The Voices of Risk Management

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    

Anne Marie Towle, CEO of Global Risk & Captive Solutions at Hylant, shares her journey in the insurance industry, discussing when it makes sense to consider captive solutions based on company size. She highlights the importance of networking, career growth, and dispelling myths about captives. Anne emphasizes the value of education, teamwork, and work-life balance in navigating a successful career path.

Michael Galea is a seasoned Senior Underwriter at GCube Insurance Services Inc., with a decade of experience specializing in offshore wind projects and other renewable energy initiatives worldwide. Michael delves into his journey into underwriting, the challenges and triumphs he has faced at GCube, and his approach to delivering difficult news to clients.   In the second half of the show, Peter Nadel joins the podcast as the Director of Member Relations and Marketing at Energy Insurance Mutual (EIM). On the show, Peter delves into his new role at EIM, the unique aspects of industry mutuals compared to other insurance models, and his seamless transition from Marsh to EIM while maintaining positive relationships.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Michael and the work that he’s doing at GCube Insurance. How did Michael get into underwriting? Michael shares a moment in his career at GCube that he’s really proud of. Michael offers tips for when you have to give bad news to a client. Give people bad news early and in person. Michael shares his focus on the renewable energy space in the upcoming years. A little bit about Peter and his work at EIM. What is an industry mutual and how is that different than other insurance mutuals? How did Peter get into insurance? Peter recently left Marsh, but yet he’s here at the Marsh’s Energy Conference with no bad blood. Peter explains why it’s important to communicate and be honest about your needs. What’s the difference between an industry captive vs. an industry mutual? Peter understands how much work goes behind this podcast and appreciates being on the show.   Mentioned in This Episode: Marsh.com GCube Insurance Michael on LinkedIn 2024 Energy Industry Conference Peter on LinkedIn Energy Insurance Mutual Limited  

Yan Veytsman is a Senior Account Executive at Marsh, specializing in risk management for large-scale projects, particularly within the renewable energy sector. Yan has successfully placed multiple construction and operational insurance policies for projects exceeding $100 million. His expertise shines in navigating the complex risks associated with natural catastrophes and developing innovative insurance solutions for the burgeoning renewable energy industry. In this episode, Yan discusses the intricacies of managing risks in the renewable energy sector, and why it’s slightly more difficult than traditional tried-and-true industries.   We also have Senior Vice President of Power & Renewables, Fred Wass, make a special guest appearance. Fred has been involved in the energy sector for the last 39 years and currently oversees Marsh’s Energy Practice. In his segment, he offers some insight into the energy sector as a relatively new insurance professional himself.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Yan and how he found his path in risk management. What interests Yan about renewable energy? Renewable energy is an industry that’s still developing, so Yan has some room to innovate and define a new model for how to run some of his accounts. Why can’t we use other models in different industries and put them in the renewable space? Why is it so different? With every single venture that Yan’s been involved in, he’s having to figure it out from scratch. There are too many variables to consider that don’t quite transfer over from the old tried-and-true models from well-established industries. How has the oil and gas industry been adapting to the renewable energy sector? Does it still make sense to invest in oil and gas? Katie introduces a new guest, Fred Wass. How did Fred get into this field and why has he stayed for the last 39 years? Fred developed power plants in Pakistan early in his career, but he fell into the insurance industry about 10 years ago. Fred believes it’s a lot easier today to talk to people within your industry and company than it was five years ago. Fred is excited for the future! There’s so much to do and there’s a lot more to come in the next 10 years.   Mentioned in This Episode: Marsh.com Yan on LinkedIn Fred on LinkedIn 2024 Energy Industry Conference  

Jen Aitchison is the President of Renewable Risk Consulting Inc. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, Jen has become an award-winning leader known for her deep understanding of renewable energy risks and her ability to create transparent, economically viable insurance solutions. In this episode, Jen delves into the nuances of renewable energy insurance and the importance of education and adaptation in the sector and she offers her unique perspective on the future of energy and insurance for those still in college.   Key Takeaways: This episode was recorded at Marsh’s 2024 North American Energy Industry Conference! A big shout out to Michael Kolodner and his amazing leadership. Everybody backs clean energy, but sometimes there is a sense of distrust about the “correct” way. Why is that? We will need all types of energy for us to succeed in making it renewable energy. Coal energy is dirty. We all agree it should be reduced, including the coal miners! But then it stops becoming a conversation of energy and a conversation of education and re-employment. The average person is not aware of how many different facets of insurance exist. People think insurance is repetitive and boring. We as an industry need to get better at showing interesting and live case studies. Pick whatever industry your children want to go into and there’s an insurance claim that needs to be filed or underwritten within that industry. If you’re looking for stable employment, the insurance industry will never go through a “recession.”  What advice does Jen give to younger college students who aren’t sure what they want to do with their life? Love sports? Love to travel? You can become an insurance underwriter for the sports industry. There are so many avenues you can go. Why is Jen so interested in sustainability? 16 years later, Jen still finds the work she does engaging, impactful, and important!   Mentioned in This Episode: Marsh.com Renewableriskconsulting.ca Jen on LinkedIn Marsh’s 2024 North American Energy Industry Conference   red.”

Join us as we sit down with Miles Braxton, the Director of Risk Management at Summit Ridge Energy, at the Energy Industry Conference in Houston, Texas. In this episode, Miles discusses the unique aspects of community solar, the importance of diversity in the clean energy industry, and his role in co-founding the Black Oak Collective.   Key Takeaways: A little bit about Miles and his role at Summit Ridge Energy. What is community solar? It’s Miles’s mission to provide cheaper electricity directly to residents, especially in underserved communities. Miles always knew he wanted to get involved with energy. He credits his high-school math teacher for the inspiration. How did Miles transition from working on anaerobic digestion projects to focusing on solar energy? Miles decided to join Summit Ridge Energy for a more community-impactful role and he loved the company’s mission. What is the Society of Black Solar Professionals? What was the inspiration for co-founding the Black Oak Collective? Miles shares how he created strategic partnerships and relationships in his career and the impact of certain team members in propelling the Black Oak Collective. This generation is creating a shift in company culture because they are approaching careers from a passion-driven mindset. Miles shares the story behind his favorite colorful drink and the importance of shared experiences in building relationships. What is the Green Gateways program by Black Oak Collective?   Mentioned in This Episode: Srenergy.com Blackoakcollective.org Miles on LinkedIn 2024 Energy Industry Conference Thank you :D

The podcast discusses the importance of collaboration in the energy sector, the talent gap, and the future of clean energy sources. Michael Kolodner shares insights from industry conferences globally and the proactive nature of young professionals. The episode also features students discussing their journey into risk management and energy careers.