilliard Milner, Optifino [00:00:39] - The role of the platform [00:01:41] - Empowering agents [00:03:47] - User interface for agents [00:05:05] - Lead generation challenges [00:08:38] - Importance of holistic solutions [00:11:46] - Legacy issues in insurance [00:13:32] - Engaging carriers [00:20:38] - Learning and growth as a founder [00:21:46] - First key hire [00:23:22] - Future vision for the company [00:25:22] - Trends in life insurance market   Notable quote: “My co-founder has a vast amount of experience in life insurance. He built a massive brokerage that has sold over $20 billion of life insurance. We specialize in complicated cases because we have the subject matter experts and our technology adds massive value.”  Hilliard Milner   Angus Dunn, Nick Bowman & Xuejun Tao, Accela   [00:02:39] - Overview of Xcela's mission [00:03:03] - Collaborative development story [00:06:43] - Building a flexible tech stack [00:09:09] - Agent's perspective on technology [00:13:18] - Challenges in life insurance innovation [00:20:30] - Dual approach to distribution [00:24:16] - Learning from the insurance industry [00:26:11] - Team dynamics and expertise [00:27:50] - Navigating long sales cycles   Notable Quote: "I really don't like to build products and we want to sell the product first, then you build the product. The reason is because if you can sell it, you can build it. When you build a product, that means that you already have a market." - Angus Dunn   Notable Quote: “Now everything is possible, and how we actually make things happen is by taking a new approach to apply AI, especially to help the specific industry.”- Xuejun Tao   Notable Quote: “As a young person in the industry who plans on being in the industry for a very long time and really loves this industry, I cannot wait for someone else to do this. I have to bring this change.”- Nick Bowman Key Themes: Xcela's and Optifino's  Mission and Vision   Streamlining life insurance with AI   The genesis of Xcela and Optifino: A shared vision of applying AI to the insurance industry   Creating Value Beyond Efficiency   Measuring AI's impact   The importance of a flexible tech stack that can adapt to future AI advancements   Understanding the Agent's Perspective   Empowering independent agents   Go-to-market strategy   Building Relationships and Trust   Establishing rapport with clients   Customizable solutions that enhance efficiency and effectiveness   Navigating Industry Challenges   Bridging the tech gap for independent agents   Market-driven product development   The Future of Optifino and  Xcela and the Insurance Industry   Anticipating industry changes and commitment to flexibility   Evolving strategies in distribution   Building Trust in Technology   Ensuring data security   Navigating long sales cycles The Evolving Role of Financial Advisors Integrating life insurance into financial strategies Overcoming historical challenges Challenges and rewards   About Our Guests: Hilliard Milner is the Co-Founder and CRO of Optifino. He previously worked at NM Capital as a Managing Director. Hilliard Milner attended the University of Johannesburg.   Angus Dunn is a seasoned professional based in the Bay Area with over 25 years of experience working alongside both tech startups and major tech companies. His career began with assessing factories and collecting SAP data, which laid the foundation for his deep expertise in technology and business operations. After several years in that field, Angus transitioned to a startup called Velocity, a company focused on vertical applications. Velocity was later acquired by Salesforce, providing Angus with a successful exit. He spent several years at Salesforce, working on industry solutions before diving into the rapidly evolving world of AI.   Xuejun Tao is an experienced engineer and co-founder with over 30 years of industry experience. Based in the Bay Area for more than 25 years, he has built a diverse and successful career, including nearly 11 years at Google. During his time at Google, Xuejun led the development of several cloud and AI projects, playing a key role in shaping cutting-edge technologies.   Nick Bowman brings 14 years of experience in the life insurance industry, with a focus on both independent distribution and career distribution. He started his career with a hands-on approach, cold-calling clients and honing his skills in the real world. This early experience shaped his pragmatic, street-smart approach to business—something he's carried with him throughout his career.   Having worked in various capacities within the industry, Nick has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that agents face. He is particularly passionate about making life insurance more accessible and efficient for agents and their clients. Resources: Xcela: https://life.xcela.ai/ Optifino: https://optifino.com/ LinkedIn: Angus Dunn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/angus-dunn-2827b2) LinkedIn: Nick Bowman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-bowman-cfp%C2%AE-ms-cep%C2%AE-9bb31743) LinkedIn: Xuejun Tao (https://www.linkedin.com/in/xuejun-tao-0998594) LinkedIn: Hillard Milner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilliard-milner-ca-sa-578663138)

Why should life insurance sales be a long, complicated process? What if agents could close deals faster, more efficiently, and still deliver top-quality service? Imagine a world where the journey from initial intake to underwriting orders takes minutes, not days. It sounds almost too good to be true…   In this episode, we sit down with Hillard Milner, co-founder of Optifino, and the Xcela team—Angus Dunn, Xuejun Tao, and Nick Bowman—to explore their innovative approach to life insurance technology. We discuss how Optifino and Xcela use AI to enhance agent and client experiences, streamline processes, and address industry challenges. The conversation also delves into evolving market strategies, the importance of understanding client needs, and the industry's historical challenges with innovation. Xcela and Optifino's commitment to trust and adaptability shines through as they reshape the future of life insurance.   Tune in to learn more about the future of life insurance and how technology is transforming the industry. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights! Key Insights: The role of technology in modernizing the life insurance industry. Xcela's mission to enhance life insurance sales and distribution Strategies for market penetration and adapting to customer needs Importance of building relationships and trust with clients Overcoming legacy issues and regulatory challenges in the life insurance sector. Challenges of technology adoption in the insurance sector Dual approach to engaging both agents and management in sales Navigating lengthy sales cycles typical in the insurance industry The transformative potential of AI and the need for flexibility in tech solutions Commitment to data security and compliance in building client trust   Featured Conversations:   Hilliard Milner, Optifino [00:00:39] - The role of the platform [00:01:41] - Empowering agents [00:03:47] - User interface for agents [00:05:05] - Lead generation challenges [00:08:38] - Importance of holistic solutions [00:11:46] - Legacy issues in insurance [00:13:32] - Engaging carriers [00:20:38] - Learning and growth as a founder [00:21:46] - First key hire [00:23:22] - Future vision for the company [00:25:22] - Trends in life insurance market   Notable quote: “My co-founder has a vast amount of experience in life insurance. He built a massive brokerage that has sold over $20 billion of life insurance. We specialize in complicated cases because we have the subject matter experts and our technology adds massive value.”  Hilliard Milner   Angus Dunn, Nick Bowman & Xuejun Tao, Accela   [00:02:39] - Overview of Xcela's mission [00:03:03] - Collaborative development story [00:06:43] - Building a flexible tech stack [00:09:09] - Agent's perspective on technology [00:13:18] - Challenges in life insurance innovation [00:20:30] - Dual approach to distribution [00:24:16] - Learning from the insurance industry [00:26:11] - Team dynamics and expertise [00:27:50] - Navigating long sales cycles   Notable Quote: "I really don't like to build products and we want to sell the product first, then you build the product. The reason is because if you can sell it, you can build it. When you build a product, that means that you already have a market." - Angus Dunn   Notable Quote: “Now everything is possible, and how we actually make things happen is by taking a new approach to apply AI, especially to help the specific industry.”- Xuejun Tao   Notable Quote: “As a young person in the industry who plans on being in the industry for a very long time and really loves this industry, I cannot wait for someone else to do this. I have to bring this change.”- Nick Bowman Key Themes: Xcela's and Optifino's  Mission and Vision   Streamlining life insurance with AI   The genesis of Xcela and Optifino: A shared vision of applying AI to the insurance industry   Creating Value Beyond Efficiency   Measuring AI's impact   The importance of a flexible tech stack that can adapt to future AI advancements   Understanding the Agent's Perspective   Empowering independent agents   Go-to-market strategy   Building Relationships and Trust   Establishing rapport with clients   Customizable solutions that enhance efficiency and effectiveness   Navigating Industry Challenges   Bridging the tech gap for independent agents   Market-driven product development   The Future of Optifino and  Xcela and the Insurance Industry   Anticipating industry changes and commitment to flexibility   Evolving strategies in distribution   Building Trust in Technology   Ensuring data security   Navigating long sales cycles The Evolving Role of Financial Advisors Integrating life insurance into financial strategies Overcoming historical challenges Challenges and rewards   About Our Guests: Hilliard Milner is the Co-Founder and CRO of Optifino. He previously worked at NM Capital as a Managing Director. Hilliard Milner attended the University of Johannesburg.   Angus Dunn is a seasoned professional based in the Bay Area with over 25 years of experience working alongside both tech startups and major tech companies. His career began with assessing factories and collecting SAP data, which laid the foundation for his deep expertise in technology and business operations. After several years in that field, Angus transitioned to a startup called Velocity, a company focused on vertical applications. Velocity was later acquired by Salesforce, providing Angus with a successful exit. He spent several years at Salesforce, working on industry solutions before diving into the rapidly evolving world of AI.   Xuejun Tao is an experienced engineer and co-founder with over 30 years of industry experience. Based in the Bay Area for more than 25 years, he has built a diverse and successful career, including nearly 11 years at Google. During his time at Google, Xuejun led the development of several cloud and AI projects, playing a key role in shaping cutting-edge technologies.   Nick Bowman brings 14 years of experience in the life insurance industry, with a focus on both independent distribution and career distribution. He started his career with a hands-on approach, cold-calling clients and honing his skills in the real world. This early experience shaped his pragmatic, street-smart approach to business—something he's carried with him throughout his career.   Having worked in various capacities within the industry, Nick has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that agents face. He is particularly passionate about making life insurance more accessible and efficient for agents and their clients. Resources: Xcela: https://life.xcela.ai/ Optifino: https://optifino.com/ LinkedIn: Angus Dunn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/angus-dunn-2827b2) LinkedIn: Nick Bowman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-bowman-cfp%C2%AE-ms-cep%C2%AE-9bb31743) LinkedIn: Xuejun Tao (https://www.linkedin.com/in/xuejun-tao-0998594) LinkedIn: Hillard Milner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilliard-milner-ca-sa-578663138)

Is the insurance industry ready to embrace collaboration as the key to modernization? How are traditional players leveraging technology to deliver customer-centric solutions while preserving their heritage? In this third installment of our series from ITC, we uncover how three industry leaders are driving innovation through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology. Our conversations with Dorothy Kelly of Verisk, Carlos Cendre of MAPFRE, and Steve Johnson of Insured.IO reveal how established organizations redefine success by blending tradition with innovation. Their insights highlight that transformation isn't just about adopting the latest tools—it's about addressing core customer needs and building lasting value.   Episode Highlights Episode 1: Dorothy Kelly, VP of Innovation at Verisk [00:15] Verisk's approach to fostering innovation through employee-generated ideas. [03:30] The importance of aligning innovation with customer needs. [07:00] How Verisk integrates cross-divisional data for impactful solutions. Notable Quote: "Data is the currency of the future, and we're here to help companies spend it wisely." Episode 2: Carlos Cendre, Scouting and Investment Lead at MAPFRE [00:05] Insights into MAPFRE's global strategy and its significant presence in LATAM markets. [06:40] Building partnerships to address issues like climate change and cybersecurity. [09:30] Embracing trends such as embedded and parametric insurance to stay competitive. Notable Quote: "Innovation doesn't replace tradition; it builds upon it." Episode 3: Steve Johnson, Founder of Insured.IO [00:20] The importance of user experience in customer retention. [05:00] The transition from professional services to a scalable SaaS platform. [09:10] Overcoming resistance to digital transformation in established markets. Notable Quote: "Trust is earned one interaction at a time, and technology helps us get there faster." Key Themes Innovation in Insurance How industry giants foster a culture of innovation internally and through external partnerships. The critical role of customer insights in shaping new products and services. Global Strategy and Local Adaptation The balance of operating with a large global footprint while addressing local market needs effectively. Digital Transformation and User Experience The shift to mobile-first and omni-channel strategies to meet changing customer expectations. Emerging Trends  The growing importance of AI, embedded insurance, and sustainability solutions.   About the Guests Dorothy Kelly Dorothy Kelly is at the forefront of innovation at Verisk, where she spearheads initiatives that democratize ideation and empower employees across the organization to contribute transformative concepts. By fostering a culture of collaboration and prioritizing customer-centric solutions, Dorothy drives impactful changes that address the evolving needs of the insurance and risk management sectors. Her passion for innovation and strategic leadership ensures Verisk remains a trailblazer in its industry.   Carlos Cendre Carlos Cendre leads MAPFRE's global startup collaboration efforts, where he focuses on harnessing cutting-edge innovation to address critical challenges, including climate change, cybersecurity, and other emerging trends. With a keen eye for identifying strategic partnerships and disruptive technologies, Carlos bridges the gap between traditional insurance practices and the dynamic startup ecosystem, driving meaningful progress for MAPFRE and its stakeholders.   Steve Johnson Steve Johnson is the visionary founder of Insured.IO, a pioneering SaaS platform dedicated to transforming the insured experience. With a deep understanding of the insurance landscape, Steve combines technical expertise and customer insights to deliver innovative solutions that streamline processes, enhance user satisfaction, and optimize outcomes for insurers and policyholders alike. His leadership has established Insured I.O. as a leader in the insurtech space.   Resources   Dorothy Kelly LinkedIn Verisk Steve Johnson LinkedIn Insured.io Carlos Cendre Linkedin mapfre.com 

Is the insurance industry ready to embrace collaboration as the key to modernization? How are traditional players leveraging technology to deliver customer-centric solutions while preserving their heritage? In this third installment of our series from ITC, we uncover how three industry leaders are driving innovation through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology. Our conversations with Dorothy Kelly of Verisk, Carlos Cendre of MAPFRE, and Steve Johnson of Insured.IO reveal how established organizations redefine success by blending tradition with innovation. Their insights highlight that transformation isn't just about adopting the latest tools—it's about addressing core customer needs and building lasting value.   Episode Highlights Episode 1: Dorothy Kelly, VP of Innovation at Verisk [00:15] Verisk's approach to fostering innovation through employee-generated ideas. [03:30] The importance of aligning innovation with customer needs. [07:00] How Verisk integrates cross-divisional data for impactful solutions. Notable Quote: "Data is the currency of the future, and we're here to help companies spend it wisely." Episode 2: Carlos Cendre, Scouting and Investment Lead at MAPFRE [00:05] Insights into MAPFRE's global strategy and its significant presence in LATAM markets. [06:40] Building partnerships to address issues like climate change and cybersecurity. [09:30] Embracing trends such as embedded and parametric insurance to stay competitive. Notable Quote: "Innovation doesn't replace tradition; it builds upon it." Episode 3: Steve Johnson, Founder of Insured.IO [00:20] The importance of user experience in customer retention. [05:00] The transition from professional services to a scalable SaaS platform. [09:10] Overcoming resistance to digital transformation in established markets. Notable Quote: "Trust is earned one interaction at a time, and technology helps us get there faster." Key Themes Innovation in Insurance How industry giants foster a culture of innovation internally and through external partnerships. The critical role of customer insights in shaping new products and services. Global Strategy and Local Adaptation The balance of operating with a large global footprint while addressing local market needs effectively. Digital Transformation and User Experience The shift to mobile-first and omni-channel strategies to meet changing customer expectations. Emerging Trends  The growing importance of AI, embedded insurance, and sustainability solutions.   About the Guests Dorothy Kelly Dorothy Kelly is at the forefront of innovation at Verisk, where she spearheads initiatives that democratize ideation and empower employees across the organization to contribute transformative concepts. By fostering a culture of collaboration and prioritizing customer-centric solutions, Dorothy drives impactful changes that address the evolving needs of the insurance and risk management sectors. Her passion for innovation and strategic leadership ensures Verisk remains a trailblazer in its industry.   Carlos Cendre Carlos Cendre leads MAPFRE's global startup collaboration efforts, where he focuses on harnessing cutting-edge innovation to address critical challenges, including climate change, cybersecurity, and other emerging trends. With a keen eye for identifying strategic partnerships and disruptive technologies, Carlos bridges the gap between traditional insurance practices and the dynamic startup ecosystem, driving meaningful progress for MAPFRE and its stakeholders.   Steve Johnson Steve Johnson is the visionary founder of Insured.IO, a pioneering SaaS platform dedicated to transforming the insured experience. With a deep understanding of the insurance landscape, Steve combines technical expertise and customer insights to deliver innovative solutions that streamline processes, enhance user satisfaction, and optimize outcomes for insurers and policyholders alike. His leadership has established Insured I.O. as a leader in the insurtech space. Resources   Dorothy Kelly LinkedIn Verisk Steve Johnson LinkedIn Insured.io Carlos Cendre Linkedin mapfre.com 

Is the insurance industry ready to embrace collaboration as the key to modernization? How are traditional players leveraging technology to deliver customer-centric solutions while preserving their heritage? In this third installment of our series from ITC, we uncover how three industry leaders are driving innovation through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology. Our conversations with Dorothy Kelly of Verisk, Carlos Cendre of MAPFRE, and Steve Johnson of Insured.IO reveal how established organizations redefine success by blending tradition with innovation. Their insights highlight that transformation isn't just about adopting the latest tools—it's about addressing core customer needs and building lasting value.   Episode Highlights Episode 1: Dorothy Kelly, VP of Innovation at Verisk [00:15] Verisk's approach to fostering innovation through employee-generated ideas. [03:30] The importance of aligning innovation with customer needs. [07:00] How Verisk integrates cross-divisional data for impactful solutions. Notable Quote: "Data is the currency of the future, and we're here to help companies spend it wisely." Episode 2: Carlos Cendre, Scouting and Investment Lead at MAPFRE [00:05] Insights into MAPFRE's global strategy and its significant presence in LATAM markets. [06:40] Building partnerships to address issues like climate change and cybersecurity. [09:30] Embracing trends such as embedded and parametric insurance to stay competitive. Notable Quote: "Innovation doesn't replace tradition; it builds upon it." Episode 3: Steve Johnson, Founder of Insured.IO [00:20] The importance of user experience in customer retention. [05:00] The transition from professional services to a scalable SaaS platform. [09:10] Overcoming resistance to digital transformation in established markets. Notable Quote: "Trust is earned one interaction at a time, and technology helps us get there faster." Key Themes Innovation in Insurance How industry giants foster a culture of innovation internally and through external partnerships. The critical role of customer insights in shaping new products and services. Global Strategy and Local Adaptation The balance of operating with a large global footprint while addressing local market needs effectively. Digital Transformation and User Experience The shift to mobile-first and omni-channel strategies to meet changing customer expectations. Emerging Trends  The growing importance of AI, embedded insurance, and sustainability solutions.   About the Guests Dorothy Kelly Dorothy Kelly is at the forefront of innovation at Verisk, where she spearheads initiatives that democratize ideation and empower employees across the organization to contribute transformative concepts. By fostering a culture of collaboration and prioritizing customer-centric solutions, Dorothy drives impactful changes that address the evolving needs of the insurance and risk management sectors. Her passion for innovation and strategic leadership ensures Verisk remains a trailblazer in its industry.   Carlos Cendre Carlos Cendre leads MAPFRE's global startup collaboration efforts, where he focuses on harnessing cutting-edge innovation to address critical challenges, including climate change, cybersecurity, and other emerging trends. With a keen eye for identifying strategic partnerships and disruptive technologies, Carlos bridges the gap between traditional insurance practices and the dynamic startup ecosystem, driving meaningful progress for MAPFRE and its stakeholders.   Steve Johnson Steve Johnson is the visionary founder of Insured.IO, a pioneering SaaS platform dedicated to transforming the insured experience. With a deep understanding of the insurance landscape, Steve combines technical expertise and customer insights to deliver innovative solutions that streamline processes, enhance user satisfaction, and optimize outcomes for insurers and policyholders alike. His leadership has established Insured I.O. as a leader in the insurtech space. Resources   Dorothy Kelly LinkedIn Verisk Steve Johnson LinkedIn Insured.io Carlos Cendre Linkedin mapfre.com 

Is the insurance industry finally ready to move beyond buzzwords to meaningful AI implementation? How are innovative companies translating data into actionable insights? In this special episode of our ITC series, we explore how three companies are taking different approaches to harnessing AI and analytics to solve real industry challenges. Our conversations with Leandro DalleMule of Planck, Sean Merat of Owl.co, and Dennis Ellis of Credit Karma reveal how mature AI solutions are finally addressing longstanding operational challenges in insurance. Their approaches demonstrate that success with AI isn't about the technology itself—it's about solving specific business problems and delivering measurable outcomes.   Key Insights: - The evolution of AI in insurance from experimental to practical - How companies are moving beyond data collection to actionable insights - The critical balance between automation and human judgment - The role of domain expertise in building effective AI solutions - Importance of focusing on business problems rather than technology   Featured Conversations:   Sean Merat, CEO of Owl.co [01:50] Journey into insurance technology [02:46] Owl.co's claims insights engine approach [03:34] The human element in AI-driven decisions [04:14] Focus on bodily injury claims processing [05:46] Compliance and ethical considerations in claims data   Notable Quote: "We are big ambassadors into the thought process that there should always be a human in the loop. Even though we're an AI company, we think that AI should be working on mundane aspects of the day-to-day lives of claims professionals, but the decisioning should always be on the human."   Dennis Ellis, General Manager of Insurance at Credit Karma [01:50] Transition from Zendrive to Credit Karma [09:22] Creating frictionless insurance experiences [13:09] First 90 days leading post-acquisition integration [15:23] Building awareness for insurance offerings [23:01] Connecting credit data with insurance opportunities   Notable Quote: "What we focus on in all of our products, but in insurance especially, is how do we create a marketplace that allows people to have kind of frictionless certainty?" Leandro DalleMule, Global Head of Insurance at Planck [01:35] Background in insurance analytics [02:17] Evolution from data management to AI solutions [07:47] Product market fit journey [08:16] Early adoption of AI in insurance [09:48] Focus on solving underwriting pain points   Notable Quote: "We never really framed it as, you need AI. We always try to frame it in terms of your pain points from an insurance, very specific carrier point of view." Key Themes:   AI Implementation Strategy - Moving beyond buzzwords to practical solutions - Focus on specific business problems and outcomes - Balance between automation and human judgment   Data Analytics Evolution - Transition from data collection to actionable insights - Integration of multiple data sources - Importance of compliance and ethical considerations   Market Education - Building understanding of AI capabilities - Demonstrating concrete business value - Setting realistic expectations for AI implementation   Digital Transformation - Creating seamless user experiences - Integrating technology with existing workflows - Measuring and proving ROI   About Our Guests:   Leandro DalleMule leads Planck's global insurance initiatives, bringing extensive experience from roles at AIG and other major financial institutions. His background in data analytics and insurance operations provides unique insights into practical AI implementation. Sean Merat co-founded Owl.co, which works with 16 of the top 20 largest carriers to enhance claims processing through AI-driven insights. His focus is on making claims decisioning faster and more effective while maintaining human oversight. Dennis Ellis serves as General Manager of Insurance at Credit Karma, following their acquisition of Zendrive. He focuses on creating frictionless insurance experiences that leverage both credit and behavioral data.   Resources: Sean Merat & Owl.co - https://www.owl.co - LinkedIn: [Sean Mehrat](https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmerat/)   Dennis Ellis & Credit Karma - https://www.creditkarma.com/insurance - LinkedIn: [Dennis Ellis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-ellis)   Leandro DalleMule & Planck - https://www.planckdata.com - LinkedIn: [Leandro DalleMule](https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandrodallemule/)   This episode launches our exploration of how AI and analytics are transforming various aspects of insurance operations, from underwriting to claims to customer experience. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes focusing on distribution, collaboration, innovation, and leadership.  

Is the insurance industry finally ready to move beyond buzzwords to meaningful AI implementation? How are innovative companies translating data into actionable insights? In this special episode of our ITC series, we explore how three companies are taking different approaches to harnessing AI and analytics to solve real industry challenges. Our conversations with Leandro DalleMule of Planck, Sean Merat of Owl.co, and Dennis Ellis of Credit Karma reveal how mature AI solutions are finally addressing longstanding operational challenges in insurance. Their approaches demonstrate that success with AI isn't about the technology itself—it's about solving specific business problems and delivering measurable outcomes.   Key Insights: - The evolution of AI in insurance from experimental to practical - How companies are moving beyond data collection to actionable insights - The critical balance between automation and human judgment - The role of domain expertise in building effective AI solutions - Importance of focusing on business problems rather than technology   Featured Conversations:   Sean Merat, CEO of Owl.co [01:50] Journey into insurance technology [02:46] Owl.co's claims insights engine approach [03:34] The human element in AI-driven decisions [04:14] Focus on bodily injury claims processing [05:46] Compliance and ethical considerations in claims data   Notable Quote: "We are big ambassadors into the thought process that there should always be a human in the loop. Even though we're an AI company, we think that AI should be working on mundane aspects of the day-to-day lives of claims professionals, but the decisioning should always be on the human."   Dennis Ellis, General Manager of Insurance at Credit Karma [01:50] Transition from Zendrive to Credit Karma [09:22] Creating frictionless insurance experiences [13:09] First 90 days leading post-acquisition integration [15:23] Building awareness for insurance offerings [23:01] Connecting credit data with insurance opportunities   Notable Quote: "What we focus on in all of our products, but in insurance especially, is how do we create a marketplace that allows people to have kind of frictionless certainty?" Leandro DalleMule, Global Head of Insurance at Planck [01:35] Background in insurance analytics [02:17] Evolution from data management to AI solutions [07:47] Product market fit journey [08:16] Early adoption of AI in insurance [09:48] Focus on solving underwriting pain points   Notable Quote: "We never really framed it as, you need AI. We always try to frame it in terms of your pain points from an insurance, very specific carrier point of view." Key Themes:   AI Implementation Strategy - Moving beyond buzzwords to practical solutions - Focus on specific business problems and outcomes - Balance between automation and human judgment   Data Analytics Evolution - Transition from data collection to actionable insights - Integration of multiple data sources - Importance of compliance and ethical considerations   Market Education - Building understanding of AI capabilities - Demonstrating concrete business value - Setting realistic expectations for AI implementation   Digital Transformation - Creating seamless user experiences - Integrating technology with existing workflows - Measuring and proving ROI   About Our Guests:   Leandro DalleMule leads Planck's global insurance initiatives, bringing extensive experience from roles at AIG and other major financial institutions. His background in data analytics and insurance operations provides unique insights into practical AI implementation. Sean Merat co-founded Owl.co, which works with 16 of the top 20 largest carriers to enhance claims processing through AI-driven insights. His focus is on making claims decisioning faster and more effective while maintaining human oversight. Dennis Ellis serves as General Manager of Insurance at Credit Karma, following their acquisition of Zendrive. He focuses on creating frictionless insurance experiences that leverage both credit and behavioral data.   Resources: Sean Merat & Owl.co - https://www.owl.co - LinkedIn: [Sean Mehrat](https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmerat/)   Dennis Ellis & Credit Karma - https://www.creditkarma.com/insurance - LinkedIn: [Dennis Ellis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-ellis)   Leandro DalleMule & Planck - https://www.planckdata.com - LinkedIn: [Leandro DalleMule](https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandrodallemule/)   This episode launches our exploration of how AI and analytics are transforming various aspects of insurance operations, from underwriting to claims to customer experience. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes focusing on distribution, collaboration, innovation, and leadership.  

Is the insurance industry finally ready to move beyond buzzwords to meaningful AI implementation? How are innovative companies translating data into actionable insights? In this special episode of our ITC series, we explore how three companies are taking different approaches to harnessing AI and analytics to solve real industry challenges. Our conversations with Leandro DalleMule of Planck, Sean Merat of Owl.co, and Dennis Ellis of Credit Karma reveal how mature AI solutions are finally addressing longstanding operational challenges in insurance. Their approaches demonstrate that success with AI isn't about the technology itself—it's about solving specific business problems and delivering measurable outcomes.   Key Insights: - The evolution of AI in insurance from experimental to practical - How companies are moving beyond data collection to actionable insights - The critical balance between automation and human judgment - The role of domain expertise in building effective AI solutions - Importance of focusing on business problems rather than technology   Featured Conversations:   Sean Merat, CEO of Owl.co [01:50] Journey into insurance technology [02:46] Owl.co's claims insights engine approach [03:34] The human element in AI-driven decisions [04:14] Focus on bodily injury claims processing [05:46] Compliance and ethical considerations in claims data   Notable Quote: "We are big ambassadors into the thought process that there should always be a human in the loop. Even though we're an AI company, we think that AI should be working on mundane aspects of the day-to-day lives of claims professionals, but the decisioning should always be on the human."   Dennis Ellis, General Manager of Insurance at Credit Karma [01:50] Transition from Zendrive to Credit Karma [09:22] Creating frictionless insurance experiences [13:09] First 90 days leading post-acquisition integration [15:23] Building awareness for insurance offerings [23:01] Connecting credit data with insurance opportunities   Notable Quote: "What we focus on in all of our products, but in insurance especially, is how do we create a marketplace that allows people to have kind of frictionless certainty?" Leandro DalleMule, Global Head of Insurance at Planck [01:35] Background in insurance analytics [02:17] Evolution from data management to AI solutions [07:47] Product market fit journey [08:16] Early adoption of AI in insurance [09:48] Focus on solving underwriting pain points   Notable Quote: "We never really framed it as, you need AI. We always try to frame it in terms of your pain points from an insurance, very specific carrier point of view." Key Themes:   AI Implementation Strategy - Moving beyond buzzwords to practical solutions - Focus on specific business problems and outcomes - Balance between automation and human judgment   Data Analytics Evolution - Transition from data collection to actionable insights - Integration of multiple data sources - Importance of compliance and ethical considerations   Market Education - Building understanding of AI capabilities - Demonstrating concrete business value - Setting realistic expectations for AI implementation   Digital Transformation - Creating seamless user experiences - Integrating technology with existing workflows - Measuring and proving ROI   About Our Guests:   Leandro DalleMule leads Planck's global insurance initiatives, bringing extensive experience from roles at AIG and other major financial institutions. His background in data analytics and insurance operations provides unique insights into practical AI implementation. Sean Merat co-founded Owl.co, which works with 16 of the top 20 largest carriers to enhance claims processing through AI-driven insights. His focus is on making claims decisioning faster and more effective while maintaining human oversight. Dennis Ellis serves as General Manager of Insurance at Credit Karma, following their acquisition of Zendrive. He focuses on creating frictionless insurance experiences that leverage both credit and behavioral data.   Resources: Sean Merat & Owl.co - https://www.owl.co - LinkedIn: [Sean Mehrat](https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmerat/)   Dennis Ellis & Credit Karma - https://www.creditkarma.com/insurance - LinkedIn: [Dennis Ellis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-ellis)   Leandro DalleMule & Planck - https://www.planckdata.com - LinkedIn: [Leandro DalleMule](https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandrodallemule/)   This episode launches our exploration of how AI and analytics are transforming various aspects of insurance operations, from underwriting to claims to customer experience. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes focusing on distribution, collaboration, innovation, and leadership.  

Is the insurance industry finally ready to shed its reputation for being process-heavy? How are innovative companies using technology to free up human potential? In this special episode of our ITC series, we explore how two companies are taking different approaches to transforming core insurance workflows.   Our conversations with Carl Ziadé of Gaia and David McFarland of Coterie reveal how mature, focused solutions are finally addressing longstanding operational inefficiencies in insurance. Their approaches demonstrate that automation isn't just about speed—it's about enabling insurance professionals to focus on what they do best: building relationships and providing strategic guidance.   Key Insights: The evolution of process automation in insurance from experimental to practical Why previous attempts to solve workflow challenges have fallen short How data entry remains the industry's biggest operational burden Balancing technological innovation with industry realities The role of insurance expertise in building effective solutions   Featured Conversations:   Carl Ziadé, Co-founder of Gaia [02:33] Journey from Stanford Business School to insurance automation [05:38] The "super copy, super paste" approach to solving data entry [08:14] Why APIs aren't the complete solution to industry inefficiencies [13:45] Building technology that works with existing infrastructure [15:27] The importance of organic growth with agent input [25:55] Vision for AI-powered CSR capabilities [28:53] Maintaining the human element in automated processes   Notable Quote: "Data entry is the single biggest pain point this industry is struggling with... We need to get out of it." - Carl Ziadé   David McFarland, CEO of Coterie [02:00] From actuarial insights to identifying market opportunity [03:09] Making small commercial insurance accessible and efficient [07:18] Strategic timing in the insurtech investment landscape [19:29] The "stupidly easy" approach to insurance operations [22:29] Evolution and future of the MGA market [27:28] Navigating reinsurance relationships and capital requirements [31:20] Practical applications of AI in insurance operations   Notable Quote: "We seek to make life easy for our distribution partners... we really strive to make it stupidly easy to get a BOP, GL, miscellaneous professional liability for that small business owner." - David McFarland   Key Themes: Process Innovation   Moving beyond traditional workflow solutions   Addressing core operational inefficiencies   Creating sustainable automation approaches Market Evolution   Maturation of insurtech solutions   Growing importance of the MGA model   Balance of venture capital and insurance expertise Technology Implementation    Role of APIs vs. alternative solutions    Integration with existing systems    Practical application of AI and automation Human-Centric Design   Focusing on user experience   Maintaining relationship value   Enabling rather than replacing human interaction   About Our Guests: Carl Ziadé is the co-founder of Gaia, bringing a unique perspective from his journey through Stanford Business School and various startup ventures. His focus on solving the insurance industry's data entry challenge has led to innovative solutions that work within existing workflows.   David McFarland, CEO of Coterie, combines his actuarial background with entrepreneurial vision to transform small commercial insurance delivery. His experience spans from the National Council on Compensation Insurance to pioneering new approaches in insurtech.   Resources: Gaia: https://www.gaiainsurtech.com Coterie: https://www.coterieinsurance.com LinkedIn: Carl Ziadé (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlziade/) LinkedIn: David McFarlan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmcfarland/)   This episode launches our special ITC series exploring how technology is transforming various aspects of insurance operations, distribution, data analytics, and customer experience. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes focusing on data and AI, collaboration, life insurance innovation, and leadership

Is the insurance industry finally ready to shed its reputation for being process-heavy? How are innovative companies using technology to free up human potential? In this special episode of our ITC series, we explore how two companies are taking different approaches to transforming core insurance workflows.   Our conversations with Carl Ziadé of Gaia and David McFarland of Coterie reveal how mature, focused solutions are finally addressing longstanding operational inefficiencies in insurance. Their approaches demonstrate that automation isn't just about speed—it's about enabling insurance professionals to focus on what they do best: building relationships and providing strategic guidance.   Key Insights: The evolution of process automation in insurance from experimental to practical Why previous attempts to solve workflow challenges have fallen short How data entry remains the industry's biggest operational burden Balancing technological innovation with industry realities The role of insurance expertise in building effective solutions   Featured Conversations:   Carl Ziadé, Co-founder of Gaia [02:33] Journey from Stanford Business School to insurance automation [05:38] The "super copy, super paste" approach to solving data entry [08:14] Why APIs aren't the complete solution to industry inefficiencies [13:45] Building technology that works with existing infrastructure [15:27] The importance of organic growth with agent input [25:55] Vision for AI-powered CSR capabilities [28:53] Maintaining the human element in automated processes   Notable Quote: "Data entry is the single biggest pain point this industry is struggling with... We need to get out of it." - Carl Ziadé   David McFarland, CEO of Coterie [02:00] From actuarial insights to identifying market opportunity [03:09] Making small commercial insurance accessible and efficient [07:18] Strategic timing in the insurtech investment landscape [19:29] The "stupidly easy" approach to insurance operations [22:29] Evolution and future of the MGA market [27:28] Navigating reinsurance relationships and capital requirements [31:20] Practical applications of AI in insurance operations   Notable Quote: "We seek to make life easy for our distribution partners... we really strive to make it stupidly easy to get a BOP, GL, miscellaneous professional liability for that small business owner." - David McFarland   Key Themes: Process Innovation   Moving beyond traditional workflow solutions   Addressing core operational inefficiencies Creating sustainable automation approaches Market Evolution   Maturation of insurtech solutions   Growing importance of the MGA model   Balance of venture capital and insurance expertise Technology Implementation    Role of APIs vs. alternative solutions    Integration with existing systems    Practical application of AI and automation Human-Centric Design   Focusing on user experience   Maintaining relationship value   Enabling rather than replacing human interaction   About Our Guests: Carl Ziadé is the co-founder of Gaia, bringing a unique perspective from his journey through Stanford Business School and various startup ventures. His focus on solving the insurance industry's data entry challenge has led to innovative solutions that work within existing workflows.   David McFarland, CEO of Coterie, combines his actuarial background with entrepreneurial vision to transform small commercial insurance delivery. His experience spans from the National Council on Compensation Insurance to pioneering new approaches in insurtech.   Resources: Gaia: https://www.gaiainsurtech.com Coterie: https://www.coterieinsurance.com LinkedIn: Carl Ziadé (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlziade/) LinkedIn: David McFarlan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmcfarland/)   This episode launches our special ITC series exploring how technology is transforming various aspects of insurance operations, distribution, data analytics, and customer experience. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes focusing on data and AI, collaboration, life insurance innovation, and leadership  

In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, recorded live at the InsureTech Connect (ITC) conference, host Josh Hollander sits down with Bobbie Shrivastav and Renu Ann Joseph to discuss the launch of their groundbreaking book series, Momentum. The first book,  Makers and Builders Edition, showcases ten unfiltered stories from women making waves in insurtech, from bootstrapped founders to venture-backed entrepreneurs.    Through personal narratives and powerful imagery, this series documents the journeys of women founders who are reshaping the industry's future, addressing the stark reality of the 2% venture capital funding gap, and creating pathways for the next generation of female innovators.   Key Insights:  Overview of the "Momentum" book series and its mission to amplify women's voices in insurtech Unique structured-yet-unfiltered approach to sharing founders' experiences Strategic use of visual storytelling to make complex industry narratives accessible Celebration of diverse paths to success, from bootstrapped to venture-backed founders Impact of representation on inspiring young girls in tech and insurance Personal stories of resilience, including cancer survivors and industry pioneers Building a supportive ecosystem for women in insurtech Power of physical printed books in creating lasting impact and inspiration Plans for future editions focusing on resilience, leadership, and Gen Z innovators   Key Topics Covered: - [00:10] Introduction to Momentum and its mission - [01:09] Inspirational stories and unfiltered narratives - [02:44] Unique storytelling format combining photos and personal stories - [03:33] Launch experience and community support - [04:27] Impact of physical books on next generation - [06:08] Diverse founder journeys and paths to success - [08:59] Breaking through industry barriers and challenges - [10:08] Venture funding gaps and alternative success metrics - [11:18] Future plans for amplifying more voices - [13:33] Maintaining authenticity in storytelling Notable Quotes: "My daughter was telling me, 'How many books did you print?' I said, '150.' She asked, 'Can I be the 150th person to receive the book?' She's nine, and she's truly been my inspiration for my startups." - [03:33] - Bobbie   "There is a background on their own personal journey. How did they grow up? Why did they fall into insurance? How did they pick the ideas they worked on, and what are the barriers? It's very, very personal." - [06:08] - Renu   "One of them said, 'I did it,' because she almost backed out of writing her story, thinking she wasn't there yet. I told her, 'Your story needs to be told. You will get there.'" - [10:01] - Bobbie   "Many of these women have great businesses without taking a single penny of investor money. For me, that is a success story." - [11:11] - Renu   About Our Guests: Bobbie Shrivastav is a dynamic leader in the insurance and technology sectors, strongly focusing on promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. As co-founder of Momentum, a groundbreaking book series, she works to amplify the voices of women, founders, and innovators shaping the future of insurtech. Through her work, Bobbie is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders, advocating for resilience, creativity, and leadership in insurance and technology.   Dr. Renu Ann Joseph is a passionate advocate for diversity and innovation in the insurance and technology sectors. As co-founder of Momentum, a transformative book series, she amplifies the stories of women, founders, and industry leaders shaping the future of insurtech. Renu's commitment to leadership, resilience, and creativity drives her work to inspire future generations and break barriers for underrepresented voices in the tech and insurance fields.   Resources: Bobbie Shrivastav https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbieshrivastav/ https://beacons.ai/bshrivastav https://themomentumbook.com/   Renu Ann Joseph https://www.linkedin.com/in/renu-ann-joseph-changemaker1/ https://themomentumbook.com/     Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true  https://www.insurtechassociation.org/  https://innsure.org/  Mentioned Momentum: Makers and Builders  

Is voice analytics the next frontier in insurance risk assessment and fraud detection? How can military-grade technology transform insurance operations? In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Joshua R. Hollander sits down with Manjit Rana, Executive VP for UK, EMEA & APAC at ClearSpeed, to explore how their innovative voice analytics technology is revolutionizing risk assessment across multiple industries.   Key Insights: How ClearSpeed's military-derived voice analytics technology identifies risk in vocal responses Strategies for implementing new technology in the insurance industry The importance of attracting fresh talent to insurance through innovation Why disruption in insurance is likely to come from outside the industry The role of data ownership in future insurance models Manjit shares ClearSpeed's journey from military applications to insurance, offering valuable insights into their go to-market strategy and the challenges of introducing innovative technology to a traditionally conservative industry. The episode also examines how non-insurance sectors could potentially disrupt the insurance landscape through unique data assets and customer relationships In This Episode: [01:11] Career journey and transition to ClearSpeed [04:34] Explanation of ClearSpeed's voice analytics technology [12:03] Discussion of risk scoring and comparison to FICO scores [16:04] Implementation strategies and use cases [21:12] Go-to-market approach and creating FOMO in the marketplace [25:31] Addressing industry objections and concerns [30:27] Examples of industry disruption from outside players [36:28] Attracting talent to the insurance industry [38:34] The difference between digitization and true innovation   Notable Quotes:   "I honestly believe a few years down the line, this is going to be as common as a credit score. Now you're applying for a job and people are going to say, have you had a ClearSpeed test?" - [11:27] Manjit Rana   "If three of them manage to solve that problem or reduce that fraud, those fraudsters are not going away. They're just going to move to the other seven. If those other seven were already drowning anyway, this is just going to push them over the edge." - [24:39] Manjit Rana   "We don't promote that enough. We don't make insurance sound interesting and sexy enough to that next generation of smart talent, which we're absolutely going to need if we want this industry to stay relevant." - [37:04] Manjit Rana About Our Guest: Manjit Rana is the Executive VP for UK, EMEA & APAC at ClearSpeed, a company specializing in voice analytics technology for risk assessment. With over 13 years of experience as an InsurTech and Insurance Innovation thought leader, Manjit brings a unique perspective from working across multiple industries and roles, including technology companies, insurance carriers, and consultancy. He is also the Co-Founder of Synapse Ecosystems and serves as an advisor to various InsurTech companies Resources:   Manjit Rana https://www.linkedin.com/in/manjit-rana/  ClearSpeed https://www.clearspeed.com/  Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true  https://www.insurtechassociation.org/  https://innsure.org/   

Fresh from InsurTech Connect 2024, where the industry gathered to discuss insurance innovation's past, present, and future, host Joshua R. Hollander brings you a special episode revisiting our three most downloaded episodes of the last year: Tom Wilde, CEO of Indico - At the forefront of bringing AI and automation to insurance workflows Suri Bhavan, Partner at William Blair - A leading investment banker tracking where money is flowing in insurtech Michael Nadel, Senior Director at Simon-Kutcher & Partners - A strategic consultant helping companies price and scale their solutions While these leaders view the industry through different lenses, they align on several key points: Insurance is only in the "third inning" of digital transformation Data is becoming the key differentiator in insurance, but most companies struggle to utilize it effectively The industry needs to balance innovation with practical implementation They also offer contrasting perspectives on critical issues: The readiness of AI for insurance (Wilde argues it's ready now, while others suggest a more measured approach) The future of insurance distribution (differing views on the role of traditional channels versus digital-first approaches) How to prioritize innovation investments (varying perspectives on what should come first: customer experience, middle office, or core systems) Key Insights: The evolution of AI in insurance, from mobile transformation to middle-office automation The role of deep learning and large language models in handling unstructured data Challenges in integrating new technologies into legacy systems and how to overcome them The importance of pricing strategy and market entry for insurtech startups The intersection of Insurtech and Fintech: automating payments, claims processing, and beyond The role of data in shaping the future of cyber insurance and climate risk management Key Topics Covered: [00:05] Intelligent intake challenges in insurance operations  [03:42] Evolution from PDF scraping to AI-driven processing  [07:12] The role of generative AI in insurance  [10:18] Investment trends in insurtech  [14:08] Insurtech-fintech convergence  [15:21] Data's role in new insurance products  [17:03] Tech-enabled MGAs and market evolution  [18:40] State of insurance digitization  [21:06] Growth strategy pillars  [23:03] Insurance pricing considerations  [27:07] Market entry strategies  Notable Quotes: "In insurance, data has always been king. But today, the challenge is turning unstructured data into fuel for decision-making." - Tom Wilde "The big breakthrough in AI is its ability to handle context. That's why large language models are changing the game." - Tom Wilde "I think by and large, digitization is still in the third inning for most carriers... When you get to life with annuities, that's probably first inning in terms of actual digitization." - Suri Bhavan "We're just starting to see the convergence of Insurtech and Fintech, especially in areas like payments and claims automation." - Suri Bhavan "Pricing is really just a measure of value, the same way that a foot is a measure of distance. When you're pricing your products, it's really all about what the customer values in this product and matching that value to the price relationship." - Michael Nadel "If you're leaving pricing to chance, you're leaving money on the table." - Michael Nadel About Our Guests: Tom Wilde: CEO of Indico, Tom has over 25 years of experience in solving complex digital content problems and is an expert in applying AI and machine learning to insurance workflows. Suri Bhavan: A partner at William Blair, Suri focuses on technology companies operating in the insurtech space, advising them on mergers, acquisitions, and public offerings. Michael Nadel: Senior Director at Simon-Kutcher & Partners. Michael specializes in growth strategies and pricing for insurance carriers and insurtech firms.   Resources: Tom Wilde https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwilde/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/indico-data-solutions/  Suri Bhavan https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavan-suri-074113/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/william-blair-company/  Michael Nadel  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-nadel-13656123/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/simon-kucher/  Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/ https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/ 

In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Josh Hollander sits down with Bill Harris, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of ITC Vegas, to discuss how the event has evolved to support the continued growth and development of the InsurTech industry. With the 2024 event just around the corner, Bill shares exclusive insights into what makes ITC Vegas a must-attend experience and why those still contemplating attending should register for the 2024 event. Key Insights: How ITC Vegas has transformed from a startup-focused event to the "CES of Insurance" The introduction of curated "neighborhoods" to enhance networking and discovery New additions like ITC Agents, and the importance of the broker and agent role despite predictions of disintermediation The influence of AI across insurance, from underwriting to customer experience How the shift in climate risks, particularly the impact of water-related events, is reshaping the industry A changing talent landscape: the rise of Gen Z and more diverse leadership Strategies for maximizing your ITC Vegas experience, whether you're a first-timer or a veteran attendee Key Topics Covered: [00:15] Introduction to Bill Harris and ITC Vegas [02:49] What's new at ITC Vegas 2024: Cosmic theme and curated experiences [05:19] Evolution of networking opportunities at ITC Vegas [10:05] Growth and diversification of sponsorships and attendees [19:53] Tips for getting the most out of ITC Vegas (especially for first-timers) [32:50] Key industry trends shaping InsurTech's future [36:25] Adapting the event for younger generations in insurance Notable Quotes: "We think of ourselves as the CES of insurance. We're here to explore innovation and create real value for the ecosystem." - [03:26] Bill Harris "AI dominates every conversation, from the front end of underwriting to the back end of claims." - [32:50] Bill Harris "The broker or the agent is really a key part of that selling process, that education process of insurance and how important it is to understand this is why your premium is what it is." - [42:30] Bill Harris  “Most of these weather events are now driven by water. And it's a completely different ballgame when you're talking about wind and fire versus water." - [41:33] Bill Harris "Gen X, because we're such a small cohort of the workplace, we're being quickly replaced by millennials. And now you see the up and coming Gen Zs." - [43:34] Bill Harris  About Our Guest: Bill Harris is the Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of ITC Vegas, known for hosting one of the largest Insurtech events in the world. With a unique background spanning digital marketing and event management, Bill has been instrumental in growing ITC Vegas from a startup-focused gathering to the world's largest InsurTech event and creating valuable opportunities for the community to connect, innovate, and grow. Resources: Bill Harris https://www.linkedin.com/in/billharris3ubiq/ https://vegas.insuretechconnect.com/register/ (Registration Still Open!) https://vegas.insuretechconnect.com/app/ (Event App) Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/ https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/ 

In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Josh Hollander sits down with Sachin Kulkarni, EVP and Head of Americas for Commercial, Specialty, and MGA at Xceedance. With a unique background that spans from IT strategy at Marsh to leading operations at a fast-growing insurance technology services provider, Sachin offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of insurance technology and operations.   Sachin discusses Xceedance's journey as a domain-focused service provider, emphasizing the critical balance between technological innovation and core insurance expertise. He shares candid perspectives on the challenges of change management in the insurance industry and provides strategic advice for companies looking to leverage technology for competitive advantage.   Key Insights: The shift from people-based to technology-led engagements in insurance operations Strategies for aligning technology adoption with core business capabilities The rise of MGAs and specialty insurers, and how technology is enabling their growth Balancing onshore and offshore operations to maximize efficiency and client satisfaction The future of AI in insurance, including responsible implementation and regulatory considerations   Key Topics Covered:  [00:41] Xceedance's foundation as a service provider and Sachin's career evolution from Marsh to insurtech leadership  [03:11] Debunking the myth of insurance industry's resistance to innovation  [07:25] Ensuring technology solutions drive real business value, not just novelty  [13:42] Market segments leading and lagging in technology adoption  [18:03] How Xceedance supports insurers at various stages of growth  [21:38] Practical applications of Gen AI in insurance operations  [23:04] Navigating the complexities of AI regulation and responsible implementation  [25:31] Lessons learned in expanding from India to the US insurance market  [30:50] Advice for capitalizing on industry changes and overcoming challenges   Notable Quotes:  "We didn't want it to be a people-based engagement, but we wanted to be a technology-led engagement." - [04:06] Sachin Kulkarni  "Technology is enabling business, enabling the insurance process. It is not the business process." - [07:36] Sachin Kulkarni  "If a company does not take a step back and see how this change is being incorporated, very soon there can be no value coming out of it." - [06:15] Sachin Kulkarni   About Our Guest:  Sachin Kulkarni is the EVP and Head of Americas for Commercial, Specialty, and MGA at Xceedance. With a background in IT strategy at Marsh and extensive experience in Property and Casualty Insurance, Sachin brings a unique perspective on leveraging technology to enhance productivity and drive innovation in the insurance industry.   Resources: Sachin Kulkarni https://www.linkedin.com/in/itexecutivesachinkulkarni/ https://xceedance.com/   Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/   

In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Joshua R. Hollander sits down with Roman Stepanenko, founder and CEO of RecordLinker, to explore the often-overlooked world of insurance data management. Roman shares his journey from writing software at age 13 to co-founding RiskMatch, and how that experience shaped his vision for RecordLinker. Discover how RecordLinker is addressing critical challenges in the insurance industry by focusing on the unsung heroes of data management - the data administrators. Roman shares how his time as CTO at RiskMatch provided a window into the complexities of insurance data aggregation and led Roman to identify a critical gap in the market - the need for specialized tools for data administrators. Roman also provides insights into the complexities of data standardization, the impact of mergers and acquisitions on data integrity, and the future of AI and machine learning in insurance. Key Insights: How Roman's experience at RiskMatch revealed the widespread data standardization issues in the insurance industry The critical role of data administrators in insurance and why they deserve more recognition How RecordLinker is transforming data management, cutting conversion times from weeks to hours The challenges of bootstrapping an insurtech startup and building a sustainable business The future of AI and machine learning in insurance and why basic functionality improvements may be more crucial than advanced AI applications In This Episode: [01:01] Roman's journey from software development to co-founding RiskMatch [01:30] The birth of RecordLinker: Lessons learned from RiskMatch  [06:13] The hidden world of insurance data administrators and their challenges  [10:15] RecordLinker's unique approach to sales and customer acquisition  [18:43] Common data issues across agencies [23:25] The challenges of bootstrapping versus raising money for a startup [25:18] Roman shares what he looks for in candidates beyond technical skills [26:10] The impact of being a solo founder vs. a co-founder in the insurtech space  [28:32] The future of technology in insurance and the need for core system vendors to open up their platforms  [29:20] A shocking revelation: 800 variations of a single insurance company name in one database   Notable Quotes:   "If you remember anything from this conversation, please find your data admins and just say thank you. You know, say thank you. Take them out to coffee or dinner, buy them flowers, because your organization has those people and they are very hardworking." - [08:37] Roman Stepanenko “I wanted to build a business, not a startup. To me, being a startup was a way of building a business from day one. My focus was being a business that can support itself first and foremost.." - [21:07] Roman Stepanenko "The attitude is, to me, the most important thing. You can learn new technology, but I just don't know if the person will work out well or not, even if I feel good after the interview" - [25:19] Roman Stepanenko “When you are a solo founder, you have to know before you do that you are going to be the one driving the truck and figuring out how to keep track inside the truck.”- [26:10]  Roman Stepanenko   About Our Guest: Roman Stepanenko is the founder and CEO of RecordLinker, a leading machine-learning solution for seamless data linkage and conversion in the insurance industry. With a background in software development and experience as a co-founder and CTO at RiskMatch, Roman brings a unique perspective to the challenges of data management in insurance. RecordLinker simplifies record matching across disparate systems, normalizing various data types such as coverage and job titles. By integrating with AMS360 and Applied Epic, it auto-maps up to 90% of records, significantly reducing data conversion timelines. A Vertafore Orange Partner and Guidewire Insurtech Vanguards Member, RecordLinker supports diverse industries beyond insurance. Resources: Roman Stepanenko https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanstepanenko/ https://recordlinker.com/   Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/   

How can UK insurtech companies successfully enter the complex US insurance market? In this episode, we explore the  CT-UK Insurtech Corridor through the journey of Programmable.AI, showcasing how this initiative creates pathways for international growth and innovation. Host Joshua R. Hollander brings together John Blamire, CEO and co-founder of Programmable.AI; Mike Hendy from the UK Office of Business and Trade; and Gene Goddard from MetroHartford Alliance and the CT IFS. They discuss how the Corridor is bridging the insurance technology landscapes of Connecticut and the UK, fostering transatlantic opportunities for insurtech companies. Key Insights: Programmable.AI's journey from the UK to Connecticut's insurance hub Focus on the Insurtech Corridor as a strategic initiative for innovation and growth The role of the CT-UK InsurTech Corridor in facilitating market entry Challenges faced by UK companies entering the US insurance market, including regulatory complexities Support provided by MetroHartford Alliance, CT IFS and the UK Office of Business and Trade Importance of tailored strategies and partnerships for successful market entry. How Connecticut-based companies can leverage the Corridor for UK expansion Discussion of risk analytics and fraud detection technology in the insurance industry. Emphasis on the significance of collaboration among startups, established companies, and government entities. Key Topics Covered: [01:57] Programmable.AI's risk analytics and fraud detection technology [05:41] Challenges in insurance industry [10:16] MetroHartford Alliance's role in supporting incoming companies [12:06] Insurtech Corridor strategy [14:00] UK Trade Office's assistance for UK companies expanding to the US [16:24] Benefits of the InsurTech Corridor for companies [19:13] Regulatory environment challenges [20:17] John's firsthand experience navigating the US market entry [25:38] Bespoke services provided by MetroHartford Alliance [26:25] CT IFS initiative [29:06] Regulatory advantages in Connecticut for insurtech companies [31:00] Opportunities for Connecticut insurers in the UK market [33:24] Programmable.AI's progress and future plans in the US   Notable Quotes: “As a small British company, entering the US is not for the faint-hearted, and if you don't prepare properly, you prepare to fail. The InsurTech Corridor provided us with invaluable support and connections.” - [19:28] - John Blamire   “Our partnership with the companies that are in the IFS space, in the tech space, is to help attract new talent into our great state and into the Hartford region.”[13:26] ] - Gene Goddard   “The Insurtech Corridor was a very logical agreement between the UK and Hartford, Connecticut, because Hartford is the self-styled capital of the US insurance industry, and London is the capital of the insurance world.” - [14:57] - Michael Hendy   “I think they're very lucky to have Gene and Susan in MetroHartford Alliance and all of their members. It's a really interesting partnership and I think it's very, very successful.” - [19:48]  Michael Hendy   “We want to see more Insurtech startups coming into the corridor because the more startups that come, the more the ecosystem builds, the more power it has, and the better we can actually help each other.” - [34:00] - John Blamire About Our Guests: John Blamire: CEO and co-founder of Programmable.AI, a company specializing in risk analytics and fraud detection in the insurance sector. Mike Hendy: Senior Trade and Investment Officer for the UK Office of Business and Trade, focusing on supporting UK companies' expansion into the US market. Gene Goddard: Chief Business Investment Officer for MetroHartford Alliance, dedicated to promoting economic development in the Hartford region.   Resources: InsurTech Corridor https://www.insurtechcorridor.com/  John Blamire https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-blamire/ https://www.fraudgraph.ai/  Gene Goddard https://www.linkedin.com/in/genegoddard/ https://metrohartford.com/ https://connecticutifs.com/  Michael Hendy https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehendy/ https://www.flowcode.com/page/ukinboston  Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/ 

In a world where technology drives daily innovations in industries from travel to health care to manufacturing, why should insurance be any different? How can innovators and insurers collaborate to create meaningful, sustainable change?   In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Josh Hollander sits down with Stephen Brittain, Director and Co-founder of Insurtech Gateway, to explore their unique approach to incubating and investing in early-stage insurtech startups. Stephen, with his product design background and entrepreneurial spirit, offers valuable insights into the intricacies of nurturing innovation in an industry known for its caution.   Based in London and Sydney, InsurTech Gateway is an incubator and venture builder dedicated to supporting early-stage founders in refining their business models, achieving product-market fit, and navigating the complexities of distribution. They also manage a series of early-stage venture funds to facilitate this journey.   Key Insights: The distinction between Insurtech Gateway's incubator model and traditional accelerators Balancing rapid innovation with the measured pace of the insurance industry How non-insurance sectors are driving change in risk management and insurance Strategies for founders to validate ideas and gain traction in the insurtech space   Stephen shares Insurtech Gateway's journey from its founding in 2016 to its current role in nurturing startups and building a resilient insurtech ecosystem. He offers a candid look at the challenges of introducing disruptive ideas to a risk-averse industry and the strategies they've developed to bridge that gap. The episode also examines how a strong product background influences InsurTech Gateway's methodology.   In this Episode:   [00:34] Insurtech Gateway's mission and unique position in the market [02:37] The origins of the incubator and its evolution [05:34] Insurtech Gateway's bespoke collaboration strategy with startups [12:31] Examples of successful portfolio companies (e.g., Flood Flash) [19:37] How Stephen's product background influences their approach [21:31] Changes in the insurance industry since 2016 and ongoing challenges [25:08] The role of innovation partners from outside the insurance market [33:35] Strategies for working with both insurers and non-insurance partners [37:05] Emerging trends in corporate risk management and self-insurance [40:50] Opportunities for listeners to engage with Insurtech Gateway   Notable Quotes: "We saw the speed of innovation and change of digital, and we were seeing the lack of agility in the insurance market. The first thing we should do would be to find a place to attract those innovators from outside." - Stephen Brittain “'The hardest thing to swallow for me has been the indicators that I get early and get super excited about, but I'm still five years ahead of the decision-makers who are going to make this happen”  - Stephen Brittain “The last eight years have been a huge growing up exercise for me, making me realize quite what a battle I've been trying to fight over attracting disruptors and then settling disruption into the big scale of insurance”  - Stephen Brittain About Our Guest: Stephen Brittain is the Director and Co-Founder of Insurtech Gateway. With a background in product design and innovation, Stephen brings a unique perspective to the insurtech space. He has been instrumental in shaping Insurtech Gateway's approach to identifying, nurturing, and scaling early-stage insurtech startups. Stephen's experience spans from creative direction at Hambro Perks to supporting numerous startups through early-stage development and testing.   Resources: Stephen Brittain https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbrittain/ https://www.insurtechgateway.com/   Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/   

Is there a future for insurance document delivery beyond mobile apps? Discover how Aerogami is revolutionizing the industry's digital experience and what it means for insurers and policyholders alike. In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Joshua R. Hollander sits down with Bradley Adams, co-founder of Aerogami, to discuss the innovative approach to digitalizing insurance documents. Bradley, with his unique blend of partnership expertise and product development skills, offers valuable insights for industry leaders navigating the shift towards more user-friendly digital experiences.   Key Insights: Transforming insurance policy PDFs into engaging mobile experiences Striking a balance between digital convenience and data security Anticipating the evolving landscape of insurance document delivery Strategies for pivoting a startup and entering the insurtech space Bradley shares Aerogami's journey from its origins in higher education to its current focus on insurance, offering a candid look at the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital solutions for complex insurance documents. The episode also delves into practical applications across various insurance products, examining how Aerogami's solution is streamlining processes and improving the policyholder experience in an increasingly digital world.   In This Episode: [00:22] The startup ecosystem in Providence, Rhode Island [01:38] Aerogami's pivot from higher education to insurance [03:43] Entering the insurance industry with a digital solution [05:11] Initial product development and evolution [08:12] Engaging with insurance domain experts [13:35] Go-to-market strategy in the insurance sector [17:36] Future strategy and product development plans [18:44] Integrating AI into insurance policy experiences [20:02] The future of apps and technology in insurance [23:04] Navigating the complexities of the insurance industry [24:59] Balancing customer feedback with product development [27:17] Aerogami's fundraising strategy and growth plans   Notable Quotes [17:36]  "There are plenty of other products suffering from the same problem with insurance, and the good news for us is that many of these products are already connected to some type of insurance organization."-Bradley [20:25]  "Apps could be a dangerous business. You've seen the security leaks and other ways that data has been compromised through these experiences."-Bradley [26:29]  "If we try to go too hot too fast, we're just going to spend a lot of other people's money without really building anything that anyone's going to use."-Bradley   Our Guest Bradley W. Adams is the co-founder of Aerogami, a company transforming insurance policy PDFs into engaging mobile experiences. Formerly Director of Partnerships at KeynectUp, he excels in partnership and product development, user experience, and team management. A Bryant University alumnus, Bradley emphasizes turning innovative ideas into impactful solutions through collaboration and organization. Resources and Links Bradley Adams https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleywadams/ https://www.aerogami.co/   Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.insurtechassociation.org/  https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true

Is AI the future of P&C insurance? Discover how generative AI is revolutionizing the industry and what it means for industry leaders. In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Joshua R. Hollander sits down with John Loeber, co-founder and CEO of Limit, to discuss the transformative potential of AI in the insurance sector. John, with his unique blend of mathematical expertise and AI innovation, offers invaluable insights for industry leaders navigating this technological shift.   Key Insights: Leveraging AI for enhanced document analysis and policy comparison Striking the crucial balance between AI implementation and human expertise Anticipating the evolving landscape for insurance professionals Strategies for building and leading high-performance teams in an AI-driven environment   John shares the development journey of Limit AI, offering a candid look at the challenges and opportunities in implementing AI solutions for complex insurance tasks. The episode also delves into practical applications across underwriting, claims handling, and customer service, examining how AI assistants are streamlining processes and improving accuracy in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Key Topics Covered: [00:44] The evolution of AI in insurance: from concept to reality [01:48] The ChatGPT effect: Catalyzing generative AI in insurance [03:19] Limit AI launch: Reimagining brokerage and underwriting [08:09] AI in specialty lines: Tackling complex risk assessment [10:25] The AI-human synergy in insurance operations [15:25] Navigating data privacy and ownership in AI-powered insurance tools [20:07] Overcoming technical hurdles in developing insurance-specific AI models [23:12] Leadership strategies for driving AI transformation [27:30] Building resilient, adaptable teams for the AI era [29:52] Fostering trust and vision as a leader in times of change [32:24] Organizational design considerations for AI-focused startups   Notable Quotes: "Generative AI is really good at reading and analyzing documents and answering questions, which is tremendously exciting and transformative for our customers." - [05:42] John Loeber  “All of those insurance professionals are super busy, and most of them don't have assistants, but they would benefit from having somebody that's always available and helpful.” - [11:24] - John Loeber “Almost everyone wants to know that they are working toward something, and so as a leader, it's really important to present a clear and cohesive vision of what is being worked toward.” -[29:56] - John Loeber   About Our Guest: John Loeber is the co-founder and CEO of Limit, a company at the forefront of bringing artificial intelligence to the insurance industry. A graduate of the University of Chicago with majors in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, John combines a strong technical background with a passion for innovative software development. His academic focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning, coupled with diverse interests in quantitative finance, climate science, visual arts, and ethics, brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to his work in insurtech.   Resources: John Loeber https://www.linkedin.com/in/jloeber/ https://johnloeber.com/ https://www.limit.com/ Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/ 

In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Josh Hollander interviews Valkyrie Holmes, CEO and co-founder of Faura, a company providing climate and property analytics to help insurance companies and homeowners reduce natural disaster risk. During the conversation, Valkyrie discusses her company's innovative approach to reducing natural disaster risk for insurance companies and homeowners. With a background in data science and space technology, Valkyrie pivoted to sustainability after receiving a grant, initially focusing on wildfire prevention. Faura provides climate and property analytics, helping insurers make informed decisions on premium pricing and risk reduction. Valkyrie also touches on the importance of hyper-personalization in insurance policies, the integration of Faura's technology into existing systems, and the company's business model.   Key Topics Covered: [02:15] Valkyrie's background in data science and space technology, including internships at SpaceX and NASA [02:31] How Faura pivoted from wildfire suppression hardware to software-based risk analytics after receiving a grant focused on sustainability  [06:06] The shift towards hyper-personalization in insurance, moving from life and auto to property insurance [09:52] Faura's approach of using digital self-assessments and a "resilience score" to help price policies and incentivize risk reduction [35:57] Expansion from wildfire risk to other perils like wind and flood [13:15] The challenge of pricing risk in an era of increasing natural disasters [26:26] Integration options, including APIs and policy management system connections [29:13]Attracting young people to the insurance industry by highlighting its underlying role in society [32:28] Valkyrie's approach to LinkedIn content and social media engagement [36:52] The MetaProp accelerator program Faura is participating in in New York Notable Quotes:   "Insurance underlies everything we do. It's hard to realize that it underlies everything we do." - [29:47] Valkyrie Holmes "The more value you give people in your content and the more you believe in that content, the more it will speak to people." - [32:51] Valkyrie Holmes on social media strategy   About Our Guest: Valkyrie Holmes is the CEO and co-founder of Faura, with a background in data science at SpaceX and NASA. She pivoted to sustainability and insurtech after receiving a grant from 776, developing Faura's climate risk analytics platform.   Resources: Valkyrie Holmes https://www.linkedin.com/in/valkyrieholmes/ https://www.faura.us/ Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true https://www.insurtechassociation.org/ https://innsure.org/   

Have you ever wondered why financial operations within the insurance industry are notoriously complex? The intricate processes involved can be overwhelming, from data reconciliation to commission payouts.   In this inaugural episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Josh interviews Qiyun Cai, CEO and co-founder of Fintary, a financial operations platform tailored for the insurance industry. Qiyun shares her remarkable journey from technology investing and AI product development to the insurance sector, where she co-founded Amplify, a digital brokerage for life insurance. The challenges of financial operations in insurance, such as data reconciliation and commission payouts, inspired the creation of Fintary in 2023. Fintary focuses on life and health insurance brokerages, offering AI-driven automation to streamline financial processes and drive business outcomes. Qiyun emphasizes the importance of industry-specific solutions, the need for modern tools to attract young talent, and the potential for technology to transform long-standing industry practices.   If you're interested in the intersection of finance and technology, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!   In This Episode: [00:09] Qiyun's background and decision to start Fintary [01:33] Challenges in financial operations in the insurance industry [03:56] Focus and segmentation of customer segments [05:09] Product capabilities and industry-specific workflows [08:38] Use of AI and newer technologies in financial operations [09:03] Product roadmap and comprehensive approach [13:39] Target customer segments and organization size [14:32] Multi-line platform and expansion into different lines of business [15:45] Unique needs and use cases for different insurance lines [17:25] Incorporating technology and product development principles [19:04] Funding and customer agreements for company growth [21:14] Opportunity and challenge in innovating in the life insurance industry [22:27] Go-to-market strategy and product adoption [22:44] Typical entry point and ultimate buyer in organizations [23:33] The product delivering business outcomes [24:53] Evolution of the industry [27:41] Attracting talent to the organization [28:56] Closing remarks and call to action   Notable Quotes [02:45], "I just realized how cumbersome it is to run financial operations in the insurance industry."-Qiyun [06:28] "A lot of these companies have been looking for solutions; it just doesn't solve their end-to-end workflow needs."-Qiyun [21:21] "When we show our product to our customers, people say, 'This is what I've been thinking about, and you've built what would solve my problem.” -Qiyun [25:08]  "When I started in the industry, I realized how it has been around for many years, with organizations running in a very specific manner for quite some time."-Qiyun [26:08]  "Now is the time where there has been a lot of consolidation, and many businesses are going through a phase where they want to professionalize the business."-Qiyun   Our Guest Qiyun Cai is the founder and operator of Fintary, focused on building automation solutions that make a meaningful impact on businesses. Previously, she co-founded Amplify Life Insurance, a digital platform enhancing financial security. She was the first product manager at Spoke, creating an AI-enabled service desk, and an investor at Scale Venture Partners, specializing in B2B enterprise SaaS, IT infrastructure, and mobile technologies. Qiyun excels in combining technology and business innovation.   Resources and Links Josh Hollander https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ https://www.horton-usa.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/?viewAsMember=true Qiyun Cai https://www.linkedin.com/in/qiyun-cai-b3837315/ https://www.fintary.com/

Michael Nadel is a Senior Director at Simon-Kucher & Partners, an insurance veteran with over a decade of experience consulting with insurance clients to solve their most difficult challenges. Michael has helped large insurance carriers with topics spanning areas such as innovation, strategic road mapping, Insurtech partnerships, digital distribution strategies, and large-scale digital transformation efforts. He has a deep expertise in property and casualty space, as well as the warranty and surety business. Michael talks today about how work with insurtechs to find new growth opportunities and bring innovations to market effectively. Carriers and other incumbents' biggest asset is their customer base and they can leverage these relationships to get direct market feedback on the value, price and fit of new offerings before committing to implement and scale them.  Previously at CNA Michael led the innovation function focusing on Insurtech partnerships and growth opportunities, and at Accenture led large scale digital transformations for fortune 500 financial services firms. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Bhavan Suri is Managing Director at William Blair, an advisory services firm that helps companies including insurtechs to secure growth liquidity and financing.  Its team of technology bankers has deep ties to the insurtech sector with more than $20 billion in capital raised across 50 M&A and capital markets transactions. Bhavan worked for several tech companies including Elytics and Answerthink and has developed a deep understanding for the industry forces shaping the tech market. He now focuses on advising technology companies that operate in the Insurtech space. Some of the companies he advised include Guidewire, Duckcreek, CCCS, Intelligent Solutions, and Sapiens. Bhavan talks through straight-through-processing, the key domains and verticals in the insurance space today, and how they stack up on digitalization. His insights dive into combining business and technology into new offerings, how to work with IP ownership and developer teams, and proving out new market opportunities.  Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Randel Bennett is founder and Principal Consultant at Qixent Insurance Services, turning insurance concepts into tangible, successful products by bridging gaps in pricing, underwriting, and coverage. Randel describes the common thread of insurance being highly regulated. Product managers are the "mini-CEO" of their state, which creates a product-centric approach and change is driven by regulation. The product manager has high knowledge of the minute details about their product. He talks about insurtech entering the scene and working with product managers to satisfy the requirements and also satisfy what the customer needs and wants as that changes. He says electronic paperwork is an example of the legacy insurance experience that is being changed with departments of insurance. During 2010-2020 the incumbents were still using paper, but in the past few years since Covid the acceleration towards digital finally found mass adoption.  At Qixent Randel is taking insurance ideas to product and process. For example if agents and other incumbents already work with construction & contractors, Randel and his team help them delve deeper into the risk and offer new insurance products. He says solutions providers need to review their offering vs. existing profitability of that business and how it fits within the target customers' budget. Prior to forming Qixent, Randel was Vice President Strategic Partnerships at Swiss Re, co-founder at Sigo Siguros, and a product management leader at various insurance brands. Randel is a results-driven insurance industry professional with a proven track record in strategic partnerships, product development, and startup ventures. Randel resides in Chicago with his wife. When he is not evangelizing for insurance he is following sports, seeing a new museum exhibit, or planning for the next dinner he is cooking for friends. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Meet David Contorno, CEO E Powered Benefits, giving employers navigable, understandable, and affordable health plans. E Powered Benefits was born out of the continuous cost increases and a lack of transparency within their existing health plans, and gives employers a real alternative to the traditional broker-carrier model that costs too much and pays too little.   David's passion for changing this problem stems from 30 years of experience of client renewals, which showed him that the annual 'bad news meeting' and sense of dread when meeting employees and explaining cost increases to employees had to be fixed.   David says the reason is that health insurance was created to prevent humans from catastrophic loss, so wonders how why it does not protect people from bankruptcy when they face high medical bills. David's realization that broker commissions and carriers claims payments increase as the total premiums written and claims paid increase was a game changer that directly led to creating this business.     David explains that since 60% of Americans get their health insurance through their employers, the financial incentives to reduce benefits and increases costs and claims lead to worse outcomes and dissatisfaction every year for insured members. David likens the big publicly traded insurance carriers to the "house" in gambling, as long as members are playing in the house the rules are such that the house always wins.   David talks through how he went about launching the business, by studying the total healthcare costs and money outflows to build customized health plans that cost up to 65% less than traditional employer health plans. E Powered Benefits pays faster and more on claims, in particular saving money on pharmacy benefits and hospital claims, and explains why he is able to do that. Forbes has named David "One Of America's Most Innovative Benefits Leaders" for his advocacy of transparency in health plans.   Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Peter Tilbrook is Founder & CEO of Loro, a web-based toolset that provides digital product distribution. Loro acts as a policy administration system for MGAs, Insurers and Brokers, or a complimentary system to existing processes to supercharge digital distribution.  Loro addresses two key points, unlimited distribution, either through brokers or direct to consumers, without any sacrifice to underwriting control. The company is headquartered in the USA with a solution for clients on four continents and team members in five countries. The service is product agnostic, perfect for specialty commercial lines, or consumer products. Peter talks about having been both on the underwriting and broking side of insurance, software felt too limited, too slow and too expensive. His team built Loro as “the product we all wished we had” in the insurance industry, to allow distribution of all products through one intermediary or many, reaching customers directly, or immediately selling on any website. This power of distribution is what helps our customers bind the new business they are looking to reach, today, without risk or substantial investment. He also describes what "no code" truly means to insurance teams in terms of having full control over their business process. Peter describes himself as a “true insurance nerd/ professional,” having worked as a Broker for Marsh and Willis, as well as, leading an Underwriting team in Tokio Marine HCC.  Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

John Paul Sutrich is Co-founder of Certificate Hero, a SaaS platform for issuing certificates of insurance. Certificate Hero compares contractual insurance requirements to the insured's policy data, automating the certificate issuance process, enhancing certificate processors' capabilities, ensuring the consistent and reliable delivery of certificates in the fast-paced landscape of the commercial insurance industry.   The product reads the contract, finds and parses an insurance clause into its most meaningful components to issue a correct certificate, then compares this to the data in the agency management system, and flags areas of non-compliance for processor action. This leads directly to saving time at agencies and insurers as hundreds of millions of certificates a year. John Paul delves into the historical roots of certificate issuance, tracing it back to the era of typewritten forms. He emphasizes how this traditional process has struggled to keep pace with the complexities of today's contractual insurance requirements. All parties to the certificate have an interest in its being accurate, yet by the time most policies are received the policy has been signed and there is no room for corrections. Certificate Hero doubles as a lead generation tool by pinpointing inconsistencies and highlighting opportunities for brokers to engage with their clients and upgrade coverages. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

David Embry is the founder and chief executive officer of Mylo, an insurtech leader that brings its unbiased, insurance quoting engine, Mind of Mylo, to distribution and agency partners to connect business owners and individuals with top-rated insurance products. He is responsible for the overall vision and financial performance of the business as well as developing strategic partnerships. Embry is a seasoned entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience leading financial and insurance companies. He brings deep expertise and innovation to Mylo. Previously, Embry served as the president of SelectQuote Benefit Solutions and managing director at J.P. Morgan.  Belen Tokarski is the president and chief operating officer of Mylo. She is responsible for optimizing Mylo's leading-edge technology platform to deliver expert solutions to small business owners and individuals. Tokarski is a recognized leader in the insurtech industry with 20+ years of leadership in commercial operations and insurance automation strategy. Previously, she was the president of Platform Solutions for Insureon and vice president of Automation Strategy and Agency Solutions at CNA Insurance.  Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Joseph Schneier is CEO of Trusty.care, connecting sales, marketing, and member engagement for 150m Americans that receive insurance through Medicare, Medicaid, or Marketplace plans. The company provides an enterprise SaaS solution to the country's most direct-to-consumer health insurance sector. Joseph says that most insurtech founders do not have personal experience in this space but that it has a disfragmented distribution network and many similar challenges as the private insurance sector.  Just as a refresher, Medicare's coverage is 85% for people over the age of 65 and 15% for people living with chronic conditions, Medicaid covers low-income individuals and marketplace plans or Obamacare Plans that primarily focuses on small businesses or people who work for one.   These plans comprise a whopping 150m Americans or almost half the country's population, making the US one of the largest socialized, government-connected healthcare systems in the world. Although the government is the payer, most of the underlying plans are in turn managed by private insurers (think Aetna, Humana) and marketed through TV ads. Joseph previously built and exited companies in the education space and is now applying the same lessons to the healthcare space. Mr. Schneier has been at the forefront of innovations in global and domestic education, government, value-based healthcare, and insurance technology for over 20 years. He has built companies and products studying value-based care with complex populations, co-founded and exited two companies, and is a Fellow at Columbia University's MBA Entrepreneurial Program. He continues to focus on care for older Americans and has founded two other companies in this space—Cinematic Health, which trains CNAs, Home Health Aides, and Personal Care Assistants, and BellAge a company working with Area Agencies on Aging on longevity initiatives. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

John Morlan founded Smarter Risk that simplifies and streamlines the assessment, reporting, and development of risk control programs. Smarter Risk is a self-serve platform for communicating and improving insurable risk. It enables small business owners to qualify for the best rates, insurers to offer their most competitive prices, and agencies to leverage risk control as a competitive advantage. The product helps small and medium sized business assess their risk controls to inform surveys and the underwriting process. The self-assessment workflow auto-generates recommendations for improvement, and dynamically changes the risk report. Insurers can evaluate how the business has improved over time. John describes how the company is confirming new applications markets such as risk control consultants by streamlining the onsite examination and report-writing processes, and brokers/agencies treating risk as a blue ocean opportunity. John talks about being a first-time founder, building a product that humans can easily adapt to and use. He takes enormous value out of the "Insurtech 2.0" community and the support and advice they have given over the past year since company founding. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

If you are an actuary or lead actuaries or data scientists in your organization, this is episode is for you! Jessica Leong is the CEO of Octagram, a consultancy that brings together a deep knowledge of commercial insurance and data analytics to drive results. Octagram focuses on pricing for P&C carriers, making sure that insurers getting value out of data analytics and AI. Jessica says building AI models isn't that hard, it's just about math and coding. But learning new behaviors, changing ways of working and driving value for the organization is much harder. She has been exploring how to measure and replicate successes in making part of the organization successful. Jessica expresses that having a point of view as a leader is what brought her from contributing team member to team leader. She focused solely on the business problem whether such as improved premium, reduced loss and expense ratios to drive a successful team, unlike most carriers who let their actuaries and data scientists build models. Then it's down to the company's leadership to decide whether they value solving problems more than shiny models, and the durational patience over years to measure success and failure and turn those into learnings. Jessica previously led Data & Analytics at Zurich North America and was also President of the Casualty Actuarial Society serving over 9,000 members. There she understood how actuaries were reserving and helping point the development of the actuarial profession to solving business problems.  Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Serial entrepreneur Ian Paterson is CEO of Plurilock a publicly traded cybersecurity company. Plurilock identifies and prevents, "insider threats" securing the enterprise and ensuring compliance with requirements in financial, healthcare, and government. Plurilock works with financial services as a heavily regulated industry. Ian says insurance is different than banking because of the heavier load of data such as personal health information. The data creates another layer of risk to secure, for example in veterans health claims an insurer has added technical complexity that goes beyond just writing a policy.  Ian says insurance companies strategy needs to address these technical complexities including strategy, the types of business coverage insurance, security controls and training. Ian also talks about the use of generative AI to create modern cyber attacks. Plurilock uses behavioral biometrics such as keystroke to invisibly authenticate users without added friction. The product addresses work-from-home on a continuous basis, so if someone walks away from a computer during a remote session, the software detects a change in behavior and can instantaneously decide to re-secure the session and data exchange. Ian previously founded data monetization platform Exapik (acquired), and was Director of Insights for Terapeak (acquired), a venture-backed analytics firm. He is an author of three patents on digital identity and data analytics. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Joshua Stankard is the founder and CEO of NotaryLive, a pioneering remote online notary software company. NotaryLive makes document notarization instant, secure, and paper-free, helping businesses go digital and free themselves of paper. Notarization has been the last archaic step for businesses to digitize.  Now small and large businesses can easily notarize documents online. NotaryLive started as a side project to digitize the last holdout of the paper-bound era, and became so popular that Josh launched another company to make this a core product.  It's legal and acceptable in every state.   In terms of compliance, a business from any state can now legally use a notary from any state using an online service. A few states require approval of the digital platform for use by notaries, but this is the minority of states and already has been resolved in those states. NotaryLive provides large enterprise integration, white label or direct small business services. The use case for notarization has a place in insurance but applies equally across any industry. The company differentiates pricing depending on whether a company uses its own internal or network of notaries, or provide the notarization services via a subscription model.  Josh formerly founded State Vital Records over a decade ago—a platform that revolutionized how users order medical records. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Paul Monasterio co-founded Kalepa in 2018 with the mission to help commercial insurance underwriters bind business with confidence. Kalepa's AI-powered Copilot software enables underwriters to focus their time on the highest ROI opportunities and to quickly evaluate and optimally select risk. Paul talks about finding the balance between underwriters saying yes to everything versus saying no to everything, to focus their time on selecting exactly the right opportunities that bring profitability and reduce claims risk. The first decision an underwriter has to make is where to use their time - so Copilot helps triage opportunities based on their attractiveness and alignment to the strategic book priorities.  Paul also discusses technology tools and changes applicable to commercial insurance, focusing on the right opportunities and understanding risk exposures in the right context. He sees that underwriters need to be better armed to address the complexity and nature of claims and new lines. He does not see a world in which there are fewer underwriters, or less work to do. instead, he sees winning carriers and MGAs as those who understand where to use technology to augment their underwriters' skills and not fall into the trap of thinking tech will drive personnel cost savings. Kalepa is backed by IA Ventures, Inspired Capital, and leaders in technology and financial services. Kalepa was recognized as one of the most innovative insurtechs in the world as part of FinTech Global Insurtech 100 in 2022 and 2023, one of Benzinga's Best Insurtechs in 2021, and as a Cool Vendor by Gartner in 2020. Prior to founding Kalepa, Paul was an executive at Facebook/Meta, Mastercard, and Applied Predictive Technologies, developing novel applications of data and technology to solve the most critical problems of Global 1000 firms in insurance, banking, and the public sector in the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Paul also founded Forg, a microfinance organization fostering micro-entrepreneurship in South East Asia. Paul graduated with a PhD in Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT and holds Bachelors degrees with Highest Honors and Highest Distinction in Mathematics and Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Jeff Shi is founder of Insurtech Groups, connecting consumers with industry partners. by help consumers to better understand their policies in an effort to meet each of their unique needs.  Jeff talks about insurtech enhancing client experience vs. disruption. Insurtech Groups is consumer-facing technology that seeks to evolve the $100B insurance space across claims, service, billing and brokers.  Jeff foresees many more people joining from the insurance world and insurtechs becoming really good at making money from insurance rather than technology. Enhancing the client experience for the customer, carrier and agents is more important than 'aiming for the fence' with a new disruptive model. Jeff describes how Insurtech Groups has stayed more conservative working with a fixed cost model rather than trying to scale too quickly on highly variable costs. The team builds revenue and growth into everything they do. He talks about the amazing leadership at innovative large carriers like Geico, Progressive and Liberty Mutual, and how he hires on those same principles. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Troy Stewart is President and COO of Brush Claims an insurtech that is streamlining the claims management process. Troy describes having started as a claims adjuster to now serving as President & COO of this successful business model, with his vision of tech driven, human-led claims. In 2015, the company started building its own proprietary technology to remove bottlenecks, solving for escalations and time delays. By 2019 this traditional claims company had already fully transitioned from its legacy claims management system to its homegrown Hub applications, with a secure claims portal for policyholders, and a scoping application used by adjusters and contractors to pass information to the desk adjusters.  Troy recently spent eleven weeks at Lloyds of London's seventh innovation lab cohort, and brought back that knowledge to the US market, to refine its solution and create a consistent interface across carriers. It all starts with taking a holistic view across an entire process, and not cause disruption downstream. Technology can help bring more speed but the time savings of a new workflow may cause consumer pain and more calls to the call center.    Troy says that in a catastrophe situation, customers want to move quickly past the uncertainty after filing a claim and have certainty around what is coming next. Technology allows better communication and more options to correspond with claims teams and move the process forward more effectively, using a more data-driven indemnity methodology to make a determination.  Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Drew D'Alelio is a senior associate at Connecticut Innovations working on the Climate Tech Fund. He has a passion for combating climate change, innovative financing, and economic development. At CI Drew manages the entire investment cycle, from sourcing, due diligence, all the way through to portfolio management, and has invested in companies focused on insurtech, EV charging, circular economy, grid intelligence, and more. Drew holds a MPP and MBA from Yale and a bachelor's degree from Northwestern. CI's $100 million climate fund launched in the summer of 2022 to catalyze Connecticut's climate innovation economy, thanks to the support of Gov. Ned Lamont and CI CEO Matt McCooe. The fund plans to invest in 25-30 early-stage climate tech companies across a variety of sectors, including energy, mobility, circular economy, food and agriculture, insurtech, and more. Since last summer the Climate Fund team has been busy: adding nearly ten companies to the portfolio as well as launching Climate Haven, a New Haven based incubator to help the earlier stage Connecticut climate tech companies scale. Portfolio companies include Bright Feeds, which is turning food waste into animal feed, AmpUp, which is an operating software for EV chargers, Budderfly, which works with corporations across the country to reduce their utility bills with energy efficiency upgrades, and Rethought Insurance, which is a leading flood insurance startup, protecting homeowners and businesses across the country from rapidly rising flood risk. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Did you know that over 1900 companies and 8000 agents are using Canopy Connect to increase conversion in insurance sales and verification? Today we talk to Tolga Tezel, Founder & CEO at Canopy Connect, who was an early engineer at Dropbox. He helped build Nova Credit for US newcomers to obtain fair access to credit through their international data. These experiences drove him to discover other areas where consumers have a difficult time getting value and convenience from their own data. From 2019 he began interviewing literally hundreds of insurance agencies and learned that getting accurate, comprehensive data from their prospects and customers was painfully difficult. Tolga says that consumers want insurance to be personalized, seamless and easy, and they want basic control over their data, and carriers need better data to write better risks. Canopy Connect provides the technical infrastructure to do so. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Jamie Yoder is President of Sapiens North America, a leading global provider of software solutions and services for all sectors of insurance.  Jamie talks about the over-hype cycle of AI and ChatGPT, where companies tend to over-estimate the impacts in the short-term but grossly underestimate the impacts in the longer term. The technology has now caught up such that it can be applied to huge amounts of data and be practically applied to create insights and answers out of unstructured data. He also talks through how Sapiens approaches IT and the business in an organization and gets past the initial excitement about the latest trends and into incorporating these new technologies to solve a sizable business opportunity. Sapiens removes existing impediments to implementation in an organization to produce a business result and capture the value of new technologies rather than prove an unrealistic business case.  Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Michael Hennessy founded Diathrive Health to helps patients and plans manage diabetes and its costs, with test strips that are 90% less expensive than market.  Diathrive seeks to reverse the traditional model and give patients better care and outcomes while reducing the cost. Michael heard early-on "To not go into healthcare because the insurance companies are ruining it." But he found his finance and VC background could be put to work for both healthcare plans and patients, filling the gap between preventative services and patients' everyday lives.  Diathrive performs an up-front claims analysis on an individual patient and guarantees a reduction in spend between $1,000-3,000 per person per year, putting 100% of its fees at-risk to achieve results that on average can save a carrier 70-80% per year. Michael says the science is in performing a complex claims analysis and applying the behavioural standards on diabetes to remove financial and administrative barriers for the individual at no-cost to them.   Diathrive works without prescription and without a wait time, and allows physicians to not work. in a fee-for-service model, providing more time to focus on providing direct care for patients. The company distributes over health plans as the diabetes solution, benefits management organizations, brokers-consultants and also direct to employers including municipal government.  Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Aaron Steffey and Chris Kolger are co-founders of Propeller Bonds, an insurtech managing general underwriter (MGU) equipped with a proprietary instant issue surety bond platform housing nearly 7,000 instant issue surety bonds. Propeller is a tech company built to simplify, automate, and distribute surety bonds more efficiently for agents and carriers. Aaron manages the company's strategy, fundraising, and growth efforts, and Chris oversees the Propeller's daily underwriting operations and technological advancements of the platform. The company sold its first bond in 2020 and now has 3,500 agents signed up to the platform, signing thousands of bonds per month and responsible for fulfillment. Aaron describes how the company built in from the "ends" and have listened to and created new product variations for creative agents where needed.  Chris talks through why speciality surety bonds such as oil & gas or cannabis can be written at much better pricing with Propeller. The tech helps increase ROI for agents and brokers who often ignore surety but can include it as a piece of a viable business for themselves. Chris sees a future where the MGA model continues to reduce friction between broker and carrier.   Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.

Daniel McChesney, MD is the Founder and CEO of TripDoctor, pioneering digital health insurance and health care access for expats and nomads. As a world traveler and long-time expat, he saw an opportunity to improve the healthcare access issues of his fellow expats and nomads through better insurance products. Expat insurance is a much larger market than travel insurance, a market of $25B where the rate of Americans moving abroad having tripled since the pandemic. TripDoctor is responding to that demand with an insurtech that makes expat healthcare simple, acting as a digital broker with access to the best plans and doctors for expats in their country-of-choice. TripDoctor is a graduate of the Global Insurance Accelerator. The company's mission is to make expat healthcare simple, affordable, and accessible, and to improve the quality of life for expats.  In the longer-term, the company will help drive down the cost of care by keeping people out of the emergency department and utilizing more telehealth and outpatient visits.  TripDoctor understands the local market policy standards and costs of care and expats situation, coupling them to products that make sense in that market, and connecting them with the best providers in that market. Daniel describes a classic insurtech story of how the company pre-GIA would meet with carriers and ramp up meetings until they reached the predictable "no" person, either a threatened PnL owner or IT. And how the company realized through GIA they would write insurance themselves. The company launched in Mexico, where expats are concentrated in five cities, building a network of physicians through neighborhoods where expats live. They work with local insurers to create products that are both attractive and accessible to expats.  In terms of growth markets, TripDoctor is seeing high demand for other types of insurance beyond healthcare, for example in commercial business lines, as well as life products that work outside the US and work with reputable carriers.   Daniel has +20 years of experience in early-stage MedTech, digital health and other healthcare ventures, Prior to TripDoctor, he co-founded DeciBio and helped to grow it into the industry standard for molecular testing and next-generation sequencing data analytics.   This episode was recorded live at Insurtech Insights New York 2023 in conjunction with InsurTech Association. Follow the Insurtech Leadership Podcast airing weekly hosted by Joshua R. Hollander. We give you up-close access and personal insights from the leaders of the fastest-growing #insurtechs and most innovative #insurance carriers and brokers.