Podcasts about cisr

Send us a textWhat happens when those who run toward danger need help themselves? In this compelling conversation, host Steve Bisson sits down with Kevin Cornine, a former fire captain and battalion chief who's transitioning to a new role as a mental health counselor focused on supporting first responders.Kevin shares his powerful story of serving 15 years in fire rescue while watching colleagues struggle with the profession's hidden costs. After his cousin, a detective, died by suicide in 2022, Kevin's path became clear – bridging the significant gap in cultural competency between mental health providers and the first responder community. "There's a large gap... it's a population, not necessarily a client," Kevin explains, highlighting how traditional therapeutic approaches often fail to recognize the unique needs of emergency personnel.The conversation delves into the physical and emotional toll of emergency service work, from chronic sleep deprivation to the impossible choices made during crisis situations like hurricane season. Research shows that while spouses try to create opportunities for sleep recovery at home, they simultaneously experience resentment at their firefighter's unavailability for emotional support. This complex dynamic creates ripple effects throughout family systems that many therapists fail to fully comprehend.Perhaps most enlightening is Kevin's practical advice for mental health professionals seeking to better serve this population. Rather than relying solely on training programs, he advocates for immersion experiences – spending time at fire stations, joining them for meals, and participating in debriefs after difficult calls. "Just sit at the table, just listen, watch," he suggests. "It's a family."Whether you're a first responder seeking understanding, a mental health professional looking to better serve this community, or someone who cares about the wellbeing of those who protect us, this episode offers rare insights into a world where strength meets vulnerability. Join us as we explore how cultural competency can transform treatment outcomes for those who dedicate their lives to helping others.We talked about several topics and here are some links to help you out: -Second Alarm Project (https://2ndalarmproject.org/)  in Florida want to help with education, peer support, and capacity building-The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) (https://www.iaff.org/)  is committed to support firefighters across the United States And Canada-NextRung.org is committed to make sure firefighters across the country know they are not alone. Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Barbara Wixom, principal research scientist at MIT's Center for Information Systems Research (CISR), draws on 30 years of research in this bonus episode of the Me, Myself, and AI podcast. She believes data monetization is the key to enterprise success with AI and breaks down why. With hosts Sam Ransbotham and Shervin Khodabandeh, Barb details case examples to highlight best practices for AI implementation and how to measure value, as well as how data governance and ethics play a critical role in successful AI projects. They also talk about what companies get wrong and the challenges and rewards of AI research. Read the episode transcript here. Guest bio: Barbara Wixom is a principal research scientist at the MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR). Her academic research explores how organizations generate business value from data assets. She is the author of the award-winning book, Data Is Everybody's Business: The Fundamentals of Data Monetization, which she wrote to inspire workers to engage in data monetization. Me, Myself, and AI is a collaborative podcast from MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group and is hosted by Sam Ransbotham and Shervin Khodabandeh. Our engineer is David Lishansky, and the coordinating producers are Allison Ryder and Alanna Hooper. Stay in touch with us by joining our LinkedIn group, AI for Leaders at mitsmr.com/AIforLeaders or by following Me, Myself, and AI on LinkedIn. We encourage you to rate and review our show. Your comments may be used in Me, Myself, and AI materials.

Key Takeaways:Customer feedback is a growth tool – Handling negative reviews with a positive approach strengthens relationships.Cultural fit matters – Many employees leave due to misalignment with company culture rather than job dissatisfaction.Talent is everywhere – Hiring based on traits, not just experience, can uncover high-potential candidates.The industry must evolve – Adapting to new expectations and investing in education will attract the next generation.Monica Adwani is a dynamic leader whose career has been defined by breaking barriers and championing diversity.Monicais a passionate advocate for creating opportunities and fostering inclusivity, particularly for women and Latinos in the business world. As the CEO of Breezy Seguros, she leads a company dedicated to providing accessible and comprehensive insurance solutions tailored specifically for the Latino community in the United States.Born in Puerto Rico,Monicaearned degrees in Information Management and Medical Coding from the InterAmerican University. Her desire for continuous learning brought her to Massachusetts, where she obtained a Business Management degree from Fisher College in Boston.Monica's exceptional leadership has earned her multiple accolades, including Young Agent of the Year in 2019, LatinX Amplifier in 2021, one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Massachusetts in 2022, and the Top 100 Latino Influencer award in 2023. Additionally, Breezy Seguros was recognized as one of America's Top 250 Latino Companies in 2024.Monicais deeply committed to the Latino community and is working tirelessly to reach the goal of insuring more than 5 million Latinos across the United States through Breezy Seguros. Her dedication drives her efforts to empower and protect Latino families, entrepreneurs, and businesses, ensuring their success and security for future generations.  Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.

How can an academic bridge the gap between rigorous research and actionable insights for executives? Stephanie Woerner, of MIT's Center for Information Systems Research (CISR), offers a masterclass on this topic in our latest podcast episode. She reveals how her team tackles the tension between academia's slower pace and business's urgent demands by designing projects with rapid deliverables and executive-relevant outcomes. It's not just about publishing papers—it's about driving impact and transforming practices. Stephanie explains how CISR collaborates with its consortium of 75 corporate members to co-create research agendas that solve real-world problems. From exploring the impact of AI and data-driven decision-making to demystifying digital transformation, her frameworks make complex concepts accessible. Her advice? Listen to your audience, translate data into actionable insights, and focus on what drives performance—whether it's profitability, innovation, or customer experience. The conversation dives into the art of storytelling with data. Stephanie shares how visuals, like a simple two-by-two matrix, can illuminate business challenges and opportunities. By simplifying without oversimplifying, she equips leaders to move from confusion to clarity, making complex transformations manageable. With thought leadership positioned as a practice, Stephanie reflects on her journey from researcher to influencer. She underscores the importance of connecting with your audience, constantly iterating, and striving for impact over time. This is thought leadership in action—anticipating the future, separating signal from noise, and delivering the insights your audience needs just when they need them. Three Key Takeaways: Bridging Academia and Business: Stephanie Woerner highlights the importance of designing research to deliver actionable insights for executives. By structuring projects with shorter cycles and a focus on business relevance, her team ensures their work addresses urgent corporate challenges while maintaining academic rigor. The Power of Frameworks and Storytelling: Simplifying complex ideas into accessible frameworks, like two-by-two matrices, helps executives understand challenges and take decisive action. Effective storytelling with data transforms raw information into compelling, actionable insights.Audience-Centered Thought Leadership: Successful thought leadership requires deep listening and collaboration with your audience. Woerner emphasizes the value of co-creating research agendas and focusing on practical outcomes that align with what your audience urgently needs to know—or hasn't yet thought to ask. If you want to further explore the idea of using academic research to build your thought leadership, be sure to check out this video by Leveraging Thought Leadership founder and CEO Peter Winick.

Send us a textWhat happens when a child and family specialist immerses themselves in the fast-paced world of first responders? Join us to explore the captivating professional journey that began in 1999, where our host's initial role as a crisis team triage coordinator led to unexpected yet profound career transformations. Through late-night calls and high-stakes emergency situations involving police officers, dispatchers, and firefighters, you'll gain insight into how these intense interactions redirected a career toward a dedicated focus on first responder mental health support.From the challenges faced on the first day dealing with crises in 2005 to the intricacies of implementing a mental health evaluation system for parolees, we delve into the complexities of balancing public safety and public health. Hear firsthand accounts of working with the Region Nine team and the Jail Diversion Program, riding along with police officers, and managing mental health-related calls. Our host's transition to Vermont underscores the vital role of supportive communities and effective mental health programs, shedding light on the tough decisions required in the co-response model.The journey continues through an extensive career supporting federal probation, the National Guard, first responders, and veterans across diverse environments. You'll hear about involvement in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training, crisis intervention, and efforts in opiate overdose prevention. As we move towards the latest chapter, the focus shifts to educating first responders about their mental well-being and exploring post-traumatic growth. Stay tuned for the highly anticipated Episode 172, featuring the return of the Mental Men—Bob, Dennis, Pat, Andy, Chris, and our host—for a discussion brimming with insights and personal reflections. Don't miss this episode that promises to be both educational and profoundly engaging!Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast

Empower the Future of Risk & Insurance​Give back and help support educating and inspiring the next generation of professionals by becoming an Emerging Talent Partner or by bringing the CISR High School Program to your community!Emerging Talent Partners ProgramCISR High School Program About Our Difference Maker: ​Anne is a native Hoosier and a graduate of Indiana University.  She began her insurance career in 1978 as a receptionist at an independent insurance agency. She has held every position at an agency including receptionist, assistant, producer, sales manager, carrier liaison as well as owning her own agency. When Anne sold her agency, she served as executive director of I.T.D.I., an insurance training and development project for the state of Indiana. Anne joined Arlington/Roe in 2004 and retired as a full-time employee in 2019. She currently helps part-time with Sales & Marketing for Minnesota.Anne has always been involved with the Big I (Independent Insurance Agents) and the PIA (Professional Insurance Agents) throughout her career.  Mentoring young people and promoting insurance education has always been a passion of Anne's.  She served on the Indiana State University Insurance & Risk Management Advisory Council. She assists with the Ivy Tech and CISR high school insurance programs in collaboration with other insurance schools like Ball State, Butler and Indiana State. In her spare time, Anne likes to do other volunteer work, travel, garden and do fun activities with her family and grandchildren. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.

When the weight of a badge or the stress of an emergency call becomes a silent burden, where do our first responders turn for help? It's a question that haunted me until Kathryn Branca, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, sat across from me to share her invaluable insights. Peeling back the curtain on the often-misunderstood world of therapy, particularly for those facing the front lines of crisis day in and day out, our latest conversation isn't just enlightening; it's a lifeline.Humor and heartache aren't strangers to us in emergency services, and this chat with Kathryn is no exception. We reveal our own 'before and after' moments, those personal catalysts that propelled us into the healing professions. It's a candid exploration of how grief shapes our paths and the profound need for specialized support systems tailored to the unique experiences of nurses, police officers, and other first responders. Kathryn's holistic approach, infusing nutrition and meditation into her practice, underscores the depth and breadth of true healing.This episode also confronts the elephant in the room—the stubborn stigma against mental health support within the tight-knit first responder community. Trust isn't given; it's earned, and we dissect how to build that rapport without prying into the very stories that scar. Kathryn and I tackle the paradoxical fear of vulnerability in police departments and underscore why standing alone in clinical judgment, though daunting, is sometimes the only way forward. Together, we're advocating for change, striving for a future where the stigma is diminished and our first responders can access the care they so rightfully deserve.To Contact her, visit her website: www.kathrynbranca.comYou can also email her: kathrynladc@gmail.com Connect with her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-brancaYouTube Channel For The Podcast

In this podcast episode, Amir Bormand interviews Barb Wixom, a Principal Research Scientist at MIT Sloan's Center for IS Research. They discuss the concept of data monetization, touching on its various aspects, such as the three ways to monetize data, the capabilities needed, governance, and potential challenges with advanced technologies. Wixom emphasizes the importance of understanding an organization's data assets, focusing on quality rather than quantity, and the journey toward improving, wrapping, and selling data. She also talks about her recent book, which packages everything essential to know to succeed with data monetization. Highlights 00:13 Understanding Data Monetization 01:05 The Role of Research in Data Monetization 01:55 The Evolution of Data Monetization 03:23 The Importance of Language in Data Monetization 05:49 The Three Ways to Monetize Data 06:23 The Challenges of Data Monetization 12:32 The Role of Data Assets in Monetization 16:51 The Journey of Data Monetization 31:57 The Future of Data Monetization Guest: Since 1994, Barbara Wixom's research has explored how organizations generate business value from data assets. Her methods include large-scale surveys, meta-analyses, lab experiments and in-depth case studies; five of her cases have placed in the Society for Information Management Paper Awards competition. Wixom is a leading academic scholar, who regularly presents her work to academic and business audiences around the world. Wixom joined MIT Sloan in June 2013 to serve as a Principal Research Scientist at the Center for Information Systems Research (CISR). She leads the MIT CISR Data Research Advisory Board, comprised of one hundred data and analytics executives from CISR organizations. Wixom authored her new book Data is Everybody's Business (MIT Press, September 2023) to inspire workers across organizations to monetize data. She actively works to encourage women, young people, and underrepresented populations to learn about data and pursue data-related careers. https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-wixom-0976983/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests? Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

Try the Directory out: https://webapi.scic.com/SCICSearchDirectory/Learn more about this Online Designee Directory here: https://www.scic.com/new-online-directory-launched-for-designation-holders/.If you are a dues-paid designee and not appearing in the directory results, simply opt-in via your PROfile.  

Join Nat Alliance NOW Host, Mitch Dunford, as he discusses the exciting developments and innovations rolling out in 2024, with President & CEO William Hold, MBA, CRM, CISR, and Chief Experience Officer Danielle Janecka. The trio discusses Exclusive Update Options for Dues-Paid Designees, New Dynamics of Service Self-Paced Series, the new Learning Portal, the Community Social Platform, and advice to designees on maintaining annual update requirements. Tune in to this enlightening podcast episode and discover how the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is embracing innovation and change in 2024.  Its going to be a GREAT year.

What if the biggest heroes in our society, first responders, are also the ones silently suffering? Imagine being a police officer, firefighter, ER staff, military personnel, or any first responder, tasked with the wellbeing of others, but grappling with your own issues such as grueling work hours, balancing work and family life, and the potential accumulation of trauma. We step into their shoes, unearthing the challenges they face and the resilience they display. From personal stories of emergency situations to the illuminating discussions on the need for specialized resources, we aim to shed light on the often unseen side of their lives and bring attention to the much-needed support.With first responders, they carry tales of adventure, tales of courage, but often these stories are shrouded by a cloak of confidentiality, making their socialization a complex process. In this candid conversation, we accentuate the vital importance of a support system that allows them to share their experiences, and the need to recognize their individual capabilities. Looking forward to my dialogue with Liz Kelly in the upcoming episode, we will be navigating through various topics such as holidays, stress, mood disorders, and more. This intimate exploration invites you to glimpse beyond the uniform and into the hearts and minds of our first responders.YouTube Channel For The PodcastCoaching Program

Have you ever wondered about the hidden struggles that first responders face on a daily basis? We sit down with Keith Hanks, a retired firefighter EMT from Massachusetts, Scot Ruggles, a former football coach and actor, Corey Moss, the co-director and producer of the documentary 'First Responders in Crisis'.  We delve into their experiences, shedding light on the mental health struggles they contend with, and how they find resilience amidst the challenges. We also pay homage to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line. On this journey, we unpack the importance of mental wellbeing in the lives of those who are often seen as invincible. Keith, Scot, and Corey share their personal journeys with mental health, discussing various therapy modalities and coping strategies they have found beneficial. We take a moment to emphasize the need for regular mental health checkups, in similar fashion to annual physicals. We also discuss the documentary 'First Responders in Crisis', a critical documentary that brings the real, raw, and vulnerable experiences of these brave individuals to the forefront. In addressing the elephant in the room, we tackle the stigma of mental health, especially in the first responder community. We explore the "tough guy" mentality and its impact on mental health, with insights drawn from Gabor Maté's idea of doing certain jobs to "repair our past". So, tune in, engage, and let's spark a discussion on the critical issue of mental health among first responders. We believe in the power of shared stories and experiences to drive change and break stigmas. Let this podcast episode be a stepping stone in that journey."First Responders In Crisis" will be released October 3rd, 2023 and the trailer is available here. YouTube Channel For The PodcastCoaching Program

Beth Benhart - Senior Director of Instructional Design - Beth began her career in secondary education and made the switch to the corporate world after earning her Master's in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. She has spent the last six years of her career developing training programs for insurance and risk management professionals. Beth has experience with all facets of learning and development including corporate training, learning management system (LMS) administration and instructional design. She is passionate about leveraging innovative eLearning strategies and tools to create on-demand training experiences for adult learners.Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR- Head of Faculty & Academic Development - Jay is the Head of Faculty & Academic Development for The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. In his role, he is responsible for all faculty and Educational Consultants, as well as overseeing curriculum development by our Academic Directors. He also oversees curricula for our Agency Operations, Agency Management, and Insurance Company Operations programs. He is an Educational Consultant and a member of our National Faculty, teaching CISR, CIC, Ruble Graduate Seminars, and PROFocus events.Interested in Shaping the Future of Risk Management & Insurance Education? Become a Faculty Member! 

durée : 00:10:13 - La Question du jour - par : Quentin Lafay - Hier, s'est tenu à Matignon le Comité interministériel de la sécurité routière (CISR). A l'ordre du jour, la création d'un “homicide routier”, venu se substituer à “l'homicide volontaire” par lequel étaient jugés les homicides commis dans le cas d'accidents de la route… - invités : Jean-Baptiste Le Dall Avocat spécialisé dans le droit automobile

Elisabeth Borne a annoncé lundi à l'issue d'un Comité interministériel de la sécurité routière (CISR) vouloir "rendre obligatoire" la suspension du permis en cas de conduite sous l'emprise de stupéfiants. Pour en parler, le chef étoilé Yannick Alléno, dont le fils Antoine est décédé en mai 2022 après avoir été percuté par un chauffard. Ecoutez L'invité de RTL Soir du 17 juillet 2023 avec Marion Calais.

Claire Richardson, CISR, Captive Consultant at Hylant Global Captive Solutions, and National Alliance Board Member, hosts our inaugural Difference Makers podcast episode! On this special episode, Claire is joined by Chief Marketing Officer, Mitch Dunford and Bob Rogers, CLU, ChFC, a fantastic teacher and mentor for the National Alliance.Tune in as the trio looks back at previously featured Difference Makers to discover what makes them and future guests so unique.Claire Richardson- Captive Consultant at Hylant Global Captive SolutionsMitch Dunford- Chief Marketing Officer at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & ResearchBob Rogers- Life & Health Academic Director at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Monica Adwani, host of TranscendwithM podcast, and Managing Partner of Savvital. Monica helps insurance agents with their day to day tasks with finding and locating Virtual Professionals. They take an 8 week training program and another 6 weeks with training to make sure the VP and the agency are ready to add a virtual professional to their team. Episode Highlights: Monica discusses the TranscendwithM podcast and its goals. (3:11) Monica explains that everything she created with Troy Thompson, including the training for the VAs, is based on their experiences and the way they do business now. (13:45) Monica discusses their eight-week internal program that nourishes insurance knowledge into their Virtual Professionals. (17:45) Monica discusses the importance of having realistic expectations. (20:27) Monica mentions the fact that they hire people specifically to solve problems. (22:29) Monica explains the reason why they refer their employees as Virtual Professionals. (26:11) Monica explains why they chose to source employees from Pakistan over other countries for Savvital. (30:16) Monica mentions that their Virtual Professionals are working on their CIC and CISR certifications. (37:18) Key Quotes: “The goal is to be a vessel of change and provide that platform for people. Because it's not about me helping them grow. It's about them helping each other grow. So that's kind of like what Transcend with M is doing right now.” - Monica Adwani “Explaining the why is the most important thing, and I will tell you that we spend more on the why, and getting the explanation of things than what we do on the process.” - Monica Adwani “I am learning, they are learning everybody's learning, and we will continue to learn as we grow. But I think the essence and the base of what we are doing, that will never change.” - Monica Adwani Resources Mentioned: Monica Adwani LinkedIn Savvital TranscendwithM Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this throwback episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Monica Adwani, host of TranscendwithM podcast, and Managing Partner of Savvital. Monica helps insurance agents with their day to day tasks with finding and locating Virtual Professionals. They take an 8 week training program and another 6 weeks with training to make sure the VP and the agency are ready to add a virtual professional to their team. Episode Highlights: Monica discusses the TranscendwithM podcast and its goals. (3:11) Monica explains that everything she created with Troy Thompson, including the training for the VAs, is based on their experiences and the way they do business now. (13:45) Monica discusses their eight-week internal program that nourishes insurance knowledge into their Virtual Professionals. (17:45) Monica discusses the importance of having realistic expectations. (20:27) Monica mentions the fact that they hire people specifically to solve problems. (22:29) Monica explains the reason why they refer their employees as Virtual Professionals. (26:11) Monica explains why they chose to source employees from Pakistan over other countries for Savvital. (30:16) Monica mentions that their Virtual Professionals are working on their CIC and CISR certifications. (37:18) Key Quotes: “The goal is to be a vessel of change and provide that platform for people. Because it's not about me helping them grow. It's about them helping each other grow. So that's kind of like what Transcend with M is doing right now.” - Monica Adwani “Explaining the why is the most important thing, and I will tell you that we spend more on the why, and getting the explanation of things than what we do on the process.” - Monica Adwani “I am learning, they are learning everybody's learning, and we will continue to learn as we grow. But I think the essence and the base of what we are doing, that will never change.” - Monica Adwani Resources Mentioned: Monica Adwani LinkedIn Savvital TranscendwithM Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode, we're joined by Reagan Jager, CRM, CISR, CPIA, and Jim Ellis CAS from USI. They are experts in the property and casualty insurance industry, specifically in the multifamily sector. In this episode, they discuss the unique challenges that multifamily properties present and how they approach risk assessment for their clients. Reagan and Jim also talk about the significant trends and changes in the property and casualty insurance industry, as well as some of the misconceptions people have about multifamily insurance.  In addition to their expertise in insurance, Reagan and Jim discuss their involvement in industry advocacy, the importance of workplace culture, giving back to the community, and so much more. Where To Connect With Reagan and Jim Reagan on LinkedIn Jim on LinkedIn

Released  6 January 2023 This podcast based on Chapter 1 in Enabling NATO's Collective Defense: Critical Infrastructure Security and Resiliency (NATO COE-DAT Handbook 1 answers the questions: What is critical infrastructure? Why is it important? What is the difference between critical infrastructure protection (CIP) and critical infrastructure security and resilience (CISR)? What are some of the key terms defined in national CISR policy? What are the core areas of activity or work streams involved in implementing CISR policy in and across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization nations? The answers to these specific questions provide the contextual basis for understanding why CISR is a quintessential societal task for maintaining national security, economic vitality, and public health and safety in a world filled with increasing levels of risk. For NATO member states, building and enhancing CISR at the national level is necessary to safeguard societies, people, and shared values and also provide the foundation for credible deterrence and defense and the Alliance's ability to fulfill its core tasks of collective defense, crisis management, and cooperative security. Click here to read the book. Click here to watch the webinar. Keywords: critical infrastructure, CIP, CISR, CBRNE, cyber threats, security risk assessment, crisis management Episode transcript "Understanding Critical Infrastructure" from Enabling NATO's Collective Defense: Critical Infrastructure Security and Resiliency (NATO COE-DAT Handbook 1) Stephanie Crider (Host) You're listening to Conversations on Strategy. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army, the US Army War College, or any other agency of the US government. Conversations on Strategy welcomes Ronald Bearse, author of “Understanding Critical Infrastructure,” featured in Enabling NATO's Collective Defense: Critical Infrastructure and Resiliency. Bearse is an expert in critical infrastructure protection and national preparedness, with more than 23 years of experience in the US Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and Treasury. Ron, welcome to Conversations on Strategy. You recently contributed to a book, Enabling NATO's Collective Defense: Critical Infrastructure Security and Resiliency. I'm looking forward to hearing about your chapter, but first, thank you for being here. Ronald Bearse Well thanks Steph. Yeah, I'm happy to discuss that with you today. Host What is critical infrastructure? Bearse Although there's no real global or standard or universal definition of critical infrastructure, most, if not all, European and NATO nations, which have a national CIP or CISR policy or national plan, define critical infrastructure as those physical and cyber systems, facilities, and assets that are so vital that their incapacity or their destruction would have a debilitating impact on a nation's national security, economic security, or national public health and safety. We kind of understand them (and most people do) as those facilities and services that are so vital to the basic operations of a given society 9like the one we live in) or those without which the functioning of a given society would be greatly impaired. In our book, for example, we talk about critical infrastructure sectors. Here in the United States, for example, we have 16 critical infrastructure sectors where assets and systems and networks, whether they're physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on our national economic security or public health and safety. Those sectors include, here in the United States, and for most Western nations, the same types and same sectors, such as the chemical sector or the dam sector, commercial facilities. Communications sector. Critical manufacturing.

Released 19 December, 2022 In 2014 NATO's Centre of Excellence-Defence Against Terrorism (COE-DAT) launched the inaugural course on “Critical Infrastructure Protection Against Terrorist Attacks.” As this course garnered increased attendance and interest, the core lecturer team felt the need to update the course in critical infrastructure (CI) taking into account the shift from an emphasis on “protection” of CI assets to “security and resiliency.” What was lacking in the fields of academe, emergency management, and the industry practitioner community was a handbook that leveraged the collective subject matter expertise of the core lecturer team, a handbook that could serve to educate government leaders, state and private-sector owners and operators of critical infrastructure, academicians, and policymakers in NATO and partner countries. Enabling NATO's Collective Defense: Critical Infrastructure Security and Resiliency is the culmination of such an effort, the first major collaborative research project under a Memorandum of Understanding between the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute (SSI), and NATO COE-DAT. The research project began in October 2020 with a series of four workshops hosted by SSI. The draft chapters for the book were completed in late January 2022. Little did the research team envision the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February this year. The Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, successive missile attacks against Ukraine's electric generation and distribution facilities, rail transport, and cyberattacks against almost every sector of the country's critical infrastructure have been on world display. Russian use of its gas supplies as a means of economic warfare against Europe—designed to undermine NATO unity and support for Ukraine—is another timely example of why adversaries, nation-states, and terrorists alike target critical infrastructure. Hence, the need for public-private sector partnerships to secure that infrastructure and build the resiliency to sustain it when attacked. Ukraine also highlights the need for NATO allies to understand where vulnerabilities exist in host nation infrastructure that will undermine collective defense and give more urgency to redressing and mitigating those fissures. Click here to read the book. Click here to watch the webinar. Keywords: critical infrastructure, CIP, CISR, CBRNE, cyber threats, weaponizing critical infrastructure, security risk assessment, crisis management Episode Transcript: Enabling NATO's Collective Defense: Critical Infrastructure Security and Resiliency (NATO COE-DAT Handbook 1) Stephanie Crider (Host) You're listening to Decisive Point, a US Army War College Press production focused on national security affairs. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army, the US Army War College, or any other agency of the US government. Decisive  Point welcomes Dr. Carol V. Evans, editor of Enabling NATO's Collective Defense: Infrastructure Security and Resiliency, which was published by the US Army War College Press in November 2022. Evans is the director of the Strategic Studies Institute and the US Army War College Press. She brings 30 years of expertise in the areas of mission assurance, crisis and consequence management, asymmetric warfare, terrorism, maritime security, and homeland security. Since 2014, Evans has been a lecturer at the NATO Center of Excellence for the Defense Against Terrorism in Ankara, Turkey, where she teaches its Critical Infrastructure Protection Against Terrorist Attacks training program. She holds a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the London School of Economics. Thanks so much for joining me. I'm really excited to talk with you today. You recently edited a book for NATO, Enabling NATO's Collective Defense: Critical Infrastructure Security and ...

Certified Insurance Counselors Program (CIC)The 2023 CIC course schedule is now available! Be the first to register for this nationally recognized and highly respected insurance designation program.ClassroomWebinar Certified Risk Manager Program Program (CRM)Are you responsible for risk management at your organization? Browse the upcoming CRM courses. This program is great for accountants, attorneys, financial and insurance professionals, and specialists in loss control. ClassroomWebinar Certified Insurance Service Representative Program (CISR)The practical CISR Program includes 9 courses focused on minimizing E&O claims and understanding and analyzing risks and exposures.  ClassroomWebinar Certified Personal Risk Manager Program (CPRM)Top agents, brokers, and insurance companies with high-net-worth clients recognize CPRM as the leading designation for professionals providing insurance and risk management services. Browse the 2023 course schedule. Webinar Certified School Risk Manager Program (CSRM)Do you work for an educational institution? Are you an agent who insures educational institutions? CSRM courses are designed to help you learn to identify risks and plan for tomorrow's challenges! Register for a 2023 course today. ClassroomWebinar 

Güneşin ışıldadığı ama yakmadığı güzel bir sonbahar öğlesinde, Cisr-i Mustafa Paşa'dayız. Bugünkü adıyla Svilengrad. Kapıkule Sınır Kapısı'ndan Bulgaristan'a geçtikten sonra karşımıza çıkan ilk büyük yerleşim yeri burası. Doğruca Meriç kıyısına ilerleyerek, şehre adını veren tarihî Osmanlı köprüsünü adımlamaya başladık. 295 metre uzunluğundaki köprüyü Çoban Mustafa Paşa inşa ettirmiş. Etnik kökeni nedeniyle “Boşnak”, katıldığı seferlerin çokluğu sebebiyle “Gazi” ve Kanûnî Sultan Süleyman'ın kız kardeşi Hanım Sultan'la evliliği sayesinde “Damad” unvanlarıyla da anılan Mustafa Paşa, 1529'daki vefatına kadar, -Mısır beylerbeyliği de dâhil olmak üzere- imparatorluğun dört bir köşesinde vazife yapmış. Köprünün tam ortasındaki kitabede Kanûnî ve Mustafa Paşa'dan bahsedilen satırları okuyup karşıya geçtik. Fotoğraf için güzel bir açı ararken, Meriç kenarında devam eden bir inşaata yaklaşıp müsaade istedik. Ev sahibi “Ben de fotoğrafçıyım, gerçekten en güzel nokta burası” diyerek nehre sıfır bahçesini kullanmamıza izin verdi. “Svilen” kelimesinin Slav dillerinde “ipek” anlamına geldiğini, Svilengrad'ın da “İpek Şehri” demek olduğunu ondan öğrendik. Bulgaristan'a esas geliş amacımız Filibe'yi görmek olduğundan, Cisr-i Mustafa Paşa'da fazla oyalanmadık. Yol üzerinde öğle namazı için “teşehhüd miktarı” Hasköy'e (Haskovo) uğradıktan sonra, menzilimize devam ettik. Akşamüzeri, Balkanlardaki en güzel Osmanlı şehirlerinden Filibe'ye ulaştık. Şehrin tarihî kısmında, eski bir konaktan dönme otelimize eşyalarımızı bırakıp hemen gezintiye başladık. Taş döşeli daracık sokaklarıyla, birbirine omuz veren ahşap evleriyle, rengârenk konaklarıyla, surlarıyla ve kapılarıyla, klâsik bir İslâm şehrindeydik. Kaybolan ve değişen her şeye rağmen... M.Ö. 342'de Makedon Kralı “Kör” Filip tarafından kurulan ve hâlâ onun adını taşıyan Filibe, 1360'larda Osmanlı hâkimiyeti altına alınıncaya kadar sürekli işgal ve istilalara sahne olmuş. Bir örnek sadedinde, sadece Osmanlı öncesindeki 150 yıl boyunca şehrin tam 11 kez el değiştirdiği biliniyor. Haçlı, Bulgar ve Bizans saldırıları ahaliyi öylesine bezdirmiş ki, Lala Şahin Paşa komutasındaki Osmanlı birlikleri Filibe'yi kuşattığında, halk kolayca teslim olmuş. 1878'e kadar devam edecek olan bu dönemde, Filibe hem sosyal ve ticarî yönden tarihinin en müreffeh zamanlarını yaşamış hem de birbirinden güzel mimarî eserlerle donatılmış. Osmanlı Filibesi'ne yolu düşen bütün seyyahların yorumu aynı: Yemyeşil, huzur dolu ve canlı bir belde... Vaktiyle Filibe'de 50'den fazla cami, 70 mektep, 11 tekke ve sekiz hamamla birlikte kalabalık bir nüfus varmış. Bugün bu camilerin sadece üçü ayakta. İkisi ibadete açık, biriyse alkollü restoran haline getirilmiş. Akşam namazımızı, Şehid Sultanımız Murad Hüdâvendigâr'ın adını taşıyan “cuma camii”nde kıldık. Filibe'nin tam merkezinde, altındaki şirin pastane ve çay ocağıyla, eski günleri hatırlatan bir mabet burası. Bir safı bulmayan cemaatinin tamamına yakını yabancı turistlerden oluşsa da, içinde hâlâ rükû ve secde ediliyor olması muhteşem. Filibe'nin ibadete açık diğer camisi, Hüdâvendigâr'a 10 dakikalık yürüme mesafesindeki Şehâbeddin İmaret Camii. Yatsı namazımızı da orada eda ettik. Şehâbeddin İmaret'in sırasında, yine Meriç kenarındaki Taşköprü Camii ise, bahsettiğim restoran. Onu dışarıdan izlerken, “Müslüman Filibe”nin tarihine

Voices in the episode in order of appearance:Josh Paskewicz, Talent Acquisition Manager at HylantAllison Garcia, Talent Acquisition Leader at HylantKevin Ray, Vice President of Learning & Development at Erie Insurance GroupMeaghen Paterson, District Sales Manager at Erie Insurance GroupWill Kegg, Insurance & Risk Management Student at University of Cincinnati, GIS Chapter PresidentBenjamin J. Kegg, Information Technology Student at University of Cincinnati, Executive GIS MemberMary Jo Zimmer, User Experience Manager at Erie Insurance GroupLee'a Thigpen, Information Technology Supervisor & IT Intern Program Lead at Erie Insurance GroupLearn More!https://www.gammaiotasigma.org/https://www.gammaiotasigma.org/sustaining-partners

Leah Robinson, CIC, CRM, AINS, CAWC is a Commercial Lines Agent at the My Member Insurance Agency in Saginaw, MI. Considering herself a generalist, Leah enjoys working with clients ranging from cannabis cultivators to contractors, and everything in between. Leah has been on the Big I Michigan Young Agents Committee since 2018 and is currently the Past-Chair until August 31, 2023. In September 2022 Leah was named Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's National Young Agent of the Year. Leah first became a student of the insurance industry in the fall of 2012 as a senior in high school taking dual enrollment classes with Olivet College. She later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Olivet College in 2016 with her bachelor's degree, dual majoring in Insurance & Risk Management and Financial Planning.My Member Insurance: https://www.mymemberinsurance.comSpeakers In this episode (in order):Dustyne Bryant, CIC, CISR, Personal Lines Academic Director at The National Alliance For Insurance Education & ResearchMac Leberman, Media Producer for The National Alliance For Insurance Education & ResearchLeah Robinson, AINS, CAWC, CIC, CRM Producer at My Member Insurance Agency; Former Chairperson of Michigan Young Agents AssociationPaul Martin, CPCU Director of Academy Content at The National Alliance For Insurance Education & ResearchTom Humphreys, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CIC Director of Risk Management and Insurance Center at Olivet CollegeEthan Gross, CEO of Globe Midwest Adjusters InternationalAlec Richmond, CIC, Account Executive at The Richmond Agency; current Chairperson for Michigan Young Agents AssociationJoanna Dresden, CISR Elite, Hartland Insurance AgencyCaryn Bedford, SPHR, CPC, Chief Learning and Talend Officer at Big I MichiganCathy Baldwin, CIC, Director of Marking and Communication at J.M. WilsonJordan Burns, Owner/CEO of Beyond Insurance Group

In this episode of Agency Intelligence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Krista Kautz, Commercial Lines Producer at Berrong Insurance Agency. Krista discusses her journey from musician to insurance producer, what her niches are, and how she became involved with Oklahoma Young Agents. Episode Highlights: Krista discusses the Oklahoma Next-Gen Under 30 Awards. (2:40) Krista mentions that she is currently the Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Young Agents and that her agency owners support her involvement. (4:19) Krista mentions that even though she and Ryan Smith are competitors, they have brother-sister discussions, always giving each other a hard time and pushing each other to be accountable. (4:57) Krista mentions that she uses an iPhone and that the most recent app she downloaded was Yahoo Sports. (14:04) Krista explains why winning was her favorite thing. (15:45) Krista discusses skills versus luck gave her the capacity to sit in a conference room and go through a commercial auto policy page by page, passing the initial exam and continuing on to her CISR. (16:46) Krista explains how she first found a job in data entry and reception at an insurance company. (22:17) Krista explains how she became an in-house producer at Berrong Insurance Agency. (24:01) Krista mentions that her niches include oil & gas and trucking and that she is still working to expand and find a different niche. (26:46) Krista shares that her first large account was an oil and gas risk. (27:42) Krista discusses that she's looking for another niche that involves her in the community. (32:37) Krista mentions that anybody in the insurance industry can lead from any position as long as they are not afraid to ask questions. (35:27) Key Quotes: “I do have niches. That's the oil and gas and, and trucking side. However, I am trying to diversify and find a little bit of a different niche. My niche is basically small business.” - Krista Kautz “You can lead from any position, don't be afraid to ask the questions.” - Krista Kautz “The skill portion is what got me past, being able to sit in a conference room and looking at a commercial auto policy, page by page and being able to pass the initial exam, continue on to my CISR. And then now I'm working on my CIC and that does take skill and willingness to learn.” Krista Kautz Resources Mentioned: Krista Kautz LinkedIn Berrong Insurance Agency Reach out to Jason Cass Agency Intelligence

Tracy Leigh Cotton, CIC, CISR, CPIW- An insurance enthusiast for over 27 years, Tracy thrives on steering her career to new horizons through education and an open mind. She's been an underwriter, account manager, producer, team leader, consultant, marketer, and trainer. Her newest role is one that taps into all those former experiences as a tool kit to create better results for the middle market commercial clients she serves. Outside of work she enjoys pursuing adventures that build her faith, check off her perpetual bucket list, and support the local community where she lives in Chattanooga TN. Ashley Fitzsimmons, CISR- Director of Professional Development, Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc. Known as the Beyonce of Insurance, Ashley has grown up in insurance. She has real-life experience on the agency side – for nearly the last decade. She has had to overcome the same daily struggles and has personally researched and implemented many tools and programs to help her family agency run more efficiently. Nine years spent as the fourth generation in a family agency located near Scranton, PA, obtaining her CISR designation, multiple speaking engagements across the country as well as being nominated for the 2018 National CSR of the year has given her the knowledge and experience to help other agents thrive instead of just survive.

Legacy Insurance PartnersJonnie Anderson loves spending her days helping to protect people against the unknown. She brings her experience and insurance background together to help families get the coverage they need for their home and autos. She began her career as an independent insurance agent and has now started her own legacy as one of the owners of Legacy Insurance Partners. When Jonnie is not getting competitive rates for her clients, she is cooking, decorating, or being mommy to her two little boys.Olivia Hein Wouldn't it be great if you understood the ins and outs of your home, auto, and life insurance coverage? As co-owner of Legacy Insurance Partners Olivia is passionate about helping her clients fully understand their insurance coverage. With the best policy for them and their families and adequate coverage, she provides peace of mind should anything happen. A Midwestern girl at heart, Olivia loves life here in the Rockies! When she's not educating and helping her clients, you can find her spending time with friends, enjoying the Colorado outdoors, or planning her next destination trip!Natasha Pearl Hansen is a comedian as well as a tech and branding nerd. Her love of technology, partnerships and helping other business owners, led her to join the team at GloveBox a year ago where she works to help agents use new technology to fuel and grow their businesses.

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Monica Adwani, host of TranscendwithM podcast, and Managing Partner of Savvital. Monica helps insurance agents with their day to day tasks with finding and locating Virtual Professionals. They take an 8 week training program and another 6 weeks with training to make sure the VP and the agency are ready to add a virtual professional to their team. Episode Highlights: Monica discusses the TranscendwithM podcast and its goals. (3:11) Monica explains that everything she created with Troy Thompson, including the training for the VAs, is based on their experiences and the way they do business now. (13:45) Monica discusses their eight-week internal program that nourishes insurance knowledge into their Virtual Professionals. (17:45) Monica discusses the importance of having realistic expectations. (20:27) Monica mentions the fact that they hire people specifically to solve problems. (22:29) Monica explains the reason why they refer their employees as Virtual Professionals. (26:11) Monica explains why they chose to source employees from Pakistan over other countries for Savvital. (30:16) Monica mentions that their Virtual Professionals are working on their CIC and CISR certifications. (37:18) Key Quotes: “The goal is to be a vessel of change and provide that platform for people. Because it's not about me helping them grow. It's about them helping each other grow. So that's kind of like what Transcend with M is doing right now.” - Monica Adwani “Explaining the why is the most important thing, and I will tell you that we spend more on the why, and getting the explanation of things than what we do on the process.” - Monica Adwani “I am learning, they are learning everybody's learning, and we will continue to learn as we grow. But I think the essence and the base of what we are doing, that will never change.” - Monica Adwani Resources Mentioned: Monica Adwani LinkedIn Savvital TranscendwithM Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Monica Adwani, host of TranscendwithM podcast, and Managing Partner of Savvital. Monica helps insurance agents with their day to day tasks with finding and locating Virtual Professionals. They take an 8 week training program and another 6 weeks with training to make sure the VP and the agency are ready to add a virtual professional to their team. Episode Highlights: Monica discusses the TranscendwithM podcast and its goals. (3:11) Monica explains that everything she created with Troy Thompson, including the training for the VAs, is based on their experiences and the way they do business now. (13:45) Monica discusses their eight-week internal program that nourishes insurance knowledge into their Virtual Professionals. (17:45) Monica discusses the importance of having realistic expectations. (20:27) Monica mentions the fact that they hire people specifically to solve problems. (22:29) Monica explains the reason why they refer to their employees as Virtual Professionals. (26:11) Monica explains why they chose to source employees from Pakistan over other countries for Savvital. (30:16) Monica mentions that their Virtual Professionals are working on their CIC and CISR certifications. (37:18) Key Quotes: “The goal is to be a vessel of change and provide that platform for people. Because it's not about me helping them grow. It's about them helping each other grow. So that's kind of like what Transcend with M is doing right now.” - Monica Adwani “Explaining the why is the most important thing, and I will tell you that we spend more on the why, and getting the explanation of things than what we do on the process.” - Monica Adwani “I am learning, they are learning everybody's learning, and we will continue to learn as we grow. But I think the essence and the base of what we are doing, that will never change.” - Monica Adwani Resources Mentioned: Monica Adwani LinkedIn Savvital TranscendwithM Contact Teresa Kitchens Sterling Insurance Group

Vancil talks liability, crop insurance coverage, and more on the WRAM Morning Show.

Learn about the many different update options, topics to help you get your annual update or finish earning your designation.James K Ruble Online MEGA Seminar – Mix and match topics and change your selections on your own.On-Demand MEGA – A self-paced online video program of some of our most popular James K. Ruble sessions to take at your own pace.Instructor-led Online CIC, CRM, CPRM, CISR, and CSRM designation programs.Newly Revised Self-Paced CISR Online Courses.Refreshed participant PROfile experience.

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Part 1: Understanding an Insured's ContractPart 2: Additional Insureds and Certificates of InsurancePart 3: Contractors and the Commercial General Liability PolicyThe PROFocus Contractors course will be held December 16-17, 2021.  Allen Messer, CIC, CPCU brings technical skill, initiative, and experience to bear on the complex problems of insurance and risk management.  He began his insurance career in March of 1971.  He has worked for several different insurance companies in various capacities and has been involved in the independent agency system as a producer and agency owner. Allen currently consults agencies, companies, risk managers, and attorneys as well as instructs various seminars and live webinars.  He earned his CPCU designation in 1981 where he received the Distinguished Graduate Award for attaining the highest academic average in the Nation.  He earned his CIC designation in 1977 and serves as an Educational Consultant and is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.Cathy Trischan, CIC, CRM, CPCU has been with the E&K Insurance Group in Eatontown, New Jersey since 1996, and currently serves as Director of Commercial Underwriting.   She began her insurance career upon graduation from Rutgers University in 1987.  She has worked as a claims adjuster for a major property and casualty carrier as well as in the commercial departments of several New Jersey agencies.  In addition to her work with E&K, Cathy provides education and consulting services to other agents and brokers.  She is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance, speaking in the CIC, CISR, and Ruble programs.  She also serves as a mentor for new CIC and CISR faculty.  Cathy is a regular presenter for various agents' associations and other organizations and has taught both pre-licensing and continuing education courses.  She has written courses and articles on various insurance topics.  A firm believer that one should never stop learning, Cathy holds several professional designations including CIC, CRM, and CPCU.Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR is the Director of Faculty Development, a National Faculty Member, and an Educational Consultant for The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He earned his CIC designation in 1996 and his CRM designation in 2004.  He is a veteran of the insurance industry, starting his career in 1979. His experience includes 21 years in the agency business, nine years at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and seven years as an insurance company and PEO executive. Jay also served as the interim CEO for Applied Client Network, the user-group association for agents using Applied Systems platforms. Jay has been teaching formal insurance classes for over 20 years, including both technical insurance and E&O loss control classes for FAIA. He was part of the IIABA Loss Control Working Group for 5 years and also served on the Professional Liability Committee. His experience on the agency, association, and company sides gives Jay a uniquely rounded perspective on the insurance industry. His most recent position was the CEO of a construction risk wholesale operation. In addition to his work as an insurance educator, Jay serves as an expert witness, a consultant to insurance companies, associations, agencies, and industry-related partners, and an E&O auditor.

Part 1: Understanding an Insured's ContractPart 2: Additional Insureds and Certificates of InsuranceThe PROFocus Contractors course will be held December 16-17, 2021.  Allen Messer, CIC, CPCU brings technical skill, initiative, and experience to bear on the complex problems of insurance and risk management.  He began his insurance career in March of 1971.  He has worked for several different insurance companies in various capacities and has been involved in the independent agency system as a producer and agency owner. Allen currently consults agencies, companies, risk managers, and attorneys as well as instructs various seminars and live webinars.  He earned his CPCU designation in 1981 where he received the Distinguished Graduate Award for attaining the highest academic average in the Nation.  He earned his CIC designation in 1977 and serves as an Educational Consultant and is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.Cathy Trischan, CIC, CRM, CPCU has been with the E&K Insurance Group in Eatontown, New Jersey since 1996, and currently serves as Director of Commercial Underwriting.   She began her insurance career upon graduation from Rutgers University in 1987.  She has worked as a claims adjuster for a major property and casualty carrier as well as in the commercial departments of several New Jersey agencies.  In addition to her work with E&K, Cathy provides education and consulting services to other agents and brokers.  She is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance, speaking in the CIC, CISR, and Ruble programs.  She also serves as a mentor for new CIC and CISR faculty.  Cathy is a regular presenter for various agents' associations and other organizations and has taught both pre-licensing and continuing education courses.  She has written courses and articles on various insurance topics.  A firm believer that one should never stop learning, Cathy holds several professional designations including CIC, CRM, and CPCU.Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR is the Director of Faculty Development, a National Faculty Member, and an Educational Consultant for The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He earned his CIC designation in 1996 and his CRM designation in 2004.  He is a veteran of the insurance industry, starting his career in 1979. His experience includes 21 years in the agency business, nine years at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and seven years as an insurance company and PEO executive. Jay also served as the interim CEO for Applied Client Network, the user-group association for agents using Applied Systems platforms. Jay has been teaching formal insurance classes for over 20 years, including both technical insurance and E&O loss control classes for FAIA. He was part of the IIABA Loss Control Working Group for 5 years and also served on the Professional Liability Committee. His experience on the agency, association, and company sides gives Jay a uniquely rounded perspective on the insurance industry. His most recent position was the CEO of a construction risk wholesale operation. In addition to his work as an insurance educator, Jay serves as an expert witness, a consultant to insurance companies, associations, agencies, and industry-related partners, and an E&O auditor.

Part 1: Understanding an Insured's ContractThe PROFocus Contractors course will be held December 16-17, 2021.  Allen Messer, CIC, CPCU brings technical skill, initiative, and experience to bear on the complex problems of insurance and risk management.  He began his insurance career in March of 1971.  He has worked for several different insurance companies in various capacities and has been involved in the independent agency system as a producer and agency owner. Allen currently consults agencies, companies, risk managers, and attorneys as well as instructs various seminars and live webinars.  He earned his CPCU designation in 1981 where he received the Distinguished Graduate Award for attaining the highest academic average in the Nation.  He earned his CIC designation in 1977 and serves as an Educational Consultant and is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.Cathy Trischan, CIC, CRM, CPCU has been with the E&K Insurance Group in Eatontown, New Jersey since 1996, and currently serves as Director of Commercial Underwriting.   She began her insurance career upon graduation from Rutgers University in 1987.  She has worked as a claims adjuster for a major property and casualty carrier as well as in the commercial departments of several New Jersey agencies.  In addition to her work with E&K, Cathy provides education and consulting services to other agents and brokers.  She is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance, speaking in the CIC, CISR, and Ruble programs.  She also serves as a mentor for new CIC and CISR faculty.  Cathy is a regular presenter for various agents' associations and other organizations and has taught both pre-licensing and continuing education courses.  She has written courses and articles on various insurance topics.  A firm believer that one should never stop learning, Cathy holds several professional designations including CIC, CRM, and CPCU.Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR is the Director of Faculty Development, a National Faculty Member, and an Educational Consultant for The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He earned his CIC designation in 1996 and his CRM designation in 2004.  He is a veteran of the insurance industry, starting his career in 1979. His experience includes 21 years in the agency business, nine years at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and seven years as an insurance company and PEO executive. Jay also served as the interim CEO for Applied Client Network, the user-group association for agents using Applied Systems platforms. Jay has been teaching formal insurance classes for over 20 years, including both technical insurance and E&O loss control classes for FAIA. He was part of the IIABA Loss Control Working Group for 5 years and also served on the Professional Liability Committee. His experience on the agency, association, and company sides gives Jay a uniquely rounded perspective on the insurance industry. His most recent position was the CEO of a construction risk wholesale operation. In addition to his work as an insurance educator, Jay serves as an expert witness, a consultant to insurance companies, associations, agencies, and industry-related partners, and an E&O auditor.

Learn More about neon from b atomic!  and Listen to Olivia's Podcast: Liv Louder!Oliva Schmitt, CIC, CISR  brings her insurance agency experience and vast industry knowledge, strong leadership track record, and small business expertise to the b atomic team.  Olivia started her insurance career in 2004 when she joined TRICOR Insurance as a customer service representative.  In 2013 she was selected to lead the company's development of a division geared towards small business growth.  The role allowed Olivia to hone her skills by creating a strategic development plan for the department, overseeing operations, and hiring a team— experiences she continually draws on today. Olivia also hosts the “Liv Louder” podcast where she highlights women in insurance and leadership with the goal of creating space for others to share their struggles and insight, seek advice, encouragement, and growth opportunities in their careers. Olivia Schmitt is a proud mom of three children who keep her busy!  Olivia enjoys downtime with her kids, quiet evenings with a good movie, cooking delicious food, and playing and singing along to great music way too loud (according to her kids)! 

The PROFocus Contractors course will be held December 16-17, 2021.  Allen Messer, CIC, CPCU brings technical skill, initiative, and experience to bear on the complex problems of insurance and risk management.  He began his insurance career in March of 1971.  He has worked for several different insurance companies in various capacities and has been involved in the independent agency system as a producer and agency owner. Allen currently consults agencies, companies, risk managers, and attorneys as well as instructs various seminars and live webinars.  He earned his CPCU designation in 1981 where he received the Distinguished Graduate Award for attaining the highest academic average in the Nation.  He earned his CIC designation in 1977 and serves as an Educational Consultant and is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.Cathy Trischan, CIC, CRM, CPCU has been with the E&K Insurance Group in Eatontown, New Jersey since 1996, and currently serves as Director of Commercial Underwriting.   She began her insurance career upon graduation from Rutgers University in 1987.  She has worked as a claims adjuster for a major property and casualty carrier as well as in the commercial departments of several New Jersey agencies.  In addition to her work with E&K, Cathy provides education and consulting services to other agents and brokers.  She is a National Faculty member of The National Alliance, speaking in the CIC, CISR, and Ruble programs.  She also serves as a mentor for new CIC and CISR faculty.  Cathy is a regular presenter for various agents' associations and other organizations and has taught both pre-licensing and continuing education courses.  She has written courses and articles on various insurance topics.  A firm believer that one should never stop learning, Cathy holds several professional designations including CIC, CRM, and CPCU.Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR is the Director of Faculty Development, a National Faculty Member, and an Educational Consultant for The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He earned his CIC designation in 1996 and his CRM designation in 2004.  He is a veteran of the insurance industry, starting his career in 1979. His experience includes 21 years in the agency business, nine years at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and seven years as an insurance company and PEO executive. Jay also served as the interim CEO for Applied Client Network, the user-group association for agents using Applied Systems platforms. Jay has been teaching formal insurance classes for over 20 years, including both technical insurance and E&O loss control classes for FAIA. He was part of the IIABA Loss Control Working Group for 5 years and also served on the Professional Liability Committee. His experience on the agency, association, and company sides gives Jay a uniquely rounded perspective on the insurance industry. His most recent position was the CEO of a construction risk wholesale operation. In addition to his work as an insurance educator, Jay serves as an expert witness, a consultant to insurance companies, associations, agencies, and industry-related partners, and an E&O auditor.

Kryzten Valerio is The National Alliance's very own Client Services Lead and Trainer, who brings six years of experience in client-facing roles to her position. She leads her team in developing new and strengthening existing relationships with our participants and vendors. She is passionate about Hispanic representation and brings that passion to all aspects of her life. Outside of her role at The National Alliance she is a photographer and runs a foodie blog with her husband: the ultimate foodie guide in ATX.Devin Delatorre is the result of more than three decades of his family's insurance business. After he acquired his Bachelors in Business Administration, he obtained his 220 licenses and CPIA designation. He is also the president of the LAAIA. He has served seven years as a board member. In his position as executive partner in Delatorre Insurance, he has strived for the last several years to grow his business and uphold his father's legacy. In his leisure time, he loves to watch and play all kinds of sports and travel with his family.Ariel Rivera, MBA, CIC, CPIA has been in the Insurance industry since 2004 when he began his career in the John Hancock's Career Agent Program. That same year he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences with a double major in Economics and Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico. He also became licensed in Life & Health and Property & Casualty in 2005. As part of his college education, in 2001 he attended the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) in Amherst, MA as a member of the National Student Exchange Program. In 2005 he started his first independent insurance agency in San Juan, PR. Early in his career, he became passionate about teaching and coaching insurance and started instructing new agents at different agencies in Puerto Rico. While working in the insurance business and already an Independent Agency Owner, in 2007 he obtained his Master's in Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. In 2008, Mr. Rivera obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation from The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. That same year, he founded Ariel Rivera & Asociados, Inc. Insurance Agency, specializing in Commercial Property & Casualty Insurance. His enthusiasm for insurance education and his passion for the industry led him to become a faculty member at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. There, he teaches the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) program and serves as a mentor for new instructors entering the CISR faculty. Since 2015, he has served as the National Director of Professional Insurance Agents of Puerto Rico & The Caribbean (PIA of PRC) for the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA National). In 2018 he also joined the Board of Directors of the American Insurance Marketing & Sales Society (AIMS Society) where he works actively in insurance continuing education and is also a faculty member. In 2019 he founded Deer Insurance Agency, LLC, in Jacksonville, FL: a scratch independent insurance agency that specializes in home, auto, flood, and small business insurance solutions. At the end of 2020, he also founded Fun Insurance Solutions, LLC, a marketing and advisory agency dedicated to helping insurance professionals around the country, Puerto Rico, and USVI through education, podcasting, workshops, boot camps, and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). In September 2021, he was elected to the PIA National Executive Committee, where he will go through the Executive Committee chairs until September 2024 when he will become the PIA National President.

Do you have an Awkward Insurance story?  Email us at podcasts@scic.com and you may be featured in an episode!Dustyne Bryant, CIC, CISR, MBA:Dustyne Bryant, is the Personal Lines Academic Director at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, is a self-professed and colleague–backed wholehearted Personal Lines Insurance geek. Supported by multiple degrees and designations over the course of a decade and rising, her thirst for knowledge is never-ending and ever-growing. Her passion for educating others in Personal Insurance is even greater. She is an advocate of permanency for children in foster care and relishes all the joys of being a soccer mom, minus the minivan. Cat Ferris, CIC, CRM, CPCU, CLCS, AU:Cat Ferris, is the Commercial Lines Academic Director at the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. In her twenty years of experience within the industry, Cat has focused most of her career in commercial underwriting, and independent agency training. Based out of Gainesville, Florida her hobbies include bodybuilding, gardening, and spoiling her dogs more than her kids.

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Dustyne Bryant, MBA, CIC, CISR, and Cathariya Ferris, CIC, CRM, CPCU, CLCS, AU, of The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. Teresa, Dustyne, and Cat discuss the importance of leveling up our insurance education and the excitement of digging deep in the industry. Episode Highlights: Dustyne shares how she got into the insurance industry. (1:34) Dustyne mentions her role at National Alliance. (5:36) Dustyne explains why she invited Cat to be her co-host in the Awkward Insurance podcast. (7:50) Cat shares how she got into the insurance industry. (9:27) Cat mentions one of the reasons why she's thrilled to work at the National Alliance. (13:19) Cat explains why it's important to understand why insurance matters. (18:23) Dustyne shares how someone can learn to love the insurance industry. (20:01) Dustyne mentions what they strive to do at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. (21:23) Cat shares the significance of a growth mindset. (28:45) Dustyne shares what drives their career and education at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. (32:26) Key Quotes: “Having those connections with all of my clients and their personal stories, and talking about grandkids and kids, and going back to school, and not having to focus on business numbers, and all of that, was just where my heart was. So, personal lines have always been my focus. That's what I do here at the National Alliance.” - Dustyne Bryant “At this point in my life, I didn't care so much about my career, per se. I just wanted to make myself better. I felt like I wanted to defy the stereotype of what a teen mom was going to be. So, it was really important for me to just always keep pushing forward to kind of create this life that I could be proud of. - Cathariya Ferris “I think it's really important, especially as women, that we continually encourage that growth mindset in each other. Because otherwise, it's too easy for society whether it be our peers, our community, our parents telling us, well, this is what you're going to do in your life. This is what needs to happen and the way that I try to live my life is I try to live my life in a way that my kids can be proud of.” - Cathariya Ferris Resources Mentioned: Dustyne Bryant LinkedIn Cathariya Ferris LinkedIn The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research

In this episode of Power Women In Insurance, Teresa Kitchens sits down with Dustyne Bryant, MBA, CIC, CISR, and Cathariya Ferris, CIC, CRM, CPCU, CLCS, AU, of The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. Teresa, Dustyne, and Cat discuss the importance of leveling up our insurance education and the excitement of digging deep in the industry. Episode Highlights: Dustyne shares how she got into the insurance industry. (1:34) Dustyne mentions her role at National Alliance. (5:36) Dustyne explains why she invited Cat to be her co-host in the Awkward Insurance podcast. (7:50) Cat shares how she got into the insurance industry. (9:27) Cat mentions one of the reasons why she's thrilled to work at the National Alliance. (13:19) Cat explains why it's important to understand why insurance matters. (18:23) Dustyne shares how someone can learn to love the insurance industry. (20:01) Dustyne mentions what they strive to do at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. (21:23) Cat shares the significance of a growth mindset. (28:45) Dustyne shares what drives their career and education at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. (32:26) Key Quotes: “Having those connections with all of my clients and their personal stories, and talking about grandkids and kids, and going back to school, and not having to focus on business numbers, and all of that, was just where my heart was. So, personal lines have always been my focus. That's what I do here at the National Alliance.” - Dustyne Bryant “At this point in my life, I didn't care so much about my career, per se. I just wanted to make myself better. I felt like I wanted to defy the stereotype of what a teen mom was going to be. So, it was really important for me to just always keep pushing forward to kind of create this life that I could be proud of. - Cathariya Ferris “I think it's really important, especially as women, that we continually encourage that growth mindset in each other. Because otherwise, it's too easy for society whether it be our peers, our community, our parents telling us, well, this is what you're going to do in your life. This is what needs to happen and the way that I try to live my life is I try to live my life in a way that my kids can be proud of.” - Cathariya Ferris Resources Mentioned: Dustyne Bryant LinkedIn Cathariya Ferris LinkedIn The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research

We want to hear from you! Send us your questions, comments, and praises to podcasts@scic.com!About our guests:Cat Ferris, CIC, CRM, CPCU, CLCS, AU- is the Commercial Lines Academic Director with the National Alliance. In her twenty years of experience within the industry, Cat has focused most of her career in commercial underwriting, and independent agency training. Based out of Gainesville, Florida her hobbies include bodybuilding, gardening, and spoiling her dogs more than her kids.Paul Martin, CPCU- is the Director of Academic Content and Academic Director Team Lead for the National Alliance for Insurance Education &Research. Paul works with Alliance faculty, agents, and other industry professionals to deliver high-quality insurance content and education. During his career, Paul worked as an adjuster, underwriter, special agent, company manager, and independent agent. Paul has been an insurance educator in Texas for over twenty years.Sarah Warhaftig, CRM, JD- is the Academic Director of Risk Management programs for The National Alliance where she is responsible for the Certified Risk Manager, the Certified School Risk Manager, and the Certified Personal Risk Manager designation programs.Jay Williams, CIC, CRM, CRIS, MLIS, AIP, AAI, ACSR- started his insurance career in 1979. He spent 21 years in the agency business, 9 years at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, and 7 years on the insurance company side of the industry.  Jay was the interim CEO for Applied Client Network and CEO of a construction risk wholesale operation.  Prior to coming to The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, he was an insurance educator, a consultant to agencies, companies, and industry partners, and an expert witness for both technical insurance and agent E&O cases. In addition to being an Educational Consultant, Jay is a member of the National Faculty, teaching CISR, CIC, Ruble Graduate Seminars, and PROFocus topics across the country.

Learn more about the revised CISR Elements of Risk Management Course!Tom Franzen has spent the entirety of his four-generation spanning career in the insurance and risk management industry. His career has taken him from company-based work to the agency side where he served as Vice-President and a principal of Scheller Insurance Agency, Inc. for nearly 40 years. He continues to enjoy his role as President at Thomas F. Franzen & Co. Insurance and Risk Management consulting firm. An attendee of McKendree College, Tom received his CIC designation in 1979, his ARM designation in 2008, ARM-P credentials in 2010, and added the MLIS designation in 2018. His passion for sharing knowledge with others in the industry has led him to opportunities such as consulting, serving as a faculty member for the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, and various speaking engagements with convention groups about insurance and risk management related topics. He is also an active member of the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS).Tom recognizes being a professional in his community means giving back where his skillset and insights are applicable via volunteer service roles, such as Board Member of First National Bank of Litchfield and recently serving for multiple years as Chairman of the Board at St. Francis Hospital.Beth Ottolini began her career in secondary education and made the switch to the corporate world after earning her Master's in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. She has spent the last six years of her career developing training programs for insurance and risk management professionals. Beth has experience with all facets of learning and development including corporate training, learning management system (LMS) administration and instructional design. She is passionate about leveraging innovative eLearning strategies and tools to create on-demand training experiences for adult learners.Sarah Warhaftig is the Academic Director of Risk Management Programs for the National Alliance where she is responsible for the Certified Risk Manager, the Certified School Risk Manager, and the Certified Personal Risk Manager designation programs.  Sarah held the positions of Director of Operations for Aparicio, Walker & Seeling, and was immediate past President of AWS Risk Management, LLC in Metairie, Louisiana. Clients included public entities, third party administrators, Boards, and private corporations. She consulted with large municipal and not-for-profit clients regarding their insurance and risk management programs. Sarah was responsible for assisting clients in managing through insurance program transitions. Post Hurricane Katrina, she worked with municipal clients in Stafford Act compliance, quantifying losses and perfecting claims, as well as analyzing continued risk retention abilities. As Vice President/State Director of Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc., a third-party claims administrator licensed in 38 states, Sarah was responsible for day-to-day operations, as well as profit and loss accountability for branches throughout Louisiana. Sarah served on the Municipal Account Business Development Team and as account manager for several entities, including the City of New Orleans, the City of Memphis, Jefferson Parish, and the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board.  During the course of her career, Sarah has held positions as risk management director, assistant vice-president of claims, and regional claims manager. She is a graduate of Tulane University and of Rutgers Law School. 

The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is the largest provider of insurance education in the world, and has been around within the industry for over 50 years!In this episode, Mary is joined by Tasha Sheehan & Russell Van Hoose of the Nation Alliance to talk about the CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) program and all it has to offer students in school districts across the United States!

The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is the largest provider of insurance education in the world, and has been around within the industry for over 50 years! In this episode, Mary is joined by Tasha Sheehan & Russell Van Hoose of the Nation Alliance to talk about the CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) program and all it has to offer students in school districts across the United States!

The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is the largest provider of insurance education in the world, and has been around within the industry for over 50 years! In this episode, Mary is joined by Tasha Sheehan & Russell Van Hoose of the Nation Alliance to talk about the CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) program and all it has to offer students in school districts across the United States!

Nominate or Enter the Competition Here! Tracy Cotton, CIC, CISRTracy Cotton has been an underwriter, CSR, consultant, producer, marketer, and instructor in her more than 25-year career in insurance. Now she is putting it all to work in a new role as Executive Client Manager for Starr-Mathews Agency in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While she didn't create this job, she feels as if it were created just for her. She gets to work closely with middle-market to large commercial clients to offer a more concierge level of service than either a typical CSR or producer can balance. Every day is different and she loves getting to help onboard new clients and grease the wheels for more value-added renewal reviews. She enjoys connecting with industry peers and is a founding member of the #5amclubins on Twitter. When she isn't evaluating work comp audits and creating service plans, her passion is to get outdoors with her dog, Jasper. Although she still loves the mountains of western North Carolina, where she lived for many years, she currently enjoys finding places to hike, backpack, and paddle in southeastern TN. Ashley Fitzsimmons, CISRAshley serves as the Director of Professional Development for the Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc., Ashley has grown up in insurance and has nearly a decade of real-life experience on the agency side. She has had to overcome the same daily struggles and has personally researched and implemented many tools and programs to help her family agency run more efficiently. Her nine years spent as the fourth generation in a family agency located near Scranton, Pennsylvania, obtaining her CISR designation, holding multiple speaking engagements across the country, and being nominated for the 2018 National CSR of the year have given her the knowledge and experience to help other agents thrive instead of just survive. Reuben HallReuben has been in the insurance industry for more than five years with experience on the agency side as well as on the carrier side. For the last three years, Reuben as worked at Oswald Companies in Cleveland, Ohio as an Associate Client Manager in the Specialty Risk industry. He is also a member of Oswald's Young Professionals Leadership Council, which recruits young talent to the insurance industry and participates in various volunteer opportunities in the community. Reuben is the 2020 CSR of the year for Ohio.

Nominate or Enter the Competition Here! Tracy Cotton, CIC, CISR has been an underwriter, CSR, consultant, producer, marketer, and instructor in her more than 25-year career in insurance. Now she is putting it all to work in a new role as Executive Client Manager for Starr-Mathews Agency in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While she didn't create this job, she feels as if it were created just for her. She gets to work closely with middle-market to large commercial clients to offer a more concierge level of service than either a typical CSR or producer can balance. Every day is different and she loves getting to help onboard new clients and grease the wheels for more value-added renewal reviews. She enjoys connecting with industry peers and is a founding member of the #5amclubins on Twitter. When she isn't evaluating work comp audits and creating service plans, her passion is to get outdoors with her dog, Jasper. Although she still loves the mountains of western North Carolina, where she lived for many years, she currently enjoys finding places to hike, backpack, and paddle in southeastern TN. Ashley Fitzsimmons, CISR, serves as the Director of Professional Development for the Ohio Insurance Agents Association, Inc., Ashley has grown up in insurance and has nearly a decade of real-life experience on the agency side. She has had to overcome the same daily struggles and has personally researched and implemented many tools and programs to help her family agency run more efficiently. Her nine years spent as the fourth generation in a family agency located near Scranton, Pennsylvania, obtaining her CISR designation, holding multiple speaking engagements across the country, and being nominated for the 2018 National CSR of the year have given her the knowledge and experience to help other agents thrive instead of just survive. Reuben Hall has been in the insurance industry for more than five years with experience on the agency side as well as on the carrier side. For the last three years, Reuben as worked at Oswald Companies in Cleveland, Ohio as an Associate Client Manager in the Specialty Risk industry. He is also a member of Oswald's Young Professionals Leadership Council, which recruits young talent to the insurance industry and participates in various volunteer opportunities in the community. Reuben is the 2020 CSR of the year for Ohio.

In this episode of the Agents Influence podcast, host Jason Cass interviews Dustyne Bryant, MBA, CIC, CISR, the Personal Lines Academic Director at The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. Dustyne talks about her approach in the insurance industry and what their agency is all about. Episode Highlights: What has attributed to Dustyne’s success: skill or luck? (6:21) Dustyne mentions what challenged her during the college years. (14:49) Dustyne mentions the factor that resonated with her about her position. (24:47) Dustyne mentions their faculty prospect page. (28:00) Dustyne shares the courses that they offer. (28:50) Dustyne mentions their webinars. (36:11) Dustyne shares the significance of maintaining your CIC. (39:01) Key Quotes: “There's nothing that even we can do as parents or that your parents could have done. I'm more right or more wrong. It's how you choose to overcome whatever it is you felt you were wronged by. It's the same professionally. If you're not supported enough in your professional career, then find the support from within and rise above that. Use it as an opportunity to prove that you can find better support someplace else.” - Dustyne Bryant “In terms of wanting to be better than that person, I need to be a better version of myself. I just constantly kept setting the bar higher and higher. This opportunity at the National Alliance, which I'm totally in love with right now, is something I saw myself doing when I was closer to retirement.” - Dustyne Bryant “Insurance is awesome. You and I get energized about insurance. Anybody I speak to that is a true insurance nerd are constantly wanting excitement to make this even better. So, if you're a participant and you see that it feels mundane or something, say something about it, it's your job. Add it to yourself to make the most out of your education.” - Dustyne Bryant Resources Mentioned: Dustyne Bryant LinkedIn The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research Agency Intelligence Reach out to Jason Cass

In this Episode of Awkward Insurance, guest and Team Lead for Claims at Penn National Insurance, Nikki Wyatt, joins host Dustyne Bryant, MBA, CIC, CISR, to discuss one corner of the gig economy: Transportation Network Companies (TNC). Nikki shares with us her intimate knowledge of TNC coverage and exposures from a claims perspective. Listen in as they share both their personal and professional experiences with Transportation Networks and Rides Shares, such as Uber and Lyft. Customer Service Reps and Account Managers can learn a thing or two from podcast. Tune in!To learn more about TNC Exposures register for the CISR Insuring Personal Auto course or the CIC Personal Lines course! 

In this episode of the Ridiculously Amazing Insurance Agent Podcast, Kelly Donahue-Piro interviews Vanessa Kimball, CIC, CISR, the President and Owner of The Kimball Group. Vanessa talks about the idea of making renewal reviews, the benefits of utilizing the pre-call checklist, and how they have implemented the Agency Performance Partner programs in their agency. Episode Highlights: Kelly introduces Vanessa Kimball. (2:03) Vanessa shares that their agency is located north of Houston Texas. (2:49) Vanessa mentions that their agency was started in 2010, their team consists of 16 staff members, and they have 3 locations. (3:00) Vanessa shares that she's been working together with her husband since they were 17 years old. (4:05) Vanessa mentions that their largest acquisition occurred in February of 2020, and almost doubled their size. (5:38) Vanessa thinks that the independent agencies will always exist because of those people who want to have relationships with their insurance brokers. (9:08) Vanessa mentions that they have to make sure that people understand the value of the coverage, and what they're trying to do for them. (11:30) Vanessa thinks that their biggest challenge for 2021 is to be more recognized and make sure that they educate people. (13:13) Vanessa shares that they started with the time management piece and identifying the problem, and because of that, there was some cleansing that happened in the agency. (18:28) Vanessa thinks that the main lesson she learned from working together was, staying focused on one account manager that they're servicing. (24:18) Vanessa mentions that the pre-call list is a sheet that they developed with Kelly, who had a base foundation for the sheet and amended it to things that are pertinent to them. (28:55) Vanessa thinks that having Kelly has helped her in taking the burden off of her and gave her guidance to the team. (31:33) Vanessa shares that their team is making calls every day from the day the renewals hit. Therefore, there's no backlog of renewal calls, and if somebody calls back, their pre-call checklist is attached to the file. (35:43) Key Quotes: “I think the independent side will always be here because you have people who want relationships. Then you also have the side who just wants cheap, they just want to go with the cheapest thing to be legal, penny pinchers, and not educated on asset protection.” - Vanessa Kimball “We finally got to the point, where it's not where we need to have every piece of business. We want the people who respect our industry, who value our professionalism, and that we're out here for their best interest.” - Vanessa Kimball “Just because you've done it this way for 30 years, doesn't mean that you know what's right. I think having Kelly has really helped take the burden off of me, and given some guidance to the team. And it's really helped me to grow as well, to say, things change, the world changes. So you can't always do things the way you've always done it. Once I realized that and said I needed help, that was huge for us.” - Vanessa Kimball Resources Mentioned: Kelly Donahue-Piro Agency Performance Partners Vanessa Kimball The Kimball Group What does it mean to be a Ridiculously Amazing Insurance Agent: agencyperformancepartners.com/manifesto/ New Course Launching on 1.15: How to Reduce Remarketing While Increasing Retention (coming soon)

About the Wilson Talent CenterThe Wilson Talent Center, located in Mason, Michigan, offers Career & Technical Education programming for high school juniors and seniors. The center offers 18 programs in 12 career clusters, giving students the ability to earn high school academic credit, dual college credit, and either state or national certifications.  WTC partners with business leaders through Advisory Board participation or by providing work-based Learning opportunities for students. advisory board members from organizations and businesses within specific career fields advise on curriculum, resource needs, and industry trends. Many of these employers also offer students paid or unpaid internships, job shadows or work-based learning opportunities. Many of them end up hiring WTC students upon graduation and some even help them pay for their continued education. Thank you!The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research would like to recognize the support received from WTC's industry and college partners. The support, direction, and vision of these entities, along with the Ingham School District in Michigan, allow students to network closely with companies and individuals to make insurance and the CISR High School Program fun and engaging. Do you want to bring the CISR High School Program to your school, district, or community? Visit www.scic.com/cisr-for-high-school.

In this interview, we discuss the two roles of a technology leader: To manage technology and to help differentiate their enterprises. We also discuss some of the education programs CISR has for management teams to increase digital savviness, and some of the long-term implications the pandemic will have on the world. We also discuss the results and implications from several of the machine learning based studies done by CISR that show that less than half of CIOs or CTOs and less than a quarter of boards are digitally savvy. Lastly, we discuss his view on boards, including the importance of having at least three digital savvy directors on a board, the three major aspects of a board, and the value of having CIOs on boards, among a variety of other topics.

In this interview, we discuss the two roles of a technology leader: To manage technology and to help differentiate their enterprises. We also discuss some of the education programs CISR has for management teams to increase digital savviness, and some of the long-term implications the pandemic will have on the world. We also discuss the results and implications from several of the machine learning based studies done by CISR that show that less than half of CIOs or CTOs and less than a quarter of boards are digitally savvy. Lastly, we discuss his view on boards, including the importance of having at least three digital savvy directors on a board, the three major aspects of a board, and the value of having CIOs on boards, among a variety of other topics.

Wildfires happen every year but have been astonishingly frequent recently. This past September, one of the most destructive wildfires to date was started by a gender reveal party in California. This particular wildfire has destroyed over 10,000 acres, displaced over 21,000 people, and resulted in the death of a firefighter. How can insurance help situations like these?Insurance professionals helping folks with this kind of trouble must ensure that they understand the coverage they're selling. Many insurance companies have started segmenting endorsements to help tailor coverage as much as possible. Are you sure you've got the right replacement costs for your clients? Do you just skim through replacement cost estimators?We all know there's not one policy that's covers everything. So when writing the right limits for your client, remember it's not just for the claim, it's also for retention and relationships. But most importantly, it's for peace of mind, the whole reason they're buying the coverage from you in the first place.Tune into this lively discussion to learn how you can provide better coverage and support for you clients and agency. About our Host: Dustyne Bryant, CIC, CISR, MBADustyne Bryant, Personal Lines Academic Director at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, is a self-professed and colleague–backed wholehearted Personal Lines Insurance geek. Supported by multiple degrees and designations over the course of a decade and rising, her thirst for knowledge is never ending and ever growing. Her passion for educating others in Personal Insurance, is even greater. She is an advocate of permanency for children in foster care and relishes all the joys of being a soccer mom, minus the minivan.  Learn More! 

Learn about this year's online programs including:James K Ruble Online MEGA SeminarInstructor-led Online CIC, CRM, CPRM, CISR, and CSRM designation programsInstructor-led Online Dynamics SeriesCE and exam information

431: MIT Sloan's Center for Information Systems Research Principal Research Scientist Jeanne Ross lays out the three characteristics companies must have to implement a successful digital transformation, which are experimenting repeatedly, co-creating with customers, and assembling cross-functional development teams. The experiment aspect involves recognizing that the digital economy is making new directions possible, but for companies to succeed, they need to find the intersection between what they can do and what their customers will pay for. Co-creating with customers, which solves the same problem, entails starting a workshop where everybody puts the issues on the table and are asked, "What can we do to creatively solve this?" Lastly, cross-functional teams are about recognizing that you do not want to simply throw all your money at your R&D or IT unit and ask them to get it done. Instead, Jeanne argues that it is an iterative process that requires many teams. We also discuss the evolution of the CIO role, why companies should not get so hung up on set roles of what a CIO or CDO should do but look to get away from structure, why having only 5% of revenue come from digital is actually an accomplishment, among other topics.

431: MIT Sloan's Center for Information Systems Research Principal Research Scientist Jeanne Ross lays out the three characteristics companies must have to implement a successful digital transformation, which are experimenting repeatedly, co-creating with customers, and assembling cross-functional development teams. The experiment aspect involves recognizing that the digital economy is making new directions possible, but for companies to succeed, they need to find the intersection between what they can do and what their customers will pay for. Co-creating with customers, which solves the same problem, entails starting a workshop where everybody puts the issues on the table and are asked, "What can we do to creatively solve this?" Lastly, cross-functional teams are about recognizing that you do not want to simply throw all your money at your R&D or IT unit and ask them to get it done. Instead, Jeanne argues that it is an iterative process that requires many teams. We also discuss the evolution of the CIO role, why companies should not get so hung up on set roles of what a CIO or CDO should do but look to get away from structure, why having only 5% of revenue come from digital is actually an accomplishment, among other topics.

In today's episode of Agency Intelligence, host Jason Cass talks with guest Josh Fyhrie, CIC, CPRM, CPRIA, CISR, Founding Partner at Colorado Insurance Advisors, an independent, full-service insurance agency specializing in commercial and personal insurance policies in Fort Collins, Colorado. Josh talks about how he got involved in the insurance industry, how he has developed and expanded his business, his long-term goals, and factors that cause the industry to have a bad image. 

Mr Mick Fielding from the Centre of Intelligent Systems Research talks about OzBot, a robotic platform that police use in policing programs.

James conveys the beginnings of the Ozbot starting five years ago while working with law enforcement agencies in Australia. Assessing there was a real need for a small robot to be developed in and for Australian conditions. The capabilities require for the robot to become a success was a low platform, cost effective and low weight. The Ozbot had to exceed current commercial standards which would include stair climbing and the ability to pull life-size loads.

(CISR) research centre holds over 50 researchers in the department, half of these researchers are involved with the robotics research projects including design and development of particular algorithms and hardware to increase the initial capabilities of the CISR systems. Mick is now involved with the research conducted in the CISR program at Deakin and his primary role consists of 'design engineer' conveying new ideas for the robot and how these concepts can be turned into reality.

"Saeid Nahavandi explains the meaning of 'Haptics': which refers to the force of feed back and the sense of touch. For example when a operator uses a computer they interact or touch the computer's mouse component to become successful with the interaction. Nahavandi highlights there are three different types of 'Haptics' including: 1. Human Haptics 2. Computer Haptics 3. Machine Haptics CISR's major researching focus consist of multi-point haptics, because normal huma interaction involves one or more haptic to interact with objects and other people. CISR is looking at how to increase the presence of the haptics with their robotic systems designs. "