The Voices of Risk Management

Courtney Davis, Executive Vice President and Global Education Practice Leader at HUB International, reflects on her journey from the University of Chicago to transforming the insurance industry. She discusses her surprises in transitioning from risk management to brokerage, emphasizing the importance of educating and engaging networks. Courtney advocates for greater diversity, sharing insights on building supportive communities and mentoring new talent. She outlines skills necessary for becoming a change agent, including confidence and accountability, aiming to inspire future generations.

Kyle Thompson is the Senior Vice President in Risk Management at Arthur J. Gallagher, where he leads large teams on complex risk. He played pro golf for 17 years before pivoting to risk management in 2019. In this live from RIMS 2025 episode, Kyle reflects on the ways that his golf career prepared him for risk management. He highlights the similarities between the two careers, reflects on some of his biggest wins, and details the athletic characteristics that have helped him excel in his new career.   Key Takeaways: ● Kyle’s experience with golf was a family affair that is in his DNA. ● Advancing through the PGA was a multi-year-long effort. ● Kyle’s pivot from pro golf to risk management. ● Risk and insurance knowledge started with earning accreditations. ● Kyle has zero regrets about his career in risk management. ● Reflections on Kyle’s biggest wins and AJG’s growing success. ● Addressing the male-dominated insurance landscape. ● Surprising discoveries that Kyle made once he joined the traditional workforce. ● Characteristics of ex-athletes who thrive in risk management.   Mentioned in This Episode: Kyle Thompson Arthur J. Gallagher   Tweetables:   “I had a few offers to go into real estate, but it just didn’t speak to me the way insurance did.”   “I was a pro at golf; now I’m an aspiring professional insurance broker.”   “I know what I know, and I know what I don’t know.”   “Golf itself is really nothing but risk management.”

Kate Fowler, Global Head of Nuclear at Willis Towers Watson and certified fire protection specialist, shares her journey from architectural engineering to the dynamic world of nuclear insurance. She discusses the renewed interest in nuclear energy and its role in achieving energy independence, while highlighting clean technologies as part of future solutions. Kate also details her shift from underwriting to brokerage, the importance of technical expertise in building client trust, and the vital need for a diverse talent pipeline in the nuclear sector.

John Kempton, a Senior Consultant at FHS Risk, brings his extensive experience from the real estate and construction sectors. He discusses why industries like real estate and hospitality prefer outsourcing risk management, highlighting the cost benefits and expertise brokers-turned-consultants offer. John shares insights on his unique career journey from history major to risk advisor, the challenges of acquiring clients, and the advantages of a flat retainer model. Plus, he dreams of managing a safari lodge in South America!

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.