Let's Get Surety

Curious how America’s infrastructure is really holding up? Join hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum as they dive into the latest Infrastructure Report Card with ASCE Executive Director Tom Smith. Hear about surprising progress, looming challenges, funding gaps, and how civil engineers and policymakers, and surety professionals can collaborate for a more resilient future. Check out the full report for more information. With special guest: Thomas W. Smith III, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

Feeling overwhelmed by constant change and uncertainty? In this dynamic episode of "Let's Get Surety," we talk with business growth, sales, and leadership expert, author, and speaker Meridith Elliott Powell about building mental fitness, powerful resilience, and relentless vision in uncertain times. Using vivid stories and practical strategies, Meredith shares how to transform anxiety into action and vision into success. Don’t miss these game-changing insights! With special guest: Meridith Elliott Powell, Business Growth, Sales, and Leadership Expert Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

Stephen Irving, Co-Vice Chair of the Labor & Employment Practice at Peckar & Abramson, delves into the implications of Executive Order 14173 for federal contractors. He discusses the shift towards merit-based opportunities and its impact on diversity and affirmative action. The conversation covers compliance challenges, the potential risks of the False Claims Act, and ongoing legal battles surrounding these changes. Listeners gain insight into how businesses can navigate this evolving landscape while maintaining their diversity programs.

Are you interested in enhancing your leadership skills and your networking opportunities in the surety industry? In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we explore the NASBP's 5-15 Leadership Committee with guest and Vice Chair of the Committee, Mike Zahn of Moreton & Company. Learn how this dynamic program accelerates professional growth, builds powerful industry connections with peers and seasoned surety leaders, and provides exclusive mentorship opportunities. Don't miss this engaging discussion on how 5-15 Leadership Committee participation can take your career to the next level! Get more information about the 5-15 application/nominating process and don't forget to register for NASBP's 2025 Annual Meeting as mentioned during this episode! With special guest: Michael Zahn, Sales Executive, Moreton & Company Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!

In a captivating discussion, Peter Miller, President and CEO of The Institutes, sheds light on how AI is transforming the insurance industry. He elaborates on AI's powerful role in risk management, revealing its capabilities in fraud detection and underwriting. Peter emphasizes the balance between innovative AI solutions and the human touch required for customer interactions. The conversation also touches on emerging regulations and the need for education in implementing AI ethically. Don't miss his insights on the future of customized insurance products!

Want to revisit some of the most popular moments from Let’s Get Surety®? In this special episode, host Kat Shamapande counts down the top five most downloaded episodes from the past five years! From the significance of relationships in surety to innovations in e-signatures, these episodes have captivated listeners worldwide. Join us for clips, reflections, and a celebration of the evolving landscape of the surety industry. Don't miss this nostalgic trip down memory lane! Counting down from the 5th most downloaded to the most downloaded episode: 5. Episode #59: I’ll Be There for You - The Importance of Relationships in Surety 4. Episode #1: A Look at NASBP's Be Guaranteed to Succeed Campaign and Surety Stories 3. Episode #84: Reinsurance: Understanding Its Importance to Surety* 2. Episode #30: E-Signature in Surety 1. Episode #90: Growing and Fostering Women’s Surety Careers *Disclaimer from Andrew Grey: The views and opinions expressed here may include projections based on assumptions and forecasts and is intended for information purposes only. Nothing that I am about to say is intended to be legal, underwriting, financial or any other type of professional advice, and listeners are encouraged to consult with his or her own counsel or other advisors to verify the accuracy and completeness of any information used and to determine its applicability to the recipient’s particular circumstances. See full disclaimer on the episode page. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!

Sarah Carpenter, a Partner at Smith Currie Oles specializing in government contracts and construction law, brings her expertise to the discussion on bid protests at the GAO. She highlights key trends from the GAO's report to Congress, noting a remarkable effectiveness rate of over 50%. The conversation covers the strategic advantages of filing with the GAO versus other courts, the importance of legal representation, and insights on common bid protest categories. Tune in for valuable takeaways on navigating the complexities of federal procurement.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a leader in the surety industry? NASBP is excited to continue the series of episodes exploring that question, titled “The Corner Office: Conversations with Surety Leaders.” In this episode, we are joined by Tim Mikolajewski, President at Liberty Mutual Surety. Tim shares his background and tips from his experiences for navigating a career in surety. Additionally, Tim speaks to opportunities and challenges in the surety industry both in the US and international surety markets. With special guest: Tim Mikolajewski, EVP Global Risk Solutions, President, Global Surety, Liberty Mutual Surety Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!

In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we explore the fascinating and sometimes unusual world of commercial surety bonds with our guests, Amy Pascalide of Markel, and Rosa Martinez-Genzon of Anderson, McPharlin & Conners LLP. Amy and Rosa share their insights and approaches to some of these unusual bonds. They discuss how unique bonds, such as nail salon, child custody, cigarette vending machine, lottery, brewer, and even geoduck bonds, come into play in various situations. Additionally, they highlight how consumer protection and compliance often drive the creation of these "weird bonds." With special guests: Amy Pascalide, Esq., Senior Court Counsel, Markel and Rosa Martinez-Genzon, Partner/Los Angeles, Anderson, McPharlin & Conners LLP Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!

Denis Serkin, a Partner and Chair of International Practice at Peckar & Abramson, dives into the exciting intersection of AI and construction law. He discusses how AI is redefining efficiency in the industry, tackling challenges like labor shortages and the need for regulatory frameworks. Serkin also highlights AI's role in enhancing dispute resolution and the potential for substantial cost savings. With a shift towards data-driven decision-making, he emphasizes the importance of legal guidance in navigating this transformative landscape.