The Future of Insurance

Episode Info After a series of conferences where I saw some sales tactics that were having the opposite effect from what the person employing them would have wanted, I thought I'd use an episode to share some of the advice I give to companies I've advised over the years. It's informed by my direct experience having been an executive at insurance companies who got sold to, and running the sales function for a B2B SaaS insurtech solution provider. Hopefully this is valuable to anyone trying to sell into the insurance industry (and to those of us on the receiving end of those sales efforts!). 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. Key Points: Personalized Outreach: Avoid blanket approaches like mass emails or messages. Instead, invest time in understanding if the recipient is a genuine prospect. Tailor your messages to address specific needs and demonstrate genuine interest. Challenges with Conventional Tactics: Many sales playbooks advocate for reaching out to everyone, but this often leads to brand damage and wasted efforts. The video argues that the insurance industry requires a different approach due to its unique nature. Effective Networking: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn for meaningful connections rather than relying solely on event apps, which are often underutilized. Be mindful of social etiquette, such as not interrupting ongoing conversations or meetings. Building Relationships: Focus on being informed and culturally aware to foster genuine relationships. The goal is to reach a point where the prospect feels understood and sees you as a potential solution to their challenges. Practical Advice: Spend a few moments researching potential clients to ensure they are the right fit. Be upfront about your intentions to avoid wasting time on both sides. 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.

Episode Info Luca Russignan is an insurance expert with more than 15 years of experience with industry-leading consultancies and insurers. At Capgemini, he enables CxO conversations in the insurance sector through data-driven thought leadership to shape insurance business strategy focusing in particular on North America and Europe. He holds an MBA in Strategy and Finance from Hult International Business School.   Episode Summary The interview discusses the future of the insurance industry, focusing on demographic changes and the role of technology, particularly AI, in shaping this future. Overall, the interview provides a forward-looking analysis of the insurance industry, urging stakeholders to consider demographic trends and technological advancements in their strategic planning. Key Points: Demographic Shifts: The interview highlights a significant demographic shift where the population pyramid is flipping, meaning there will be more older people than younger ones. This change is expected to fundamentally alter who buys insurance, the risks they face, and how these risks interconnect. Actionable Insights: The discussion emphasizes the importance of making insights actionable. The goal is not just to provide new information but to explain why it matters and how to start acting on it. This involves connecting future forecasts with present-day actions. Role of AI: AI is seen as a silver lining, offering opportunities to address challenges like a shrinking workforce and climate change. It is viewed as a tool that can enable successful aging of the population and unlock productivity gains. Strategic Conversations: The interview stresses the need for integrating demographic considerations into strategic conversations today. This integration is crucial for preparing for future challenges and opportunities. Future Projections: The interview looks ahead to 2050, considering how current trends will evolve. It encourages taking "no regret" actions today that will be beneficial regardless of how the future unfolds. 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.

Episode Info Debbie Brackeen leads CSAA Insurance Group in strategy, partnerships, innovation and venture investing. She has more than 25 years of experience and leadership at innovative high-tech companies, including Apple, Sun, HP, and eBay, and, most recently, serving as the global head of innovation at Citigroup. She has served as an adviser to the Astia Technology Committee since 2008, and was an adviser on the corporate board of the National Venture Capital Association. Ms. Brackeen earned a degree in American Studies from Stanford University and has completed executive programs at the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, INSEAD and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.   Highlights from the Show The video features a discussion with David, who has over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, focusing on casualty underwriting and management. He currently serves as the Head of Casualty at Argo Group, where he oversees various liability lines, including primary and excess casualty, environmental liabilities, construction liabilities, and workers' compensation. The conversation highlights Argo's niche focus on the U.S. market, with some operations in Bermuda, and its recent acquisition by Brookfield Wealth Solutions. David shares insights into the challenges faced by the Casualty insurance sector, such as social inflation, litigiousness in the U.S., and the economic viability of Casualty lines. He discusses the importance of capacity management and the need for insurance carriers to be nimble in managing their portfolios. The conversation also touches on the impact of distracted driving on auto insurance claims and the necessity for the industry to adapt to changing conditions. The video concludes with a discussion on the future of the insurance industry, emphasizing the need for innovation and the importance of attracting new talent to sustain the industry. David expresses optimism about the industry's ability to adapt and continue providing necessary coverage despite current challenges. Episode Summary The video features a discussion on the strategic implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within a corporate setting, specifically focusing on the insurance industry. The conversation is led by Debbie Brackeen, who heads innovation and corporate development at CSAA Insurance Group, a part of the AAA insurance companies in the US.  Key Points AI Strategy and Implementation: The focus is on harnessing the power of Generative AI (Gen AI) to transform business operations and create sustainable business value. The strategy involves embedding AI as a strategic capability within the company to gain a competitive advantage. AI in Insurance: The conversation highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize the insurance industry by improving efficiency and accuracy in claims processing and underwriting. The use of AI is seen as a way to manage both structured and unstructured data more effectively. Challenges and Opportunities: There is an acknowledgment of the challenges posed by AI, such as the need for governance, controls, and regulatory compliance. However, the potential benefits, such as faster claims processing and better customer service, are emphasized. Future Outlook: The discussion reflects optimism about the future impact of AI, comparing its transformative potential to that of the Internet. There is a belief that AI will lead to new job roles and opportunities, rather than just eliminating existing ones. Overall, the video provides insights into how AI is being strategically integrated into business processes to enhance efficiency and create new opportunities within the insurance sector. 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.

Episode Info David Corry joined Argo Group in September 2020. As Head of Casualty, he is responsible for leading Primary Casualty, Excess Casualty, Construction, Environmental, Rockwood, and Bermuda Casualty.  Corry previously served as Senior Vice President, Head of Environmental at Argo Group. He has in-depth experience in all lines of casualty insurance, having served as Senior Director at Markel Specialty and Vice President at Liberty Mutual. He also held senior positions at Chubb and Crum & Forster. Corry is a veteran of the armed forces, having served for 29 years in the Air National Guard, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  Highlights from the Show The video features a discussion with David, who has over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, focusing on casualty underwriting and management. He currently serves as the Head of Casualty at Argo Group, where he oversees various liability lines, including primary and excess casualty, environmental liabilities, construction liabilities, and workers' compensation. The conversation highlights Argo's niche focus on the U.S. market, with some operations in Bermuda, and its recent acquisition by Brookfield Wealth Solutions. David shares insights into the challenges faced by the Casualty insurance sector, such as social inflation, litigiousness in the U.S., and the economic viability of Casualty lines. He discusses the importance of capacity management and the need for insurance carriers to be nimble in managing their portfolios. The conversation also touches on the impact of distracted driving on auto insurance claims and the necessity for the industry to adapt to changing conditions. The video concludes with a discussion on the future of the insurance industry, emphasizing the need for innovation and the importance of attracting new talent to sustain the industry. David expresses optimism about the industry's ability to adapt and continue providing necessary coverage despite current challenges. Key Points: Challenges in Casualty Insurance: Social inflation and increased litigiousness in the U.S. Economic viability of casualty lines. Importance of capacity management and nimbleness in portfolio management. Impact of Distracted Driving: Significant effect on auto insurance claims. Necessity for the industry to adapt to changing conditions. Future of the Insurance Industry: Need for innovation and attracting new talent. Optimism about the industry's ability to adapt and provide necessary coverage despite challenges. 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.

Nick Lamparelli, a nearly three-decade insurance veteran and managing partner of Insurance Nerds, dives into the pressing challenges of today’s insurance landscape. He discusses inflation's impact and the broken cycle of post-crisis rate adjustments. Innovative solutions like parametric insurance and the importance of diversification for mutual insurers are explored. Lamparelli also highlights how tariffs and economic factors influence the insurance market, advocating for more responsive and adaptable business models.

Dr. Christy Lane and Laura McDonald, co-founders of Flora Fertility, dive into the critical issues surrounding women's health and fertility insurance. They share personal struggles with infertility, highlighting the emotional toll and financial hurdles many face. The discussion revolves around their innovative insurance solutions aimed at making fertility treatments more accessible. They also address the evolving landscape of employee benefits, emphasizing the need for tailored support for women's health in the workplace. This empowering conversation champions proactive fertility planning and community engagement.

Darren Wood, founder and chief product officer of Recoop Disaster Insurance, brings over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. He vividly shares his motivation rooted in Gulf War experiences, emphasizing solutions for underinsurance in the wake of natural disasters. The conversation dives into the inadequacies of traditional insurance and innovative products designed to fill those gaps. Darren discusses the regulatory hurdles faced in launching new insurance solutions and the critical need for education and preparedness for families at risk.

Paul VanderMarck, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at SageSure, shares insights from his extensive background in insurtech. He discusses the importance of proactive customer outreach after catastrophic events, enhancing the claims process through technology. VanderMarck explains how AI and aerial imagery are revolutionizing property damage assessment, and highlights the ethical responsibility to ensure adequate coverage amidst industry challenges. His focus on improving customer satisfaction through active engagement reshapes traditional approaches in the insurance landscape.

David Worldon, founder of Accelerated Innovation, shares his insights on the intricacies of the Australian insurance market. He discusses the high concentration of major players and its impact on competition and innovation. Regulatory challenges post-Royal Commission add a layer of complexity, leading to a cautious industry. David emphasizes the urgency for insurers to innovate and align better with consumer needs, especially as rising premiums and underinsurance become critical issues. He envisions a transformative future fueled by collaboration and new strategies.

Dave Wechsler, Principal at OMERS Ventures, brings a wealth of experience from his background in insurtech, previously serving as VP of Growth at Hippo. He discusses the transformative role of technology and AI in the insurance industry, emphasizing the need for agility and innovation. Dave shares insights on venture capital investing within fintech and insurtech, stressing the importance of selecting knowledgeable investors. He also explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, advocating for resilience in the face of 'fast forward problems' and the necessity for established companies to adapt to emerging technologies.