Risk Management Momentum with Tim Ryan

Sep 2, 2025

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Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.

The Spencer Educational Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization to nurture the next generation of risk management and insurance professionals, will hold its annual Funding Their Future Gala in New York City on Thursday, September 18, 2025. This eagerly awaited event will occur at the renowned Cipriani 42nd Street, uniting industry leaders and supporters to acknowledge achievements in risk management and insurance.

This year's gala recognizes Tim Ryan, U.S. President at Lockton, for championing the next generation of talent and shaping the future of the risk management and insurance industry. Since being named U.S. President in 2024, Tim has been pivotal in positioning Lockton for the future. With over 30 years of industry experience, Tim brings a strategic and enduring approach to leadership. He is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence that carries Lockton's momentum forward. Tim's vision is to build on Lockton's strong foundation, guiding the company through evolving market demands while maintaining its reputation as the best place to work in insurance.

"Tim's commitment to attracting and developing top talent has been instrumental in Lockton's continued success and evolution as an industry leader," stated Julie Gibson, Spencer board member and Chief Marketing Officer at Lockton.

In this episode, Justin interviews Tim Ryan on his career, his risk philosophy, his leadership vision on mentorship, and his recognition by the Spencer Educational Foundation.

Listen to learn about attracting top, rising talent to the risk management and insurance industry.

Key Takeaways:

[:01] About RIMS and RIMScast.

[:14] The call for educational content submissions for RISKWORLD 2026 is open through September 4th! A link is in this episode's show notes.

[:28] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be joined by Tim Ryan. He is the U.S. President at Lockton and the honoree at this year's Spencer's Funding Their Future Gala on September 18th. We'll get his perspective on leadership and the future of risk management in just a moment.

[1:00] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! The next RIMS-CRMP-FED virtual workshop will be held on November 11th and 12th, and led by Joseph Mayo. Links to these courses can be found on the Certification Page of RIMS.org and through this episode's show notes.

[1:20] RIMS Virtual Workshops! RIMS has launched a new course, "Intro to ERM for Senior Leaders." It will be held again on November 4th and 5th and will be led by Elise Farnham. RIMS members enjoy deep discounts!

[1:37] The full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's notes.

[1:48] The next RIMS Webinar will be held on September 4th and will be led by AXA XL. It is titled "Lockdown & Level Up: Turn Up Your Cyber Security Game Against Creative Cyber Criminals".

[2:01] On September 18th, Origami Risk will present "Driving Better Incident and Claims Management with Data, Technology & Strategic Collaboration".

[2:10] On October 9th, Global Risk Consultants returns to deliver "Natural Hazards: A Data-Driven Guide to Improving Resilience and Risk Financing Outcomes".

[2:19] On October 16th, Zurich returns to deliver "Jury Dynamics: How Juries Shape Today's Legal Landscape".

[2:28] On October 30th, Swiss Re will present "Parametric Insurance: Providing Financial Certainty in Uncertain Times".

[2:37] On November 6th, Hub will present "Geopolitical Whiplash — Building Resilient Global Risk Programs in an Unstable World". Register at RIMS.org/Webinars.

[2:49] RISKWORLD 2026 will be in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 3rd through the 6th. RIMS members can now lock in the 2025 rate for a full conference pass to RISKWORLD 2026 when registering by September 30th.

[3:04] This also lets you enjoy earlier access to the RISKWORLD hotel block. Register by September 30th, and you will also be entered to win a $500 raffle. Don't miss out on this chance to plan and score some extra perks.

[3:17] The members-only registration link is in this episode's show notes. If you are not yet a member, this is the time to join us. Visit RIMS.org/membership and build your risk network with us here at RIMS.

[3:31] On with the show! On September 18th, 2025, the Spencer Educational Foundation will hold its annual Funding Their Future Gala in New York City at the renowned Cipriani 42nd Street.

[3:44] This year's Gala recognizes Tim Ryan, U.S. President at Lockton, for championing the next generation of talent and shaping the future of risk management and insurance.

[3:54] Tim Ryan is our guest today. He has over 30 years of industry experience. We're going to dive into his philosophies on leadership and what it takes for the next generation of risk professionals to be successful in the short and long term. Let's get to it!

[4:11] Interview! Tim Ryan, welcome to RIMScast!

[4:32] Tim Ryan is excited to be here today to talk about the Spencer Educational Foundation! He says it's an exceptional organization, doing important work. It's a unique organization that brings the entire industry together to rally around an issue that's important to us all.

[4:52] Tim says the recognition is humbling and gratifying. It's nice to be recognized, but he doesn't view it as a personal achievement. He sees it as a reflection of the incredible work being done by Lockton and Associates throughout the country, more than it is of his individual efforts.

[5:14] Tim says he is honored to be recognized, and he's proud to be part of a company that sees this as a priority.

[5:26] Tim has been at Lockton for 20 years. Before Lockton, Tim worked on the carrier side for 10 years. Tim became the U.S. President at Lockton almost a year ago to the day.

[5:49] Tim's leadership style has changed over time, through the wisdom of maturity and a lot of trial and error. He started in the industry straight out of college. Working at a couple of different organizations exposed him to different leaders along the way.

[6:10] Tim learned a few foundational lessons. First, leadership is rarely about title. People follow people, not the position. When Tim was first made a team leader, he was excited to be in charge. He promised himself he wouldn't make the same mistakes his managers had made.

[6:37] He made the same mistakes. He started to realize that a leadership position isn't about you. Your job is to set the vision, align stakeholders, make sure there's clarity on roles and responsibilities, and create and foster an environment that allows people to be successful.

[6:58] Tim's leadership style is about building teams with complementary skill sets. It's not about being the smartest person in the room; it's about making sure the room is filled with smart and motivated people.

[7:08] Put the right people in the right place and trust them to get the job done. People want to believe in what they're doing and who they're doing it with. It's critical to bring together people with a diversity of thought and background. Bring a variety of different viewpoints to the table.

[7:28] Tim believes it's critical to get to know your people. What motivates and drives them? What are their goals and aspirations? How do they like to absorb information?

[7:55] Tim views it as his job to listen, to motivate, and to remove obstacles. It's about being authentic. Don't play the role, especially for first-time leaders. You have to be open and transparent, and true to yourself.

[8:32] Tim says the role of the broker has changed with the world. If brokers did the same things they did 10 to 15 years ago, they would be at risk of being obsolete.

[8:44] Fifteen years ago, there was no Instagram or TikTok. You were probably on MySpace, playing music on your iPod. Some of the emerging risks that are at the forefront of today's discussions range from autonomous vehicles to data centers to digital assets and currency.

[9:04] The pace of change in the industry is fast, and it's only increasing. The constant emergence of new and evolving risks requires greater specialization and the use of data analytics to deliver deeper insights into our clients' businesses.

[9:18] As you look ahead, you can start to see how AI is going to have a dramatic impact on how we do business in the not-too-distant future.

[9:26] Despite these advances and changes, for a broker, one thing is unchanged. Clients want us to help them see around corners. They want us to help them understand what's coming next. They look to us to provide expertise and help make decisions.

[9:46] Tim says our job is to be a fierce advocate for them, to be that trusted advisor. We need to know and understand their business, the industry they operate in, and the risks associated with it. We need to understand their risk tolerance and help them solve their business need.

[10:04] Quick Break! The Spencer Educational Foundation's goal to help build a talent pipeline of risk management and insurance professionals is achieved, in part, by its collaboration with risk management and insurance educators across the U.S. and Canada.

[10:26] Since 1999, Spencer has awarded over $2.9 million to create more than 570 Risk Management Internships. The Internship Grants application process is now open through October 15th, 2025.

[10:43] To be eligible, risk managers must be based in the U.S., Canada, or Bermuda. A link to the Internship Grants page is in this episode's show notes. You can always visit SpencerEd.org, as well.

[10:57] RIMS Events! On September 18th, the 10th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum will be held at The Old Post Office in Chicago. Register at ChicagoRIMS.org.

[11:11] On September 14th through the 17th, we will be in Calgary for the RIMS Canada Conference 2025. Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca to register.

[11:21] On October 1st through the 3rd, the RIMS Western Regional Conference will be held in North San Jose at the Santa Clara Marriott. The agenda is live. It looks fantastic! Visit RIMSWesternRegional.com and register today!

[11:37] On November 17th and 18th, elevate your ERM Program and career at the RIMS ERM Conference 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The agenda is live, and early rates are available until September 5th. Register now to save $110 and secure your spot at the ERM event of the year.

[11:59] Canadian listeners, take note, that's just a little bit South of the border in British Columbia. That's a great way to extend your knowledge after the RIMS Canada Conference. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2025 to register.

[12:14] At the top, Justin mentioned RISKWORLD 2026. Through September 4th, the RISKWORLD education content submission process is still open.

[12:23] RIMS invites you to share your experiences, best practices, and innovative strategies that represent the global outlook of risk management. Send us your submission, and who knows? We might select you to speak at RISKWORLD 2026 in Philadelphia! The link is in the show notes.

[12:41] Let's Return to Our Interview with Lockton U.S. President Tim Ryan!

[13:03] Tim Ryan talks about cultivating the next generation of risk and insurance professionals. His motivation comes from his story. It's all about paying it forward. He wouldn't be where he is today without the guidance and support of some great mentors throughout his career.

[13:16] Tim's mentors had no reason to want to help him, but from early on, they decided to help him reach his potential. Tim started his career as a trainee at Fireman's Fund Insurance in a branch office North of New York City.

[13:36] The office manager was incredible. He was generous with his time. He was never too busy to help or answer questions. He always found ways to give Tim opportunities in meetings, in projects, or with clients.

[13:49] Opportunities that Tim probably wasn't ready for, but that were part of his developmental process. Tim is incredibly grateful for the impact this manager had on his career and his life. Almost 35 years later, Tim still thinks of him as a person that he tries to emulate.

[14:12] Tim says, " So, John Lience, if you're listening, thank you! It made a difference. Give me a call. I'd love to catch up."

[14:20] Justin is glad to hear the shoutout by name. It's a small world in risk management, and everybody knows each other. John may be listening. Tim agrees, for as big an industry as it is, it is definitely a very small world.

[14:33] Tim continues, fast forward to today, this is something that we're passionate about because we see it as a strategic priority for the business. Lockton invests an incredible amount of time and money into the technical and professional development of all its associates.

[14:53] It starts with the first-year analysts, many of whom came out of Lockton's intern program. Leaders have an obligation to grow and develop the next generation of talent.

[15:04] It's about creating a culture of continuous learning, one where people feel valued, included, and connected to the purpose of the work and the people that they work with.

[15:14] What drives and motivates Tim is that shared sense of purpose that brings everyone together.

[15:34] What must the sector do differently to attract, engage, and top rising talent? Tim says the industry has made progress, but we're still not where we need to be. We have to expand the talent pool by building stronger partnerships with different schools and organizations.

[15:55] The Spencer Educational Foundation is already doing the work to engage more diverse communities. These relationships help us reach individuals who may not have considered a career in risk and insurance, but bring valuable perspectives and skills.

[16:08] Tim continues, beyond sourcing talent, retention has to be a priority. It's great to get people into the industry, but can we keep them? That means investing in leadership development programs accessible to a broader audience, including underrepresented groups.

[16:22] It also means helping young talent understand their purpose and how they fit within the vision of the company they're working in. When people see a path for growth and feel connected to the purpose, they're more likely to stay and thrive.

[16:35] Building that workforce that better reflects the communities and businesses we serve isn't just the right thing, but it also makes our industry stronger, it makes it more innovative, and it makes it better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

[16:53] Tim has attended Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future Gala for years. He was there last year for Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray. She was great! The grant recipients also spoke. They were incredibly impressive. Lockton asked two of them for their numbers and resumes.

[17:26] Justin comments that the event itself can be a networking and career advancement opportunity. Tim says it was great to hear from the recipients. It brings it back to what impact the Spencer Educational Foundation has.

[17:50] Justin had a great time last year, and he looks forward to seeing Tim this year, on September 18th. The Spencer Educational Foundation supports students and educational programs across the risk and insurance professions.

[18:14] Tim says most young people don't have any idea what a broad, vibrant, and dynamic industry this is. We have to do more to generate awareness and excitement about our industry.

[18:23] Partnerships like the one with Spencer Educational Foundation are critical. They bring awareness and help us reach smart, young, talented individuals who might not otherwise consider a career in this field. The scholarship program is a big part of that.

[18:35] Lockton has been involved in the Foundation since the early days. 20 years ago, they established the John T. Lockton Memorial Scholarship through the Spencer Scholarship Program.

[18:47] Lockton continues to support that program, donating over $1 million in funding for about 200 scholarships. The program is just one of the many ways Spencer is driving awareness and engagement in the industry.

[18:57] Tim praises the Spencer Educational Foundation for the great work they do with colleges and universities, helping build risk management programs, facilitating internships, and bringing new people into the industry through the scholarship program.

[19:06] These partnerships are essential for the future of risk and insurance because they create pathways for students to discover the unique value the profession offers. Tim says many scholarship recipients are working at Lockton today, and they are excellent.

[19:37] Tim shares advice to students or early career professionals discovering risk management. "Every year, I meet with our first-year analysts and interns, and I talk to them about this very subject."

[19:45] "We talk about how big the industry is and that there are so many opportunities and career paths available to them. But the backdrop of that conversation is about the pace of change and the importance of being a continuous learner."

[19:59] "You're going to have to reinvent yourself many times over the course of your career to stay relevant, so now, at this early stage of your career, is the time to invest in yourselves. Don't get caught up in worrying about the next promotion or the next step in your career."

[20:13] "Just be patient. You're going to have plenty of time for all that. All that's going to work itself out. Just focus on gaining new experience and knowledge, and figure out what you're good at. Don't just do things. Seek to understand why."

[20:27] "Look, you can have a job or you can have a career, and they're different. But that's ultimately going to be up to you. It's your responsibility. If you focus on what you're doing and do it well, your next job will likely come from someone you're impressing today."

[20:47] "Get out of your bubble, build relationships, network, and go meet with people. Make people want to invest in you."

[21:00] "If you take nothing else out of this conversation, try to remember these things: Be curious. Ask questions. Understand why you're doing things. Show up and be present. If you can do those things, you'll ultimately be successful."

[21:20] Special thanks to Tim Ryan of Lockton for joining us here on RIMScast! We look forward to seeing him on September 18th at the Spencer Funding Their Future Gala in New York City. Visit the link in this episode's show notes for tickets and SpencerEd.org for more information.

[21:40] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes.

[22:09] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information.

[22:27] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information.

[22:44] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more.

[23:01] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management.

[23:15] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org.

[23:27] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continuous support!

Links:

RIMS ERM Conference 2025 — Nov. 17‒18

Spencer Educational Foundation 2025 Funding Their Future Gala — Sept. 18, 2025, in NYC!

The call for RISKWORLD 2026 submissions is open through Sept 4.

Spencer Internship Program — Registration Open Through Oct. 15.

RIMS Canada 2025 — Sept. 14‒17 | Registration open!

10th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum — Sept. 18 | Registration open!

RIMS Western Regional — Oct 1‒3 | Bay Area, California | Registration open!

RISKWORLD 2026 — Members-only early registration! Register through Sept 30!

RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP)

The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center