The Voices of Risk Management

Scott Smidlein is the Head of the Energy Practice at HSB (Hartford Steam Boiler), where his experience in both the insurance and energy industries has helped push HSB into a major insurer in the space. Previously Scott worked for Marsh as a Client Executive and Property Specialist for Marsh’s Energy and Power Practice, where he worked with clients on tailoring their insurance programs to best fit their risk management needs. In this final live from RIMS 2024 episode, Scott details the intersection of insurance and energy, shares how curiosity and a willingness to try new things have benefitted his career, and underscores the importance of maintaining relationships throughout your career.   Key Takeaways: ● Scott’s role with HSB focuses on growing and running their cyber and energy practices. ● Risk management and insurance weren’t Scott’s initial career plan. ● The leap from Marsh to Lockton (and back again) gave Scott an opportunity to take on a new challenge. ● Scott is working to help HSB realize its full potential in the insurance and brokerage side. ● Transitioning from the brokerage side to the client side. ● Talent and willingness to try new things always equals opportunity in this industry. ● Scott’s average day is chaotic and unpredictable – for now. ● Success, to Scott, means taking HSB to the next level in the insurance industry. ● Saving relationships in the face of a mistake means admitting your error as soon as possible. ● Scott’s dream job includes a lot of chaos, a lot of success, and a lot of fun. ● Defining energy as it relates to the future. ● Scott’s advice to his early career self is simple — be curious and ask questions.   Mentioned in This Episode: Scott Smidlein HSB   Tweetables:   “To be a specialist in the energy sector you really have to know the technology.”   “The benefit of not burning any bridges when you leave a place is that you maintain those connections and the opportunities keep opening up.”   “If you’re always the guy who raises your hand when people ask if you’re looking for a new opportunity, you’ll find yourself doing a lot of different things.”   “We’re a very unique industry that has a ton of opportunity in place. Whatever you’re passionate about, there’s probably a job for it in the insurance industry.”

Mike Tannenbaum, Founder and Managing Partner of Key Strategies, shares insights from over 30 years of experience in insurance recruiting. He discusses the evolving landscape of talent acquisition, emphasizing the importance of understanding candidates’ career aspirations beyond just salary. Mike highlights the challenges of non-compete agreements and the necessity of integrity in recruitment. He also touches on the talent shortage in the industry and the value of personalized communication in connecting the right talent with opportunities.

Get a sneak peek into the world of risk management in higher education with Craig McAllister, the Assistant Vice President of Risk Management at the University of Miami and President of the University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA). With over 25 years of experience in the field, including a significant tenure at Cornell University, Craig brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to managing risks in academic settings. In this episode, Craig discusses the dynamic challenges of his role, from enhancing campus safety while respecting free speech to mobilizing community leaders in risk mitigation efforts. He also shares insights into his responsibilities overseeing the University's comprehensive risk programs and his leadership at URMIA.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Craig and his work at the University of Miami. Craig loved that there was always something different to do when he got into this field. Being part of a bigger purpose keeps Craig energized. It’s exciting to support the mission, the research, and the clinical care at University of Miami, and making things happen through the lens of risk. How does Craig think about risk when working at a University? What are some of the challenges Craig has faced lately? How does Craig manage risk on campus while also protecting people’s free speech? How does Craig mobilize community leaders and help them think about risk mitigation? Every four years, Craig has to remind new students of the rules and policies, which helps you remember the basics. How do communication and public relations come into play? Craig talks about his role at URMIA. What advice does Craig have for professionals looking to get into risk management within academia? A shoutout to URMIA and their commitment to education.   Mentioned in This Episode: University of Miami Craig on LinkedIn    

Michael Levine is a partner in Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP’s Washington, DC office and a leader of the Firm’s Insurance Recovery Practice. He offers insights into the legal side of the risk management space and the important role that attorneys play in creating a system of checks and balances in the insurance space and offers insights from his experience to young professionals considering a career at the intersection of insurance and law.   Key Takeaways: Michael shares insights into his work at Hunton Andrews Kurth. Being an attorney who practiced in insurance was not a childhood dream of Michael’s. After becoming an attorney, the decision to specialize in insurance coverage was an easy one. Michael has practiced both in favor of the policyholder as well as on the carrier side. What were Michael’s reasons for switching back and forth between the policyholder and carrier sides multiple times? The biggest misconceptions about the motives and actions of attorneys in the insurance space. What does it really mean if a lawyer gets involved in a claims case? The real reason Michael uses the term “policyholder” instead of “insured.” Attorneys are in place to provide a healthy system of checks and balances within the insurance industry. Maximizing insurance recoveries means giving policyholders everything they're entitled to. When is the right time to get an attorney involved in insurance policies? Once counsel gets involved, whether the broker has done their job makes all the difference in the outcome of the claim. Michael’s opinion on the high percentage of insurance payouts that ends up in attorney’s pockets. Acquiring new clients through marketing and networking, because repeat business is not good business in policyholder litigation. Michael reveals the biggest lessons learned from his years of practicing law in the insurance space. Tips for picking up the technical language of the insurance world. It’s all meaningful; Michael’s advice for finding the issues that mean something to you and righting a wrong.   Mentioned in This Episode: RIMS — San Diego Event Michael on LinkedIn Hunton Andrews Kurth  

Daniel Kaniewski is the Managing Director at Marsh McLennan and an American government official who served as the acting deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He also served as the deputy administrator of FEMA for Resilience. In this episode, Daniel recalls the impact that 9/11 had on his personal and professional life and how it strengthened his resolve to increase the country’s preparation for catastrophic events. He shares the hurdles he has faced along the way, the role of luck and risk in every step of his career, and highlights the opportunities that response readiness and resilience have to offer young professionals today.   Key Takeaways: Daniel highlights his role at Marsh and reveals his disaster resilience guru status. Daniel’s unusual pathway into risk management started with a volunteer firefighter paramedic who wanted to figure out how to reduce losses in the first place. After maxing out his EMT certifications and education, Daniel turned to a Ph.D. in public policy. An internship on Capitol Hill led Daniel to support the Gilmore Commission, where he worked to increase first responders' preparation for terrorist attacks. In a post-9/11 world, policymaker interest has shifted dramatically in favor of proactive training against acts of terrorism. The personal and professional impact of 9/11 on Daniel’s life and work. Watching the Pentagon take fire from the Capitol Building was a surreal moment, especially after learning that the Capitol Building was the likely target of Flight 93. Daniel’s “why” in the years following 9/11 only strengthened his resolve to continue the work he had been doing in the years prior. Hurricane Katrina swung the pendulum from terrorism directly to natural disaster relief. Federal departments and missions continue with their work, regardless of presidential administration changes, but their focus may change with each new president. Every dollar invested in disaster mitigation saves $13 in physical and economic costs should a disaster occur. Daniel was willing to help set up FEMA, as long as he was able to maintain a focus on disaster resilience. Local and national governments informing the public about key catastrophic exposure is critical for gaining support for investments in response readiness. What prompted Daniel’s shift from the public sector over to Marsh? Daniel recalls the professional relationships that have enabled him to take the risks that have made his career so fulfilling. Response readiness and resilience are top of mind across the country, and have a place for you!   Mentioned in This Episode: Daniel on LinkedIn Marsh McLennan    

Jenna Kirkpatrick Howard, Senior Vice President at Lockton Companies and treasurer for the Community of Hope, shares her inspiring journey in the risk management industry. She discusses her transition from a hesitant salesperson to a skilled communicator, emphasizing the importance of mentorship. Jenna reveals insights about the famed Lockton/Rolex tradition and highlights her passion for connecting female investors in real estate. With candid advice for young professionals, she champions the value of networking and inclusivity in building a successful career.

Cheryl Reecher, the Vice President of Business Development at Cotton Holdings Inc., boasts over two decades in the insurance industry. She shares her fascinating journey from broker to risk manager, highlighting the crucial role of communication in bridging gaps in the sector. Cheryl discusses the vital services of restoration companies and how they assess risks and fees post-property damage. She emphasizes the importance of personal relationships and proactive engagement in fostering effective risk management.

Martin Drux is a Multinational Executive and is currently leading Marsh Multinational’s team in Europe, with a specialization in Asia Client Services. In this episode, Martin shares his experiences and the unique aspects of handling insurance across different continents. Martin also discusses the nuances of insurance practices in Germany versus the U.S., his role in vocational training insurance, and how he leverages his robust LinkedIn network to mentor and recruit talent from a multinational perspective.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Martin and what he does at Marsh. Does insurance get handled differently in Germany, where Martin is from, compared to the U.S.?  If you want people to get excited about the industry, you have to tell stories about how your specific field makes a difference. Martin explains his field and how he got his start in vocational training insurance. What does a global relationship manager do within the insurance industry? Martin has a really robust portfolio and LinkedIn profile and now has over 21,000 followers. Now, with a strong LinkedIn base, Martin can use his platform to recruit and mentor talent from a multinational lens. Martin loves being able to use LinkedIn and network. It gives you a completely different sense of networking.  Is there a difference between German brokers and U.S. brokers? How does Martin think about and structure mentorships? Very few people seem to know how to do this well. What advice would Martin give his younger self?   Mentioned in This Episode: Marsh.com Martin on LinkedIn  

Josh Levy is the CEO and co-founder of Document Crunch, an innovative company dedicated to explaining construction contracts as simply as possible. With a background in Construction Management from the University of Florida and an enriching experience as a construction law clerk, Josh’s journey into construction and technology solutions is as compelling as it is impactful. This episode shares why Josh is so passionate about reducing risk in construction, how Document Crunch was born out of necessity, and the broader applications of their technology beyond just construction contracts.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Josh and his role at Document Crunch. How did Josh get into construction management and technology solutions? Why is construction so risky? Everything stems from what’s written in the contract. If something bad or unexpected happens, the contract should have it covered and noted. Why is Josh so passionate about this industry? How does Document Crunch work? Is Document Crunch just limited to construction contracts? Josh shares what attracted him the most to this industry when he was first studying it in college. When it came time to start his own company, what pushed Josh to become entrepreneurial? So many people don’t take their shot. Sometimes now is as good a time as any to take that risk. What’s next for Josh and his company? Josh believes younger folks should be investing in soft skills because that’s something AI won’t be able to take over as easily. The contract is key at the end of the day, which means everyone who signs it or is involved in it, needs to understand in layman’s terms what the contract covers. Why does Josh have an American flag behind him? He shares a quick story. Josh’s final piece of advice: Learn as much as you can and then don’t be afraid to take the risk.   Mentioned in This Episode: Documentcrunch.com Josh on LinkedIn  

James Benham is the co-founder and CEO of JBKnowledge and shares his journey from bootstrapping a tech empire from his college dorm to becoming a leader in the insurance technology space. With over two decades of experience, James has propelled JBKnowledge to the forefront of insurance software, serving some of the largest companies worldwide. In this episode, he discusses his hands-on approach to business, his passion for the insurance industry, and his thoughts on the future of automation and AI in insurance.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about James and his companies. James shares a little bit about his experience flying seaplanes. What is James’ vision with his companies? How did James bootstrap his companies and take in no investor money? Why is James so passionate about insurance? James shares how he thinks about AI and the future of automation in the insurance industry. James is happy that he can focus on the customers and his teammates and he doesn’t have to worry about third-party investors. If you look at the large players with investor funding, a large percentage is focused on investor relations and that’s a big distraction and takes away from the focus of the customer. How do you best identify a market problem that is both solvable and profitable? James speculates on what might be the next “big idea” in risk & insurance. Certificates of insurance are still a big pain. Is there any way we can simplify it?   Mentioned in This Episode: Jamesbenham.com James on LinkedIn Jbknowledge.com Terra.insure Insurtechgeek.com