Podcasts about Aon

In this Global Insight episode of the On Aon podcast, Joe Peiser is joined by Liz Henderson to discuss why climate resilience has become a defining leadership priority. As expectations from investors, insurers, regulators and stakeholders continue to evolve, organizations are increasingly being asked to demonstrate how they can withstand disruption and sustain growth.Ahead of New York Climate Week, Peiser and Henderson explore how climate risk is shaping access to capital, influencing insurability and informing strategic business decisions. The conversation focuses on how leaders can use data, analytics and risk capital to make more confident decisions, strengthen resilience and position their organizations to stay ahead.Key Takeaways:             Climate resilience has become a business and capital priority, influencing access to insurance, investment and long-term growth.Organizations create greater value when they connect climate insights to clear action, translating analytics into resilience investments, risk financing strategies and measurable outcomes.Demonstrating resilience through data and evidence can help organizations strengthen stakeholder confidence, unlock capital and stay ahead in a rapidly changing risk environment.Experts in this episode:           Joe Peiser, CEO of Risk Capital, AonLiz Henderson, Global Head of Climate Risk Advisory, AonKey Moments:             (5:00) Why insurability is emerging as a strategic business indicator, informing investment, financing and operational decisions.(9:45) The common pitfalls that prevent organizations from turning climate insights into meaningful action and measurable business impact.(12:55) Aon's four-stage resilience framework and how organizations can move from identifying risk to delivering stronger outcomes across operations, capital and insurance programs. Soundbites:             Joe Peiser: “Climate resilience is increasingly becoming a business and capital issue, not simply an environmental one.”Liz Henderson:   “The conversation has really shifted from understanding risk and quantifying it to actually building out plans to manage it and build resilience within their organization.”

"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." "One of the things that I think helps is that you show that you're not working for yourself, but you're working for the team." "You need to be very mindful about who you interact with and how you bring the message to where you want it." "You need to show up and be in front of the client and live what you preach." "Be curious about people, connect with people. Be ready to spend some time on that."   Philippe Sommer is CEO of Aon Reinsurance Solutions Japan and an experienced international insurance and reinsurance executive whose career has taken him from Switzerland to the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. Sommer began his career with Swiss Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies. After initially working with international European clients, he moved to the United States before being offered an opportunity in Japan in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima disaster. At the time, Japan's insurance industry had an acute need for international reinsurance expertise. In his first Japan assignment with Swiss Re, Sommer led sales activities and a team of approximately 40 people. After four years, he returned to Europe before an opportunity emerged to return to Japan with Aon, this time operating from a different part of the insurance and reinsurance value chain. His experience leading in Japan has required considerable adaptability. Sommer has learned that effective leadership cannot simply be transplanted from a Western corporate environment. Understanding hierarchy, nemawashi, indirect communication, client dedication, consensus building, patience and the importance of personal relationships has been central to his approach. As a Swiss executive working for global organisations in Japan, Sommer sees himself as an important translator between headquarters and the Japanese organisation: explaining to global leaders why Japan sometimes needs a different approach while also explaining to Japanese colleagues why not everything can be different from global standards. Narrative Summary Philippe Sommer's experience leading in Japan illustrates why successful global leadership is less about importing a proven management formula and more about learning how people around you actually think, communicate and make decisions. Sommer arrived in Japan through the world of reinsurance. Following the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Japan required significant international reinsurance expertise. Having worked in Switzerland and the United States, Sommer accepted the opportunity to move to Japan and eventually found himself leading a substantial sales organisation. One of his earliest lessons concerned communication. Japanese expressions that appear positive or ambiguous to a Western executive can carry a very different meaning. A response such as "maybe" may actually represent an extremely strong "no". Translation alone therefore does not solve the problem. Leaders need interpretation: an understanding of the context and intention behind the words. Hierarchy presented another adjustment. Western executives may be accustomed to relatively flat organisations and feel comfortable contacting anyone necessary to achieve an outcome. In Japan, bypassing a counterpart and approaching that person's boss can cause embarrassment, loss of face and damaged trust. Sommer learned that respecting organisational relationships is essential. Yet Japanese hierarchy operates alongside nemawashi. Decisions may ultimately be approved at the top, but the groundwork is often built from below. People who will execute a decision need to be involved before the decision becomes official. Skipping that process can make implementation substantially harder. Sommer consequently favours what he describes as a "pull" rather than "push" leadership style. Instead of simply telling employees how something must be achieved, leaders can establish the desired outcome and then involve colleagues in determining how to reach it. This requires patience, but it produces understanding, involvement and commitment. Trust is built through similar behaviour. Sommer believes leaders need to demonstrate that they are working for the team and for the client rather than themselves. Leading by example matters. A leader should be visible in front of clients, participate in the work and demonstrate the behaviour expected from others. Curiosity is another foundation of his leadership approach. Rather than constantly talking about themselves, leaders should learn about other people, their interests, motivations and culture. Open questions help, but so does silence. Western executives accustomed to filling conversational gaps need to become comfortable waiting for Japanese colleagues to formulate and express their thoughts. Sommer's advice to incoming leaders is therefore deceptively simple: connect with people. Spend time with them. Share meals. Learn something about the Japanese language even if fluency is unrealistic. Understand how communication works. Most importantly, do not arrive believing that a powerful presentation or headquarters mandate will automatically create followership. His preferred definition of leadership, borrowed from Dwight D. Eisenhower, captures the central lesson: leadership is getting someone to do what needs to be done because that person wants to do it. In Japan, once genuine commitment has been established, Sommer believes the organisation can become almost unstoppable. Q&A Summary What makes leadership in Japan unique? Leadership in Japan requires an unusually strong awareness of context, hierarchy, relationships and indirect communication. Philippe Sommer discovered that literal translation is insufficient because leaders also need to understand the interpretation behind Japanese words and expressions. Hierarchy remains important. A foreign executive who bypasses a counterpart to contact that person's superior may believe they are simply accelerating communication. The Japanese counterpart may instead experience embarrassment and loss of face, damaging the relationship. At the same time, hierarchy coexists with bottom-up consensus building through nemawashi. The formal decision may come from above, but effective implementation frequently depends upon groundwork being completed throughout the organisation beforehand. Why do global executives struggle? Global executives can struggle because methods that generated results elsewhere may produce resistance in Japan. A leader arriving under pressure from headquarters may immediately begin pushing for rapid change. Sommer warns that this can become a "suicide mission" if headquarters does not understand that achieving sustainable change in Japan may require additional time. The leader also occupies a difficult intermediary position. Sommer sees himself as a translator between Japan and the global organisation. He must explain to headquarters why Japan is different while simultaneously explaining to Japanese colleagues why global requirements cannot simply be ignored. Is Japan truly risk-averse? Sommer recognises greater risk aversion in some parts of Japanese business but cautions against treating everyone as identical. Teams contain different personality types, including people who are ready to act. The leader's task is partly to identify those "doers", create circumstances in which they can contribute and ensure senior colleagues accept their participation. What can initially look like negativity may also represent an attempt to identify problems before implementation. What leadership style actually works? Sommer describes leadership in terms of "push and pull". In Japan, he has found pull leadership particularly effective. Rather than dictating every step, the leader discusses the intended destination and allows colleagues to contribute to how the organisation gets there. This helps the leader understand why people think as they do and allows solutions to emerge from the team. Sommer also emphasises leading by example. Leaders must show up, work with clients and demonstrate that they are committed to the same mission as their employees. Trust grows when people see that their leader is not merely delegating responsibility from above. How can technology help? Technology can make literal communication easier, particularly through AI-enabled translation, but Sommer's experience suggests technology does not eliminate the need for cultural interpretation. Machine translation may accurately convert words while missing the meaning behind them. Leaders still need to understand how a statement will be interpreted, what the speaker actually intends and how their own communication is being received. Technology therefore supports cross-cultural communication but cannot replace curiosity, contextual understanding or human relationships. Does language proficiency matter? Sommer believes leaders should learn about Japanese even if they never reach professional fluency. Understanding basic language structures can reveal how communication itself differs. Japanese sentence construction, including the placement of the verb at the end, requires listeners to wait longer before knowing the full meaning of a statement. That reinforces an important leadership discipline: listen, wait and become comfortable with silence. Language study can therefore provide cultural insight even when the executive continues conducting most business in English. What's the ultimate leadership lesson? Sommer's central lesson is to become curious about people and build genuine connections. Leaders should spend time with colleagues, share meals, ask open questions, listen and understand what motivates people. A presentation alone does not create followership. His preferred Eisenhower definition captures his philosophy: "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." For Sommer, that idea has particular power in Japan. When people genuinely want to execute the agreed direction, commitment becomes exceptionally strong and the organisation can become almost unstoppable. Author Credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.

What should spa and wellness operators know before opening a bathhouse or adding sauna and cold plunge experiences? As thermal bathing and contrast therapy continue to grow, Lisa Starr speaks with MacKenzie Boling of Longevity Law and Adam Wilkins of NFP, an Aon company, about the legal, operational, and insurance risks that can affect guest safety and long-term business viability. Their conversation offers practical guidance for owners who want to build a durable business, protect their guests, and understand the responsibilities that come with these increasingly popular wellness experiences. What You'll Learn Why regulatory classification, permitting, and water-vessel requirements should be addressed before construction or opening. How to evaluate insurance coverage beyond general liability, including professional liability and potential waterborne illness exposures. Why marketing claims, waivers, informed consent, and staff training need to support the experience being offered. How guest education and proactive supervision can help reduce risks associated with heat, cold, and social pressure. What to review before adding new modalities to an existing spa, and how to identify gaps in your current risk management approach. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why the growth of bathhouses is raising new questions for spa and wellness operators 07:47 – The regulatory and paperwork risks that can threaten business durability 10:02 – Insurance exposures beyond slips and falls 18:44 – How marketing promises can influence an operator's duty to guests 29:14 – Why waivers need to be supported by informed consent and intake 36:13 – What to do before adding a sauna or cold plunge to an existing spa 43:48 – How additional modalities can complicate insurance procurement 46:31 – Two practical risk management actions operators can take tomorrow Meet the Guests MacKenzie Boling, Esq. is the founder of Longevity Law, where she conducts risk reviews for bathhouses, saunas, thermal bathing programs, and pre-opening projects. Her background includes criminal defense law, massage therapy, and sauna master training. Adam Wilkins is a property and casualty insurance broker with NFP, an Aon company. He works with businesses in alternative wellness and medicine, including hot and cold exposure, helping operators understand and insure their business risks. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned The conversation explores MacKenzie's risk architecture approach, including operational compliance, staff training, the guest journey, and alignment between marketing and practice. It also introduces her work on a nationwide water-classification database and the need for defensible sauna standards. Closing Insight A safe and successful bathhouse begins with informed decisions, clear operating standards, and an understanding of the risks your business is taking. Whether you are opening a new facility or expanding an existing spa, this conversation will help you approach growth with your eyes wide open. Subscribe to StarrCast Podcast for more conversations about the business of spa and wellness. Looking for expert advice in Spa Consulting, with live training and online learning? Spa Consulting: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-consulting  Live Training: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses/  Online Learning: https://wynnebusiness.com/spa-management-courses  Other Links: Connect with MacKenzie Boling, Esq: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longevitylawllc/ Connect with Longevity Law: https://longevitylaw.law/about  Connect with Adam Wilkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-wilkins-insurance-broker-and-mental-health-advocate/ Connect with NFP an Aon Company: https://www.nfp.com Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastarrwynnebusiness  Listen or Watch StarrCast Podcast on Your Preferred Platform or YouTube: https://wynnebusiness.com/starrcast-podcast/  Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynnebusiness/?ref=bookmarks  Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynnebusiness/   

Caroline Reidy of NFP HR Solutions, an Aon company, is one of the country’s leading experts in human resources. In this regular feature, she answers your workplace questions relating to your rights and entitlements, whether you are an employee, employer, manager or self-employed. If you’ve a question for Caroline, email, in confidence, kerrytoday@radiokerry.ie

In this episode, Brandon Schuh break down insurance's biggest headlines: Aon's $17B acquisition of USI and what it means for producers and competing agencies, the Lockton/Kawhi Leonard salary-cap controversy and its potential fallout, and a deep dive into Corgi's unorthodox risk retention and reinsurance structure. Plus a detour into how Warren Buffett once rescued Lloyd's of London from collapse.

"I look at it as an opportunity for everybody else. You're already seeing people on LinkedIn saying, I can't wait for the disruption." - Lamont Thurston, BeneReIn this episode of Last Month in Healthcare, Producer Nathaniel and I sat down with Lamont Thurston, founder and CEO of BeneRe, to break down the biggest healthcare news stories of August 2026.We started with Aon's $17 billion all-cash acquisition of USI, a deal that lit up LinkedIn for a week straight. KKR took USI private for $4.3 billion in 2014, so they're exiting at 3.4x, and Aon walks away with a serious middle-market position. Lamont's take on the antitrust question is worth hearing, and so is his argument that this creates more room for independents rather than less.We also dug into Aon's projection of a 9.5% healthcare cost increase for 2027, pushing average cost per employee past $19,000 and marking the fourth consecutive year of near-double-digit trend. Lamont's point: four years in a row isn't a spike, it's structural, and that number is now eating wage increases. Plus, employer use of the big three PBMs fell from 63.4% to 54.3% in a single year, driven mostly by employers under 1,000 lives, and the Fifth Circuit struck down the No Surprises benchmark over something called ghost rates.To cap it off, we played an over/under game on ten healthcare numbers heading into 2027, and I answered a listener question about what to do when your biggest client's HR contact retires and the new one wants to bid everything out.Thank you to Walk-On Clinic for sponsoring this episode. Visit walkonclinic.com to learn more.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Lamont Thurston and Walk-On Clinic(00:01:32) Aon Acquires USI for $17 Billion(00:04:04) 9.5% Trend and the Fourth Straight Year(00:08:16) Employers Are Leaving the Big Three PBMs(00:10:47) Ghost Rates and the No Surprises Ruling(00:13:57) Game: Healthcare Over/Under for 2027(00:25:12) Ask Spencer Anything: Your Client's HR Contact Just Retired

"I look at it as an opportunity for everybody else. You're already seeing people on LinkedIn saying, I can't wait for the disruption." - Lamont Thurston, BeneReIn this episode of Last Month in Healthcare, Producer Nathaniel and I sat down with Lamont Thurston, founder and CEO of BeneRe, to break down the biggest healthcare news stories of August 2026.We started with Aon's $17 billion all-cash acquisition of USI, a deal that lit up LinkedIn for a week straight. KKR took USI private for $4.3 billion in 2014, so they're exiting at 3.4x, and Aon walks away with a serious middle-market position. Lamont's take on the antitrust question is worth hearing, and so is his argument that this creates more room for independents rather than less.We also dug into Aon's projection of a 9.5% healthcare cost increase for 2027, pushing average cost per employee past $19,000 and marking the fourth consecutive year of near-double-digit trend. Lamont's point: four years in a row isn't a spike, it's structural, and that number is now eating wage increases. Plus, employer use of the big three PBMs fell from 63.4% to 54.3% in a single year, driven mostly by employers under 1,000 lives, and the Fifth Circuit struck down the No Surprises benchmark over something called ghost rates.To cap it off, we played an over/under game on ten healthcare numbers heading into 2027, and I answered a listener question about what to do when your biggest client's HR contact retires and the new one wants to bid everything out.Thank you to Walk-On Clinic for sponsoring this episode. Visit walkonclinic.com to learn more.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Lamont Thurston and Walk-On Clinic(00:01:32) Aon Acquires USI for $17 Billion(00:04:04) 9.5% Trend and the Fourth Straight Year(00:08:16) Employers Are Leaving the Big Three PBMs(00:10:47) Ghost Rates and the No Surprises Ruling(00:13:57) Game: Healthcare Over/Under for 2027(00:25:12) Ask Spencer Anything: Your Client's HR Contact Just Retired

In der heutigen Folge sprechen die Finanzjournalisten Lea Oetjen und Holger Zschäpitz über historische Abschiede, SpaceX-Druck für Siemens Energy und die Zinsgewinner des Anleihenschocks. Außerdem geht es um DHL Group, Apple, Shein, Inditex, Microsoft, Halliburton, Valero Energy, PG&E, Edison International, Nvidia, MediaTek, Aon, KKR, Eli Lilly, Hyperliquid Treasury, Siemens Energy, Nordex, Sto, OHB, Vonovia, Aroundtown, TAG Immobilien, LEG Immobilien, Amazon, BMW, UBTECH Robotics, Zeekr (Geely Automobile Holdings Limited), Unitree Robotics, Renesas Electronics, NXP Semiconductors, Analog Devices, MinebeaMitsumi, Regal Rexnord, TE Connectivity, Amphenol, Walmart, Daifuku, Jabil, Toyota, BYD, Xiaomi, Xpeng, Tesla, Siemens, Schneider Electric, JPMorgan Chase, Crédit Agricole, Grenke und Volkswagen. Am 2. Oktober findet unser „Alles auf Aktien“-Summit in Berlin statt. Ihr wollt dabei sein? Wir verlosen Tickets: Schreibt uns eine Mail an AAA@WELT.de und begründet, warum ihr unbedingt gewinnen solltet. Falls ihr euer Glück nicht dem Zufall überlassen wollt, bekommt ihr mit dem Code „AAAFRIENDS“ satte 50 Prozent Rabatt aufs Ticket – aber nur über diesen Link: https://veranstaltung.businessinsider.de/event/financesummit26/summary?rp=c6dc55d6-6f4f-4fb4-b75f-3f3501d84859 Wir freuen uns an Feedback über aaa@welt.de. Noch mehr "Alles auf Aktien" findet Ihr bei WELTplus und Apple Podcasts – inklusive aller Artikel der Hosts. Hier bei WELT: https://www.welt.de/podcasts/alles-auf-aktien/plus247399208/Boersen-Podcast-AAA-Bonus-Folgen-Jede-Woche-noch-mehr-Antworten-auf-Eure-Boersen-Fragen.html. Hier könnt ihr den AAA-Newsletter abonnieren: https://www.welt.de/newsletter/article232797673/Alles-auf-Aktien-Der-taegliche-Boersen-Newsletter-fuer-WELTplus-Abonnenten.html Und – ganz neu: AAA gibt es jetzt auch auf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alles_auf_aktien/ Disclaimer: Die im Podcast besprochenen Aktien und Fonds stellen keine spezifischen Kauf- oder Anlage-Empfehlungen dar. Die Moderatoren und der Verlag haften nicht für etwaige Verluste, die aufgrund der Umsetzung der Gedanken oder Ideen entstehen. Hörtipps: Für alle, die noch mehr wissen wollen: Holger Zschäpitz können Sie jede Woche im Finanz- und Wirtschaftspodcast "Deffner&Zschäpitz" hören. +++ Werbung +++ Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte! https://linktr.ee/alles_auf_aktien Anzeige: Eight Sleep: Der Pod 5 reguliert die Temperatur im Bett automatisch, trackt Schlaf- und Gesundheitswerte ohne Wearable und kann so zu besserem Schlaf beitragen. Mit dem Code ALLESAUFAKTIEN erhaltet ihr auf https://www.eightsleep.com/allesaufaktien bis zu 350 Euro Rabatt. Impressum: https://www.welt.de/services/article7893735/Impressum.html Datenschutz: https://www.welt.de/services/article157550705/Datenschutzerklaerung-WELT-DIGITAL.html

AI is changing how we work, hire and lead. But as the technology becomes more capable, how do we make sure we can still trust what we see?In this special Dive In Festival episode of The Recruitment Show, Lewis Maleh sits down with Tharishni Arumugam, Global AI Compliance Director at Aon, to explore the realities of AI in the workplace and what organisations need to be thinking about now.From candidates using AI during the hiring process to questions around authenticity, governance and human judgement, Tharishni shares her perspective on navigating a world where the line between human and AI-generated work is becoming increasingly difficult to see.They discuss the opportunities AI creates, the risks organisations need to understand, and why people, trust and responsible decision-making still matter as technology continues to evolve.This episode is part of our special Dive In Festival series, featuring conversations with senior leaders on leadership, AI, culture and the future of work.Show Notes:Dive In Festival⁠https://diveinfestival.com⁠Connect with Tharishni Arumugamhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tharishni-arumugam-a9888667 ----Connect with Lewis Maleh⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmaleh⁠Learn more about Bentley Lewis⁠https://bentleylewis.com⁠

Plus: California publicly traded utilities tumble after state lawmakers reject plan to shield them from wildfire claims. And Aon agrees to a $17 billion deal to buy USI Insurance from KKR. Pierre Bienaimé hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Crain's restaurants reporter Ally Marotti and host Amy Guth discuss the latest dining openings around Chicago. Plus: South Loop high-rise sold for $166M, Chicago's second-biggest apartments deal this year, Aon buys mid-market insurance specialist in $17 billion deal, Rivian shares slide after CFO announces surprise departure, ex-Loretto CFO back in Chicago to face fraud charges. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brandon gives you his hot take on all things Aon and USI acquisition.

David Turetsky talks with Nicole Ward of Aon about her concept of the executive athlete and why leadership performance is built on physiology, recovery, and sustainable habits. They explore how burnout shows up in executives and sales teams, and why HR can play a major role in reframing wellness as a business performance issue.Nicole shares her own wake-up call, the accident that pushed her to rethink health, and practical ways leaders can build better energy, focus, and resilience without “boiling the ocean.”  Key topics  Nicole Ward's background at Aon - Senior vice president of sales with a career rooted in professional services, public accounting, and now commercial insurance.  The origin of the executive athlete idea - Nicole's near-fatal rollover accident became the catalyst for a long-term shift toward health and wellness.  Physiology as leadership infrastructure - Her central idea is that energy is the currency of performance, and leaders who are under-slept, under-nourished, and constantly “on” are not operating at full capacity.  Why burnout matters organizationally - Burnout, dysregulation, and chronic stress in senior leaders have downstream effects on teams, culture, and decision-making.  Culture rewards overwork - The conversation pushes back on the idea that always being available is a badge of honor, especially in executive roles.  Recovery improves performance - Nicole argues that slowing down and recovering is not weakness but a competitive advantage supported by real data.  Small changes beat all-or-nothing thinking - She recommends “exercise snacks,” breathing breaks, short movement intervals, and better sleep habits rather than unrealistic total overhauls.  Data can drive behavior change - She shares an example of a sales team using wearable devices over six months to track sleep, stress, and activity, leading to better performance and better well-being.  HR's role in changing the conversation - HR professionals can bring wellness into strategic planning sessions and ask leadership how health is being prioritized.  Bio-individual wellness at work - Nicole emphasizes that companies should offer flexible options because different people need different supports, from meditation space to gym access to better snacks.  Timestamps  00:00 - Welcome to HR Data Labs and introduction to Nicole Ward 01:12 - Nicole's role as senior vice president of sales at Aon 02:15 - The accident that sparked the executive athlete journey 03:14 - Why executives need physiology, not just willpower 06:54 - How boardroom experience shaped the platform 07:24 - A team member's comment that changed everything 08:21 - Why the book is aimed first at sales athletes and then all executives 09:30 - Recovery as a competitive advantage, not weakness 10:43 - The cost of working until collapse 11:20 - The “toxic capacity” bucket and signs of overload 12:19 - Why leaders struggle to fully disconnect 13:26 - Tying recovery to revenue and metrics 14:41 - Burnout in sales and other high-pressure roles 15:31 - Alternatives to always being “on” 16:25 - Why all-or-nothing thinking fails 17:26 - Using micro-habits for sleep, breathing, and movement 19:37 - A six-month wearable experiment with a sales team 21:33 - Salespeople as athletes and why preparation matters 22:48 - Why companies should treat wellness as a real priority 23:45 - The biology of organizations and employee energy 24:48 - How HR can start the conversation with leadership 26:14 - Bringing health and wellness into strategic planning 27:10 - Example of no meeting Fridays 28:46 - Why a bio-individual approach is better than one-size-fits-all 29:15 - Personalized wellness options for different employees 30:11 - The reality of obesity, inflammation, and dysregulation 31:11 - Incremental progress in the face of broader stress 32:01 - Closing thoughts and final thanks  Notable quotes  “Physiology is the infrastructure of leadership and energy is the currency of performance.”  “When we decelerate, when we allow ourselves to recover, we adapt.”  “My best tomorrow starts tonight.” 

In this Risk Capital episode of the On Aon podcast, we look ahead to the re/insurance industry's annual gathering in Monte Carlo. Aon leaders Cynthia Beveridge and Anshuman Srivastava discuss the forces shaping insurance and reinsurance markets and the implications for organizations approaching year-end renewals. With capital and capacity remaining strong, organizations have an opportunity to rethink the role of insurance within their broader business strategies. Cynthia and Ansh explore how leaders can use risk and capital decisions to unlock greater confidence, strengthen resilience and support growth. They also examine how data, technology and alternative sources of capital are creating new ways to address risk and make more informed decisions in an increasingly interconnected environment. Key Takeaways:          Strong capital and capacity are creating new opportunities for organizations to secure better outcomes and align risk transfer strategies more closely with business priorities. Organizations that connect risk and capital decisions to enterprise objectives are better positioned to build confidence, support growth and stay ahead. As risks become more interconnected, data, technology and alternative capital will play a greater role in helping organizations make smarter decisions and unlock new sources of value. Experts in this episode:        Cynthia Beveridge, Chief Broking Officer, Commercial Risk, Aon Anshuman Srivastava, Global Chief Broking Officer, Reinsurance, Aon Key Moments:          (1:00) Why Monte Carlo Rendezvous remains a critical gathering for the industry and the issues shaping renewal discussions. (3:30) How record levels of reinsurance capital are influencing market dynamics and expanding options for organizations. (08:35) The trends expected to shape the future of insurance and reinsurance, including technology, alternative capital and greater connectivity across the risk ecosystem. Soundbites:          Cynthia Beveridge:     "There's a big disadvantage, I believe, in viewing insurance purely as a cost rather than a strategic enabler." Anshuman Srivastava: "Alternative capital is playing or continues to play quite a pivotal role in being supplementary and complementary, more and more complementary actually to traditional capital."

September 2026: What the recent Pensions Reform Roadmaps mean for you and your scheme John Harney is joined by Aon colleagues, Matthew Arends and Gemma Burrows, to discuss the implications of the recently-published updated DWP and TPR pensions roadmaps, including practical actions you can take now. You will also hear the key pension news from the last month. View the recently-published roadmaps from DWP and TPR: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workplace-pensions-an-updated-roadmap and https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/pension-schemes-act-2026/pensions-reform-roadmap Read about Aon's intention to introduce a whole-life multi-employer Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) section, beginning in 2028, to sit alongside defined contribution (DC) benefits within The Aon MasterTrust: https://www.aon.com/unitedkingdom/media-room/articles/aon-to-introduce-a-whole-life-multi-employer-cdc Read DWP's Guiding principles for the Guided Retirement duties: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guiding-principles-for-default-pensions View DWP's Consultation on proposed changes to the structure and rates of the general levy: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-occupational-and-personal-pension-schemes-general-levy-regulations-review-2026 For topic suggestions, comments and questions, just email TalkToUs@aon.com

Over the past couple of years we've been talking a lot about the potential applications of AI in insurance and where in the value chain it is going to make the best impact. But what we haven't done is follow the logic further and start to look into the medium term consequences for the industry. This is why what follows is so interesting. My conversation with George Beattie (pictured, Left), Head of Innovation and Chris Mullan (pictured, Right) Head of Data and AI at CFC starts off as an examination of the innovative MGA's application of agentic AI into its underwriting process. That in itself is interesting enough. For example the 70-80 times speed gains for delivering bindable quotes are eye-opening, but it's what follows that makes this podcast special. George and Chris have done a lot of thinking about what the application of AI can really mean for the sector. They've done the intellectual homework and some of their conclusions will surprise you. For example they don't feel that AI exclusions are going to be workable and are only likely to lead to an embarrassing future climbdown for the industry. But it's their views on how the age of AI gives us a chance to completely re-design the insurance product from the ground up that are perhaps more insightful and offer a cautionary tale for incumbents. Those who simply think AI will make the existing business process quicker and more efficient will almost certainly be right in the short-term, but they might be outmanoeuvred in the longer term as whole new business models emerge and leave them in their wake. When smart and articulate experienced insurance people really grapple with tech, it helps the rest of us understand much better. George and Chris are great communicators who can translate tech jargon into practical insurance ideas. What's even better is that they are both very grounded and are really good at deflating the tech hubris that puts so many of us insurance folk off. In short, this one is a must-listen and alongside the recent fascinating Episode with Clyde Bernstein of Aon, ranks as one of the most insightful discussions I have had on the intersection of insurance technology and innovation for a very long time. LINKS: We thank our naming sponsor AdvantageGo, now part of Sapiens: https://www.advantagego.com

Health insurance plans sponsored by employers could cost more than $19,000 per employee on average in 2027, according to insurance broker Aon — a rise of 9.5%. This morning, we're talking about how workers could pay more as a result, even though companies typically shoulder about 80% of the cost. Also, we look at how more domestic travel spending is affecting one destination in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Health insurance plans sponsored by employers could cost more than $19,000 per employee on average in 2027, according to insurance broker Aon — a rise of 9.5%. This morning, we're talking about how workers could pay more as a result, even though companies typically shoulder about 80% of the cost. Also, we look at how more domestic travel spending is affecting one destination in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.Stories featured in this episode:Health plans will cost more in 2027, for employers and workers

In this “Articles of News” episode, Richie and Verlin (our resident News Wizard) are tackling a packed listener inbox, playing a pretty wild Old Testament version of Smooch, Marry, Kill, and breaking down all the biggest stories happening around the Church right now. Banter & The Listener Inbox Verlin is joining us straight from the 1994-era Durham, North Carolina stake office—getting ready for some weekend ward cleaning and a massive “pig pickin'” (smoked pork and banana pudding, anyone?). Meanwhile, Richie recaps a high-energy DJ gig for the Nightingale nursing group and calls out listener Jack Marinello to step up his game in the Facebook comments. Plus, we dive into a great email from Chris about navigating the “Moco” (Mormon Corridor) and the tricky balance of separating actual gospel principles from institutional church culture. Global Church Leadership & Events Happy 94th Birthday to President Oaks! We chat about his first international trip as the 18th President of the Church to dedicate the Belo Horizonte, Brazil temple. We also touch on Elder Patrick Kearon’s powerful message at Education Week to a crowd of 15,000, where he urged everyone to “stop earning their worth.” Also on the docket: Elder Rasband’s MTC address on the current global missionary surge, Elder Villar championing religious freedom down in Peru, and the Institute centennial broadcast out of Johannesburg. Policy, BYU & Institute Updates What do you guys think about the new, 25-minute-shorter Sunday block schedule? We cover that, along with the digital release of 10 joyful new hymns and the new ward-level event RSVP feature rolling out on the app. Over in Provo, Education Week just wrapped up with 16,000 attendees focusing on Charity, and the new BYU School of Medicine announced an upcoming “Christ-Centered Physician” conference. Plus, Seminary and Institute enrollment has officially topped 1 million globally, thanks in large part to the “Invite a Friend” initiative. Culture & Retention Trends We dig into some shifting demographics today, specifically a BYU Studies report on the sharp decline in church retention among Gen Z women. We discuss the commentary pointing to politics, purity culture, and feelings of powerlessness as driving factors. We also look at some interesting Gallup data comparing lower European church participation to the high devotion metrics seen in Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Finally, we share a laugh over a story about a YSA who shaved her head just to deter unwanted dates, and we discuss the viral Friend magazine article asking, “Are there any girl bishops?” Question of the Week: We want to hear from you! What was your biggest takeaway from Elder Kearon’s message about slowing down and no longer trying to “earn your worth”? The Cultural Hall, Articles of News, LDS podcast, Mormon Corridor, Smooch Marry Kill, Durham North Carolina, President Oaks, Belo Horizonte temple, Elder Kearon, Education Week, Elder Rasband, religious freedom, church schedule change, new hymns, BYU School of Medicine, Seminary and Institute, Gen Z retention, YSA dating, girl bishops The post Pig Pickin and cry for help AoN – 1062 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

P.M. Edition for Aug. 20. Colleges are facing a demographic cliff—lower birth rates means fewer 18-year-olds. WSJ higher education reporter Doug Belkin explains what impact that's likely to have on colleges–and why it might not make it any easier to get into top-tier schools. Plus, Walmart was the biggest decliner in the Dow after it reported weaker sales growth in its second quarter. We hear from Journal retail reporter Sarah Nassauer about how Walmart's earnings stack up to its rival Target. And employers are expected to pay even more for health insurance next year, which means their workers costs' are probably going up too. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Global Insight episode of the On Aon podcast, Aon experts examine how the European Union's AI Act is reshaping leadership priorities for organizations — including workforce decisions. As AI is used more and more in hiring, talent assessment and workforce management, leaders will need to understand how these tools are governed, monitored and deployed. The discussion explores why accountability cannot be delegated, how organizations can strengthen oversight of third-party solutions and the actions HR leaders can take to build confidence, unlock value and stay ahead as AI adoption accelerates. Key Takeaways:         The EU AI Act raises the bar for organizations using AI in employment decisions, making governance a business priority, not just a compliance requirement. Accountability remains with employers, requiring stronger oversight of AI tools, vendors and decision-making processes. Organizations that invest in AI literacy, transparency and governance will be better positioned to build trust, deploy AI confidently and capture long-term value. Experts in this episode:       Charlotte Schaller, Partner, Head of Assessment UK and EMEA, Human Capital Solutions, Aon John McLaughlin, CCO and Head of Assessment, Talent Solutions, EMEA, Aon Michael Fetzer, Associate Partner, Global Science and Analytics, Aon Key Moments:         (03:10) Understanding the EU AI Act, why it was introduced and why its influence may extend beyond Europe. (08:35) Breaking down the Act's risk-based framework and what "high-risk" classification means for AI tools used in employment decisions. (12:05) Why organizations cannot outsource accountability, and the importance of AI vendor due diligence, explainability and governance. Key Insight: The Time is Now: Five Actions for HR to Consider as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act Comes into ForceSoundbites:         Charlotte Schaller:    “If there's one message to leave HR leaders with, it's this: The EU AI Act is not just a compliance issue. It's a trust issue, a governance issue and ultimately a business performance issue.” John McLaughlin: “You can outsource the technology, but you cannot outsource the responsibility for it, how it affects your people.” Michael Fetzer: “A lot of companies are wondering where do we start? I've always recommended the great first step you might want to start with is carry out a thorough audit of your current HR AI use.”

Podcast: Critical Assets PodcastEpisode: Turning Cyber Risk Into a Decision You Can DefendPub date: 2026-08-15Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationPatrick Miller sits down with Scott Kannry, co-founder and CEO of Axio, to work through cyber risk quantification as a security decision tool for OT and critical infrastructure. Scott came up in the insurance industry at Aon in the early days of cyber coverage. He founded Axio with Dave White to close the gap between a technical security program and a number a CFO and a board can act on.The conversation stays practical. Why you start on the impact side instead of arguing about probability. How NERC CIP already thinks in consequence. Why the events that matter most are rare, huge, and short on data. How to compare controls, insurance, and compliance spend on the same dollar scale. What AI and quantum do to the "it will never happen" excuse. And a new D&O option for CISOs built on top of consistent quantification.Full show notes, links, and the episode transcript are on the Ampyx Cyber episode page at ampyxcyber.com/podcast.Topics covered:The founding of Axio and the insurance-meets-frameworks originA short history of cyber insurance, from data breach to business interruption to cyber-physicalThe four loss categories Axio uses, first and third party, financial and tangibleCoverage gaps for industrial facilities and the danger of assumed coverageImpact-first quantification versus probability-first modelingNERC CIP and consequence-only risk ratingFiduciary duty, duty of care, and defensible decisionsSecurity decision support versus vanity security metricsThe art and science of pricing control ROIAI and quantum, and why low-probability high-impact events deserve attention nowA D&O insurance option for CISOs tied to consistent quantificationThe podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Patrick Miller, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

EPISODE 749 - Nicole Ward - Bio-hacking for the Sales Athlete - For Executives, sales leaders, founders, and anyone performing at a high levelAuthor and corporate executive Nicole Ward joins from Los Angeles to share how a late in life wake up call transformed her health, career, and now her work as an author and podcaster. She describes never really seeing herself as an author until, in her early fifties, inspiration suddenly “volcanoed” into a book idea that connected three areas of expertise in a way she had never seen before. Once she was clear on what she wanted to say, the writing process became energizing rather than intimidating, helped by an editor who protected her natural voice while shaping the manuscript.Nicole explains why she chose to self publish, after being told traditional publishers might take years to bring her book to market. Encouraged by other authors, she invested strategically in professional editing, book design, and a second editorial review to ensure the book looked and read at a high level. She also built a personal advisory board of thirteen people from diverse backgrounds, asking them for blunt, honest feedback that led to key improvements and helped her refine the final version.At the heart of the conversation is Nicole's broader mission: The Executive Athlete. Drawing on her career working with C suite leaders and board members, she is focused on “bringing consciousness to power” by helping high level decision makers regulate their health, manage stress, and extend their healthspan. She demystifies biohacking as simply using data, tools, and targeted supplementation to understand your unique biology and age as well as possible, not as an extreme lifestyle reserved for tech billionaires. Her own journey began when, at thirty five, she was sixty pounds overweight, inflamed, exhausted, and so overworked that after rolling her SUV she worried more about missing a meeting than the accident itself.Nicole shares practical, accessible strategies for busy professionals, like “exercise snacking” small bursts of movement with bands, light weights, or stairs throughout the day that can add up to real fitness without a 5 a.m. workout. She stresses that supplements are meant to augment, not replace, fundamentals like sleep, nutrition, and recovery, and that meaningful change comes from choosing one or two realistic actions instead of trying to overhaul everything at once. This same ethos shapes her two podcasts: Aon at the Top, where she interviews mid market corporate leaders about their path to the C suite, and The Executive Athlete, focused on executives who prioritize health, wellness, and longevity.Speaking directly to listeners who feel stuck, unhealthy, or like they always put themselves last, Nicole is candid about once being a “quitter” with her health and pushing it to the bottom of her priority list. She underscores that change is possible at any age by taking small, consistent steps, honoring commitments to yourself, and giving yourself grace when you fall short. Her before and after story, now documented in her book and content, illustrates how rebuilding your health can not only transform your body but also your confidence, leadership, and capacity to show up fully for your family, colleagues, and community.https://www.nicoleelizabethward.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

During the Aug. 6 AICPA Town Hall, AICPA's Mark Koziel shared an update on the CPA trust brand awareness campaign, while AICPA's Melanie Lauridsen and AICPA Chair Jan Lewis discussed CP53E notice updates. Melanie was also joined by CNA Insurance's Sarah Ference and Aon's Nicole Graham to discuss key risk considerations for firms, including the evolving impact of AI. The Town Hall also featured a profession update, and the latest DC and technical updates shaping the profession.

What does it take to build, operate, and scale a successful degree apprenticeship program? How can higher education institutions and employers collaborate to drive student retention, mobility, and career growth? We talk through these with Stacia Edwards the Deputy Provost at City Colleges of Chicago and Daniel Serota the Vice President of Government Affairs at Aon. Together, they outline actionable strategies for managing curriculum, providing wraparound support, solving the early-career experience catch-22, and scaling regional employer networks to future-proof the workforce in the age of AI. Episode Highlights include: [4:16] Sector-Based Campus Alignment - City Colleges of Chicago organizes specialized programs across campuses so regional employers have a single clear entry point. [7:01] Solving Corporate Early-Career Retention - Aon introduced degree apprenticeships to overcome high turnover in entry-level roles while building local talent pipelines. [12:45] The Earn-and-Learn Funding Model - Employer partners fund full tuition, books, and salary, offering a direct path to full-time employment upon graduation. [18:01] Centralizing Partnerships with an Apprenticeship Office - Creating an internal hub acts as an "easy button" to handle scheduling, curriculum updates, and student support. [26:27] Scaling via the Four-Pillar Moonshot - City Colleges of Chicago targets 1,000 annual apprentices by expanding pre-apprenticeships, recruitment, and employer-of-record models. References: 1. Daniel's Op-ed “Apprenticeship is the future of work, even in an AI economy” https://www.chicagobusiness.com/elevate/ccb-apprenticeship-value-ai-economy-20260511/ 2. Chicago Apprenticeship Network “Starter Guide” https://www.chicagoapprenticenetwork.org/assets/membersAndPartners/Apprenticeship%20Starter%20Guide.pdf 3. Elliot Op-Ed with Dana Stephenson from Riipen on “Internship bottleneck: How to break the work experience Catch-22” https://universitybusiness.com/internship-bottleneck-how-to-break-the-work-experience-catch-22/

In the final episode of our special three-part series exploring Aon's 2026 Human Capital Trends Study, Byron Beebe is joined by Max Saraví and Guy Clarkson to discuss how leaders can turn workforce investments into stronger business outcomes. As workforce and healthcare costs continue to rise, organizations are facing increasing pressure to make every people investment count. The conversation explores how leading employers are using employee value propositions, data and personalization to make more informed decisions, strengthen the employee experience and align workforce strategies with business priorities. The episode also examines how AI and emerging technologies are helping organizations deliver greater value, generate deeper insights and position themselves for long-term growth. Key Takeaways:        Leading organizations measure success by outcomes, not spend, ensuring workforce investments strengthen employee experiences while advancing business goals. A strong employee value proposition provides a strategic framework for decision-making, helping leaders prioritize investments that deliver the greatest value for employees and the organization. Data, personalization and AI mean organizations can build more targeted, effective workforce strategies that improve engagement, increase return on investment and help them to stay ahead. Experts in this episode:      Byron Beebe, CEO of Human Capital, Aon Max Saraví, Head of Human Capital, Latin America, Aon Guy Clarkson, Head of Online Health, UK, Aon Key Moments:        (1:30) Why organizations are rethinking people investments as employee expectations and healthcare costs continue to rise, and how a strong EVP can help employers deliver greater value.     (5:05) How leading organizations use data, personalization and employee insights to guide workforce investment decisions and improve employee experiences. (11:00) The future of workforce investment, including AI-powered personalization, integrated employee experiences and the growing importance of data maturity. Soundbites:        Byron Beebe:   “As workforce costs continue to rise, the real opportunity lies not in spending more but making every investment in your people count.” Max Saraví:   “A strong employee value proposition acts as a framework for making better decisions about people investment rather than simply adding more programs or benefits." Guy Clarkson: "For me, an employee value proposition should be a decision-making framework that helps organizations decide where to invest, balancing what matters most to their employees, but also how they can then allocate limited resources."  

In this episode, we explore a wide range of topics from cookie science and church news to community initiatives and personal stories, providing insights and inspiration for everyday life. Cookie making as chemistry and science Church news and community initiatives Mental health awareness and suicide prevention Leadership in faith and community service Innovative church programs and events The post Crumbl – The Savior of Cookies? AoN 1057 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin interviews APIW President Dawnmarie Black about her role at Amwins and her journey to get there, starting with clerical work in her father's insurance agency. Dawnmarie speaks about the great training program she received early in her career, being mentored, joining an association board, and growing her career through being mentored, networking, connecting, building relationships, being mentored, and leadership. She emphasizes communication and transparency as the basis of relationships. Justin and Dawnmarie discuss upcoming trends in risk, recruiting talent, and retaining professionals with a culture of trust and development. Dawnmarie speaks of Amwins's innovative outreach to underrepresented children and HBCUs about the insurance industry. Finally, Dawnmarie focuses on her association work and the upcoming APIW 50th Anniversary Gala on November 3rd in NYC. Listen for themes of communication, connection, and relationship building.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be joined today by Dawnmarie Black of Amwins. She is also the President of the Association of Professional Insurance Women (APIW). But first… [:42] RIMS-CRMP Workshop. We are delighted to announce that on August 27th and 28th, RIMS President Manny Padilla will be leading the two-day in-person workshop at St. John's University at 101 Astor Place in New York City. A link to the registration is in this episode's show notes. [1:02] RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops. RIMS will partner with PARIMA for the RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep on September 1st and 2nd. Registration links are in this episode's show notes. [1:12] Also on the webinars page, you will see a two-part series hosted by the RIMS Membership Department. The "Classroom to Career" webinar series highlights how RIMS equips students with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive in risk management careers. [1:28] Participants will gain insights into industry trends, career pathways, and practical tools that help them confidently step into the evolving world of risk management after graduation. These sessions will be hosted on September 1st and 9th. [1:41] These sessions are member exclusives and are complimentary for RIMS members, of course. So, if you are interested in becoming a member, this would be the time. Visit RIMS.org/membership. [1:51] RIMS is back on YouTube. Our handle is @RIMSOfficialChannel. We've got plenty of videos there, including RIMScast, RIMScast Canada video podcasts, and other informative and entertaining content from RIMS. Subscribe to the channel today! [2:08] On with the Show! Our guest today is Dawnmarie Black. She is the Senior Vice President and Client Relationship Manager at Amwins, and she is the President of the Association of Professional Insurance Women (APIW). [2:26] We'll talk a bit about her career journey, what she believes it takes to attract and retain talent in insurance and risk management, and the interconnected risks that are on her radar. Let's get to it! [2:39] Interview! Dawnmarie Black, Welcome to RIMScast! [2:48] Justin says, you know Dawnmarie Black from Amwins, and she is also the President of the Association of Professional Insurance Women (APIW). Justin is wearing their pin. [3:21] Dawnmarie is a Client Relationship Manager at Amwins. She builds relationships with retail trading partners. It's a strategic national, corporate relationship across the U.S. [3:35] Dawnmarie works and collaborates with their market placement teams or carrier strategy teams and Amwins internal brokers. [3:44] There's a lot of collaboration to ensure that Amwins brokers are finding the opportunities and so the client and Amwins understand how Amwins fits into their strategic priorities, and to grow both businesses. [4:04] Dawnmarie says she and her team are there to support the retail brokers and also support Amwins's internal brokers in their growth initiatives. [4:13] Dawnmarie joined Amwins in September of 2025. [4:32] Dawnmarie's father owned an insurance agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She worked at his agency from age 16. She went to Allegheny College in Meadville and worked at a local agency. She did a lot of mailroom, file room, cold calling, and CSR work. [4:59] Dawnmarie thought she would ultimately move up in her father's agency and someday be the succession plan. He sold it, and Dawnmarie went to work for Chubb in their training program. It was a phenomenal start into this industry. They had a great training program. [5:16] Dawnmarie says a lot of her group are still colleagues and friends today, which set the stage for her career. [5:21] Dawnmarie says she moved through underwriting and brokerage, she built and launched an IT system at Aon, and went back to underwriting for a while. Most recently, Dawnmarie was the head of market development for the Americas at Lloyd's of London. [5:54] Dawnmarie says it was an incredible role to understand what's happening in the global marketplace, at a 30,000-foot view, working with coders in the U.S. very closely. This is how she got to Amwins. She was promoting the Lloyd's market to the Amwins leadership team. [6:37] Justin finds it fascinating that Dawnmarie was not the successor to her father but made her own way in the insurance industry. She learned it from the ground up. She has touched every part of the industry except for claims. She has come full circle, working with retailers again. [7:04] Dawnmarie says it has been a very interesting and fulfilling journey. She feels like it has placed her well to be in a position like this, to be working with Amwins's retailers. [7:36] Dawnmarie says she establishes trust with people through communication and transparency. She tells it like it is. She also will go the extra mile, out of her way to make sure things get done. At Amwins, there is a service leadership culture. [8:01] Dawnmarie says she is there to help; to help direct, to help move things, or to help resolve things, at a very strategic, macro level. That fills her cup. She owns up to what she is promising.  [8:19] Dawnmarie says, if she tells you she is going to get something done, she will get it done, to the best of her ability, or there will be a very good reason why it hasn't been done. It's important to communicate that. [8:39] Dawnmarie says she thinks that the next generation of leaders exhibits these qualities. They are thoughtful and demanding and have high expectations. When Dawnmarie entered the industry, the culture required her to prove herself. There was a way to approach the business. [9:14] Dawnmarie says the Chubb training program was 12 weeks in their training center in Warren, New Jersey. You learned the policy forms, how to work with insureds, and understand needs. You understood risk. You learned underwriting and pricing. [9:36] The emphasis was understanding the business. Unfortunately for our young risk professionals, there are not as many programs like that available today. [9:49] Dawnmarie says you find companies that are putting training programs together. Amwins has an underwriter development program that is outstanding. A lot of the business produced in Amwins comes from those who have come through the UDP or a broker development program. [10:05] Dawnmarie says our industry has gotten away from the super-formalized training programs, probably to the detriment of our younger professionals, but we're all stepping in and finding ways to fill those gaps. [10:30] Justin concludes that Dawnmarie had an analog, hands-on, pen-and-paper training program. [11:06] Dawnmarie joined the APIW early in her career. She would go to two or three monthly luncheons a year. Then she left APIW for a few years. [11:26] About 10 years ago, while she was at Lloyd's, Dawnmarie was asked to join the board of APIW and get more involved. There, Dawnmarie held the roles of Co-head of Programming, then Treasurer, and ultimately, she was asked to step into the President position. [11:46] Dawnmarie says she has seen the incredible evolution of APIW, going from 500 members to 3,500 members in 11 chapters across the U.S. with 60 corporate sponsorships. APIW has grown since the first time Dawnmarie was involved. [12:20] Dawnmarie says that in her early 40s, she went to her first Women's Leadership Conference by the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF). There weren't a lot of events like that then. Dawnmarie was struggling to figure out what she wanted in her career. [12:50] At this Women's Leadership Conference, a woman spoke on the importance of getting involved, joining boards, and growing your network. Dawnmarie had always done that organically, but she hadn't done it thoughtfully. It was client-driven. [13:08] Dawnmarie went back to management and said that IICF board positions go to sponsor companies. She asked if Lloyd's would sponsor IICF and could she be chosen as the board member? That's where she got her first board experience. [13:24] Dawnmarie moved up and ended up Co-chair of the Boston Chapter. She learned a lot, and it prepared her for APIW. [13:41] A Quick Break! Many fantastic RIMS events are coming up in 2026. This is a last call for registration for the Second Annual RIMS Texas Regional Conference, which will be held from August 10th through the 12th at the Grand Hyatt on the San Antonio River Walk. [13:58] Visit RIMS.org/Events for registration information. The hotel cutoff date was July 10th. Reservations may still be made after the hotel cutoff date, subject to availability; however, the negotiated group rate is no longer guaranteed, so reserve now. [14:14] The 11th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum will return to the Old Post Office on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. Visit ChicagolandRiskForum.org for more information. [14:25] The RIMS Western Regional Conference will be held from October 4th through the 7th in Seattle, Washington. The agenda is live, and registration is open. Visit RIMSWesternRegional.com and the link in this episode's show notes for more information. [14:41] Save the dates: October 18th through the 21st. We will be in Quebec City to celebrate the 50th Live RIMS Canada Conference. Booth sales are open, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Advance registration is open now. [14:58] Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca for more information. Also, remember to check out RIMS.org/Canada for our spinoff show, RIMScast Canada, hosted by National Conference Committee Chair, Aaron Lukoni. [15:13] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. Registration is now open. [15:22] Through August 21st, you can nominate a program for the RIMS ERM Global Award of Distinction. If you know of an ERM Program that is award-worthy, we want to hear about it. A link to the nomination form is in this episode's show notes. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2026. [15:41] We're already looking to RISKWORLD 2027, which will be held over four days in New Orleans, Louisiana, from April 18th through the 21st! The call for session proposals is now live and will stay active through August 21st. [15:56] RIMS members can exclusively register by September 4th for the best rate. And get first access to the hotel block. Hotel reservations open on October 28th, ahead of public registration. Sitting this out is the real risk! The link to registration is in this episode's show notes. [16:16] Let's Return to Our Interview with APIW President Dawnmarie Black! [16:40] Dawnmarie says that the importance of building relationships with communication and transparency applies to risk managers as well. [16:49] Dawnmarie says that risk managers getting to know their brokers and underwriters, building relationships, telling their story, building trust, and understanding the insurance and why a specific carrier is being suggested goes a long way if there's a claim or wording issue. [17:47] Dawnmarie says with the relationships established, with the ability to pick up the phone and say, "We need to have a conversation," you've already set the stage. [18:11] Dawnmarie says emerging risks the insurance industry needs to pay attention to in the next three to five years include addressing AI. Will AI drive margins down? We need to leverage it to do our jobs better. We can't just decide that we're simply going to depend on it. [18:37] AI exists. It's there as a tool. We need to prepare our people to be able to assess it, analyze it, understand it, and program the prompts. The best prompt writers are getting the best results. [18:56] It doesn't mean it's a perfect result, so you need the ability to communicate, analyze, and explain why the output makes sense and how it applies. [19:20] Another emerging need is for more and more data and the ability to depend on that data, using AI to help understand it and being able to explain the data to the board why they can take a larger retention, or why we need more cover in this area. [19:54] Dawnmarie talks about weather-related events. Catastrophic events aren't going away; they're getting worse. Illinois has had more convective storms this year than any other state. It's unexpected and unprepared for. [20:16] The unexpected storm volume creates a shift for the underwriters, clients, and brokers, making sure they have the data to understand what's been exposed and what's been impacted.  [20:30] The models need to address these shifts. We need, as an industry, to be pushing for that: the stronger the models, the more differentiated the models we can have. [20:42] Maybe that's where AI plays a great role, helping us in the changing and adaptation. These are trends Dawnmarie watches. She is so impressed with the data that Amwins has to work with. [21:06] When you have that good data, the world opens up to capital and new strategies. It makes a big difference in where an organization will go strategically. That impacts everybody. [21:23] Sponsorships! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. RIMScast is proud of its longstanding relationships with AXA XL, Global Risk Consultants, Alliant, Zurich, and more. [21:44] Links to many of these episodes are in the show notes. RIMScast sponsorships can be bundled with whitepapers and webinar sponsorships. [21:52] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! [22:05] Reach out to Ted Donovan at  TDonovan@RIMS.org or reach out to Sales at Sales@RIMS.org. Let's find the best opportunity for you and your organization. [22:18] Let's Conclude Our Dialog with APIW President Dawnmarie Black! [22:54] To help make insurance careers more appealing to young professionals and career changers, Dawnmarie asks you to stop saying, "I just fell into insurance." We have a story to tell. [23:13] There is a reason someone came into this industry. It probably wasn't planned, but how they got started and why they stayed; we need to talk more about why people stay in insurance. Because they love it! It is a wonderful ecosystem for growth and travel. It's stable. [23:37] APIW just held Intern Days, one in New York, one in Chicago. This was their first year in Chicago, and about 20 people came. It was their second year in New York. About 50 came. [23:51] Dawnmarie says we do this out of our budget. There's no charge for it. We bring the interns together for four hours. They do a leadership panel, networking, and answering questions.  [24:04] Dawnmarie says a lot of other associations do this. She mentions RISE Professionals. They had a terrific Leadership Conference and Gala in Florida. [24:20] That's an opportunity for young professionals to come together with very good programming around leadership. Networking with their peers and colleagues. Dressing up and going to a gala and celebrating. Dawnmarie has heard only positive feedback about that. [24:38] APIW supports RISE. RISE supports the APIW Mentorship Program. You'll see a lot of interconnectivity among the insurance associations. They partner to share great programs rather than duplicating efforts. It helps both associations. [25:01] The market in Charlotte rallies around Community Matters. There was a week-long session two weeks ago bringing in young children from under-represented communities to learn and understand about insurance. [25:20] Dawnmarie says those kinds of programs where we're reaching out to talent, not only through traditional risk management schools, but looking at non-traditional avenues and non-traditional diversity avenues, and the HBCUs. The Black Sisterhood does incredible work. [26:05] Justin gives a shoutout to the Spencer Educational Foundation. Dawnmarie says they have done such an incredible job in rallying the industry. [26:22] At the Spencer dinner, when the young professionals get up to speak, they are inspirational in their careers and their appreciation for the opportunities to come into this industry. Justin doesn't know how they found time to sleep, doing all they did while in college. [26:57] Justin and Dawnmarie discuss some of the speakers. He says, you hear these young people and wonder if they partied at all in college or were they just working on their risk management career? Justin notes there is the monetary incentive of scholarships and grants. [27:41] Dawnmarie speaks of the incredible amount of work ethic she sees in the students who have come through the Spencer Educational Foundation program. Justin says they inspire him to work a little harder. [28:08] Justin asks how we can keep the newer professionals engaged and committed to a long career. Dawnmarie says what seems to be important to them is that sense of community. [28:24] We all come to work to work, but there's also the culture that you create, the culture of trust, and the idea that there are mentorship opportunities, and more senior people in the organization looking out for you, helping propel your career and answering your questions. [28:48] Dawnmarie says that is key when you've got the younger generation, and you've got an experienced generation. In our industry, we have four or five different generations rolling through, all who come at things slightly differently. [29:03] Dawnmarie says it's about understanding where people are coming from. She speaks of investing in talent development programs and professional programs, allowing talent the opportunity to become involved in outside associations, and encouraging networking. [29:40] Dawnmarie closes this thought with the Amwins program, RTTP. They have people on the retirement track, senior brokers with books of business, and they have young people who are coming through the Broker Development Program. [30:14] Two get matched up. There's a relationship formed. The client is taken care of because there's succession planning and consistency. The two are learning from each other. The books are passed off. [30:28] There's respect for the experience that the senior broker brings to the table, and there's respect for what that young person is learning. Dawnmarie hasn't seen a lot of that across the industry. One of the things that enticed her about Amwins is that approach to the generations. [30:54] Justin says kudos to Amwins. He has met some Amwins folks at Riskworld, and they're lovely. A Justin and Dawnmarie have in common is Liz King Kramer, a former APIW President. Liz gave Justin an APIW pin. [31:18] Dawnmarie says Liz is the best! She has been mentoring Dawnmarie for over four years. Liz was Treasurer before Dawnmarie, and President before Dawnmarie. Liz helped Dawnmarie learn in both roles. She's become a terrific friend and partner. [31:42] Munich Re just hosted a Golf Day for women. Dawnmarie was on a Panel with Liz King Kramer and Sabrina Hart, and then they did a golf clinic. Liz is an incredible leader for APIW. [31:59] Dawnmarie says an APIW President's term is two years. Dawnmarie is at two years; however, she is going to extend for one more year. Then Tracey Vasile, who is an Industry Liaison and First Vice President, is going to step in. They will transition together. [32:27] The APIW is having its 50th Anniversary Gala on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan on 47th Street. Everyone's gearing up. They are working on a wonderful video. Dawnmarie says it's going to be a night to remember; everybody dress up and celebrate! [32:56] Dawnmarie says the women who are involved, chapter heads from the various cities, the 2026 Woman of the Year, 14 past Women of the Year, and Cecilia Norad, the Founder of APIW, are all coming for an incredible lineup of programming, a beautiful dinner, and a beautiful event [33:47] Dawnmarie says it's for making connections and strengthening those connections. [33:51] Dawnmarie has had the opportunity to sit as a founder on Women In Specialty and Excess (WISE), an amazing emerging organization, and it was simply too much for her between being President of APIW and being part of WISE, so she stepped back.   [34:07] Dawnmarie said what it made her realize is that the professionals in this industry, it could be any of the associations, step up, look outside of their sphere, and create these opportunities for other people to connect in these associations. [34:26] Dawnmarie says when she thinks about 50 years, she thinks about all the work that has gone into standing up WISE or what Amy Cooper did with RISE, and where she's taking it. Fifty years of doing it really says a lot. [34:40] Dawnmarie says it's a time to pause and think: where are we going for our next 50? Because we're going to be here and we're going to be delivering the program, the networking, the development, and the leadership. [34:52] Dawnmarie says that is what we're excited about. We're looking at the past, the current, the future, and bringing in the young professionals; the people who helped build it and the young professionals, bridging that divide. [35:36] Dawnmarie says she has a level of comfort on stage. During COVID, she learned that she struggles with virtual presentations. [35:47] Dawnmarie used to get nervous in front of people; now she gets excited because she feels the energy in the room, she's creating the conversation, and engaging people. It is such a different experience. In a way, she's grateful for the virtual experience. It's taken away the fear. [36:12] Justin says, Dawnmarie, it has been a pleasure to connect with you here on RIMScast. A quick reminder for everyone: The APIW's 50th Anniversary Gala will be on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the Edison Ballroom at 47th Street in Manhattan. [36:28] Justin says, Dawnmarie will be there. If you attend, please let her know that you heard this RIMScast interview, and that's what piqued your interest to get there. I look forward to seeing you at RIMS events and Spencer events, too. [36:41] Dawnmarie thanks Justin and RIMS and says, 350 of us at the Gala, maybe more. We look forward to seeing you there. [36:54] Special thanks again to Dawnmarie Black of Amwins and APIW for joining us here on RIMScast. APIW's 50th Anniversary Gala will be on November 3, 2026, at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. Visit APIW.org. [37:10] The countdown ticker for the Gala is on the page. Check it out and let them know you heard Dawnmarie on RIMSCast! [27:18] Plug Time! Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [37:35] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [37:51] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [38:05] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [38:17] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continued support!   Links: RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 | Aug. 10‒12 in San Antonio | Last call for registration! RIMS Certification Week: Sept. 21‒24 | Complimentary For All Spencer Educational Foundation's 2026 Funding Their Future Gala | Sept. 17, 2026 RISKWORLD 2027 Registration | RIMS members can lock in 2026 rates now through Sept. 4 | Education Content Submission Through Aug. 21. ChicagoLand Risk Forum | Sept. 24, 2026 RIMS Western Regional Conference — Oct. 4‒7, 2026 | Seattle, WA | Register Today. RIMS Canada Conference — Oct. 18‒21, 2026 | Quebec City | www.rimscanadaconference.ca | Advance Registration Open | Sponsorship Opportunities Available RIMS ERM Conference 2026 | November 19‒20 in Columbus, Ohio | Registration Now Open! | www.rims.org/ERM2026 RIMS, the Foundation for Risk Management Spencer Educational Foundation — Scholarships and Grants | Open Calls and Timelines. RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) | Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Stories RIMScast Canada — Episodes Now Live RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMScast on YouTube! RIMS Risk Management Magazine | Contribute | Q2 2026 Issue Now Available Sponsor RIMScast — Sales@RIMS.org www.APIW.org — 50th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 3 in NYC Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep Workshop — Live In NY — Aug 27‒28! RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | Sept 1‒2 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops Upcoming RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 1" | Sept 1 "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 2" | Sept 9 RIMS Certification Week: Sept. 22‒24 | Complimentary For All   Related RIMScast Episodes: "Taking on Global Leadership in Insurance with Sierra Signorelli, Spencer Funding Their Future Honoree" "Marya Propis: From Industry Leader to Talent Champion" "Giving Back with APIW President Liz Kramer" (2024)   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "48 Hours From a Storm: What to Do Before A Hurricane Strikes" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company (New!) "AI-Scale, Risk Ready: Engineering Controls for the New Data Center Boom" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Facing Into Risk: Navigating the New Risk Landscape" (New!) | Sponsored by AXA XL "Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges" | Sponsored by AXA XL "The ART of Risk: Rethinking Risk Through Insight, Design, and Innovation" | Sponsored by Alliant "Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors" | Sponsored by Diligent "Cyberrisk: Preparing Beyond 2025" | Sponsored by Alliant "The New Reality of Risk Engineering: From Code Compliance to Resilience" | Sponsored by AXA XL "Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs" | Sponsored by Zurich "Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding" | Sponsored by Zurich "What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping" | Sponsored by Medcor "How Insurance Builds Resilience Against an Active Assailant Attack" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips" | Sponsored by Alliant   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Dawnmarie Black, Senior Vice President and Client Relationship Manager at Amwins President of the Association of Professional Insurance Women (APIW)   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.

Non-QM lenders see opportunity in stricter condominium underwriting standards introduced by the FHFA, while broader markets continue to underscore the premium value of timely information, highlighted by reports of potential changes to the Fed's meeting schedule and the launch of a subscription service offering paying clients early access to market-moving Truth Social posts. Plus, Robbie interviews Aon's John Dickson on the evolution of disaster modeling and how it is impacting the mortgage industry from origination through the capital markets. And we close by examining Treasury and MBS market stability in the wake of last week's Federal Reserve meeting.Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.Thank you to Figure. Figure is shaking up the lending world with their five-day HELOC, offering borrower approvals in as little as five minutes and funding in five days. Figure has hundreds of partners in the Banking, Credit Union, Home Improvement, and of course, IMB space embedding their technology. 

In this Risk Capital Insight episode of the On Aon podcast, Aon leaders discuss why supply chain risk has become a critical leadership priority as geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade relationships and interconnected supplier networks reshape the global business landscape. The conversation examines how disruptions can emerge well beyond direct suppliers to impact revenue, operations and reputation. Aon experts explore how organizations can use data, analytics and deeper scrutiny to make more informed decisions, strengthen confidence in their risk strategies and identify opportunities to stay ahead of emerging threats. They also discuss the evolving role of insurers and capital providers and how innovation in risk capital is helping organizations better understand exposures, unlock capacity and support growth. Key Takeaways:       Supply chain risk has become a leadership issue, requiring organizations to address dependencies that can directly influence growth, customer outcomes and financial performance. Organizations that combine greater supplier visibility with advanced analytics are better positioned to anticipate disruption and stay ahead of emerging risks. Collaboration among businesses, insurers and capital providers is creating new opportunities to support long-term growth. Experts in this episode:     Bianca McKenzie, Global Strategy and Execution Leader, Aon Lee Meyrick, Chair, Risk Capital, Transportation and Logistics, Aon Richard Waterer, Global Risk Consulting Leader, Commercial Risk, Aon Key Moments:       (2:00) Why geopolitical developments, trade dynamics and supplier interdependencies are creating new leadership challenges across global supply chains. (7:55) The factors driving supply chain risk onto boardroom agendas, including concentration risk, limited visibility beyond Tier 1 suppliers and the need to balance efficiency with continuity. (22:45) How data, analytics and emerging risk capital solutions are helping organizations gain confidence in decision-making and strengthen their approach to supply chain risk. Soundbites:       Bianca McKenzie:  “It's clear that supply chain disruption isn't just an operational issue, it's ultimately a financial resilience issue.” Lee Meyrick:  “Building forward-looking models that allow the carriers to understand both their per risk and their aggregated risk is really helpful in them coming to the to the fall when it comes to providing capital. I think this is of real value to both clients and the carriers, because there is an increase in demand. This is a new market. This is a new product that needs to come into the market.” Richard Waterer: “I think supply chain risk has moved up the agenda because leaders now recognize that it can directly affect revenue, earnings, customer service and reputation. It's no longer an operational issue that's buried in the supply chain function.”

The Catch hosted a live podcast taping on blue finance at Aspen Ideas: Climate. Host Ruxandra Guidi was joined by panelists Liz Henderson, the global head of climate risk advisory at Aon; Joan Larrea, the CEO of Convergence, a global network for blended finance; and Steve Kessel, the director of marine research at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Global Insight episode of the On Aon podcast, Aon leaders examine why extreme heat is emerging as a critical business challenge that demands greater visibility, preparedness and investment. Against the backdrop of heat waves and wildfires across North America and Europe, the discussion explores how heat can create significant financial and operational impacts across organizations, even when physical damage is limited or unseen. The conversation highlights how heat can disrupt workforce productivity, energy systems, infrastructure, supply chains and business continuity simultaneously. It also explores how organizations can use climate analytics, engineering insight, scenario planning and risk transfer to better understand exposure, make more informed capital decisions and build resilience that helps them stay ahead of evolving climate risks. Key Takeaways:        Extreme heat is becoming a serious business risk. Its impact extends well beyond employee wellbeing, creating challenges across operations, supply chains, infrastructure, energy systems and financial performance. Organizations need a clearer understanding of how heat affects their facilities, suppliers, workforce's performance and critical dependencies across their value chain. Climate analytics, risk engineering, adaptation planning and risk transfer can help organizations prioritize investments, protect operations and stay ahead of increasingly frequent heat-related disruptions. Experts in this episode:      Liz Henderson, Global Head of Climate Risk Advisory, Aon Josh Turner, Climate Advisory Product Manager, Aon Key Moments:        (02:20) Why extreme heat is rising on leadership agendas, including the growing financial exposure associated with higher temperatures, aging infrastructure and more frequent heat events.     (6:05) How heat creates cascading business impacts, from workforce productivity and construction delays to equipment performance, energy demand, cooling costs and transportation disruption. (20:20) How organizations can move from awareness to action through exposure analysis, mitigation and adaptation planning and risk transfer strategies that support long-term resilience. Soundbites:        Liz Henderson:   “It's a risk amplifier in general. So across different industries like the food industry or construction, they might be worried about worker productivity, business downtime, crop impacts. And the underlying cause of those things is climate change risks and things like extreme heat.” Josh Turner:   “Extreme heat waves are becoming more common as the climate is shifting in ways that make historical averages a pretty unreliable guide for planning.”  

August 2026: Stepping up to meet member expectations in 2026 Louise Dale and John Harney are joined by Emma Moore and Louis Vickery to explore evolving member expectations, leveraging technology and why the human touch remains important. You will also hear the key pension news from the last month. Watch the recording of our recent AI pensions governance webinar: https://www.aon.com/unitedkingdom/aigovernance/webinar View the recently-published roadmaps from DWP and TPR: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workplace-pensions-an-updated-roadmap and https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/pension-schemes-act-2026/pensions-reform-roadmap Read the DWP consultation on regulations to enable flexibility for ongoing schemes to distribute surplus to sponsors: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/surplus-flexibilities-for-defined-benefit-pension-schemes-unlocking-value-for-employers-and-scheme-members Explore the UK Results of Aon's Global Pension Risk Survey 2025/26: https://www.aon.com/uk-global-pension-risk-survey-2025-26-v2 To request a copy of our Endgames survey or for topic suggestions, comments and questions, email TalkToUs@aon.com

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Most episodes of this podcast deal with the here and now, the day-to-day cut and thrust of what is going on in the market. This podcast is completely different because it gives us a view into the future of broking. Clyde Bernstein is the Placement Technology & Trading Analytics Leader at Aon and in the first half of this podcast we examine the global broker's new Digital Placement Exchange (DPX) placing system, designed to automate the placing of following lines. Once that essential building block of the conversation is out of the way, the interview really begins to take off. What Aon is in the middle of doing is removing friction and cost from the placing process, while fully connecting all its brokers with the whole global market and all the insights the vast amount of risk and market data it has at its disposal can afford. Exploring the logical medium- and long-term consequences for the market is the really interesting part of our discussion. The transformation is profound. A market with far greater liquidity, access to deeper pools of capital and an ability to trade risk much faster and more efficiently is what emerges. Productivity, customer service and product innovation should also surge. The role of the broker could also change fundamentally. But the best thing about this conversation is not the clarity of the blue-sky thinking on display, but rather the fact that the person shaping the vision is resolutely a broker and not a technologist. In his long career Clyde has brokered claims, reinsurance and specialty risks. He is one of us – a lifelong broker who has learnt to engage with cutting edge technology and not the other way around. This means that our discussion is always grounded from the perspective of the real life of a broker solving client problems and not the utopian vision of a technologist who has never placed a risk or paid a claim. It's mind-expanding stuff and one of the best discussions on the future of broking I have ever recorded. I highly recommend a listen. LINKS: We thank our naming sponsor AdvantageGo, now part of Sapiens: https://www.advantagego.com

"If you're expecting to pay $50k, but it hits an outlier clause, you could be paying upwards of three, four, five, six hundred thousand dollars."What if the single biggest driver of your high-cost claims isn't your discount, your network, or your utilization, but a contract provision almost nobody in this industry has ever read?My guest this week is Ryan Bojrab, who leads new solution development at Aon and came into this business through a channel almost nobody uses: he started his career as a clinician with a doctorate in physical therapy, treating patients inside a federally qualified health center. When carriers started dictating how many visits he could give a patient, he began pulling the thread, and hasn't stopped since.Ryan and I spend this episode discussing the outlier clause: the provision buried in hospital-carrier contracts that flips your negotiated discount once billed charges cross a threshold. Expecting a 50% discount on an open heart surgery? Once the trigger hits, you may be paying 70% of billed charges on the entire episode of care, and watching a $50,000 claim become a $500,000 one. Ryan calls it the casino's high roller table, and it's where hospitals make their money. It also produces one of the most perverse incentives in American healthcare: the longer you're in the bed, the worse your discount gets.If you've ever put two networks side by side, seen a massive pricing delta, and couldn't explain why - tune in.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: The Best Kept Secret in Network Contracts(00:05:59) From Clinician to Consultant: On the Receiving End of Every Vendor Pitch(00:10:46) Why Indiana Became a Self-Funding Powerhouse(00:16:00) What Is an Outlier Clause? The Casino's High Roller Table(00:21:00) The Hospital's Defense and the Inverted Discount(00:27:43) What You Can Actually Do: RFP Language and Direct Contracting(00:35:12) Prompt Pay Providers and the Death of Spec Advance(00:41:17) A Quarter-Million-Dollar Claim With No Checks and Balances(00:47:39) Decoupling Primary Care From Insurance(00:53:36) The Four Buckets of Quality(00:58:53) Tiering and Steering at National Scale(01:05:36) Closing Thoughts: Contract Terms Are the Next FrontierKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"If you're expecting to pay $50k, but it hits an outlier clause, you could be paying upwards of three, four, five, six hundred thousand dollars."What if the single biggest driver of your high-cost claims isn't your discount, your network, or your utilization, but a contract provision almost nobody in this industry has ever read?My guest this week is Ryan Bojrab, who leads new solution development at Aon and came into this business through a channel almost nobody uses: he started his career as a clinician with a doctorate in physical therapy, treating patients inside a federally qualified health center. When carriers started dictating how many visits he could give a patient, he began pulling the thread, and hasn't stopped since.Ryan and I spend this episode discussing the outlier clause: the provision buried in hospital-carrier contracts that flips your negotiated discount once billed charges cross a threshold. Expecting a 50% discount on an open heart surgery? Once the trigger hits, you may be paying 70% of billed charges on the entire episode of care, and watching a $50,000 claim become a $500,000 one. Ryan calls it the casino's high roller table, and it's where hospitals make their money. It also produces one of the most perverse incentives in American healthcare: the longer you're in the bed, the worse your discount gets.If you've ever put two networks side by side, seen a massive pricing delta, and couldn't explain why - tune in.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: The Best Kept Secret in Network Contracts(00:05:59) From Clinician to Consultant: On the Receiving End of Every Vendor Pitch(00:10:46) Why Indiana Became a Self-Funding Powerhouse(00:16:00) What Is an Outlier Clause? The Casino's High Roller Table(00:21:00) The Hospital's Defense and the Inverted Discount(00:27:43) What You Can Actually Do: RFP Language and Direct Contracting(00:35:12) Prompt Pay Providers and the Death of Spec Advance(00:41:17) A Quarter-Million-Dollar Claim With No Checks and Balances(00:47:39) Decoupling Primary Care From Insurance(00:53:36) The Four Buckets of Quality(00:58:53) Tiering and Steering at National Scale(01:05:36) Closing Thoughts: Contract Terms Are the Next FrontierKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

In this podcast, Aon's Louise Dale is joined by Aon partner John Harvey and Abid Hussain, Managing Director of Panmure Liberum. The conversation focuses on the issues of pension scheme surplus in the UK and active pension scheme run-on, specifically focusing on the influences that these might have on the share prices of listed companies who sponsor pension funds. Further information on Aon's Active Solution to Run-on: www.aon.com/unitedkingdom/retirement-investment/astro ...

Caroline Reidy of NFP HR Solutions, an Aon company, is one of the country’s leading experts in human resources. In this regular feature, she answers your workplace questions relating to your rights and entitlements whether you are an employee, employer, manager or self-employed. If you’ve a question for Caroline, email, in confidence, kerrytoday@radiokerry.ie

The post What is your place in the Hall? AoN 1052 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

In this Industry Insight episode of the On Aon podcast, Aon leaders discuss why employee benefits have become a critical leadership agenda item for retailers. As benefits costs rise and workforce expectations evolve, organizations have an opportunity to unlock greater value from one of their largest workforce investments. The conversation explores how leading retailers are using data, analytics and governance to make more informed decisions, align workforce investments with business priorities and strengthen outcomes across talent, operations and financial performance. They also examine how a more strategic approach to benefits can help organizations gain deeper insight, deploy capital more effectively and stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment. Key Takeaways:      Employee benefits have a significant impact on performance, employee experience and financial outcomes across the organization. Leading organizations are using data and analytics to connect benefits to business priorities, enabling more confident decisions and greater visibility into costs and outcomes. Organizations can create greater value by improving visibility of their benefits programs, strengthening governance and taking a more sophisticated approach to financing. Experts in this episode:    Tom Bowman, Global Retail and Consumer Goods Industry Leader, Aon      Matt Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer, Global Benefits, Aon Key Moments:      (01:50) Why employee benefits have moved beyond a traditional HR function and become a leadership priority tied to workforce performance, financial outcomes and risk management. (08:25) How organizations can improve visibility into benefits spending, strengthen governance and identify opportunities to create greater value from workforce investments. (13:08) How data and analytics are transforming benefits decision-making and helping organizations connect workforce investments to business outcomes. Soundbites:      Tom Bowman: "Benefits are no longer simply a cost of employment. They are now much more of a strategic lever that can actually influence workforce performance. And that then improves employee experience that then drives real benefits, both on operational resilience and also the real financial outcomes of an organization." Matt Duffy: “Benefits have now become one of the largest workforce investments that organizations make, secondary only to payroll. And yet historically they've received far less attention and far less strategic oversight by the people within the organization that really matter.”  

What if the most valuable business intelligence in your organisation has been hiding inside your contracts all along? Recorded live at Docusign Momentum in London, this episode explores why enterprise AI is at an inflection point. After years of focusing on what AI can create, the conversation is shifting towards how AI can help organisations understand the information they already have, remove friction from everyday work, and make better business decisions. Joining me is Allan Thygesen, CEO of Docusign. While many people still associate Docusign with electronic signatures, Allan explains why the company's vision has expanded far beyond that single moment in the agreement process.  Every business runs on agreements, from customer contracts and supplier relationships to employee onboarding and partnerships. The real opportunity, he argues, is transforming those agreements from static documents into business intelligence that helps organisations improve performance, reduce risk and uncover value that has often remained hidden for years. We discuss why decades of historical agreements are becoming increasingly valuable in the age of AI, how organisations are using agreement intelligence to shorten sales cycles from days to hours, and why understanding the context behind agreements can be just as important as the agreements themselves. Allan also shares his perspective on the rise of agentic AI, explaining why trust, governance and compliance will ultimately determine how quickly organisations allow AI to take on greater responsibility. Rather than viewing AI as another standalone tool, he explains why the future lies in connecting trusted data and workflows across the systems businesses already use every day. Throughout our conversation, we also explore why Docusign continues to build an open ecosystem through partnerships with companies including Anthropic, Harvey, Legora, OpenAI, Google, Salesforce, SAP and Thomson Reuters, enabling organisations to work with agreement intelligence wherever work already happens. After spending the day at Momentum hearing from customers like Harvey, Legora, Experian and AON, executives and attendees, one theme kept emerging. The organisations creating the greatest value from AI are not necessarily adopting the most AI. They're using it to remove friction, improve decisions and help people focus on work that genuinely benefits the business. Does your organisation still think of contracts as administrative files, or are they becoming a strategic source of business intelligence? I'd love to hear your thoughts after listening and continue the conversation.  

In the second episode of a special On Aon mini-series on the 2026 Human Capital Trends study, Aon's Human Capital leaders discuss why gaining a competitive advantage in an AI-powered future will depend as much on workforce readiness as it does on technology. While many organizations are accelerating AI adoption, lasting value comes from how leaders build the skills, culture and trust needed to put these tools to work. The conversation explores the leadership priorities that will shape the future of work, from developing critical capabilities and fostering adaptability to making better decisions in an increasingly AI-enabled environment. Key Takeaways:     AI success depends on workforce readiness and technology. Organizations that invest in skills, leadership and culture alongside AI adoption will be better-positioned to capture long-term value. Workforce readiness is becoming a strategic priority. Leaders who continuously build capabilities and help employees adapt to new ways of working will be better equipped to stay ahead as business needs evolve. Trust, transparency and wellbeing play a critical role in sustaining transformation. Clear communication and strong people practices help organizations build confidence, accelerate adoption and realize the full potential of AI. Experts in this episode:    Byron Beebe, CEO of Human Capital, Aon     Lisa Patel, Head of Health and Talent, EMEA, Aon John McLaughlin, CCO and Head of Assessment, Talent Solutions, EMEA, Aon Key Resources:  2026 Human Capital Trends Study Key Moments:     (01:10) Why organizations need leaders who can combine AI capability with critical thinking to make better decisions, manage risk and capture opportunity. (05:25) The risk of focusing on technology without investing in workforce readiness — and why culture, skills and employee experience remain central to AI adoption. (12:15) How skills-based talent strategies, continuous learning and workforce insights can help leaders build resilience and stay ahead of changing business demands. Soundbites:     Byron Beebe: "I do think the more senior leaders need to embrace AI, but I also think we'll have more junior colleagues who really drive a lot of the development in all organizations going forward." Lisa Patel: “One thing I'd say about all of this is that we can't look at any of these modules in isolation. So, if we truly want to unlock the full potential of AI, we need a holistic approach to the whole thing.” John McLaughlin: "You want people to be high on both critical thinking and AI capability. You want them to be able to spot and manage risks while taking advantage of the opportunity in front of them."

Introduction Most insurance executives have heard the AI pitch a hundred times by now, and most of those pitches collapse the moment they hit a real call center, a real compliance team, or a real broker's quoting workflow. The interesting question is no longer whether AI works in insurance. The question is what deployment method survives a regulated, audited, multi-channel customer operation, and which vendors actually know how a policy gets quoted, bound, and serviced. In this episode, Joshua R. Hollander sits down with Pablo Molina, CEO and co-founder of Infinite Watch, to unpack what AI-native infrastructure looks like inside a carrier or broker. Molina argues for a method that starts with observability rather than automation, and for a vendor selection criterion that has shifted from technology to domain expertise and traceability. Listeners will come away with a clearer view of how to sequence an AI deployment in a regulated business, why a hundred percent visibility into customer interactions is now table stakes, and what Molina sees coming next for the workforce. Guest Bio Pablo Molina is CEO and co-founder of Infinite Watch, an AI-native platform built for insurance and other regulated verticals. Infinite Watch operates three families of agents: conversational voice, data and document handling, and real-time business intelligence. The company came out of stealth in late 2025 and is running production deployments in personal lines, commercial lines, and payment collections across the US and Europe. Before Infinite Watch, Molina was the founding CTO at CoverWallet, where he scaled engineering past 300 people and helped grow the business past one billion dollars in premiums before Aon acquired it in 2019. He is a software engineer with more than a decade of insurance domain experience. Key Topics • Observability before automation - Why Infinite Watch deploys insight agents first, ingesting calls, messages, and web interactions before any task gets automated. Operators need a true picture of customer interactions before deciding which parts to hand to an agent. • From 1-5% audit samples to 100% visibility - Carrier and broker QA teams sample one to five percent of calls. Molina explains why semantic LLM coverage of every interaction changes the operating model for playbook adherence, cancellation analysis, and missed upsells. • Where the moat actually lives in AI for insurance - With frontier models commoditizing fast, the differentiator is no longer the technology stack. It is domain expertise and built-in traceability that satisfies regulators on day one. • Personal lines today, commercial lines next - How Infinite Watch is moving from automated payment collections and end-to-end claims into commercial-lines quote-and-bind, compressing days into minutes. • AI replacement, not just augmentation - Molina pushes past the safe answer. He argues software engineering was the first profession to feel AI replacement because code is the easiest output to validate, and every profession follows. • Founding team dynamics on round two - Putting a CoverWallet founding team back together with different titles, hiring small and senior, and building an AI-native engineering culture from day one. • Three years out for Infinite Watch - Whether agents replace or complement legacy core systems, and which incumbents survive the transition. Notable Quotes "We first of all deploy AI insights agents that will ingest every customer interaction. We sit in the front office. Then we have a view of what the operations and customer interaction look like." "There is no technology moat as such, like it used to be. The differentiators are not in the technology anymore, because people can catch up really fast." "Audits and traceability is a built-in. There is no other choice. It is not a negotiation point." "Professions are going to be replaced and reinvented entirely, like a hundred percent." Resources Guest: Infinite Watch: https://infinitewatch.ai Pablo Molina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablomolinacandel/ Host & Organization: Joshua R. Hollander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/ Horton International (USA): https://www.horton-usa.com/ Insurtech Leadership Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe on your favorite platform and leave a review. The Insurtech Leadership Podcast is available on YouTube, Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Elise Kirban, Global Chief Counsel of Competition at Aon, joins middle schooler Brielle to share how a path that began in theater led her into a career in antitrust law as her interests evolved along the way..Brielle learns from Elise why asking questions early, staying curious, and breaking big problems into smaller steps can help you succeed in school and beyond.

Social media can be a powerful tool for networking, education, and advocacy—but one post, comment, or direct message can create ethical concerns and professional liability. In this episode, we discuss practical guidelines for maintaining professional boundaries online, protecting client confidentiality, and avoiding common social media mistakes that can put your reputation and license at risk.In this episode, you'll learn:Common social media mistakes social workers makeTips for maintaining professional boundaries and protecting confidentialityBest practices for building an ethical online presenceWhether you're active on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, or just thinking about posting more, this episode will help you navigate social media with confidence and professionalism.Our guest Jennifer Flynn, CPHRM, is Vice President of Risk Management for Healthcare Providers Service Organization of Aon's Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. Specializing in risk management and having worked in the health care insurance business for over 21 years, Jennifer is dedicated to educating health care professionals on professional liability risks and offers strategies to mitigate those risks by supporting patient safety principles and developing quality management programs. In addition to being a frequent national speaker on healthcare risk and liability, Jennifer is also a published author on various risk management topics. Jennifer is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management and is a licensed Property & Casualty agent. She earned a BA in Psychology from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.____________________________________⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap Here⁠⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORS⁠HPSO⁠ Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers⁠RISE Directory⁠ for Clinical Supervision

1. HEART OF THE MATTER 1A. Record-Breaking Missionary Numbers — Pres. Oaks at New Mission Leader Seminar At the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders (June 18–21, Provo MTC), President Dallin H. Oaks announced that the Church will soon have the largest number of full-time missionaries in its history, surpassing the current 87,000+ serving worldwide. The surge is driven by the first wave of 18-year-old sister missionaries (following the November policy change lowering the minimum age from 19) and the addition of 55 new missions in July, bringing the global total to 506. President Oaks outlined three characteristics defining the restored Church: (1) the fulness of doctrine (including eternal marriage between a man and a woman); (2) priesthood authority and keys; and (3) a unique testimony of Christ grounded in modern revelation and the First Vision. Sister Kristin Oaks also spoke, sharing six core truths missionaries teach. Source: Church Newsroom, June 20, 2026 Note: Strong potential for discussion on what ‘only true and living church’ means in a pluralistic world — Richie angle? 1B. New Hymn ‘Welcome Home’ — The Story Behind It Composer Andrea Brett explains how a 2017 encounter with Demetrius O’Neal — a recent convert serving as a greeter at a Spokane ward on a snowy Sunday morning — inspired her hymn ‘Welcome Home,’ now published in the new Hymns for Home and Church. Brett submitted 10 pieces when the global hymnbook was announced in 2018; this was the only one she’d written before the call. She received confirmation of its selection in February 2025, then had a full-circle moment when she and O’Neal sat near each other at the April 2025 General Conference as the Tabernacle Choir performed it. O’Neal’s name appears in the hymn’s tune name as a tribute. The hymn is now translated and sung globally. Source: Church Newsroom / Richie’s document 1C. Family History Records Are a ‘Sacred Thread’ — Elder Bragg at International Archivists Congress Elder Mark A. Bragg, General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Church’s Family History Department and FamilySearch International, was a keynote speaker at the III Congress of Archivists: Digital Archive Expo (DA-EXPO), held June 8–12 in Astana, Kazakhstan. He called family history records ‘the thin but sacred thread’ tying people together across generations, and argued that records are ‘in a very real sense, witnesses.’ Elder Bragg framed the digital revolution in genealogy in moral terms: for most of history, access to records was shaped by ‘proximity, resources and specialized knowledge,’ but today a record created in one place can be preserved in another, indexed in a third, and discovered by someone on the other side of the world. ‘The reach is astonishing. The speed is breathtaking. The possibilities are almost beyond measure.’ He also said that ‘access is an act of kindness’ — records only fulfill their divine purpose when they are found, understood, and used. His core message: preserving memory is an act of hope. ‘It says that the past is not dead to us and that the future deserves more than fragments.’ Source: Church News, June 17, 2026 Angle: Great ‘quiet but meaningful’ story — LDS family history going global and leveling the playing field for genealogy worldwide. 1D. America Gives — All 50 States Receive Food Donations The Church completed a milestone in its ‘America Gives’ initiative by delivering a shipping container of food to Hilo, Hawaii — marking all 50 states reached. The initiative aims to deliver 250 truckloads of food nationwide in 2026 to celebrate the U.S. 250th anniversary. In Hawaii, the food went to The Food Basket, distributed to 10 local nonprofits. Notably, 42% of residents on the island of Hawaii face food insecurity — the state’s highest rate. Rosie Rios, chair of America 250 and former U.S. Treasurer, praised the milestone. Local Methodist pastor Ted Lesnett said recipients will know ‘when they were hungry, someone cared.’ Source: Church Newsroom / Richie’s document 1E. Church Donates $250,000 NZD to Christchurch Anglican Cathedral Rebuild The Church announced a NZ$250,000 donation (June 19, 2026) toward the restoration of Christchurch’s iconic Anglican Cathedral — damaged in the February 2011 earthquake. Elder Peter F. Meurs (Pacific Area President) and Anglican Bishop Peter Carrell presided at the announcement. The donation comes as the project faces a $45M funding shortfall and an overall $219M budget. The Christchurch City Council has offered $15M contingent on government and Anglican Church matches. Notably, a New Zealand Buddhist community made a similar gift in 2023 — the LDS donation continues a cross-faith pattern of support for the heritage project. Source: Richie’s document Angle: Rare and heartwarming — LDS funds an Anglican cathedral. Good interfaith story. 1F. Central America Humanitarian Blitz — 5 Projects, 500,000+ People In late May and early June 2026, the Church announced five humanitarian projects across Central America (with Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, representing the Church). Projects include: the ‘Windows of Light’ eyecare program in El Salvador (350,000+ screenings to date); safe water access for 250,000+ in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (with UNICEF); nearly 750 computers/tablets donated to 66 educational institutions in Guatemala; and medical equipment for the ‘La Mascota’ children’s hospital in Nicaragua. Source: Church Newsroom, June 2026 2. FAITH & DOCTRINE 2A. President Christofferson in Philadelphia & Toronto A busy week of ministry for President D. Todd Christofferson: He offered the invocation at Becket’s Canterbury Medal Gala in Philadelphia (multifaith event celebrating religious liberty), alongside Elder Gary E. Stevenson and others. The group also visited the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall — fitting, ahead of America’s 250th. Christofferson reflected on D&C 101 and the Constitution’s purpose to protect ‘all flesh.’ From Philadelphia, he and Sister Christofferson traveled to Toronto, meeting 250+ missionaries in the Canada Toronto Mission weeks before it divides into three missions (Toronto West, Toronto East, and Montreal). He also spoke to hundreds of LDS youth, with one — Amelia Fischer — saying ‘no amount of words can describe how I felt tonight.’ Source: Richie’s document / Church Newsroom 2B. BYU Scholar Study: Religion Adds 7.6 Years to Life The BYU Wheatley Institute is releasing three reports analyzing 3,000 of the most scientifically rigorous studies (culled from 60,000+ papers by Duke University) on religion and health. Key findings: 33/34 studies show improved social health; 10/11 show improved mental health; 7/8 show improved physical health. Regular worshippers live an average of 7.6 years longer (up to 13.7 years longer for African Americans). A ‘landmark finding’: 256 studies show religion prevents/aids recovery from substance abuse (vs. 6 showing negative impact). Author Loren Marks recommends public health frameworks treat religious involvement like exercise recommendations. Source: Richie’s document 2C. Elder Soares Testifies in the Philippines Elder Ulisses Soares completed a two-week ministry in the Philippines (mid-May 2026), meeting with 600+ young single adults in Cebu, 450+ in Quezon City, and 340+ missionaries at the Philippines MTC. His recurring message: ‘His arms are extended to all of us.’ The Philippines has more than 905,000 Latter-day Saints — the Church’s fourth-largest national membership. Two new temples were also dedicated in the Philippines this month: the Davao Philippines Temple (Elder Renlund, May 3) and the Bacolod Philippines Temple (Elder Andersen, May 31). Source: Church Newsroom, June 17, 2026 3. CULTURE & CURIOSITIES 3A. LDS Author in Everyman’s Library — A First BYU biology and bioethics professor Steven L. Peck has reportedly become the first Latter-day Saint author included in the prestigious Everyman’s Library series (publishing canonical English fiction since 1906). His 2012 novella A Short Stay in Hell — a philosophical horror story about a Mormon man condemned to an afterlife library containing every possible book — went viral on BookTok and found a new audience. A literature historian noted: ‘No Mormon or Mormon-adjacent writer that I know of has ever been featured in this prestigious series.’ The Salt Lake Tribune covered the story, noting the irony that a theological horror story marks one of the most significant moments in LDS literary history. Source: Salt Lake Tribune / Richie’s document 3B. The Sasine Family — 40 Countries Before Age 1 Keith and Chelsea Sasine, an LDS couple stationed in Germany (Keith is an Army oral surgeon), made history in November 2025 by taking their youngest daughter Mia to 40 countries before her first birthday (March–November 2025), using a Honda Odyssey for European road trips. The family of six (including Izzy, 10; Abby, 9; and John, 4) attends local wards wherever they travel — a faith anchor the couple says strengthened their testimony and taught their kids the importance of the Sabbath globally. They’re planning a move to Colorado Springs in 2026. Source: Richie’s document 3C. Jen Affleck (Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) Expecting Baby #4 Jen Affleck, 27-year-old star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Dancing with the Stars alum, announced June 18 that she and husband Zac Affleck are expecting their fourth child. She shared the news on Instagram captioned ‘Chapter Four.

FRED MILSTEIN is CEO of Media Guarantors, a CAC Group Company, with over 30 years of independent film production, completion guarantee and financing experience. Fred was the prior Global Head of Production at Miramax and also held senior-level positions at Aon and ProSight, focusing on film. Career highlights include BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD, directed by Sidney Lumet, THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS, directed by Terry Gilliam, SILENT NIGHT, from director John Woo and ROOFMAN, from director Derek Cianfrance. Host Jason E. Squire is Professor Emeritus, USC School of Cinematic Arts, and Editor of The Movie Business Book. Music: “The Day it All Began and it All Ended” by Pawel Feszczuk (License: CC by 4.0) 

RiskCellar is back with a packed episode that feels like the insurance industry itself, equal parts serious and unfiltered. Brandon Schuh and Nick Hartmann sit down to unpack a week that saw some of the biggest AI-driven headlines to hit the P&C space in recent memory. From a massive brokerage laying off 2,300 employees and blaming AI, to a CNN lawsuit targeting an AI search engine, to an InsurTech startup valued at $2.6 billion on just $40 million in revenue, nothing about this week is normal. And that's exactly the point.The episode digs into the Acrisure story, where roughly 2,300 jobs are being cut, the second round of layoffs in a single year, with AI cited as the primary driver. Brandon and Nick do the math. At $300,000 average revenue per employee, that's a $690 million bet on AI's ability to fill the gap. They zoom out to connect this to the broader PE pressure story, exits, soft markets, rising interest rates, and a potential IPO on the horizon. The conversation doesn't stop there. New York State's newly signed auto insurance tort reform law gets a thorough breakdown, including the new $100,000 cap on non-economic damages and tightened comparative negligence thresholds that could finally start moving the needle on affordability. And the CNN vs. Perplexity lawsuit opens a bigger conversation about AI as a derivative product, one that can't function without the journalism it may ultimately be destroying.Rounding out the news block is a closer look at Corgi, the AI-focused MGA that just raised at a $2.6 billion valuation despite generating only $40 million in revenue, a 65x multiple that leaves both hosts scratching their heads. Brandon draws a pointed parallel to boutique consulting firms now competing with McKinsey-sized players thanks to AI tools, a trend with direct implications for insurance brokerages of every size. The episode wraps with a "Three Truths and a Lie" segment on classic TV shows and a round of Simpsons trivia, staying true to the show's blend of sharp industry analysis and genuine conversation between two people who genuinely enjoy talking shop.Takeaways:Acrisure's 2,300-person layoff represents a (690M) bet that AI can replace human production capacity.PE-backed brokerages are under compounding pressure from soft markets, rising rates, and IPO timelines.New York's auto tort reform caps non-economic damages at (100,000) and tightens comparative negligence rules.AI is a derivative product, it depends on journalism and original content to function.CNN filed suit against Perplexity for alleged copyright infringement in New York federal court.Corgi's (2.6B) valuation at (65times) revenue raises serious questions about InsurTech market rationality.Boutique brokerages now have the firepower of Aon or Marsh thanks to accessible AI tools.Alleged class action litigation is brewing against a PE-backed brokerage over unpaid producer compensation.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to RiskCellar2:45 Big News Tease + What Are You Drinking?4:00 Memorial Day Weekend Recaps7:38 This Week's AI Theme Intro8:00 Acrisure Layoffs: The (690M) AI Bet17:30 Sponsor Break: IPFS + freeflow.ai17:4 CNN vs. Perplexity: AI and Journalism's Collision21:05 Corgi's (2.6B) Valuation and the InsurTech Bubble23:30 Boutique vs. McKinsey: AI Levels the Consulting Playing Field27:10 SpaceX IPO, Elon Musk, and Market Insanity29:00 Howden TROs and Industry Legal Wars30:38 Three Truths and a Lie: Classic TV Edition32:17 Simpsons Trivia: First 100 Episodes33:57 Upcoming Guests and Episode WrapConnect with RiskCellar:Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/Brandon Schuh:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/Nick Hartmann:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/

The Church's Expanding Global Identity & $25M UNICEF Donation The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated $25 million to UNICEF's Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a global initiative aimed at preventing and treating childhood malnutrition. • Doubled Impact: Thanks to a matching challenge announced in 2025, the Church’s donation will generate an additional $25 million, bringing the total financial impact to $50 million. • Target & Scope: The contribution is part of an ongoing partnership with UNICEF that began in 2013. The funds will support nutritional programs for mothers and young children—specifically targeting areas like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Sierra Leone—with the broader goal of helping the fund reach 320 million women and children annually by 2030. The First Presidency Tours the New Humanitarian Center Ahead of Dedication This facility is part of the Church's effort to follow the second great commandment: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” On Friday, May 22, 2026, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints toured the Church's new Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City, ahead of its upcoming dedication. Purpose: Built to support the commandment to “love thy neighbour,” the center serves a dual purpose: providing job training, language courses, and employment counseling to help individuals overcome employment barriers, while also preparing and distributing global humanitarian supplies. Public Open House: Runs from June 1 through July 23, 2026 (Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Visitors can participate in hands-on service, such as assembling kits or sorting clothes. Attendance: Visitors are encouraged to schedule a time via the Temple Square app or by calling 801-240-5954, though walk-ins are welcome. Harvard Global Flourishing Study Compares Latter-day Saints Internationally The recently released Harvard Global Human Flourishing Study, which surveyed over 200,000 people across 22 countries, reveals that religious service attendance is globally linked to higher levels of overall well-being—and Latter-day Saints are no exception. When analyzing the U.S. data, the study found that Latter-day Saints scored highly on the overall “flourishing index” (which measures happiness, health, meaning, character, relationships, and financial stability), while those with no religious affiliation scored the lowest. • Highest Church Attendance: Latter-day Saints reported the highest rate of weekly religious service attendance at 65%, outperforming Evangelicals (59%) and Pentecostals (53%). • Mental Health and Happiness: The group demonstrated remarkably low levels of depression (8.5%) compared to atheists and agnostics (19%). Additionally, 30% of Latter-day Saints reported being “highly happy,” which is roughly double the rate of those distant from faith. • Family and Spiritual Support: Latter-day Saints reported the highest rates of feeling loved by their mother (94%) and father (90%) while growing up. Furthermore, 89% reported finding immense strength and comfort from their religion. • The Challenge of Community Criticism: On the flip side, 11% of Latter-day Saints reported feeling that their religious community was critical of them. While this number is statistically identical to other high-expectation faiths (like Baptists and Evangelicals), the article notes it highlights an ongoing need for the culture to shift from judgment to Christlike love, a priority recently emphasized by Church leadership. Diplomatic Relations: Elder Bednar Meets With the President of Chile Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held an official meeting with Chilean President José Antonio Kast at the La Moneda Presidential Palace on Monday, May 18, 2026. • Core Topics: The discussion centered on strengthening families, supporting youth, protecting religious freedom, and fostering cooperation between governments and faith communities. • Church Initiatives: Elder Bednar highlighted several Church programs designed to help the rising generation develop faith, purpose, and practical skills. These included the For the Strength of Youth program, various youth service and leadership experiences, and the BYU–Pathway Worldwide educational program. Women Leaders Discuss Discipleship and Service at Annual Luncheon On Monday, May 11, 2026, roughly 200 current and former women leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for their annual emeritus luncheon at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City. The meeting brought together past and present general presidencies and advisory councils from the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations to discuss discipleship, service, and organizational updates. • Young Women Age-Group Names: Leaders discussed the spiritual meaning behind the newly introduced Young Women age-group names. Former Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton praised the change, noting that the titles—Builders of Faith (ages 12–13), Messengers of Hope (ages 14–15), and Gatherers of Light (ages 16–17)—give young women a strong identity rooted directly in Jesus Christ. • Enduring Sisterhood: Attendees, including 93-year-old Joy Sansom (who served on the Young Women general board from 1961 to 1972), celebrated the lifelong bonds, shared memories, and enduring sense of community fostered by their years of joint church service.  Bishops and Youth: One-on-One Ministering Supports Better Relationships During a recent Instagram Live broadcast, the Young Men General Presidency addressed the common question of whether ward-level Young Men presidencies—discontinued in 2020—will ever return. Led by General President Timothy L. Farnes and his counselors, Brother David J. Wunderli and Brother Sean R. Dixon, the presidency clarified that the change is permanent and explained the spiritual and structural reasons behind keeping the responsibility on local bishoprics. Church Communications Releases Inside Look Video of Provo MTC With the rise in full-time missionary applications and the creation of more missions worldwide, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has produced a video offering prospective missionaries and their families an inside look at how missionaries are trained. The 21-minute video, titled “What It's Really Like at the Missionary Training Center,” was released on YouTube on May 17. short, fun, and heartfelt interviews with missionaries. Volunteers and Performers Needed for Salt Lake Temple Celebration SALT LAKE CITY— Temple Square volunteer applications are opening ahead of the highly anticipated Salt Lake Temple Celebration and the LDS Church Visitors' Center opening, where the SLC Temple open house reservation date will be announced. Temple Square is seeking “exceptional volunteers who want to help guests feel welcomed, supported, and inspired throughout the celebration.” • When to Apply: Volunteer applications will be available starting in June 2026. When the application window opens, Temple Square will share the link and additional details for the application process.. • Eligibility & Shifts: Volunteer roles are open to anyone 16 years old and older from all backgrounds and experience levels, with some assignments requiring specific skills. Some roles are able to accommodate accessibility needs. Volunteers are asked to serve for a minimum of eight weeks. Most roles require standing for many hours. Shifts will last between three and four hours. A variety of shifts are available for people to choose from, but specific roles and requirements will be announced in June. • Performers Needed: In addition to general assignments, Temple Square is in need of specialized performers for the celebration. Some experiences will include opportunities for young musicians, vocalists, or cultural performers. Details will be shared as plans develop. The post Salt Lake Temple Performers Needed! AoN 1044 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.