Leader's Edge

In this episode we meet Dan Horton, CEO of the Horton Group Horton shares how he made the career jump from airline pilot to insurance executive, the influence that family has had in his life, and the importance of company culture.

How is artificial intelligence shaking up the film industry? Sinead Murphy, managing director at carrier MiC Specialty, discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the film and media industries. With over 12 years of underwriting experience, Murphy shares how AI risks will impact E&O, cyber, and other policy coverages. She also discusses how this new technology is affecting the relationship between brokers and carriers. This conversation comes nearly a year after the Screen Actors Guild went on strike for reasons that included AI being used to replace actors’ performances.

In this edition of the Politics & Risk podcast, The Council’s government affairs team is onsite at the Employee Benefits Leadership Forum (EBLF) with Council VP of health policy & strategy Katie King. King oversees the Council of Employee Benefits Executives’ agenda and reveals new insights presented to the group by McKinsey, including findings from McKinsey’s brand new 2024 employer survey. The team also discusses what potential federal budget and tax code decisions could mean for employer-sponsored insurance next year.

Blake Watts, channel partnerships leader for Ochsner Health, has a busy agenda for The Council’s Employee Benefits Leadership Forum [EBLF] this year. Speaking with Leader’s Edge on the first day of the meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Watts said he was looking forward to conversations with his peers on healthcare point solutions and partnering with the consulting community. In this podcast, Watts dives into “point solution fatigue” and research that has thrown the value of these services in healthcare into question. He also discusses Ochsner’s focus on value-based care and addressing health challenges in the company’s home state of Louisiana, among other topics.

In this episode we meet Belen Tokarski, President and COO of Mylo. Tokarski shares inspirational stories of family members who inspire her, how she fell into the insurance industry. And why she’s sticking around.

In the latest episode of Politics & Risk from The Council’s government affairs team, SVP Joel Kopperud interviews Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen, who has represented Colorado’s 7th Congressional District since 2023. Having served in the Colorado state legislature for a decade prior to becoming a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Pettersen shares the top issues for Coloradans, including housing and climate change. As a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Pettersen also dives deep into the systematic issues that Congress faces when getting work done.

This Spring has seen protests pop up on college campuses all over America. As a result of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, student organizations have been demanding action from their universities to divest from Israel. Meanwhile counter protests have also occurred. While some protests have stayed peaceful, others have broken out in violence. Lucy Straker, Focus Group Leader of Political Violence & Deadly Weapons Protection at Beazley, and Matthew Westhoff, Head of North American Commercial Property at Beazley discuss strike, riot and civil commotion policies (SRCC). Additionality they share the risks associated with the upcoming 2024 election and current heightened political climate.

A conversation with GameStop’s Co-founder Video games, eccentric personalities and past presidential candidates have all made their way through Gary Kusin's career. The entrepreneur and business mentor is the former CEO of FedEx Office and co-founded the company now known as GameStop. Kusin shares how he started the first large-scale video game retailer, why GameStop surged in the financial market during the meme stock craze of 2021, and how a summer internship at an insurance company changed his outlook on leadership and life. We spoke with Kusin ahead of the April 30 publication of his new book, Always Learning.

In this episode we meet Tim Hall, CEO of Relation Insurance Services. Hall shares how he got his start creating a business in high school, what life is like in his home state of Nebraska, and how the insurance industry needs to sell itself to a younger generation.

Donnacha Smyth, president of global excess casualty for AXA XL, discusses pressure points in the market and his takeaways from brokers. In the newest addition to our AXA XL podcast series, Donnacha Smith, president of global excess casualty for AXA XL, discusses ongoing claims litigation and nuclear verdicts, geopolitical tensions, climate change and renewables, and how to remain relevant for clients dealing with these pressures.

Creating efficiency and speed for agents and brokers is a major topic in this podcast sponsored by BrokerTech Ventures. Jeff Lobeman, assistant vice president for digital and head of innovation, and Bob Pick, CIO and executive vice president, both at Tokio Marine North America, discuss how they stay on top of brokers’ operational and customer service needs, balancing automation and human interaction, and what’s next for insurers and the internet of things.

"I like to be where the rubber meets the road." In this episode we meet Jenni Lee Crocker, President of PCF Insurance Services. Crocker shares how growing up in a small town in Virginia shaped her outlook on life, and how experiences from her local community gave her the tools and can do attitude to tackle whatever her job and the industry demands of her. She also explains what characteristics contribute to good office culture.

With a reduction in deals and dollars, insurtech investment going forward will favor companies with a proven track record and products that will be widely usable across the insurance industry, says Kylie Hubbard, director of innovation at Insurica. In this podcast, sponsored by Ascend, Hubbard also provides a broker perspective on the state of data connectivity and discusses whether and how the insurance industry will use technologies such as blockchain and AI.

A conversation on digital evolution with IVANS CEO Reid Holzworth. We discuss connectivity, carriers data evolution and how AI is really being used in the insurance industry.

A discussion with Pamela Wheeler, Chief Diversity Officer at NFP. In this episode we meet Pamela Wheeler, who shares stories about her early career in the sports industry working for the WNBA. Then Wheeler dives deep into why she traded in sports for insurance, and why its important to understand DE&I as a business imperative.

In this podcast sponsored by finance automation platform Ascend, we talk with Andrew Wynn, Ascend co-founder and CEO. In between conversations about digitization, integration and what good looks like, we discuss the nature of relationships, community and the thread between his time in the Peace Corps and insurance.

What kind of knowledge and benefits does a past minor league pitcher wish he had? Slade Smith, Employee Benefits Specialist at Cobbs Allen shares stories about the early days of his career as a professional baseball player, drafted by the Detroit Tigers, and how he pivoted to working in the insurance industry after an injury. The 33-year-old also shares his thoughts on what major trends the employee benefits space could see in the near future.

Will Democrats or Republicans flip or flop The House and Senate? The Council’s SVP and VP of government affairs Joel Kopperud and Blaire Bartlett kicks off their Legislative Summit with a run down of today's hotbed of political issues. They talk flipping the house and senate, regulatory issues in the healthcare space, reauthorizing tax cuts, PBM transparency and cannabis.

Keith Schuler, CEO of InterWest Insurance Services shares his background and brokerage history, industry issues, as well as his new focus as Council Board Chair.

art of our AXA XL sponsored podcast series, we talk with Lucy Pilko, CEO, Insurance in the Americas for AXA XL. Just a couple months into the role, Pilko talks about beginning the process of executing AXAL XL’s long and short term strategic visions. She discusses market opportunities and areas of challenge, and learning how to really use the data and technology we now have access to.

Wick shares what he learned from his short comings in brokerage relationships, and how that prompted him to start his own firm. He additionally talks about the importance of vulnerability, the process of change, being a community focused agency and acquisition strategy.

In this podcast sponsored by AXIS, we talk with Jay Hamilton, Global Head of Accident and Health Insurance at AXIS. He discusses the eclectic mix of product lines in accident and health, current lines of interest including employee benefits, pet insurance, and travel, among others. He also discusses market headwinds, the outlook for 2024, and aligning with market and client needs.

In this special podcast episode, the Leader’s Edge art team dissects work created by AI art generator Dall-E. Using our October cover story on artificial intelligence as the basis for our own AI experiment, we gave the same exact instructions to a human illustrator and the AI art generator tool, then compared the results and chose one for our October cover. This conversation is our post-mortem on the process. Contributors include Leader’s Edge creative director Brad Latham, associate art directors Raeanne Hytone and Ted Lopez, content specialist/AV producer Zach Ewell, editor in chief Sandy Laycox, and publisher Susan Rushford.

The Council’s SVP of government affairs Joel Kopperud interviews Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY). Son of an insurance agent, Rep. Ryan discusses his relationship with the insurance industry, the important issues impacting his constituents and global ramifications of national security. Additionally, the team shares exciting news on PBM reform.

A conversation with Steve Sublett, Senior Director of Employee Experience and Engagement, CBIZ, San Diego, California. Sublett shares what it was like growing up on the grounds of an Illinois juvenile state penitentiary where his father was the warden, and how that experience shaped his life. He also discusses what lead him to the insurance industry.

In this episode of our partner podcast series with global insurer AXA XL, we talk Steven Bauman, Global Programs & Captives Director, for the Americas for AXA XL. The conversation covers the unprecedented growth in captives in recent years, new lines forming captives that haven’t before, and how captives play a role in risk management and transfer for systemic risk.

In this episode, The Council’s VP of government affairs Blaire Bartlett is joined by guest host Charlie Daniels, SVP of NFP. The two interview Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY). Their discussion touches on Molinaro’s history of service, farm policy, the importance of inclusion in the workforce and legislation on the hill post Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s reign as House Speaker.

In this podcast sponsored by Nationwide, Mark Berven, president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Property and Casualty, shares his thoughts on range of topics. The conversation incudes uncertainty and inflationary pressures in the casualty market, continued pressure from weather in property, building and pricing for resiliency, and how carriers can improve transparency amid these factors so brokers can work proactively with clients on managing risk.

A conversation with Olga Collins, CEO, Worldwide Broker Network, Atlanta Georgia. Collins discusses her international background, love for languages, food and travel, and how she became interested in risk management.

In this podcast sponsored by AXIS, Ann Haugh, CEO of Axis Re, digs into current trends in the reinsurance market. She discusses headwinds in the property and casualty markets, as well as areas of opportunity. Also on the agenda are emerging risk and reflections on one year into her role.

In this installment of Politics & Risk, Council SVP of government affairs Joel Kopperud talks with Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL). They discuss the tumultuous path to electing a new House Speaker, clean energy and impacts of the the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The Council’s SVP and VP of government affairs Joel Kopperud and Blaire Bartlett, respectively, discuss how a breakdown in negotiations in Congress have led to a pending government shutdown. How will House Speaker McCarthy move forward? How is he working across the aisle while negotiating within his own party? The team also discusses news on the pharmacy benefit manager front and shares exciting updates for the Insurance Leadership Forum.

Since the pandemic, experts have cautioned that the office building market is poised for collapse. In this podcast, we hear directly from Ryan Flanagan, executive vice president and real estate practice leader at Heffernan Insurance Brokers, on how his office clients are coping with post-pandemic workforce changes. He also discusses crime as a growing factor in property rates, along with persistent natural catastrophe losses, and how the overall economic environment is affecting property owners.

In this episode of Falling Into It, we chat with Mara Blagojevich, a Senior Marine Risk Consultant at Allianz Commercial. Blagojevich attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point New York where she later served in the U.S. Coast Guard early on in her career. The 29-year-old shares how serving during Hurricane Harvey became one of the most momentous challenges of her career, what it was like changing careers and working in insurance, and the most topical risk trends she foresees impacting shipping for the next decade.

A conversation with Kira Kimball, Chief Diversity Officer, Marsh McLennan Agency , Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Kira Kimball shares innovations within DE&I and what has kept her in the insurance space, all while sharing pride for her home state of South Dakota.

As our podcast series with global insurer AXA XL continues, we host Rose Hall, senior vice president and head of innovation for the Americas, and Billy Volz, Southwest property underwriting leader and ecosystem ambassador for AXA XL. The intersection of their two roles is at the heart of the conversation as we discuss technological innovation in risk management, the rate of client adoption and how that factors into policy terms and conditions.

The Council’s SVP and VP of government affairs Joel Kopperud and Blaire Bartlett bring the latest from Capitol Hill and around the country as states make legislative moves regarding non-compete agreements and legal defense costs. Plus, Heather Steinmiller, executive partner, general counsel and national claim advocacy and consulting leader for brokerage Conner Strong & Buckelew joins Joel Kopperud for a conversation with Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA), who represents Steinmiller’s hometown.

Aaron Davidson, CEO of Relay, has a long history in insurance, starting with Aon nearly 20 years ago as it was being investigated by Eliot Spitzer. His path to now leading the multi-carrier insurance platform has evolved along with his theories on digitization. He discusses where the industry is in its digital evolution, which markets are saturated, which are underdeveloped, and how complexity of risk translates into complexity of process. Plus, a deep dive on cyber markets.

Church Mutual Insurance CEO Alan Ogilvie talks current risk trends in purpose-driven organizations. With a policyholder base that includes youth camps, schools, religious institutions, senior living facilities and several non-profits, Church Mutual Insurance has a wide range of risks to cover.

“Listen to your instincts. Having the confidence to trust your gut is so important.”

In this episode of our new government affairs podcast, Council VP of government affairs Blaire Bartlett talks with Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN). A member of both the House Financial Services and Education and Workforce committees, Houchin is entrenched in multiple issues crucial to the insurance industry, including healthcare costs, flood insurance, and support for small businesses. She has always been driven to public service, and her story is one of local involvement, working parents, and a “won’t take no for an answer” attitude.

An adjunct professor at Columbia University, Masia discusses healthcare issues including Medicare price negotiations, the 340B drug pricing program and how current economic headwinds are impacting the healthcare landscape.

A conversation with Debra Martinez, Chief Human Resources Officer, Alera Group.

Bob Peretti, chief distribution officer, Americas, for AXA XL, discusses capacity in the property market, hidden costs reflected in underwriting, and how clients are leaning into risk management.

In this episode we pick the brain of Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA). Having worked with Liberty Mutual and a cyber startup, Rep. Auchincloss brings insurance acumen to Capitol Hill. He shares his thoughts on debt limit issues, housing costs, gun violence and the astonishing amount of legislation that actually has been passed by Congress in recent years. Plus, Joel Kopperud, The Council’s SVP of government affairs, and Blaire Bartlett, The Council’s VP of government affairs, give an update on PBM legislation.

Personal Lines with Riva Dumeny by A Council Platform - 868329

Q&A with Lori Goltermann, Chief Client Officer and CEO, Enterprise Clients, Aon

Our second installment in our Capitol Hill Chatter series brings Council president Joel Wood and SVP of government affairs Joel Kopperud to the mike, joined by special guest Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH).

Personal Lines with Andrew Neary by A Council Platform - 868329

Rep. Jason Smith plus The Council's government affairs team on Congressional priorities this year.