Podcasts about insurtech

In this weeks episode,  release my virtual course in Bob Dietrich and Pamela Dunn's virtual program AI in your Business that released this week. Hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think... Sponsored by:Smart ChoiceCanopy ConnectMAV

Jonathan Crystal, Managing Partner at Crystal Venture Partners, talks about investing in early-stage AI-driven insurtech companies. After leading his family's insurance brokerage to a successful exit, Jonathan launched his $33M fund when he realized AI was the catalyst insurance had been waiting for. He explains why entrepreneurship means "dooming yourself to years of terror," and why the best investments happen when founders identify problems before revenue models. With investments in companies like Bright Harbor, which helps families navigate disaster recovery, Jonathan explains how domain expertise enables conviction at day one—when there's no product, just a founder with an audacious vision.In this episode, you'll learn:[02:14] From Texas to Princeton to building an insurance dynasty in New York[04:04] Why insurance rewards creativity and curious minds[07:24] The brutal truth: 99% of a VC's job is saying no[10:31] Exiting the family business and finding the "why now" moment for venture[12:10] The ChatGPT revelation that launched Crystal Venture Partners[14:13] Investment thesis: $1-3M checks at day one for transformational companies[19:11] Why building a venture company means years of terror—and that's the test[21:59] Bright Harbor case study: From revenue model questions to product-market fit during LA fires[25:30] Most common reason for no: "We're not your best source of capital"[29:40] Finding investment opportunities in unusual areasThe nonprofit organization Jonathan is passionate about: 12/64About Jonathan CrystalJonathan Crystal is the Managing Partner of Crystal Venture Partners, a $33 million early-stage venture fund focused on AI-driven transformation in the insurance industry. Before entering venture capital, Jonathan spent 20 years as an operator in the insurance brokerage business, ultimately serving as CFO of Crystal and Company, a top-25 national insurance brokerage firm founded by his family. He led the firm to a successful exit to Alliant Insurance Services in 2018. Jonathan brings deep domain expertise and company-building experience to his investments. He backs seasoned, often serial entrepreneurs building transformational companies, writing $1-3 million checks as early as day one. His portfolio includes companies like Bright Harbor, Sixfold AI, NevadoAI, Comulate, and Corvus Insurance.About Crystal Venture PartnersCrystal Venture Partners is a $33 million early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2022 to capitalize on the AI transformation of the insurance industry. The firm writes $1-3 million first checks, often as the first institutional investor or alongside other first institutional investments. Crystal Venture Partners invests in 4-6 companies annually from a pipeline of 300+ opportunities, maintaining a highly selective approach with domain expertise enabling conviction at the earliest stages—sometimes backing founders on day one before product development. The firm's portfolio of 10 companies has shown strong momentum, with over half securing follow-on financing in multiple rounds within a year of initial investment. Led by Jonathan Crystal, who brings two decades of insurance industry operating experience, the firm specializes in identifying transformational opportunities where AI can create and capture significant value in risk management and insurance markets.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley is joined by Susan Holliday, a global insurance and reinsurance executive and experienced board director, including her recent appointment to the board of Hippo Insurance.Susan shares how the Hippo opportunity came about, why the stage of the business matters for board impact, and what her committee roles involve, including Audit, Risk and Compliance and Compensation. She also reflects on where insurtech sits today, why the ecosystem matters, and why not every technology-led player should become a full-stack carrier.The conversation explores Susan's career path into insurance, starting in the Lloyd's market, moving into counterparty credit and global insurer analysis, and later into equity research and senior roles at Swiss Re, including Head of Investor Relations through the Global Financial Crisis. Susan describes what it was like operating in a fast-moving environment, working closely with leadership, and the importance of clear communication when the fine print matters.Nick and Susan then discuss board work in practice: how to build a board portfolio, how to define a clear value proposition, how directors stay current, and how boards should approach emerging risks. Susan shares a practical framework for AI governance, including risk appetite, controls, pilot design, cross-functional execution, and regulator engagement.Connect with Susan Holliday on LinkedIn to follow her work across board governance, risk, and technology-led insurance.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of FNO: InsureTech, Rob Beller and Lee Boyd welcome Stacey Brown, Founder and President of InsurTech America, for a thoughtful conversation on how curiosity, timing, and community can quietly reshape an industry. Stacey shares reflections from his career in insurance technology, the early signals that convinced him something new was forming in insuretech, and the personal decision that led him to step beyond a traditional corporate path.  The discussion follows the evolution of InsurTech America from small, informal gatherings into a growing network of regional communities, touching on the challenges of scale, the importance of trust, and the realities of building something without a predefined blueprint. Along the way, Stacey offers perspective on how industry events create unexpected collisions, why adaptability matters more than polish, and what it takes to keep people genuinely engaged as the insuretech landscape continues to mature.  Key Highlights  The seemingly ordinary moment that became the catalyst for Stacey Brown to start building an insuretech community.  How early exposure to new ideas and unfamiliar industry models reshaped Stacey's understanding of insurance as a whole.  The role of small, unstructured meetups in creating momentum before insuretech became a widely used label.  A pivotal shift that expanded the community well beyond its original geographic focus.  The reasoning behind uniting several regional insuretech groups under a single, national identity.  How subtle changes in event design and content are influencing the direction of the InsurTech America Symposium.  Why long-term value in insuretech still depends on relationships, shared learning, and consistent collaboration.   

In this week episode, Heath Shearon and Casey Nelson discuss the importance of standardizing processes in agencies, the impact of AI on business, and the potential societal reset from reducing screen time. They explore the challenges of implementing consistent procedures, the role of AI in modern companies, and the cultural shift towards more face-to-face interactions. The conversation also touches on the hypothetical scenario of shutting down the internet for six months and its potential effects on society. Additionally, they delve into personal anecdotes, the significance of setting goals, and the evolving landscape of the insurance industry.TakeawaysStandardizing processes is crucial for agency efficiency.AI is transforming business operations significantly.Reducing screen time could lead to a societal reset.Consistent procedures help in minimizing wasteful practices.Face-to-face interactions are becoming more valued.The internet shutdown could have profound societal effects.Agencies should focus on their most profitable clients.Building processes should involve employee input.AI tools can be both time-saving and time-consuming.Cultural shifts are moving towards more personal interactions.Setting personal goals can drive professional growth.Understanding industry trends is key to staying competitive.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues00:01:00 Standardizing Processes in Agencies00:01:55 AI's Impact on Business00:15:55 Cultural Shifts and Screen Time00:20:19 Hypothetical Internet Shutdown00:25:00 Personal Goals and Anecdotes00:30:00 Insurance Industry TrendsSponsors:Smart ChoiceCanopy ConnectMAV

We're excited to continue our AI Tools series with Yaron Lavie, a veteran product leader with over 25 years of experience in FinTech, InsurTech, and now retail tech at Nexite, where he helps fashion retailers unlock unique in-store data. In this episode, Yaron joins Matt and Moshe to share how he used Base44, an AI-powered, full‑stack vibe coding platform, to take a completely new product idea from concept to a deployed prototype without touching his R&D team.Yaron walks through why traditional approaches like Figma mockups and static visuals weren't enough for the kind of validation he needed, and how he experimented with tools like Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT before landing on Base44 for an end‑to‑end, fully hosted solution. He explains how Base44's conversational, chat-based builder let him model user personas, flows, and entities, then iteratively refine an interactive analytics dashboard with real (anonymized) data, all inside a time‑boxed, low‑risk experiment that still respected security constraints.Join Matt, Moshe, and Yaron as they explore:Why Yaron needed to validate a new product idea without pulling scarce R&D resources off other prioritiesHow he moved from static mockups to interactive prototypes with real data, and where Gemini helped and fell shortWhat made Base44 stand out versus other vibe coding tools like Lovable: full-stack, hosted, and truly end-to-endThe importance of “context engineering” over simple prompt engineering when building with LLM-based buildersUsing Base44's discussion mode, live preview, and QA test generation to shape the product before committing to codeReal-world limits: hitting a ceiling on UX depth, inflated code, and friction with design systems and engineering standardsHow he transitioned from a Base44 prototype to a ground-up rebuild with the core dev team, using the prototype to generate user storiesPractical pros and cons: integrations, multi-currency support, database control, and when full-stack vibe coding is “good enough”Where Yaron sees vibe coding going next, and how PMs can use it responsibly for experimentation and usability testingAnd much more!Want to connect with Yaron or learn more?LinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/in/yaronlavieYou can also connect with us and find more episodes:Product for Product Podcast: http://linkedin.com/company/product-for-product-podcastMatt Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgreenproduct/Moshe Mikanovsky: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikanovskyNote: Any views mentioned in the podcast are the sole views of our hosts and guests, and do not represent the products mentioned in any way.Please leave us a review and feedback ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Brian Pope, Founder and Chairman of Quility (2024 Insurtech of the Year), is a transformative executive with almost 40 years of experience driving product and distribution innovation in the life insurance industry. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. You don't need to be ruthless to win in business. Kindness and strength can coexist and still drive massive success. 2. The life insurance industry is in a "gold rush" moment where tech advancement and agent attrition create unprecedented opportunity. 3. Long-term success comes from commitment, duplication, and continuous self-leadership not overnight wins. Intelligent automation applications and tailored insurance services. Check out Brian's website to learn more - Quility Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Cape - Cape is a privacy-first mobile carrier, built from the ground up with security as the priority. Visit Cape.co/fire to sign up today.  

Willkommen zu einer besonderen Ausgabe – aufgezeichnet live von der Mainstage der Digifin! Dieses Mal wird's kontrovers: Simon Moser entlockt Philip Nag, dem Geschäftsführer von Inca, die Geheimnisse dahinter, wie Agentic AI nicht nur die klassische Schadenabwicklung auf den Kopf stellt, sondern auch die Versicherer zwingt, sich neu zu erfinden.Ist künstliche Intelligenz wirklich der Heilsbringer – oder überschätzen wir ihre Fähigkeiten gewaltig? Wie sieht die perfekte Symbiose zwischen Mensch und Maschine aus, und wer gewinnt am Ende das Rennen um Deutschlands Innovationsführerschaft? Philip Nag spricht offen über Chancen, Risiken und Missverständnisse rund um KI in der Finanz- und Versicherungswelt, teilt konkrete Erfolgsbeispiele aus der Praxis und verrät, warum der Standort Deutschland dringend Neues wagen muss.Diese Episode liefert Inspiration für alle, die den Status Quo in Frage stellen, frische Denkansätze suchen und echten Business Impact spüren wollen. Wenn ihr wissen wollt, wie Versicherungen mit KI nicht nur effizienter, sondern auch klüger werden – das ist eure Folge. Einschalten, mitdiskutieren, weiterdenken!Schreibt uns gerne eine Nachricht!PPI – Inspired by Simplicity. PPI verbindet Fach- und Technologie-Know-how, um komplexe Finanzprojekte in der Versicherungs- und Bankenwelt unkompliziert umzusetzen. Mit über 800 Expert:innen, europaweit führenden Lösungen im Zahlungsverkehr und der Vision „From Paper to Pixels“ begleitet PPI ihre Kunden erfolgreich in die digitale Zukunft.

This week in Insurance Town I get to catch up with my old friend, and former colleague, Therese Potter of Envela. We have a fun conversation we get to catch up on what she has been up to all the hats she currently wears, from teaching Tai Chi to selling Insurance and everything in between, and she is able to do all that, because of the culture and technology over at Envela. Check it out, and let me know what ya think...Sponsors:Smart Choice-Go to Smartchoiceagents.com Canopy Connect- Usecanopy.com/heathMAV- Hiremav.comThank you for being a wonderful and loyal citizen of Insurance Town! I love you all! from the bottom of my heart I truly do, and I appreciate your support all these years!! 

Amias Gerety, Partner at QED Investors, brings an unconventional perspective to venture capital shaped by his eight years at the US Treasury Department during the financial crisis. A mechanical thinker, Amias applies an essentialist approach to understanding how businesses work. He explains why QED looks for companies that triple every six months at Series A, how inverted AI creates new opportunities in financial services, and why the best advice for founders remains timeless: build something people want and charge more than it costs to make. With insights on the AI bubble, the application layer renaissance, and why saying no 99 times out of 100 is the real job of a VC, Amias offers a masterclass in disciplined, thesis-driven investing.In this episode, you'll learn:[01:24] Amias's unique path from politics and Treasury to venture capital[05:13] The lever theory: how government and VC create systemic change[07:12] Why mechanical thinking and first principles matter in VC[14:48] QED's investment sweet spot: Series A and series B with undeniable momentum[19:25] What product-market fit really means and how to recognize it[22:14] Inverted AI: Why the world needs financial services for the AI economy[26:43] The AI bubble paradox: overvalued companies, transformative technology[32:57] Why early-stage founders should ignore the macro and focus on customers[34:31] The brutal math of ventureThe nonprofit organization Amias is passionate about: EastersealsAbout Amias GeretyAmias Gerety is a Partner at QED Investors, where he focuses on FinTech and InsurTech investments. Before joining QED in 2017, Amias spent eight years at the US Treasury Department from the first day of the Obama administration through its final day. During his tenure, he helped write the Dodd-Frank Act and built the Financial Stability Oversight Council, the organization responsible for monitoring systemic risk in the US financial system. His government experience during the financial crisis gives him a unique perspective on market dynamics and regulatory frameworks. A mechanical thinker who approaches investments with an essentialist mindset, Amias has invested in companies like Kin Insurance, Prosper, and Tint. He previously worked as a management consultant and with Save the Children in East Africa.About QED InvestorsQED Investors is one of the most successful venture capital firms focused on FinTech investments globally. As a multi-stage, global firm with a $650 million early-stage fund and $300 million growth fund, QED specializes in Series A and B investments in companies demonstrating exceptional momentum and product-market fit. The firm requires portfolio companies to show dramatic growth—expecting tripling in six months for Series A and tripling in a year for Series B investments. QED's partners bring deep domain expertise from building and scaling financial services companies, with a particular focus on companies that are reshaping financial services through technology. The firm is known for its rigorous, thesis-driven approach to investing and its high conviction in backing founders who have found authentic product-market fit in large, expanding markets.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House Boardroom Series, Nick Hoadley is joined by David Herzog, former CFO of American International Group (AIG) and one of the most experienced finance and governance leaders in global insurance. David served as CFO of AIG from 2008 to 2016, stepping into the role in the immediate aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis and helping lead the company through one of the most complex turnarounds in modern financial services. In this conversation, David reflects on the years leading up to the CFO appointment, including rebuilding AIG's financial infrastructure as Group Controller, and the intensity of navigating markets that rapidly moved from strained, to expensive, to effectively closed. He shares what it was like inside AIG as liquidity evaporated, why coordination with the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury was pivotal, and how the organisation focused on stabilising the business, stopping the “bleeding,” and ultimately repaying government support. The discussion also explores David's transition from executive leadership into board governance. He talks through early lessons from his first directorship, how he approaches chairing audit and oversight roles, and what aspiring directors should understand about the line between being an overseer and a doer. David also shares why the opportunity to chair Aegon appealed to him, and what he looks for in organisations on a journey of strategic change. Connect with David Herzog on LinkedIn.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, I sit down with Clint Houke for a wide ranging, high trust conversation to kick off the new year the right way. This is one of those talks that feels like two industry vets standing at the whiteboard, talking honestly about what is working, what is changing, and where the real opportunities are.Clint and I dig into the trends he is seeing across the insurance landscape, especially around MGAs and why they continue to play such a critical role in today's market. We talk about speed, specialization, and why MGAs are not just filling gaps, but actively shaping the future of distribution.From there,  how agencies, MGAs, and carriers can think about AI as a tool to enhance relationships, not replace them. The conversation then turns to Clint's newest chapter and his work with FAIR. We talk about what FAIR is building, why it matters, and how it is creating real opportunity in the insurance space. This is not just another product. It is a business model that opens up meaningful new revenue streams while staying aligned with transparency and customer experience.What stood out most in this conversation is Clint's perspective on timing. The industry is changing fast, but the fundamentals still matter. Relationships. Trust. Doing right by the client. FAIR feels like one of those companies that understands both sides of that equation.If you are an agency owner, producer, MGA leader, or anyone looking to add smart, sustainable growth to your business, this episode is worth your time.Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and join us in Insurance Town for a conversation about trends, technology, and finding opportunity in a changing market.Welcome back to town.Sponsors:Smart Choice- the Fastest growing agency Network hands downMAV- Ditch the Call center and Hire Mav the AI solution to engaging your clients Canopy Connect - The One Click Solution to getting dec pages you need to quote your clients. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Thank you so much for yet another amazing year in Insurance Town!! This weeks episode is a little different, No Guest. This week i am releasing one of my keynote presentations from a conference I spoke at this year, IIANC, thank you to my friend AUBE KNIGHT and his amazing staff in North Carolina for hosting me and helping me to learn and grow in a big way!! THAT CONFERENCE HAD a major impact on my life personally and Professionally!! This is my keynote, OUT OF SERVICE, I hope you enjoy! SponsorsSmart ChoiceCanopy Connect MAV

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As 2025 wraps up, ⁠⁠James Benham⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ &⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rob Galbraith reunite in a special episode of the InsurTech Geek Podcast to reflect on a transformative year in the insurance technology space. With AI moving from theory to production, cloud-native systems becoming the new standard, and user adoption still presenting real challenges, this episode offers deep insights into what defined the past year—and what to expect in 2026. This Episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Terra, the Next Generation Claims and Policy Software for Workers' CompVisit

The latest episode of the Leadership Insurance Podcast features Matt Connolly, founder and CEO of Sonr, making his third appearance on the show as part of host Alex Bond's end-of-year review series.Key takeaways from this episode:

In this episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor sits down with Brian Ahearn to unpack the difference between social media influence and true leadership influence, while also sharing a meaningful conversation around faith, family, and the responsibility that comes with leading well. Brian reflects on how becoming a grandfather has reshaped how he thinks about legacy, humility, and the kind of influence that truly matters, both at home and in leadership.The conversation also dives into Brian's new book, Influenced From Above, a business parable that blends leadership principles with faith driven purpose. Together, Brian and the Mayor discuss what it means to be influenced from above in their own lives, leading with empathy, serving others, and aligning values with action. The takeaway is clear: real influence is not about getting people to say yes, but about building trust, relationships, and a legacy that lasts.Key TakeawaysWhy social media influence is not the same as true leadershipHow faith and family shape the way leaders influence othersLessons from Influenced From Above on humility and serviceWhy empathy and trust are the foundation of lasting leadershipSponsorsSmart Choice – The fastest growing agency network hand down, no fees, higher commissions, lower premium thredhholdCanopy Connect – A one click solution to getting dec pages to quote your prospect and now they have intake platofrmMAV – Ditch the call center and hire MAV, the AI powered text messaging agent to qualify, quote& connect your prospects to your producers

In the latest episode of the Leadership in Insurance podcast, host Alex Bond sat down with Joe Zuk, Operating Partner at Altamont Capital Partners, for an insightful year-in-review discussion that captures the key moments in 2025.Key themes explored:Market Transitions and 2025 Dynamics The conversation examines 2025 as a transitional year marked by shifts from hard to soft market conditions, the impact of the California wildfires, degradation in pricing following quiet catastrophe years, and a slowdown in private equity multiples.Technology Reshaping Business Models Joe and Alex explore how AI and technology are enabling lean, efficient operations: from small teams managing large businesses to the emergence of one-person MGA models and modular, bespoke insurance solutions. The discussion highlights technology not as human versus machine, but as a tool allowing individuals and businesses to accomplish more.The Relationship vs. Automation Debate A thought-provoking examination of whether the future lies in self-service models or premium, high-touch experiences, and how the industry can maintain personalization and interpersonal connections as automation increases.Innovation and Regulatory Evolution The episode also explores opportunities for micro-insurance products, and the critical need for regulatory adaptation to support entrepreneurial innovation in the sector.Looking Ahead to 2026 Joe predicts a year of micro-cycles with pockets of hard and soft markets, increased Insurtech and FinTech involvement, and greater investment in technology for data capture and utilization—all while preserving the industry's core strength: human relationships.Listen now for essential insights on navigating the rapidly evolving Insurance landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Insurance Town, host Heath Shearon welcomes Van Carlson to discuss the evolution of risk management and the importance of self-insuring for businesses. They explore the 831B tax code, its history, and its application in modern business risk management. Van shares insights from his career in the insurance industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in self-insuring and the role of traditional insurance. The conversation also touches on the impact of economic downturns and the need for innovative risk management solutions.TakeawaysVan Carlson emphasizes the importance of self-insuring for businesses.The 831B tax code offers a way to manage business risks effectively.Traditional insurance may not cover all business risks.Economic downturns highlight the need for innovative risk management.Van Carlson shares his journey in the insurance industry.Self-insuring can provide financial stability for businesses.The conversation explores the history and application of the 831B tax code.Van Carlson discusses the challenges of transitioning from traditional insurance.Heath Shearon highlights the role of education in risk management.The episode provides insights into modern business risk management strategies.Sound bites"Self-insuring is the future of business risk management.""The 831B tax code is a game changer.""Traditional insurance doesn't cover all risks.""Economic downturns demand innovative solutions.""Education is key in managing business risks.""Self-insuring provides financial stability.""The 831B code offers unique advantages.""Transitioning from traditional insurance is challenging.""Risk management requires continuous learning.""Modern businesses need modern risk solutions."Chapters00:00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship00:00:00 Van Carlson's Background00:00:00 The 831B Tax Code Explained00:00:00 Challenges in Traditional Insurance00:00:01 Innovative Risk Management Solutions00:00:01 The Future of Business Risk ManagementSponsors:Smart Choice Canopy Connect MAV

In this weeks episode I sit down with Dylan Dimarchi of Eventual to talk about A product that is super cool 

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley sits down with Amanda Yoho, President of Proformex, the life insurance and annuity technology platform based in Cleveland, Ohio.Amanda joined Proformex in January 2020 to build the company's data and analytics capability, before stepping into the President role in November 2024. With a background that spans startups and global corporates, including several years at IBM following an acquisition, she brings deep experience across data science, technology, and problem-solving in complex environments.In this conversation, Amanda shares how Proformex helps agents, advisors, and distributors gain a unified view across their life and annuity books of business. She discusses the long-term challenges of monitoring products that may span 30-50 years, the importance of consumer protection, and why access to accurate, centralised data is critical for preventing unintended lapses.Amanda explains how proactive alerts, data quality checks, and system integrations support advisors in delivering better service, reducing risk, and identifying new engagement opportunities. She also highlights how hiring and interviewing are evolving in the age of AI, why curiosity is essential in a startup environment, and how finding the right culture fit is just as important as technical capability.Connect with Amanda Yoho on LinkedIn to learn more about Proformex.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

New Episode Alert: Claims Tech Year in Review

In this episode, Richard Gunn, President & CRO at hyperexponential, joins host Matthew Grant to share the inside story of hyperexponential's expansion journey from the UK to the US, and how the company is reshaping pricing and underwriting in the insurance sector. Richard reflects on seven years at hyperexponential, starting as the first non-engineering hire to now leading a fast-growing US team in New York. He explains how hyperexponential has evolved from a pricing platform into a broader decision infrastructure provider, with tools spanning triage, portfolio intelligence and AI-powered underwriting support. In this conversation, Richard shares: Why hx's "pro-code" platform sits between build vs buy, offering flexibility without compromising enterprise-grade credibility How the team landed major US clients before even setting up a US office The strategic lessons behind building trust with US insurers, from culture to communication The practical impact of generative AI and "vibe coding" in hx's product development and internal operations Why hx believes AI isn't about replacing roles but redrawing their boundaries to boost effectiveness What it's like to move across the Atlantic with a young family while scaling a tech business How New York's transient tech culture supports rapid networking and hiring His predictions on shifting insurer priorities from growth to profitability Resources & Mentions: AI Daily Brief (podcast recommendation) Book: Papillon by Henri Charrière Previous guests: Amrit (hyperexponential Co-founder & CEO), Marcus Ryu (Co-founder and Chairman at Guidewire and Partner at Battery Ventures) If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Richard Gunn or Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning.

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley sits down with Antonia Hold, CHRO at MS Reinsurance who joined in April 2021. Based in Zurich, Antonia leads the company's global people strategy, with a focus on hiring the right talent, supporting their growth, and creating an environment where people want to stay and do their best work. She brings a practical, people-centred approach to leadership, fostering collaboration, encouraging learning, and helping teams grow through trust and shared goals. Antonia works closely with business leaders to ensure HR is aligned with MS Re's direction and values. Her career spans more than 20 years across four continents, with senior HR roles at Jones Lang LaSalle, Prudential plc, and Zurich Insurance Group. She has led teams and projects across EMEA, Africa, and APAC, gaining broad experience in shaping HR strategies in diverse environments, and holds an MSc in Economics from the University of Bern.Connect with Antonia Hold on LinkedIn to learn more about MS Reinsurance.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

Generative AI is shifting from theory to real-world applications, and the industry's biggest challenge ahead will be testing, validating, and measuring the quality of agentic AI decisions to … Read More » The post Why Testing Will Define the Next Era of Agentic AI | ITC Vegas appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Next highlights fragmented agency data as insurance's biggest roadblock—and the massive opportunity in enriching customer information for cleaner, faster underwriting. Watch this interview with Carrier Management’s Deputy Editor … Read More » The post The One Unlock That Could Transform Agencies | ITC Vegas appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

In this engaging conversation, Heath Shearon and Alex Rodov explore the vibrant culture of Toronto, the evolution of technology and quality assurance, and the critical role of testing in the insurance industry. Alex shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the tech space, emphasizing the importance of methodology and the pressures faced in quality assurance. They discuss the challenges of trusting technology, the significance of consumer education, and the future of QA technology, including Alex's new book on testing.TakeawaysGrowing up in Toronto inspired Alex's passion for technology.Quality assurance has evolved significantly over the years.Pressure in QA is a constant, especially in critical industries.Methodology is essential for effective software testing.Consumer education is vital for understanding technology's reliability.The insurance industry heavily relies on quality assurance processes.Alex's book aims to educate consumers about testing.Investing in QA technology is crucial for future advancements.Chapters00:00 Exploring Toronto: A Cultural Hub06:03 The Evolution of Quality Assurance in Tech13:48 The Importance of Methodology in QA22:02 The Role of QA in the Insurance Industry30:12 Investing in the Future of QA TechnologySponsors:Smart Choice- the fastest growing agency network hands down Canopy Connect- your 1 click solution for all things dec pages, intake platforms etc MAV- the AI-powered insurance expert that engages unlimited leads with text messaging 

The conversation from ITC Vegas explores how AI adoption is maturing in insurance, why cultural change matters more than legacy systems, and how Acord's Adept platform is driving … Read More » The post How AI Is Maturing in the Insurance Market | ITC Vegas appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Applied Systems' Doug McElhaney breaks down why the Cytora acquisition fits perfectly into their “digital round trip” strategy and how generative and agentic AI will streamline workflows, upgrade … Read More » The post AI, Acquisitions & What's Next for Applied Systems | ITC Vegas appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Stephen Wemple, Principal at Spero Ventures, shares how he backs mission-driven founders building enduring companies aligned with purpose and profit. From investing in hardware startups like Telo Trucks to backing social impact ventures such as Juno, Stephen explains why conviction and alignment between founders and investors matter more than ever. He reflects on his journey from Fulbright Fellow in Vietnam to venture capitalist in Silicon Valley, the lessons he's learned from working with founders, and how smaller, concentrated funds like Spero bring focus and depth back to early-stage investing.In this episode, you'll learn:[01:00] - Stephen's journey from Fulbright Fellow in Vietnam to venture capitalist at Spero Ventures[04:30] - How Spero spun out of Omidyar Network to back purpose-driven founders[08:10] - Investing early—with proof points that show real-world traction[11:10] - Why mission and authenticity matter more than hype in founder evaluation[14:00] - The story behind Spero's investment in Juno and the value of long-term relationships[17:00] - How founders should work with junior investors inside VC firms[19:00] - Why conviction and alignment matter when founders choose their investors[22:00] - Stephen's take on the concentration of capital and the future of small, focused fundsNonprofit highlight: AchieveKidsAbout Stephen WempleStephen Wemple is a Principal at Spero Ventures, where he invests in mission-driven founders building companies for a healthier, more sustainable, and fulfilling future. He has led investments across sectors such as healthcare, climate, and frontier technologies, backing founders who combine purpose with commercial ambition.Stephen began his career in early-stage venture capital, investing in emerging markets across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. A Fulbright Fellow in Vietnam, he worked with the U.S. State Department to support entrepreneurship initiatives before joining Spero Ventures in its formative years. Stephen believes the best entrepreneurs are those who find and stay true to their mission.About Spero VenturesSpero Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based early-stage venture capital firm that backs mission-driven founders building companies for a healthy, sustainable, and fulfilling future. The firm leads or co-leads seed and Series A rounds with $2–4 million investments and maintains a concentrated portfolio to closely support each founder. Its team, which includes former operators from Tesla, eBay, and Stripe, has invested in companies like Juno (child disability insurance), Telo Trucks (electric pickup trucks), Tiny Health (gut health solutions), Euclid Power (renewable energy software), and Gencove (genome sequencing platform), reflecting its belief that purpose-driven startups can create both outsized impact and venture-scale returns.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

Wayne tested flight insurance over a single weekend with a WordPress site and Google ads. When people tried to pay, he showed a fake error message. The result: 15.9% conversion. That validation led to Sure, now powering insurance for Tesla, Toyota, and MasterCard. But the journey was brutal. Wayne worked solo for a year, burning through savings in San Francisco. Flew to South Africa for 7 weeks to land his first insurance partner. The real breakthrough came 4 years later, in 2019, when Elon tweeted about Tesla insurance—instant rocket ship growth. Today Sure is the rails for embedded insurance, like Visa for credit cards.They raised $120M but haven't needed money since 2021 because they've been profitable since their Series B. Why You Should Listen:How to validate an entire business in a weekend. Why he worked solo for a year before raising money or hiring anyone.The exact playbook for pivoting while keeping your old product alive.How one Elon Musk tweet created instant product-market fit.Keywords:startup podcast, startup podcast for founders, Sure, Wayne Slavin, embedded insurance, InsurTech, product validation, bootstrap to profitable, Tesla insurance, B2B pivot00:00:00 Intro00:01:48 The flight to Vegas that sparked a $120M insurance company00:03:03 Building a fake insurance product in one weekend to test demand00:11:00 Working solo for a year while burning through savings00:14:43 Flying to South Africa for 7 weeks to land first insurance partner00:19:58 Convincing 5 friends to quit their jobs00:27:56 Pivoting from mobile app to embedded insurance00:46:03 Elon's tweet creates rocket ship growth overnightSend me a message to let me know what you think!

In this episode, FNO: InsureTech hosts Nic Sproul, managing partner at SP Partners, for a close look at bridging engineering with property claims innovation across the UK and Europe. Nic discusses his transition from a foundation in mechanical engineering and his formative years as an engineer with a leading US silicon chip firm, to building and advising businesses at the intersection of insurance and technology. The conversation explores how a mindset shaped by analytical rigor and operational experience advances property claims management, technology pilots, and collaborative initiatives within the sector. Key Highlights Nic details his professional journey, reflecting on how an engineering apprenticeship and experience with a Fremont-based US silicon chip company created a foundation for bringing a technical perspective to the property claims arena. Emphasis on a practical, analytical mindset as the throughline connecting Nic's work in technology and insurance. He highlights that identifying the right problems to address is key to adding value. Nic participates as an active collaborator with I Love Claims, the UK's largest claims-focused open forum, supporting peer engagement, industry exchange, and charitable initiatives. Insight into innovation projects, including Nic's advisory role with a team pitching what they believe to be Europe's first AI model for PFAS ("forever chemicals") risk at Lloyd's Lab, aimed at understanding emerging environmental liabilities. Discussion of how Optira's satellite data solutions are helping accelerate detection of property subsidence, reducing assessment periods from many months to a matter of weeks, and commentary on cost and adoption considerations. Reference to AI-powered risk modeling for perils such as subsidence and flood, citing experience with WeatherMind and the importance of working alongside scientists and data specialists. Nic's guidance for InsurTech founders: define your core problem with precision, ensure solutions demonstrate tangible ROI for insurers, and focus especially on efficient management of high-frequency, low-value claims.

Today on The InsurTech Leadership Podcast, we're joined by Jane Tran, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Sixfold AI—a fast-growing InsurTech that's reimagining the underwriting process through the practical use of artificial intelligence. Jane's journey started on Wall Street at JP Morgan, followed by leadership roles in strategy and innovation at Marsh and MetLife. She then became part of the founding team at Unqork, where she helped scale the no-code pioneer into a global enterprise before co-founding Sixfold. Now, Jane is helping insurers harness AI to understand risk faster, more accurately, and with greater transparency. We'll talk about how Sixfold is transforming underwriting from an art into a science, what “responsible AI” really means in insurance, and how Jane's leadership philosophy—rooted in precision, empathy, and mentorship—is shaping an exciting InsurTech.

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Stephen Brittain, co-founder of InsurTech Gateway, a pioneering venture builder focused on bringing early-stage startups into the heart of the insurance world – a regulated industry that typically moves at glacial speed. Over the past decade, Stephen has helped launch and scale ventures inside one of the most regulated, risk-averse business sectors on the planet: the insurance space. He has been the spark for innovation inside large insurance corporates and the strategic partner for founders who wanted to navigate the labyrinth of regulation, procurement and distribution at scale. In other words: he has been solving the archetypal “how to innovate inside a large enterprise” question while keeping the spirit of a startup alive. KEY TAKEAWAYS I was a product /service designer, and I found myself – through building bigger and bigger products – coming up against risk, and I saw risk as a constraint. I knew that if I could only understand risk better that I might be able to do bigger and bolder and better projects. That's how I outgrew product design and moved into insurance. InsurTech Gateway's original intention was to find amazing founders and fast-track them into market with enough creative energy to survive, adapt and evolve in an environment where your first idea had to be your fixed idea. Today we give founders greater agility to learn and evolve, because no one ever knows what to do when they first start, it's a learning journey. The upside, the enthusiasm, the opportunity framing of entrepreneurialism and venturing gets everybody started, rallies people together. But, an a bad day, the downside view is actually the long-term sustainability of any new category. VCs and insurers have never sat round the table together. BEST MOMENTS  ‘The opportunity was not to make insurance sexy, it was to look at the secret powers of insurance to create mutual models to work at scale, to unlock lending and put trust into ecosystems that didn't exist before.'  ‘One of the biggest challenges in InsurTech is; to get a successful outcome from something that looked great on day 1 but didn't evolve into the opportunity.' ‘Pattern recognition has never been higher and the cost to entry and experimentation has never been lower. We recognise what works and what doesn't much better, but can we validate it with an insurer and get them onside? I think we still need to work out the connectivity.' ‘If you can work with innovators, and you understand risk, and you can help unlock that innovation, you can make it sustainable.' ABOUT THE GUESTS Stephen Brittain is the Co-Founder of InsurTech Gateway, the world's first authorised venture builder and fund focused on insurtech. A true pioneer at the intersection of innovation, investment, and impact, Stephen has spent the past decade turning bold ideas into scalable ventures that redefine how insurance and technology collide. ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook  TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

in this weeks episode I sat down with my good friend Poppy Danker and have a blast talking about this small down agency and how she has just exploded in growth using social media. Yes you heard that right. Its wild to see!! Ive been watching this agency since the beginning from 500 followers to now over 25k followers and viral videos and the whole thing. its so fun. You just gotta hear this one ...sponsored by :Smart Choice Canopy Connect MAV

Today on The InsurTech Leadership Podcast, we're joined by Jonathan Shapiro, Co-founder and Director of Optalitix, a company transforming how insurers and financial services organizations make data-driven decisions. Jon's background uniquely bridges software engineering, AI innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership. At Optalitix, he's helped build a platform that turns data models into live, scalable applications—empowering actuaries, underwriters, and analysts to deploy AI at the heart of business workflows. We'll explore how Optalitix is helping insurers use AI responsibly to price risk, improve customer outcomes, and build smarter systems—and how Jon's approach to leadership and technology has shaped one of the UK's most innovative InsurTech success stories.

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers sits down with Jeff Harris, the CEO and co-founder of Appulate, widely considered the original Insurtech (founded in 2005). Jeff shares Appulate's journey from solving the "abysmal" problem of supplemental form generation to becoming an all-in-one AI solution for agencies. They discuss the critical gap between insurance and technology, how AI is reshaping the industry, and why Appulate is taking a conservative and reliable approach to its implementation. The conversation also covers the dangers of agents using public AI tools with client PII and how technology is the "great equalizer" for small agencies. Key Highlights: The Evolution of the Oldest Insurtech Jeff Harris details Appulate's nearly 20-year history, which began by solving the pain of manual supplemental forms. Today, their Producer Connect platform serves as a "bolt-on" to an agency's AMS, acting as a broad marketing platform that saves time on data entry, obtains loss runs, and integrates with thousands of carrier portals to eliminate redundant work. AI's Role: A Conservative and Reliable Approach While AI is changing the industry, Jeff emphasizes that it must be reliable and consistent. He compares it to Tesla's autonomous driving—it had to be perfected before users could trust it. Appulate currently uses AI where it excels, such as parsing data from loss runs and deck pages, but avoids areas where the industry (like carrier portals) isn't ready for full AI integration, which could cause more problems than it solves. The Danger of "Lazy" AI Implementation  David and Jeff discuss the significant E&O and cyber risk of "fundamentally lazy" agents uploading policies with Personally Identifiable Information (PII) into public Chat-GPT. Jeff stresses the importance of using secure, vendor-provided AI solutions rather than unvetted public tools, highlighting that AI is already being effectively used in areas like fraud detection. AI as the "Great Equalizer" for Agencies Jeff explains that AI is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for small and mid-sized agencies to compete with the 100-pound gorillas. By automating manual, time-consuming tasks, AI reduces burnout and turnover, helps retain younger tech-savvy talent, and allows smaller agencies to achieve the same level of output and efficiency as their largest competitors without massive investments in headcount. Connect with: David Carothers LinkedIn Jeff Harris LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Appulate Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes

In this episode, Ashlie Weller, HR Manager at InsurTech, shares how to address difficult behaviors immediately, document incidents effectively, and avoid taking toxic behavior personally on the manufacturing floor. Connect with other HR leaders facing similar challenges and opportunities. Click here to learn more and join the HR Peer Group to share strategies, solve real-world issues, and strengthen your organization's people practices.  

  Sanjay Tripathy | Co-Founder & CEO,BRISKPE-  Sanjay Tripathy, a distinguished Stanford GSB alumnus, is the Co-Founder and CEO of BRISKPE, a pioneering cross-border payment startup specializing in serving MSMEs. As a seasoned fintech entrepreneur, his core mission revolves around revolutionizing B2B cross-border payments through the strategic deployment of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, and innovative payment pathways. His vision encompasses the delivery of cost-efficient, rapid payment solutions coupled with seamless accessibility, comprehensive payment tracking, and robust compliance mechanisms.With over 30 years of illustrious experience spanning six diverse industries, Sanjay stands as one of India's most decorated marketers. His expertise spans the realms of Marketing, Sales, E-commerce, Digital, Partnerships, and Strategy, making him a versatile leader. His influence extends across various industry verticals, including FMCG, Consumer goods, Telecom, and financial services, across multiple regions including India, South Asia, and North America.Sanjay is a renowned thought leader, particularly in the Digital, Marketing, E-commerce, FinTech, and Insurtech domains. He is a frequent keynote speaker at industry gatherings and startup events. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, he has also thrived as a successful Angel Investor, with investments in over 20 startups.His contributions extend to nurturing more than 30 startups, aiding them in scaling up and establishing sustainable business models. During his tenure at Agilio, his previous company, he executed disruptive strategies, collaborated with government entities, and ensured 100% regulatory compliance across diverse domains. Moreover, Sanjay has lent his expertise as an InsurTech and FinTech consultant to prominent firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and various analyst and venture capital funds. 

This week in Insurance Town I sat down with my friend Evan Smith of Mav. We had an incredible conversation about growing your sales with leads and building an inside sales team . We discussed the importance of recognizing that you have to have a vision and a plan before working with leads and not try to scale too quickly We discussed the idea of there is no “bad lead” and what that means. We discover ways to write any lead . The numbers game that is leads and why MAV is THE go to for scaling and growing you business with online leads. Check this one out and hear his three pillars of working with leads successfully. And so much more Sponsors:Smart Choice® the fastest growing agency network hands down and now with 11,000 agencies across the country Canopy Connect -THE one click solution to getting the dec pages you need to quote your prospects and get loss runs and driver lists , and vehicle lists and , and and… check it outActivate to view larger image,

Today on The InsurTech Leadership Podcast, we're heading to the intersection of automotive technology, AI, and user experience with Rauno Sigur, CEO and Co-Founder of DriveX Technologies. DriveX is an Estonia-based startup using AI-driven image recognition and remote-inspection tools to help insurers, leasing companies, and fleet managers verify vehicle condition instantly—without an adjuster ever leaving the desk. Rauno calls himself a car enthusiast, metal-music fan, and role-playing-game guy—and his passion for both engineering and authenticity has shaped DriveX into one of Europe's most agile “spartan” InsurTech teams. We'll talk about how DriveX is redefining trust between insurers and policyholders, where AI fits into the inspection process, and what it takes to keep a small, high-performing startup team firing on all cylinders.

Today on The InsurTech Leadership Podcast host Joshua Hollander speaks with Kobi Bendelak, Founder and CEO of InsurTech Israel—a global ecosystem builder connecting startups, investors, and insurers from over 50 countries. Under Kobi's leadership, InsurTech Israel has launched multiple international innovation hubs, built a global accelerator that's produced standout startups in AI, cyber, and climate insurance, and helped elevate Israel's position as one of the world's leading InsurTech hubs. We'll talk about the new hubs launched in Guatemala and Slovenia, how InsurTech Israel is surfacing emerging founders from underrepresented markets, and what's next for collaboration in the global InsurTech landscape.

Technology is reshaping insurance and redefining leadership. Jason Cass welcomes Daniel Hom, Chief Technology Officer at Symphony Risk Solutions, for an Executive Session live from NetVu Accelerate. Together, they explore how the rapid pace of AI, cybersecurity, and automation are transforming the industry, and why the next generation of agency leaders must think like technologists as much as business builders. Key Topics: Daniel shares his 25-year journey in insurance technology and rise to CTO. The difference between a CIO and CTO and why smaller firms often merge the roles. Why even small agencies will soon need dedicated tech leadership or managed service partners. How insurance technology has shifted from stagnant to fast-paced innovation. The growing challenge of evaluating which InsurTech solutions will last. Daniel's perspective on AI as a force that will reshape, not replace, the insurance workforce. Jason and Daniel discuss how automation will let humans focus on connection and creativity. Leadership lessons from mentors who taught Daniel the value of openness and courage to fail. How Symphony Risk Solutions is integrating AI partnerships while fostering team-driven innovation. Reach out to: Daniel Hom Jason Cass Visit Website: Symphony Risk Solutions Agency Intelligence Produced by PodSquad.fm

On the Insurance Coffee House podcast, host Nick Hoadley welcomes Nick Wealthall, Founder of Yellow Door, a leadership and commercial growth consultancy helping insurance organisations and their people unlock performance through better communication, decision-making and mindset.Speaking from London, Nick shares his fascinating career journey from wealth management to professional poker, to comedy writing on shows like Have I Got News For You, before founding Yellow Door to coach senior executives across major insurance firms. With a background spanning finance, broadcasting, and entrepreneurship, Nick brings a unique perspective on how professionals can think and act more like business owners, whether they're brokers, underwriters, or corporate leaders.He explains how lessons from the poker table translate directly to leadership and underwriting: making confident decisions with incomplete information, assessing risk and reward, and maintaining composure under pressure. Drawing parallels between poker, business and insurance, Nick highlights why the most effective leaders are those who embrace uncertainty, make active choices, and refine their process rather than fixating on short-term outcomes.Nick also discusses how brokers and carriers can drive commercial growth and differentiation in increasingly commoditised markets, by deepening client understanding, taking an “outside-in” perspective, and focusing on delivering long-term value rather than transactional wins. He shares practical insights on building trust-based client relationships, fostering entrepreneurial thinking inside large organisations, and leading with intention and self-awareness.In the Espresso Round, Nick reflects on his journey from performer to coach, offering lessons on humility, resilience and curiosity. He encourages insurance professionals to take ownership of their impact, ask “how can I help more?”, and build businesses that grow through genuine human connection.Connect with Nick Wealthall on LinkedIn and learn more about Yellow Door.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

 In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, Heath Shearon hosts Christopher Frankland to discuss the intersection of technology and insurance, focusing on AI's impact on the industry. They explore the concept of the 'bionic agent,' the role of AI in transforming insurance processes, and the future of human interaction in a tech-driven world. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, the importance of adapting to technological changes, and the potential for AI to enhance customer experiences.Takeaways:AI is transforming the insurance industry by automating processes and enhancing customer experiences.The concept of the 'bionic agent' combines human expertise with AI technology.Adapting to technological changes is crucial for staying relevant in the industry.AI is no longer just a buzzword; it's a fundamental shift in how we work.The insurance industry is fragmented, with varying levels of AI adoption.Human interaction remains essential, even as automation increases.AI can help solve real problems and tackle industry challenges.The future of insurance involves a blend of technology and human touch.AI's role in insurance is evolving, with potential for real-time risk assessment.Education and upskilling are vital for embracing AI in the industry.Sound Bites:AI is transforming insurance.The bionic agent is the future.Adapt to tech changes or fall behind.AI is a fundamental shift.Human interaction is still key.AI solves real industry problems.The future blends tech and human touch.Real-time risk assessment is coming.Education is key for AI adoption.AI is beyond just a buzzword.Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:00:00 AI's Impact on Insurance00:00:01 The Bionic Agent Concept00:00:02 Adapting to Technological Changes00:00:03 Future of Human Interaction in InsuranceSponsors:Smart Choice Agents Program- the fastest growing agency network hands down. Canopy Connect: Your one click solution for getting everything you need to quote your prospects 

On the Insurance Coffee House podcast, host Nick Hoadley welcomes Samuel Broomer, President of NormanMax Insurance Solutions, a rapidly growing MGA and Lloyd's syndicate pioneering climate-focused parametric insurance solutions.Speaking from Connecticut, Sam shares his career journey from reinsurance accounting at HSB Group to leadership roles at AIG, FM Global, and W.R. Berkley, before taking on his current role at NormanMax. With experience spanning finance, underwriting, innovation, and strategy, Sam offers a unique, end-to-end perspective on how insurance organisations can evolve to meet today's climate and technology challenges.He explains how NormanMax provides parametric protection against natural catastrophes such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and severe storms, delivering certainty of payment, speed, and liquidity when policyholders need it most. Sam highlights the importance of third-party data or “oracle” verification for triggering payouts, eliminating lengthy loss-adjustment processes and building greater trust between insurers and customers.Sam also discusses why parametric insurance is becoming mainstream: a feature embedded within traditional policies that enhances the customer experience, helps close the protection gap, and restores confidence in the insurance value chain. He shares NormanMax's vision to make these products simple, accessible, and globally scalable through its Lloyd's Syndicate 3939 platform, serving clients from North America to the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.In the Espresso Round, Sam talks about building culture within what he calls a “multi-hundred-million-dollar startup,” offering insights on humility, curiosity, and the value of learning across disciplines. He also shares advice for insurance leaders on hiring with intention, building direct partnerships with talent, and staying open-minded to new perspectives in a rapidly changing market.Connect with Samuel Broomer on LinkedIn and learn more about NormanMax Insurance Solutions.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

This is an episode recorded at the PIA VADC conference in Virginia Beach with my man Byron Roberts.  It is a fast, on-the-ground conversation about how Openly built for independent agents, why speed still matters, and how data is shifting from rearview mirror to windshield. Quick recapOpenly's origin story is agent-first. Founders Ty Harris and Matt Duffy asked agents what they actually needed, then shipped a three-question quote experience built to find “diamonds in the rough,” not write everything in sight. The company doubled down on listening loops like ACE, its Agency Council of Excellence, to sanity-check product decisions, fix friction fast, and keep writing business during a stubborn hard market. They are rolling into PL Rating in key states to cut keystrokes, and they see the next frontier as forward-looking data that helps carriers price for tomorrow's weather, not yesterday's. Key takeawaysBuilt by and for independent agents, not DTC. Choice and counsel are the strategy. Three inputs to quote, then verify details to bind accurately and quickly. Think seconds, not hours. ACE council gives Openly real-time agent feedback and a promise to report back on changes. Smart underwriting beats growth at any cost. Openly tightens or tweaks instead of pulling out. PL Rating integrations are in motion to reduce double entry and speed comparisons. Data is shifting from historical to predictive. Actuaries need “crystal balls,” not just rearview mirrors. Notable quotes“Tell me I can't, I'll show you I will.” Byron on persistence. “Three questions, name, date of birth, and address. We can get it.” On the quoting thesis. “We're staying open for these agencies. We don't tighten everything down or pull out.” On disciplined appetite. “We used to look at historical data. Now we need crystal balls.” On forward-looking pricing. Sponsor Smart Choice- The fastest growing insurance network, with 10,000 agencies, 11 billion in written premium written its incredibleCanopy Connect- your 1 click solution to getting the deck pages you need to quote your prospects. 

In this weeks episode, the mayor sits down with his good friend Tinsley English to discuss her latest book titled Grit, Growth & Gumption. But this episode is way beyond that we discuss being a leader in this service industry. We discuss the challenges, the customer service, reps face, the challenges that managers face.We also discuss accepting God's calling in your life no matter how difficult that might be, or scary that might be. This episode is a really really good one. I couldn't do this show without my amazing sponsors Smart Choice – the fastest growing agency network hands-down. With over 10,000 agencies across the country, trusting them and over 11 billion written premiumCanopy connect – you're one click solution to getting the deck pages you need to quote your prospects

In this episode, the Mayor sits down with industry veteran Jeff Kleid  a 30-year insurance innovator, MGA, and carrier leader  to talk about the business of hard-to-place risks, the truth about captives, and how brokers can turn complex accounts into profitable opportunities.From selling insurance on the internet in the ‘90s to building niche programs for cannabis, film, and trucking, Jeff shares real-world lessons about taking chances, trusting data, and transforming the way independent agents think about risk.In this episode, we discuss:The evolution from retail broker to MGA and carrierWhy most agents misunderstand captives (and how to use them right)Building programs for high-risk industries like towing and hempHow to niche down without boxing yourself inThe role of AI in underwriting and program innovationKey Takeaways:Don't fear the hard-to-place — that's where opportunity lives.Captives aren't restrictive; they empower growth and control.Niche success is built on relationships and risk awareness.AI is a tool, not a replacement — human insight still wins the day.Connect with Jeff Kleid:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffkleidEmail: jdkleid@eliterisk.comWebsite: eliterisk.comSpecial Thanks to Our Sponsors:

In this weeks episode of Insurance Town, The Mayor welcomes good buddy Patrick McBride to the show. Patrick, a seasoned insurance professional, shares his journey, experiences, and insights on the industry's evolving landscape.Key Highlights:The Last Few Years in the Industry: Patrick reflects on how the last couple of years have been "wicked" due to the rapid changes in technology and the industry's shift towards innovation. He provides perspective on how to stay ahead amidst these changes.Staying Connected in a Changing World: The conversation shifts to the importance of maintaining relationships in the insurance world, especially in a post-pandemic landscape. Patrick talks about his strategies for staying connected with colleagues and clients while continuing to adapt to the evolving industry.Customer Service and Technology: The conversation digs deep into how the evolution of technology has transformed customer service in the insurance world. Patrick emphasizes the need for agencies to use tech to enhance the client experience—whether it's through automation or more personalized service. They discuss tools like AI chatbots, data analytics, and client portals, which not only make processes faster but allow for a more tailored approach. As Patrick points out: "The best tech makes great service feel effortless."Patrick shares a few stories where tech simplified otherwise complex processes for clients, noting how a quick turnaround and personalized communication helped retain customers. The duo also touches on the challenge of finding a balance between automation and the human touch. "At the end of the day," says Patrick, "clients still want to know there's a real person behind the scenes who cares about them."Rapid Fire Questions Segment: In a fun and fast-paced part of the episode, Heath puts Patrick in the hot seat with rapid-fire questions. Get ready for some hilarious and insightful moments as Patrick reveals:Favorite tech tool for improving customer service.Worst business advice he ever received.Favorite networking event (besides Indy Tech, of course!).Go-to grilling recipe—yes, there's a little cooking talk!And much more!Customer Service Tech Takeaways for Insurance Pros:Speed & Efficiency with Tech: Use technology to streamline repetitive tasks like policy changes, claims processing, and FAQs to free up more time for personalized client interactions.Human Touch: While automation is a game-changer, it's crucial to maintain a human connection for the moments that matter. Clients value tech for convenience but trust is built through real relationships.Data-Driven Personalization: Tools that provide data insights can help agents understand client preferences and needs, making their outreach and service more meaningful.Don't Miss:Laugh-out-loud moments from the rapid-fire segment.Patrick's take on the biggest customer service pitfalls and how to avoid them in today's tech-driven world.Takeaways for Insurance Professionals:Importance of attending industry events like Indy Tech to network and stay updated on new trends.How to stay agile and adaptive to change in a "wicked" industry.Strategies for staying connected with your professional network, even when you can't always meet in person.Don't Miss:Hilarious stories from the Indy Tech event that will keep you laughing.Patrick's take on how insurance professionals can thrive in today's rapidly evolving environment.Subscribe & Review:Don't forget to subscribe to Insurance Town on your fa