Podcasts about insurtech

 Join us as we dive into an insightful conversation with Peter Flynn, who leads the personal lines vertical in the Americas for Exceedance. Discover his journey from an underwriting trainee at Chubb to his current role, and learn about the innovative ways Exceedance is transforming the insurance industry.Peter's career path and experiences in the insurance industry The role of Exceedance in operationalizing insurance companies Insights on AI's impact on personal lines and customer service The evolving landscape of the E&S and MGA markets The importance of partnerships in the insurance ecosystemKey quotes "Exceedance does everything an insurance company does except for take risk and distribute products.""We tend to overestimate the impact of technology in the near term and underestimate it in the long term.""If I were to invest my capital in taking risks right now, I'd want to do it on an E&S basis.""I don't want to be called a vendor, I want to be a partner."Sponsors:Smart ChoiceCanopy ConnectOlde School Markting

Dave McClure, founder of Practical Venture Capital and co-founder of 500 Startups, dives deep into the growing role of secondaries in venture capital. Dave explains how today's longer startup cycles and liquidity droughts have created opportunities (and confusion) around secondary markets. He breaks down what secondaries actually are, how Practical VC operates, and key trends shaking up the system. With his trademark candor, Dave also shares hard truths for both founders and VCs navigating this next chapter of private markets.In this episode, you'll learn:[03:55] Dave's journey to becoming an investor[06:30] The early evolution of accelerators and why “lots of little bets” took off[09:50] How cloud, open source, and low CAC changed the startup funding game[12:49] Why startup liquidity timelines have doubled—and what that means for founders and LPs[14:56] What secondaries really are (hint: not just one thing)[19:31] Does venture's illiquidity attract the right kind of investors—or just the most patient?[22:06] The discipline of public markets vs. the opacity of private ones[26:37] What Practical VC looks for in a secondary opportunity (and the $50M–$100M revenue rule)[29:14] How Dave screens funds and companies for possible exits[33:37] What's exciting (and worrying) about secondaries, stablecoins, and emerging marketsThe nonprofit organization Dave is passionate about: New StoryAbout Dave McClureDave McClure is the founder of Practical Venture Capital, a firm focused on liquidity through venture secondaries. Previously, he co-founded 500 Startups, one of the world's most active early-stage venture funds. A PayPal alumni and self-described nerd turned investor, Dave has worked across engineering, marketing, and venture roles, investing in hundreds of startups globally. He's known for his honest insights and bold bets on opportunities before they're ‘cool'.About Practical Venture CapitalPractical Venture Capital is a Silicon Valley-based VC secondary firm providing liquidity to GPs, LPs, and founders through targeted secondary investments. Specializing in fund-level and company-level secondaries, Practical VC aims to shorten the venture capital time horizon by backing mature, revenue-generating companies with clear exit paths. The firm focuses on portfolios nearing liquidity and brings a flexible, creative approach to valuation, pricing, and structure.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

In this episode, Darren Bloomfield sits down with Shannon Spies, Technology Alliance Manager at Guidewire Software, to explore how Guidewire is reshaping the global P&C insurance ecosystem through strategic partnerships, digital transformation, and AI innovation. Shannon shares insights into the Insurtech Vanguard program—an incubator for startups driving real change in the industry—and explains how Guidewire connects carriers with validated, scalable solutions that reduce manual processes and accelerate underwriting and claims workflows. From tips for startups entering the space to the evolving role of AI, IoT, and telematics, this episode dives into what it takes to innovate in a risk-averse industry—and why collaboration is key.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.

What does it take to build an MGA that not only launches but lasts? Tim Quayle has spent the past decade answering that question, not in theory, but in practice. As CEO of OneAdvent, a London-based MGA incubator and service platform, he's helped launch and scale more than 15 underwriting businesses and seen plenty more that didn't make it. In this episode, Matthew Grant speaks to Tim about the real ingredients of MGA success. Not the glossy pitch-deck version, but the messy, pragmatic reality: why experience matters, what investors are really looking for, and how the market has matured in the last ten years since the “InsurTech” label first emerged. In this conversation, Tim shares: Why most early-stage MGAs underestimate how long things take and how much they'll cost What's changed in capacity and investment appetite, and why “grown-up plans” are now a must The risk of pushing too hard, too fast and how to preserve credibility with stakeholders Why deep insurance experience still outweighs tech fluency in this market The myth of radical disruption and why incremental improvement is the better bet How OneAdvent is investing in AI and data to better support underwriting teams across its platform We also explore broader themes: the shifting dynamics between MGAs and capacity providers, the evolution of embedded insurance, and why many promising innovations still struggle to gain traction in such a regulated, relationship-driven industry. You can join Tim Quayle in person at our upcoming MGA Half Day event on July 15th. Tim will be moderating a panel on the key ingredients for a winning MGA, alongside Adam Kembrooke, Founder and Managing Director, Amiga Specialty, Jacqui Ferrier, CEO, Carbon Underwriting and Tomos Ashfield, Chief Development Officer, The Ardonagh Group.  With only a few tickets left, sign up now to be able to join us for what is shaping up to be the biggest UK gathering focused entirely on the delegated authority market this year. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain why radical disruption often fails in insurance, and how incremental innovation leads to sustainable business growth. List the core capabilities MGAs need to present a “grown-up” proposition to capacity providers and investors. Identify the key components of a data-driven MGA operating model and how platforms like OneAdvent's OneView can support underwriting performance. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 362 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

n this week's visit to Insurance Town, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Spencer Witcher, a second-generation insurance pro who's doing big things with Smart Choice. We had a real talk about the challenges agents face in hard-to-place markets — and how finding the right partners can make all the difference.We peeled back the curtain on:What Smart Choice is doing to help agents thrive in California and other tough statesHow to write the business others shy away from — without jumping through hoopsWhy MGAs and non-traditional carriers might just be your new best friendsThe critical importance of relationships — not just for quoting, but for long-term successBuilding your book with depth, not just volumeWhether you're a seasoned agency owner or a producer looking to grow smarter, Spencer delivers actionable insights that'll challenge the way you think about growth  A big THANK YOU to the amazing folks who keep the lights on in Insurance Town:  Smart Choice – Helping agents grow their book without adding overhead  Canopy Connect – Making gathering client info as easy as pie  Olde School Marketing – Bringing you hand-written, high-touch prospecting that works Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review! New episodes drop weekly — straight from the heart of Insurance Town.

Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.In this special panel edition recorded at the InsureTech Insights 2025 the panel, including Cytora's Head of North America Zaheer Hooda, have a forward-looking conversation on the evolution of the industry from InsurTech 2.0 to 3.0.Joining him in the panel are Nicholas Chen (MD Financial Services, Accenture), Camilla Serna (Global Revenue Officer at Chubb), Ben Madick (CEO Co-founder of Matic) and Fred Blumer (CEO and Co-founder of Mile Auto & Porsche Auto Insurance). Together, they break down how AI, personalisation, and digital partnerships are reshaping the future of insurance delivery.From embedding trust in AI-driven workflows to aligning regulatory frameworks with innovation, this episode is packed with practical insights. Tune in for a candid discussion on what it takes to drive transformation, without losing sight of insurance's core promise: protection.To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

On the Insurance Coffee House podcast, host Nick Hoadley welcomes Curtis Goldsborough, President of National Insurance Inspection Services and the creative mind behind the popular LinkedIn persona LO$$ RATIO.Curtis shares his unconventional journey into insurance, from agency owner in rural Michigan to leading a nationwide inspection company and becoming a viral content creator in the industry. He talks about his transition from traditional field inspections to a tech-driven self-inspection platform and how this innovation is reshaping property underwriting across personal lines.Curtis breaks down how National Insurance Inspection Services delivers greater data accuracy and underwriting insights through nearly one million policyholder-completed inspections, helping carriers improve risk assessment, pricing precision, and loss ratios.He also dives into the origins of LO$$ RATIO, his alter ego and content platform that blends education and humor to highlight major industry challenges, from predictive prevention and self-inspection adoption to social inflation and attracting new talent into insurance.In the Espresso Round, Curtis offers powerful advice for insurance executives and rising professionals on building authentic personal brands on LinkedIn, why creativity is a differentiator, and how content done right—can drive real industry change.Connect with Curtis Goldsborough on LinkedIn and explore National Insurance Inspection Services to learn more about their underwriting 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.

In this episode of The Girl Dad Show, host Young Han sits down with Jamie Ahern, seasoned FinTech and InsurTech executive, founder, and proud dad. Jamie is the CEO of Parabolic Auto, a company transforming how auto dealerships sell finance and insurance products. From trading subprime mortgages at Citadel to leading roles at LearnVest, LiveWatch, and Kin Insurance, Jamie's career spans high-stakes finance, fast-paced startups, and now, fatherhood. He opens up about becoming a dad to his son Quinn, navigating the NICU experience, and finding connection in a new community. The conversation covers parenting in a multicultural household, managing mental health in a noisy world, and why presence and perspective define success both at home and at work. ✨ All episodes of The Girl Dad Show are proudly sponsored by Thesis, helping founders go further, together. Takeaways: Fatherhood has been a transformative experience for Jamie. Community and cultural identity play major roles in parenting. The NICU journey reshaped their appreciation for healthcare and support. Outdoor play, mental health, and family dynamics in a modern world. Redefining success through the lens of love and presence. Thanks for watching!

Innovating Health Insurance with Vita Virtues – An Interview with CEO Miro Fok | FS Brew PodcastJoin us on this episode of FS Brew, the Middle East's first podcast dedicated to the world of insurance and Insurtech in the UAE and broader Middle East. Hosts Vidya and Renjit welcome Miro Fok, the CEO and founder of Vita Virtues, a pioneering Insurtech firm specializing in digital health insurance solutions. Dive into Miro's entrepreneurial journey, inspired by his sales background and a unique vision to streamline the sales process for health insurance through innovative technology.Discover how Vita Virtues is revolutionizing the UAE health insurance market, the challenges Miro faced in its inception, and the unique advantages of launching such a startup in the region. Miro shares invaluable insights into the evolving healthcare sector, the impact of digital transformation, and the importance of staying agile in a rapidly changing market.The discussion also covers Vita Virtues' plans for international expansion, leveraging Gen AI for business optimization, and building scalable business models. Aspiring entrepreneurs will find Miro's advice on sales, delegation, and organic growth particularly enlightening.Tune in for a comprehensive look at the future of Insurtech, the critical trends shaping the industry, and practical tips for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape in the Middle East.#FSBrew #Insurtech #HealthInsurance #VitaVirtues #Entrepreneurship #UAE #DigitalTransformation #AI #Sales #StartupJourneyTimestamps00:00 Introduction to FS Brew00:30 Meet Miro: CEO and Founder of Vita Virtues01:06 The Inspiration Behind Vita Virtues03:59 Challenges and Trends in the UAE Health Insurance Market05:44 Vita Virtues' Products and Differentiation09:34 Sales Strategies and Business Metrics14:08 Advice for Aspiring Insurtech Entrepreneurs15:56 Funding and Growth Philosophy18:12 Careful Consideration of Funding18:33 Future of the Insurance Industry in the UAE19:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Insurers21:27 Company Goals for the Next 12–24 Months22:44 Embracing AI in Business24:31 Rapid Fire: Personal Interests and Hobbies30:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs35:23 Conclusion and FarewellRenjit Philip:Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I've got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you've liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats live in New York at Insurtech Insights with Peter Germanov and Michael Lebor, the CEO and president of Momentum by NowCerts.Tune into their candid conversation to dive into the stories that shaped who Peter and Michael are today and how they joined forces to create lasting momentum in Insurtech.Episode HighlightsSetting the scene at Insurtech Insights (00:40)Michael reminiscing on growing up in New York (1:29)Peter's relocation from Bulgaria to Canada to New England (5:03)From humble roots to humbling success (11:18)Stumbling into the software business (13:00)NowCerts becomes Momentum (15:03)Talking about TrustedChoice.com (15:38)Connecting the dots, bringing everything into one system (16:56)Making it easy for agents to do what they do (26:00)

In dieser Podcast-Folge haben wir mal wieder eine Gast-Host-Edition für Sie: Makler und Facebook-Gruppen-Betreiber Andreas Lohrenz spricht mit uns über den ersten Vermittlertag Niedersachsen, über „katastrophale“ Bearbeitungszeiten bei Versicherern, strauchelnde Insurtechs und fragwürdige Beratungstests der Bafin.

Think ChatGPT is just for writing emails? Think again. In this episode, Chris Green drops real-world prompts and jaw-dropping use cases that will make you rethink how you engage every prospect and client.Is AI just another shiny object… or the secret weapon your agency has been missing?In this high-energy episode of Insurance Town, the Flood Guru himself, Chris Green, steps into the Mayor's office and throws down example after example of how he's using ChatGPT right now to:✅ Personalize client interactions✅ improve your team's experience✅ build your own in house They ask you answer intranet ✅ Simplify complex insurance language ✅ Improve response times ✅ Drive more leads ✅ And yes… actually close more businessIf you've ever said, “I don't have time to figure out this AI stuff,” this is the episode you can't afford to skip. Chris lays out a playbook so practical, you'll be tempted to pause and try it mid-episode.

Tom Wilde of Indico Data, explains the industry's evolution from simply gathering and storing data to actually leveraging it for smarter decision-making. He describes the past decade's investments … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Highlight: How AI is Ushering in a New Era for Insurance appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Il Private Growth Equity è una asset class relativamente nuova ed emergente, complice unaserie di fattori, tra cui la maggiore maturità delle aziende che scelgono di fare una IPO.Questo concetto è meno famigliare rispetto al Private Equity e al Venture Capital, assai piùconosciuti da chi si occupa di startup e idee innovative. Abbiamo approfondito il tema conSilvia Conti, country head per l'Italia di Baillie Gifford.

Brian Frank, the founder and general partner at FTW Ventures, shares why he left his founder career to invest in startups solving real-world problems starting with the global food system. He explores the climate risks, supply chain fragility, and health challenges driving the need for innovation in food and agriculture. From AI and biotech to automation, Brian highlights where the biggest opportunities lie. He also offers candid advice for founders navigating slow-moving, regulation-heavy industries and calls for a more collaborative, mission-aligned approach to venture capital.In this episode, you'll learn:[03:35] How startup success as a student got Brian hooked on innovation early[05:54] Why Brian left startup life after seven companies to support founders solving global problems[09:18] The urgent reasons our food system needs reinvention—from climate to national security[12:33] FTW Ventures investment philosophy and focus areas[22:50] Hard truths for founders in food and agriculture[31:13] The story of a founder who proved his market, didn't wait for funding, and built trust[37:05] What needs to change in VC: stop party rounds, leave space for small funds, invest with purposeThe nonprofit organization Brian is passionate about: World Central KitchenAbout Brian FrankBrian Frank is the founder and general partner at FTW Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on technology solutions in food, agriculture, and health. A serial entrepreneur with a background in computer science and product development, Brian has launched and scaled seven startups. He brings that hands-on experience to founders tackling real-world challenges, backing science-backed and mission-driven companies that aim to improve life on the planet.About FTW VenturesFTW Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm investing in the future of food, agriculture, and human health. With a thesis grounded in problem-first investing, FTW backs early-stage startups applying biotechnology, artificial intelligence, automation, and sustainable systems to global challenges. Their portfolio includes companies advancing biomanufacturing, food-as-medicine, CRISPR-based crop innovation, and more—pursuing returns across people, planet, and profit. Companies in FTW's portfolio include Boston Bioprocess, ALTR, Sylvan Health, FreshFry, Izote Biosciences, Arise, Quorum Bio, Earthodic, Heritable, Brilliant Harvest, VoltAir, Geltor, Spoiler Alert, Plantible Foods, Galley, Phytoform, Nfinite Nanotech, Yali Bio, and Debut Biotechnology.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

On the Insurance Coffee House podcast, host Nick Hoadley welcomes Dan Lewis, Head of Network at Brightway Insurance, one of the fastest-growing personal lines agency networks in the U.S.Dan shares his two-decade journey across financial services and exclusive agency leadership at Farmers Insurance, where he led strategic distribution across multiple U.S. territories. He explains why he made the leap to Brightway, driven by a belief in the future of the independent agency channel and a desire to empower entrepreneurs at scale.At Brightway, Dan is helping to reshape agency ownership by combining franchise support, centralized service, and proprietary technology to enable owners to grow faster than ever before. He highlights how Brightway offers five core pillars: a trusted brand, robust carrier access, full-service customer support, advanced tech through its Fusion platform, and a vibrant agent community.He also shares the company's focus on scaling through real estate and lender referral networks, and how Brightway's unique in-house recruiting and producer training programs help new franchisees build high-performing teams from day one.For insurance professionals ready to explore ownership or transition from captive to independent, Dan offers actionable advice on mindset, hiring, and how to assess your fit with Brightway's scalable, support-driven model.Connect with Dan Lewis on LinkedIn or visit Brightway Insurance to learn more.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.

Episode Info Over the last decade, the insurtech landscape has rapidly evolved, transitioning from a space dominated by startups innovating at the fringes to becoming a thriving industry amassing huge investment and innovation. But how did we get here, and more importantly, where do they go next? Hippo CEO, Rick McCathron, joins Bryan Falchuk for this conversion, titled, "A Decade of Insurtech: From Startup to Success Story in 10 Years," recorded live from the main stage of ITI NYC 2025. Rick reflects on a decade of progress at Hippo, exploriing the strategies that have propelled insurtechs from industry disruptors to established market players, offering insights into what it takes to scale, sustain growth, and maintain operational excellence. Episode Summary This episode provides insights into effective sales and networking strategies for those selling to insurance companies. It challenges conventional sales tactics and emphasizes the importance of personalized and informed approaches. Industry Challenges and Adaptation Rick emphasizes the dynamic nature of the business world, noting that successful companies are those that can pivot and adapt quickly to new learnings, data, and shifts in consumer appetites. He shares insights on the importance of making decisions with imperfect information and the need to adjust those decisions as more information becomes available. Financial Performance and Future Outlook Hippo has successfully met and exceeded its financial metrics, and Rick expresses confidence in the company's ability to continue this trend. He mentions an upcoming presentation to the investment community to outline their future plans. Customer Experience and Industry Transformation The discussion touches on the need for the insurance industry to improve customer experience, drawing parallels to Amazon's customer-centric approach. Despite progress, Rick believes there is still room for improvement. Transparency and Management Rick highlights the importance of transparency and ownership in management, acknowledging past mistakes and the need for change. He credits Hippo's management team for their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Collaboration and Industry Opportunities The conversation also covers the need for collaboration within the industry, emphasizing that there is ample opportunity for different companies to succeed without a winner-takes-all mentality. OverallThe interview provides a comprehensive look at Hippo Insurance's strategies, challenges, and future plans, along with broader insights into the insurance industry's evolution. This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

As we work together to drive innovation in Aviation Insurance, the rapid evolution of AI can often feel overwhelming—each week seemingly generating more questions than answers. In this episode, Art, Danny, and I begin to peel back the layers of the AI onion. Our conversation reflects the questions, concerns, and aspirations we regularly hear from colleagues across the industry. This is the first in a series of discussions dedicated to AI's impact on aviation and insurance. We invite you to join us as we explore the tough questions many of us are grappling with—and share ideas on how these powerful technologies can truly empower our businesses. We'd love to hear from you. Share your questions, thoughts, and insights in the comments below, and we'll do our best to address them in future episodes. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to AI's industry impact 01:17 – Meet the guests: Danny Maco & Art Jimenez 03:30 – How AI is already being used in aviation insurance 04:45 – High-impact applications: time savings and process optimization 07:04 – Is AI optional? Why falling behind is risky 11:00 – Which industry roles will benefit the most 13:45 – Augmented Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence 16:00 – Brokers vs. carriers: speed, agility, and data challenges 18:00 – Market disruption from nimble MGAs using AI 20:45 – Underwriting is most susceptible to AI disruption 23:00 – Legal advantages: how AI might benefit policyholders in large claims 24:52 – Real-world examples of startups and agentic flow 29:22 – Combining CRM, telephony, and AI for better service 31:00 – Challenges: regulation, IP, data architecture & agent control 35:30 – Final thoughts from Art and Danny 38:17 – AI or Die: Wrapping up the message for the future

In this epsisode of Insurance Town the mayor sits down with two of his favorite people Jessica Holder and Keenan Rice on a previously recorded episode of the VIP Podcast. I am so impressed with these two, their marriage, parenting, agency, etc  this forward-thinking power couple are continuing to rise above and face various challenges head on. Jessica and Keenan have such an amazing balance at home and at the office. They have a great balance of community involvement and innovative technology at their fingertips, and lastly, they have a great balance of work and fun in their agency. We talk about:The delicate balance of marriage and co-ownership of a growing agencyHow human touch and community involvement is possible with the right technology in your agencyHow the emphases on educating their community on the intricacies of insurance is so valuable to their growthTheir powerful message of staying true to yourself and not sacrificing authenticity Get ready to be inspired and educated by this episode. It's a good thing there is a rewind button, this one is full of impactful moments.A special shout out to Vertafore for letting me reuse this episode : vertafore.com  A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

On this episode of The Insurance Coffee House, host Nick Hoadley welcomes Paige Maissonet, Chief People Officer at Newfront Insurance, to discuss her journey from HR generalist to CPO and how she's helped shape one of the most forward-thinking cultures in insurance today.Paige shares her experience leading people strategy through massive growth, scaling Newfront from 150 to 800+ employees, and the company's bold mission to modernize insurance through technology without losing its human touch.She explains how a values-driven culture, DEI commitment, and team empowerment have become Newfront's competitive advantage. From custom tech platforms to employee ownership, Paige reveals how Newfront creates high-performance teams that care deeply about outcomes, and each other.Whether you're leading people, hiring, or considering a move into InsurTech, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to grow with purpose, build inclusive teams, and stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.Connect with Paige on LinkedIn, or visit Newfront to learn more. 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.

While automation can dramatically boost productivity in insurance operations, it shouldn't come at the expense of human oversight. Michael Parcelli of Xceedance recommends a balanced approach—using technology to … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Highlight: How Can Insurers Balance Automation with the Human Touch? appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

At its best, insurance is about clarity in uncertain times. Pricing that reflects reality. Promises that hold up when things go wrong.  In this episode, I speak with Todd Rissel, CEO and co-founder of e2Value, an independent company that has spent the last 25 years helping insurers and homeowners understand the real cost of rebuilding property, and the wider economic forces shaping those numbers. Todd brings both practical insight and long-term perspective. Our conversation begins with a simple observation: 2024 was a rare profitable year for home insurance in Florida. But Todd quickly places that in context, explaining why a single good year doesn't undo a decade of structural challenges and why insurers need to think in five-year cycles, not one. In this conversation Todd touches on: Why rising tariffs and global uncertainty haven't yet impacted replacement costs but might soon What the “small losses” teach us about insurer performance, far more than catastrophic ones The challenges of modeling severe convective storms, and why not everything can, or should, be reduced to a model The limits of funding-driven innovation in InsurTech, and the long-term discipline it takes to survive without external capital The launch of e2Value's new Structure Insurance Score, developed in partnership with WTW, and what it tells us about using AI responsibly in underwriting Along the way, we talk about barnominiums, regulatory experiments in Louisiana and the difference between forward-looking valuation and backward-looking pricing. Todd's perspective is shaped not just by data, but by experience. He's someone who believes in the purpose of insurance, but also understands the commercial pressures it faces. And he makes a compelling case that good data, applied thoughtfully, is still the foundation for everything this industry does well. If you're interested in where insurance pricing, risk and property data are heading next - or just want to hear from someone who's spent decades building quietly essential infrastructure, this is a conversation worth your time. If you like what you're hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Will Bonner on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain how the Structure Insurance Score, developed by e2Value and WTW, contributes to more granular underwriting of structural risk. Identify the regulatory challenges arising from policyholder-directed valuations in certain U.S. states, such as Louisiana. Specify the data considerations required to apply AI effectively in insurance valuation and pricing. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 359 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

In an evolving digital landscape, insurers face a key decision: should they build technology in-house, partner with InsurTechs, or pursue a hybrid model? John Spottiswood of Jerry suggests … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Highlight: How Insurers Should Decide Their Tech Strategy appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Many legacy insurance systems are still stuck in the early 2000s, running outdated, on-premises technology like AS/400s that demand constant maintenance and distract insurers from what really matters—risk, … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Highlight: Are You Still Talking About Servers? appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Geoff Ralston, founder of SAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund), and former President of Y Combinator, shares his vision for building a safer AI future. Geoff discusses the risks and promise of AI as a force beyond traditional tools, posing AI as a set of entities that will reshape the way we work, live, and relate to each other. He talks about biosafety, interpretability, and misinformation as key focus areas for innovation. Geoff also shares advice for founders navigating this fast-evolving landscape and reflects on how thoughtful investment today can shape the future of humanity.In this episode, you'll learn:[02:05] Why Geoff believes AI is not ‘just' a tool but a cognitive force reshaping humanity[06:29] The subtle but profound difference between tools and intelligent agents[13:56] Who wins and who loses in an AI-driven future, and what roles must investors play?[20:36] Can we still design a utopian future with AI?[24:06] The types of founders Geoff wants to back through SAIF[26:30] Why mission-aligned safety startups still need product-market fit[28:46] What happens when AI does everything—and what humans will still choose to doThe nonprofit organization Geoff is passionate about: AI Venture LabAbout Geoff RalstonGeoff Ralston is the founder of SAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund) and former President of Y Combinator. A longtime startup investor, entrepreneur, and thought leader, Geoff previously founded Imagine K12, an edtech accelerator later merged with YC. With decades of experience launching and scaling category-defining startups, Geoff now focuses on funding companies that ensure AI becomes a force for good, addressing challenges around safety, security, and the future of human work.About SAIFSAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund) is a venture capital firm dedicated to building a safer future with AI. Founded by Geoff Ralston, SAIF invests in startups focused on AI safety, biosafety, interpretability, and information integrity. The firm supports mission-driven founders creating scalable solutions to counteract risks and ensure that AI technologies empower rather than endanger society.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

On the Insurance Coffee House podcast, host Nick Hoadley welcomes Adrian Copland, Chief Operating Officer of Ledgebrook, a rapidly scaling, tech-enabled specialty MGA in the U.S. ENS market.Adrian shares his journey from consulting and operational leadership at Catlin and AXA XL to co-founding Ledgebrook alongside Gage Caligaris, an actuary with bold ambitions to rebuild insurance from the ground up.He explains how Ledgebrook is reimagining broker service and underwriter enablement by combining deep insurance expertise with scalable technology. With over 100 employees globally and three core products: General Liability, Professional Lines, and Unsupported Excess. Adrian outlines how the MGA is using AI and internal systems to serve brokers faster, without forcing them to change their buying habits.He also discusses the company's unique remote-first, no-bonus culture, its commitment to continuous learning, and why Ledgebrook is attracting top talent who want to help build something meaningful.For insurance professionals considering a move into InsurTech, Adrian shares what qualities make someone a great fit for startups and how to assess your own readiness to make the leap.Connect with Adrian on LinkedIn or explore opportunities at Ledgebrook.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.

As digital transformation accelerates, insurers find themselves under siege — not just from hackers, but from shifting climate and property risk realities. In this episode inspired by the artcile titled — Insurance industry cybersecurity: Safeguarding insurance and fintech, we examine the latest cybersecurity threats facing the insurance and fintech sectors, from ransomware to third-party vulnerabilities, and explore how firms are defending themselves with AI, cloud platforms, and strategic policies. We also delve into the evolving property risk landscape, where increasingly frequent secondary perils — like hail, wildfire, and inland flooding — are forcing a rethinking of traditional underwriting models. Backed by research and market data, this deep dive offers a timely look at how insurers are investing, adapting, and collaborating to stay resilient in the face of compounded risk.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why the insurance industry is a prime cyberattack targetThe role of third-party vendors in 59% of data breachesHow ransomware has become the dominant threatWhat cybersecurity investments and strategies are gaining tractionHow catastrophic events are hitting new regions in unpredictable waysWhy “secondary perils” are becoming major cost driversHow excess & surplus (E&S) markets are reshaping risk coverageThe importance of valuation tools, roof scores, and broker-carrier collaborationKey Takeaways:Insurance firms face an average of 1,000 cyberattacks per week — with ransomware and third-party breaches leading the chargeAI, biometrics, and cloud-native security are becoming standard in multi-layered defense systemsA quarter of firms studied had unsatisfactory cybersecurity postures despite industry awarenessProperty risk is shifting due to more frequent and severe secondary perils in unexpected locationsStrategic underwriting, data accuracy, and consistent carrier relationships are now core to managing volatilitySubscribe to our podcast for expert insights on fintech, cybersecurity, and digital risk management. Visit The Future of Commerce for the latest research on how industries are adapting to evolving digital and environmental risks. Share this episode with insurance professionals, fintech leaders, and anyone navigating today's risk landscape.

In this latest episode of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, we reconnect with Tony Triola, Head of Ecosystem & Partnerships at Verisk. Joining us for the fourth time, Tony shares pivotal insights on the growth of claims processes and ecosystem integration. Discover how Verisk is redefining the insurance landscape by streamlining integrations and facilitating innovation across the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of Insuretech and data-driven solutions. Key Highlights: Introduction of Verisk's extensive role in global insurance data and analytics. Tony Triola discusses the transformation from claims automation to ecosystem-driven solutions. Insights into Verisk's open ecosystem strategy, promoting connectivity and integration across various technologies. Exploration of how Verisk is standardizing integration processes for startups and established companies alike. Discussion on the significant role of AI in shaping future claims processes and ecosystem connectivity. Quotes: "We have never been closed, but until about a year and a half ago, we didn't prioritize opening." - Tony Triola "It all starts with making sure the process is better, faster, and more efficient." - Tony Triola "If you really think about it, we don't have a solutions problem. We have a connectivity problem." - Tony Triola

In this episode of Insurance Town, host and Mayor, Heath engages with Allen Hudson at the PIA Virginia DC Conference. They discuss the critical importance of information sharing in the insurance industry, especially for independent agents. The conversation highlights the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing efficiency and specialization within agencies. Allen shares insights on the resurgence of independent agents and the necessity of niche specialization to compete in a changing market. The episode concludes with advice for both new and seasoned agents on how to adapt and thrive in the evolving insurance landscape.takeawaysInformation sharing is essential for independent agencies.AI can streamline processes and improve efficiency.Niche specialization helps agencies stand out in the market.Independent agents are seeing a resurgence in demand.Proactive communication with carriers fosters better partnerships.Understanding carrier appetites is crucial for success.Technology can significantly enhance agency operations.Specialization allows for better training and support for staff.The insurance market is evolving, requiring adaptability.Building relationships with carriers can lead to better opportunities.Chapters00:00Welcome to Insurance Town02:123 people you would invite to your block party dead or alive?03:53what peice of tech could you not live without?4:45The Importance of Information Sharing5:00Embracing Technology in Insurance05:14Niche Specialization in Insurance12:25The Resurgence of Independent Agents14:26Advice for New and Existing Agents20:25Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Partnerships between InsurTechs and traditional insurers are becoming essential to modernizing the industry. These collaborations help streamline processes through AI, improve agility in response to market and climate … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Highlight: How Is InsurTech-Insurer Collabs Shaping Insurance? appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers welcomes Brett Fulmer, principal of Newport Beach Insurance Center, for a dynamic conversation packed with insights on insurance, career growth, and community building. Brett shares his unique journey in insurance, his passion for innovation, and how he balances multiple roles with energy and focus. David and Brett discuss everything from navigating the evolving insurance market, the importance of value-added service, to the role of technology and AI in transforming agency workflows. They also dive into the power of the community within the industry, sharing stories of mentorship, peer support, and how brokers can thrive in a competitive environment. Key Highlights: Brett's Insurance Journey Brett reflects on how a background in office relocation sales unexpectedly led him to insurance, highlighting the transferable skills and the unique “happy accident” that shaped his career path. The Value of Sales and Service The conversation covers the delicate balance between sales, relationship building, and genuine value addition, emphasizing why insurance is more than just a commodity. Building Community and Peer Support Brett shares how his group, Broker Brews, fosters connection and collaboration among agents, turning networking into meaningful relationships that extend beyond business. Tech and Innovation in Insurance Both David and Brett explore the impact of AI and insuretech, discussing practical tools that streamline policy review and compliance while freeing up account managers to focus on client relationships. Market Trends and Challenges Insights into Florida's market conditions, the hard and soft markets, and how producers can position themselves strategically in a shifting landscape. Work-Life Balance and Family Brett opens up about balancing his busy career with family life, including preparing for a new addition and working alongside his children in the insurance business. Connect with: David Carothers LinkedIn Brett Fulmer LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Newport Beach Insurance Center LLC Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes

Bhaskar serves as a Principal Technology Evangelist on Guidewire's Global Technology Alliances and Marketplace team. In his role, he works with solution, technology, and systems integration partners to develop technical integration strategies and promote Guidewire's cloud platform. He's also a passionate supporter of the Guidewire Insurtech Vanguard program, which helps insurers discover innovative InsurTechs. Bhaskar brings a unique blend of P&C insurance domain expertise, technical background, and deep knowledge of the Guidewire ecosystem. His experience spans enterprise software development, technology consulting, product management, and implementation projects. In this episode of In the Know, Chris Hampshire and Bhaskar dive into all things insurtech and its impact on the insurance industry, strategies for approaching legacy technology challenges, the possibilities of AI, and what the transformed future of the insurance industry could look like.   Key Takeaways Bhaskar's decision to marry the industry and date the technology. At Guidewire, Bhaskar's work impacts the entire industry ecosystem. The current state and impact of insurtech. Strategies for approaching legacy technology challenges. The state of acceptance of cloud technology. Addressing integration concerns for optimal upgrade success. Short- and long-term impacts of AI in the insurance industry. A look at the entirely transformed five-year future of the industry. Bhaskar's broader-thinking advice to his early career self.   Special thank you to Guidewire, one of the CPCU Society's annual partners, for their generous support and for sponsoring this episode of In the Know.   In the Know podcast theme music written and performed by James Jones, CPCU, and Kole Shuda of the band If-Then.   To learn more about the CPCU Society, its membership, and educational offerings, tools, and programs, please visit CPCUSociety.org.   Follow the CPCU Society on social media: X (Twitter): @CPCUSociety Facebook: @CPCUSociety LinkedIn: @The Institutes CPCU Society Instagram: @the_cpcu_society   Quotes “I made the decision to marry the industry and date the technology.”  “We have a responsibility to lead, but we also have a responsibility to lift.”  “Insurtech has changed the insurance world, but not in the way that everyone thought previously.” “Insurtech is more of a maturing system than a disruptor.” “The insurtech space has transformed the industry's digital transformation.” “If you want to easily upgrade, embrace cloud.” “AI is going to fundamentally change the insurance model.”  

In this insightful discussion with summit host and Deputy Editor of Carrier Management Elizabeth Blosfield, Alexis Vaughn of Off Course Consulting, highlights the key barriers insurers face when … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Highlight: What's Holding Insurers Back from Tech Adoption? appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

In dieser Episode werfen wir einen spannenden Blick hinter die Kulissen der Insurtech-Szene – mit besonderem Fokus auf Adam Riese. Julius Kretz hat die beiden Geschäftsführer Julian Grauer und Sven Tippelt zu Gast, um herauszufinden, wie sich Adam Riese trotz der aktuellen Herausforderungen am Markt – Stichwort: die Insolvenz von ELEMENT – behauptet und sogar als Erfolgsbeispiel hervorsticht.Gemeinsam gehen wir der Frage nach, was Adam Riese konkret anders macht als andere Insurtechs: Vom innovativen „Versicherung-im-Schuhkarton“-Konzept, ihren digitalen End-to-End-Prozessen bis hin zur engen Verbindung mit dem Mutterkonzern Württembergische Versicherung wird deutlich, wie wichtig eine klare Positionierung, Prozessexzellenz und ein kompromissloser Kundenfokus sind. Dabei bleibt es nicht nur bei der Theorie: Julian und Sven geben persönliche Einblicke in ihren Arbeitsalltag, ihre Zusammenarbeit als „zwei Kapitäne auf einem Schiff“ und wie ihr Unternehmen Digitalisierung und Automatisierung tatsächlich zum Vorteil von Maklern und Endkunden einsetzt.Auch aktuelle Branchentrends kommen zur Sprache – etwa die zunehmende Bedeutung von Künstlicher Intelligenz und Kooperationen mit anderen Tech-Unternehmen, um innovative Lösungen schneller an den Markt zu bringen. Und für alle Adam Riese-Fans gibt's on top noch einen Einblick in ihren neuen Insta-Kanal und die legendären Adam-Riese-Badeschlappen.Freut euch auf authentische Geschichten, Anekdoten aus der Praxis und wertvolle Anregungen für alle, die die Zukunft der Versicherungsbranche mitgestalten wollen – oder einfach neugierig sind, wie Versicherung auf der „grünen Wiese“ heute schon funktionieren kann. Viel Spaß beim Zuhören!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.

In this weeks episode the mayor sits down with his good friend and 2nd tine guest in Insurance Town. Only this time These two are live in The Home of Elvis Presley!The mayor simply asked Marcus what have you learned about the insurance industry of the last year and some of the answers he gave to us blew my mind. Cause he's working and Consulting with insurance agencies and said he talks about:Insurance agencies don't treat themselves like professionals and how they can do that betterThe importance of AI, data, and automation is for your businessThis man is so inspirational so much fun you gotta check this one out. It's short sweet.“The enemy of great is not bad it's good.” Sponsors Smart Choice Agents Canopy Connect

The future of collaboration between insurers and InsurTech providers hinges on the rise of agentic AI—systems of generative AI bots that work together to complete complex tasks without … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Highlight: Is Your Insurance Tech Stack Ready for the Agentic AI Revolution? appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

In the second episode of the insurance wrap-up, the focus is on key insights from the 2025 InsurTech Summit, which showcased notable guests and discussions. Margo Giles highlights … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Wrap-Up: Overcoming Legacy Systems, AI and Industry Transformation appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

In the second episode of the insurance wrap-up, the focus is on key insights from the 2025 InsurTech Summit, which showcased notable guests and discussions. Margo Giles highlights … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Wrap-Up: Overcoming Legacy Systems, AI and Industry Transformation appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

On the "Insurance Coffee House" podcast, host Nick Hoadley welcomes Joe Emison, the Co-Founder and CTO of Branch Insurance.Joe shares his unconventional journey from aspiring lawyer to serial tech entrepreneur, building six companies across industries before co-founding Branch, a full-stack carrier using cloud-native infrastructure to simplify personal lines insurance.He explains how Branch is tackling inefficiency in the home and auto markets by focusing on embedded distribution rather than traditional advertising-heavy acquisition strategies. Joe discusses how the company has built a lean, remote-first tech team, using junior talent trained in-house and modern tools to ship faster, reduce costs, and stay agile.Joe also explores the metrics that matter when building high-performing tech teams and shares practical advice for insurance leaders looking to work with, or invest in, insuretechs. His passion for growth, talent development, and cultural alignment offers a fresh take on what it means to build and lead in insurance today.Connect with Joe Emison on LinkedIn or learn more at Branch 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 conversation, Scott Seaman of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, emphasizes that while legal risks around AI in insurance do exist, the bigger issue is ensuring that insurers … Read More » The post InsurTech Summit 2025 Highlight: Are Insurers Ready to Lead — or Be Led — by AI? appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

This episode was recorded live from Memphis Tennessee at Graceland, Home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. From the PIA of Arkansas annual convention, the Mayor got to sit down with long time friend Courtney Fenske to talk about her life from Account Manager to successful Territory Manager at Accuity. She is such a value add to not only her agents but also this industry earning her multiple awards over the past few years and the respect of so many. Check out this amazing conversation and hear more from her journeys in Arkansas. Sponsored by :Smart Choice Agents - Canopy Connect - Olde Schoool Marketing And watch it on Youtube as well. 

Interview with Craig Foster, Founder & CEO of Ondo InsurTechRecording date: 15th May 2025Ondo InsurTech PLC is emerging as a leader in the insurtech sector with its proprietary water leak detection system, LeakBot. The company is addressing one of the home insurance industry's most significant challenges – water damage, which represents a $17 billion annual claims burden in the US alone with an average claim of $14,000.The LeakBot technology utilizes a patented temperature differential monitoring system that homeowners can easily install by clipping it to their main water pipe. The device measures the temperature of the incoming water pipe and compares it to the ambient temperature. When water isn't being used, these temperatures should equalize; a continuous differential indicates a leak. The system can detect leaks as small as 5 milliliters per minute without requiring professional installation.Insurance companies pay Ondo approximately $5 per month per customer for this service, which includes the hardware, software, and any plumber visits required to find and fix detected leaks. With water damage claims costing insurers about $220 per policy annually, the $60 yearly investment offers a compelling return on investment.The company has achieved significant market penetration with deployments in 151,000 homes and partnerships with 24 insurance companies globally. Ondo reported revenue of nearly £4 million for the fiscal year ending March, with annualized contracted recurring revenue approaching £6 million. Growth is particularly strong in the US market at 400% year-on-year.Ondo's financial trajectory shows a clear path to profitability, with expectations to reach EBITDA-positive trading by the end of the current fiscal year. The business model is designed for improving margins, starting with single-digit P&L margins in the first year but growing to 70-80% in subsequent years.With high customer satisfaction (80+ Net Promoter Score), strong insurance partner retention (100%), and an addressable market of 13-14 million potential customer homes through existing partners alone, Ondo InsurTech is well-positioned in the growing field of preventative insurance technology.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

On the "Insurance Coffee House" podcast, host Nick Hoadley welcomes Michael Fiedel, the Co-Founder and CEO of PolicyFly.Michael shares his unique journey from advertising sales and digital product studios to leading one of the most innovative insuretech companies in the specialty insurance space.He explains how a project with a niche MGA in musical instrument insurance became the foundation for PolicyFly a modern policy management platform enabling end-to-end automation for MGAs and carriers. Starting with just one underwriter, the program grew 500% thanks to the technology his team built, highlighting the transformative impact of digital infrastructure in specialty lines.Michael discusses how PolicyFly empowers small teams to manage entire product lines online, from quote to bind to ongoing policy management, all from one platform. He shares how the company is supporting UK-based underwriters to grow US portfolios remotely, and how this distributed, tech-enabled model is helping reshape the future of underwriting.He also dives into his role as Co-Founder of Scout InsureTech, an initiative spotlighting and supporting emerging insuretechs across the US and beyond. Michael outlines how Scout bridges the gap between early-stage startups and carriers/brokers by profiling innovative companies and helping buyers cut through the noise.With a passion for team building, Michael emphasises the importance of deep ownership, experimentation, and network building for those considering a move from traditional insurance roles into startups. He shares his goal of creating lasting financial success not just for himself, but for his entire team.Michael also offers practical career advice to insurance professionals eager to make the jump into insuretech: start by talking to a founder, build genuine relationships, and don't wait to grow your network.Connect with Michael Fidale on LinkedIn or learn more at PolicyFly and Scout InsureTech.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.

Episode Info The Insurance Industry is facing a number of challenges today. And yet the number of strategies tools we can use to overcome those challenges is equally numerous. That's the spirit of the conversations my good friend Nick Lamparelli and I get into whenever we talk, and now, you get to hear what we talk about because we got together to take over Dave Wechsler's InsurTech Rap a couple of weeks ago, and I am releasing that episode on my show for all of you! Highlights from the Show The interview delves into the current challenges and innovations within the insurance market, focusing on the years 2023 and 2024. Key issues discussed include the impact of inflation, tariffs, and natural catastrophes on the industry. The conversation highlights the structural changes in the market, particularly the broken cycle of rate adjustments post-crises, and the ongoing struggle to balance profitability with affordability for both carriers and consumers. Regulatory challenges, such as difficulties in obtaining rate approvals, are examined, alongside the industry's frustration with continuous rate increases. The discussion also explores innovative solutions like parametric insurance, which offers a viable alternative to traditional models, and emphasizes the importance of diversification in business models, especially for mutual insurers. The interview touches on the economic effects of tariffs on trade flow and currency attractiveness, as well as the long-term cost of capital. Audience interaction enriches the conversation, providing additional insights into market challenges and potential solutions. The session concludes with gratitude towards participants and a teaser for future discussions on community-based insurance solutions. Key Points: Market Dynamics and Challenges: The conversation explores the structural changes in the insurance market, emphasizing the broken cycle of rate adjustments following crises. Challenges in finding a balance between profitability and affordability for carriers and consumers are highlighted. Regulatory and Rate Issues: The difficulty in obtaining rate approvals and the impact of regulatory actions on market dynamics are discussed. The conversation touches on the frustration within the industry regarding continuous rate increases and the need for alternative solutions. Parametric Insurance Solutions: The rise of parametric insurance as a viable alternative to traditional models is explored, noting its benefits and cost implications. Diversification and Innovation: The importance of diversification in business models, especially for long-standing mutual insurers, is emphasized. The potential for creative solutions like reciprocal models and community-based insurance solutions is discussed. Impact of Tariffs and Economic Factors: The conversation delves into the effects of tariffs on trade flow, currency attractiveness, and the long-term cost of capital. This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

In this engaging live podcast episode from Memphis, Heath Sheeran and Riley Talbot discuss a variety of topics ranging from music and culture to the intricacies of the insurance industry. Riley shares his journey from a college athlete to a successful insurance professional, emphasizing the importance of technology and human interaction in the field. The conversation also touches on the challenges of building a business from scratch and offers valuable advice for agents and carriers navigating the evolving landscape of insurance.Building a business from scratch requires a clear vision and adaptability.Technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction in insurance.Long-term sustainability is key for both agents and insurers.A balance between technology and personal touch is essential for growth.Riley emphasizes the importance of real-time data in decision-making.The insurance industry is evolving, and staying ahead requires innovation.Personal interests, like music and food, can enrich professional conversations.Chapters00:00Welcome to Insurance Town02:03Exploring Music and Culture04:54Riley's Journey in Insurance09:56Building a Business from Scratch12:52The Role of Technology in Insurance20:08Advice for Agents and Carriers22:50Fun and Personal Insights

On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ron Rock, Managing Director for the Financial Services Sector at JobsOhio. When you think "FinTech hub," your mind might automatically jump to Silicon Valley or New York. But there’s a powerhouse in the heartland that's giving these coastal giants a run for their money: Ohio. In our conversation today, we'll unpack why Ohio – a state that puts you within a two-hour flight of 75% of the U.S. and Canadian financial services industry – might just be the strategic move your startup needs to make. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ohio has the 4th largest financial services economy in the US, so if you’re looking for partnerships, the market, people that’ll have a conversation with you, the operating costs will be a lot less than they are on the coasts in New York and California. If you’re a graduate in IT thinking about going into an IT profession, maybe it’s time to think about financial services. If you can do that kind of developing, programming or coding there’s a lot of opportunity in InsurTech and FinTech. There are a few different pillars you have to have for growth. The first is the economy in the state, which we do. Then, you have to have the ecosystem of players – the investors, large companies, startups that have found footing, and then the talent in that ecosystem has to be there as well. When we look at the talent that needs to fill the jobs of the future in financial services, we have to make sure the curriculums are up to par, including AI and low-code environments. We’re not a one-size-fits-all, we have programmes that didn’t fit earlier stage companies. We looked at that and how we could support formally and informally and now we have 3 innovation across the state. These give support whether that’s proximity to other innovators to incentives like JobsOhio growth Cap to support earlier state companies. BEST MOMENTS ‘London and Mid-Western states have similar mentalities with amicable relationships. We find a way to make something happen.’ ‘Startups have found footing in Ohio because of the climate we’re in, we don’t have large catastrophes or losses, so if you’re testing a new product or company you have that in your favour.’ ‘Ohio is a microcosm of a larger market, almost like a sandbox in which you can pay before you launch.’ ‘I call myself a connector, or facilitator, it’s the core of my job. I have to know the industry but I’ll never get deep into knowing exactly what the industry is doing. So I stay in my lane and make connections to the right individuals, listen to companies, and introduce people.’ ABOUT THE GUEST Ron Rock is a forward-thinking business management executive and Managing Director of JobsOhio’s Financial Services Sector. With over two decades of experience spanning financial services, insurance, economic development, and process improvement, Ron is renowned for creating and executing strategic growth plans that boost market share, elevate customer loyalty, and broaden service offerings. A dynamic leader, innovator, strategist, and connector, Ron bridges the gap between traditional institutions and emerging technology ventures. He regularly partners with founders, investors, and corporate stakeholders to identify opportunities for expansion into Ohio—home to the nation’s fourth-largest financial services economy. Under Ron’s guidance, JobsOhio provides tailored incentives and support, empowering promising fintech and insurtech startups to flourish while meeting the needs of major banks and insurers throughout the state. Known for his collaborative style and commitment to continuous innovation, Ron’s work centers on connecting bright ideas with meaningful partnerships, ultimately creating jobs and sparking economic growth. His deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with his emphasis on data-driven strategy, has positioned him at the forefront of Ohio’s rise as a nationwide hub for financial technology and insurance innovation. LinkedIn 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/

Guest Bio This episode featured the co-founders of a first-of-its-kind fertility insurance solution called Flora Fertility. Dr. Christy Lane, President and Co-Founder Dr. Christy Lane is global leader of InsurTech, an investor, founder and award-winning health scientist with expertise in AI, digital health, and wearable devices. Dr. Lane is the Co-Founder of Flora Fertility, the Stanford Wearable Health Lab, as well as Founder and former CEO of Vivametrica. Dr. Lane is also a Venture Partner with IA Capital, an InsurTech/fintech venture firm in New York. Dr. Lane has built her career in women's health research since the 90's, and is blazing a new path forward to combine critical components of wearable tech to help inform insurance policy to make fertility treatments more accessible. As a mom of 3, Dr. Lane has gone through IVF herself and deeply understands the emotional and financial challenges of treatment. She has been recognized as Top 40 Under 40 in Calgary, Female Founders of Insuretech Winner and Top 20 Women in Tech. Laura McDonald, CEO and Co-Founder Laura McDonald is the Co-Founder of Flora Fertility, the first individually-owned insurance solution for fertility and women's health. She formerly founded, scaled, and sold Canada's largest financial media company focused on women and wealth and is passionate about educating women about financial freedom and helping them achieve those goals. She has guided product wholesaling for a major insurance company and helped scale a DTC AI model in the e-commerce space to have global market adoption across 100+ countries. She is a mother of four and the author of two best-selling personal finance books and a former media personality in the financial sector.  Highlights from the Show The interview discusses the innovative approach of Flora Fertility, a company co-founded by Christy Lane and Laura McDonald. The company focuses on providing individually owned private insurance coverage for fertility, aiming to address the high demand and financial burden associated with fertility treatments. The discussion highlights the prevalence of fertility issues, with statistics indicating that one in six people may require fertility treatment, a figure recognized by the World Health Organization as a global health issue in 2023. Flora Fertility's insurance product is designed to be accessible and affordable, targeting women aged 20 to 34 with policies ranging from $15 to $70 per month, offering up to $50,000 in coverage for fertility treatments. The founders emphasize the importance of community and education, aiming to create a supportive environment for policyholders that includes perks, benefits, and educational resources. The episode also touches on the broader implications of women's health and the need for more investment and innovation in this area. It highlights the potential for Flora Fertility to change perceptions of insurance among younger generations and to serve as a gateway for other insurance products. The founders' personal experiences with infertility and their professional backgrounds in healthcare and entrepreneurship are key drivers behind the company's mission. Key Points: Innovative Insurance Solution: Flora Fertility offers a unique insurance product specifically for fertility treatments, addressing a significant gap in the market. Global Health Issue: Fertility issues affect one in six people globally, as recognized by the World Health Organization in 2023, highlighting the importance of accessible fertility treatment options. Affordable Coverage: The insurance policies are designed to be affordable, with monthly premiums ranging from $15 to $70, providing up to $50,000 in coverage. Target Demographic: The primary target audience for these policies is women aged 20 to 34, a demographic that can greatly benefit from early and proactive fertility planning. Community and Education: Flora Fertility emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community for policyholders, offering educational resources and additional benefits. Broader Implications for Women's Health: The initiative underscores the need for more investment and innovation in women's health, potentially reshaping perceptions of insurance among younger generations. Founders' Motivation: The personal experiences of the founders with infertility, combined with their professional expertise in healthcare and entrepreneurship, drive the mission and vision of Flora Fertility. This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

In this conversation, Matt Waxman shares his journey from a marketing major to a successful figure in the insurance industry, discussing his experiences in hospitality, insurance claims, and marketing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the property market, particularly in challenging areas like Florida and Texas, and offers valuable advice for agents navigating these tough times. The discussion also touches on the evolution of his company, Alchemy Insurance Solutions, and the opportunities within the builders risk space. In this conversation, Matt Waxman and Heath Shearon delve into the complexities of Builders Risk insurance and the emerging cannabis insurance market. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships with underwriters, understanding client needs, and the necessity of educating producers on these specialized insurance products. The dialogue emphasizes the need for agents to develop pipelines for Builders Risk and the lucrative opportunities within the cannabis sector, highlighting the evolving nature of these industries and the role of Alchemy Insurance Solutions in providing comprehensive coverage solutions.takeawaysMatt Waxman has a diverse background in marketing, hospitality, and insurance.He transitioned from a marketing major to a career in insurance after exploring various fields.Waxman emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the builders risk market.The property market presents challenges, but also opportunities for agents willing to adapt.Alchemy Insurance Solutions focuses on solving pain points in the insurance market.Understanding the needs of clients is crucial for success in insurance.Waxman encourages agents to prepare thoroughly when submitting risks to underwriters.Flexibility in underwriting is essential in today's property market.The builders risk space can lead to long-term relationships with clients.Agents should not give up on finding coverage solutions for their clients. The likelihood of declination increases without proper partnerships.Understanding Builders Risk is crucial for effective insurance solutions.Building relationships with underwriters is essential for agents.Providing detailed information to underwriters enhances approval chances.Agents must sell both to clients and carriers effectively.The cannabis insurance market presents significant opportunities.Education and webinars are vital for agents to succeed in niche markets.Direct access to underwriters fosters better communication and solutions.Agents should be transparent about their knowledge in niche markets.The insurance landscape is evolving, requiring adaptability from agents.05:52Matt Waxman's Journey to Insurance10:32Cornerstone to Alchemy: Evolution of a Company18:00Navigating the Property Market Challenges20:06Advice for Agents in a Tough Market21:54Navigating the Builders Risk Landscape28:10Understanding the Role of Underwriters32:32Building a Pipeline for Builders Risk35:53Exploring the Cannabis Insurance Market40:07The Science Behind Cannabis Insurance45:53Alchemy Insurance Solutions: A Comprehensive OverviewMy amazing Sponsors;Smart ChoiceCanopy ConnectOlde School Marketing 

Tomoko Ishikura, Managing Partner at Kicker Ventures, shares her unique perspective on investing in the future of healthcare. She talks about building a venture firm rooted in empathy, humility, and measurable impact. Tomoko explains how Kicker Ventures seeks science-backed innovations that move the heart, not just the market, and why strong communities are vital for startup success. She offers candid advice for founders on articulating impact, leaning into community support, and navigating a healthcare landscape that's increasingly collaborative.In this episode, you'll learn:[02:00] Why Silicon Valley's "uncertainty and possibility" drew Tomoko from Japan[04:06] Venture capital as a humble act of early belief—and why VCs are deeply interdependent[06:46] Kicker Ventures' mission to create a happier and healthier world through science-backed innovation[12:31] What founders must do in the first meeting to excite impact-driven investors[19:19] Why founders should build strong communities early and ask for help[26:00] Tomoko's call to eliminate barriers to global innovation and unlock hidden talent worldwideThe non-profit organization Tomoko is passionate about: Kadampa Meditation Center SFAbout Tomoko IshikuraTomoko Ishikura is the Managing Partner at Kicker Ventures, where she leads investments in science-backed innovations shaping the future of healthcare. Originally trained as a pharmacist and molecular biologist, Tomoko transitioned into business development, consulting, and now venture capital. Drawing from her global experience across Japan and Silicon Valley, Tomoko brings a distinctive focus on empathy, impact, and community-driven success to the startup ecosystem.About Kicker VenturesKicker Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm investing in transformative solutions for the future of healthcare. Kicker backs science-backed innovations that foster happiness, empower individuals, amplify the work of health professionals and researchers, and create meaningful human connections. With a deep commitment to measurable impact, Kicker Ventures partners with visionary founders reimagining health and wellbeing for future generations.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.