Risk Management: Brick by Brick

In this new, limited series of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Keith Stouder, Vice President of Privacy and AI Governance at ACT for Episode 2 of ‘Documentation & Organization,’ for a fascinating conversation about building AI governance frameworks that enable innovation while managing risk responsibly. With nearly 30 years in IT spanning automotive, government, healthcare, and education, Keith brings a unique perspective on how organizations can embrace AI transformation without compromising data privacy or ethical standards.Discover how ACT manages one of the largest educational data stores while leveraging AI for student assessment and policy development, why Keith's team chose a "green light until red" approach rather than starting with restrictions, and how to quantify AI risk using the same frameworks applied to traditional operational risks. Learn practical strategies for executive buy-in, employee enablement, and building governance committees that actually keep pace with rapid technological change.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights:00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Risk Management Brick by Brick00:37 - Keith's Journey: From IT Infrastructure to AI Governance Leadership02:13 - The Natural Evolution: Why AI Governance Fits Within Privacy Teams03:53 - ACT's Data Challenge: Managing Hundreds of Millions of Educational Records06:27 - The Two-Tier Approach: Browser Copilot vs. Secured Enclave Strategy08:27 - Driving Adoption: AI Governance Websites and Mandatory Training09:41 - Real-World Application: AI as Human Reader for Exam Scoring11:35 - Defining Responsible AI: Quality Assurance and Ethical Testing13:10 - Starting From Scratch: Executive Buy-In and Proof of Concept13:47 - Quantifying AI Risk: Moving Beyond High-Medium-Low Categories16:14 - Risk Management's Elevation: From Cost Center to Executive Committee18:38 - Vendor Responsibility: The Liability Challenge in AI Contracts19:53 - The Insurance Question: Will AI Exposure Become Its Own Line?20:45 - Risky or Too Risky: Keith's Rapid-Fire Risk Assessment22:19 - Keeping Governance Current: Teams Channels and Knowledge Sharing24:15 - Final Thoughts: Science Fiction Becoming Nonfiction Episode Resources:ACTTrustLayerIf you enjoyed this episode, please (with a cherry on top):Subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple PodcastsFollow TRS on SpotifyTell a friend! Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest

Van Carlson, Founder and CEO of 831B Admin, draws on his 30 years of risk management experience to introduce innovative strategies for small businesses. He explains 831B captive insurance as a tool to move beyond traditional insurance, likening it to a health savings account for businesses. Van discusses tackling non-transferable risks, such as supply chain disruptions and brand protection. He also highlights the innovative 'halo coverage' that fills gaps left by traditional policies, urging business owners to adopt holistic risk strategies for growth.

Reijo Pold, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of ValueSpace, shares his expertise in satellite-based analytics for infrastructure monitoring. He discusses the transformation of satellite technology from defense use to a vital tool for assessing climate risk. Pold highlights the urgent need for modern infrastructure solutions amidst aging systems and extreme weather. He explains how real-time data can drastically cut costs in repairs and enhances partnerships, like ValueSpace's collaboration with the UN, to elevate global safety standards.

Will Mulé, the Global Solutions Practice Leader at Hub, shares insights from his diverse experiences in Argentina, the UK, and the U.S. He discusses the 'Protect and Swerve' approach to evolving global risks, highlighting how traditional insurance models are struggling. Will explains the rising influence of AI on liability issues and emphasizes the need for cultural intelligence when managing risks across different countries. Learn why knowing your team's locations is crucial and how to effectively navigate local market requirements.

We're coming to you LIVE from Riskworld 2025! In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Sridhar Manyem, Senior Director and Head of Industry Research at AM Best, for a deep dive into the Directors & Officers insurance market. As the thought leadership arm of the world's oldest insurance credit rating agency, Sridhar reveals the hidden shifts happening in D&O coverage that could impact every organization with a board of directors.Discover why market complacency might be setting companies up for costly surprises, how COVID-era court backlogs are creating latent risks, and why the current soft market conditions might not reflect true risk levels. Learn about emerging threats like litigation funding, social inflation, and the critical factors every organization should consider when structuring their D&O coverage.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights:[00:00] - Intro: Meet Sridhar Manyem from AM Best[02:10] - Market Reality Check: The Biggest D&O Shift in Years[04:47] - The Complacency Problem: Why Steep Price Declines Are Concerning [07:18] - Claims-Made Policies: The Extended Risk Timeline Most Miss[08:07] - Emerging Threats: Litigation Funding and Social Inflation[11:10] - Coverage Strategy: Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Approaches [16:08] - Risky or Too Risky: D&O Decision-Making Game[17:50] - Industry Advice: Building Relationships in a Close-Knit MarketEpisode Resources:Sridhar Manyem’s LinkedInAM BestTrustLayerIf you enjoyed this episode, please (with a cherry on top):Subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple PodcastsFollow TRS on SpotifyTell a friend! Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest

In this discussion, Amy Barnes, Head of Climate and Sustainability Strategy at Marsh, shares her journey from environmental consultant to a leader in climate strategy. She emphasizes the crucial role of curiosity in adapting insurance to climate change. Amy reveals how tools like the tariff simulator enhance supply chain resilience and stresses that climate considerations should permeate business decisions. She also addresses the evolving role of risk managers from mere safety departments to strategic partners driving organizational growth.

 We're coming to you LIVE from Riskworld 2025! In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Pete Kranz, Senior Vice President at Alliant Insurance Services, for an in-depth discussion on controlling your risk finance destiny through strategic alternatives to traditional insurance.Pete brings a unique perspective as a CPA-turned-risk-strategist with over 17 years in captive management and alternative risk financing. He breaks down the evolution from "buy deductible, buy limit" thinking to a holistic approach that can save companies millions while providing better risk control.Discover why many companies are buying too much insurance, how to strike the right balance between retention and transfer, and the critical importance of actuarial analysis in making informed risk decisions. Learn about the essential relationships between risk managers, CFOs, and general counsel, and why Pete believes the key to success isn't selling products—it's delivering the right strategic advice.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights:00:00 - Intro: Meet Pete Kranz from Alliant Insurance Services02:46 - From CPA to Risk Finance: Pete's Unconventional Journey03:37 - The Art of Balancing Risk Retention vs Transfer05:29 - Why Market Volatility Demands Creative Risk Structures07:44 - Leadership Lessons: Supporting Talent and Avoiding Selfishness08:48 - How to Identify a Strategic Partner vs. Just Another Broker10:34 - Rethinking Captives: Tools, Not Solutions11:44 - The Biggest Blind Spot in Total Cost of Risk13:52 - Risky or Too Risky: Pete's Rapid-Fire Risk Assessment Game17:00 - Advice for Insurance Industry NewcomersEpisode Resources: Pete Kranz's LinkedIn Alliant Insurance ServicesTrustLayer If you enjoyed this episode, please (with a cherry on top):Subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple PodcastsFollow TRS on SpotifyTell a friend! Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest

We're coming to you LIVE from Riskworld 2025! In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, Jason Reichl sits down with James Alexander, Principal Consultant at Meliora-ESG, to explore how satellite-based structural auditing is transforming climate risk assessment and infrastructure monitoring. With over 25 years of experience spanning environmental impairment liability and cutting-edge earth observation technology, James reveals how organizations can leverage satellite intelligence to detect structural anomalies, predict climate impacts, and protect critical infrastructure.Discover how satellite technology has evolved from defense-sector exclusivity to mainstream risk management, why 80% of insured assets will be under satellite surveillance within six years, and how risk managers can start incorporating this game-changing technology into their frameworks today.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights:00:00 - Intro & Welcome to Risk Management Brick by Brick00:39 - James Alexander's Journey: From Environmental Underwriting to Satellite Intelligence01:19 - The Evolution of Earth Observation: From Defense to Democratized Technology02:15 - Infrastructure Under Pressure: Why 50+ Year Old Assets Need New Solutions03:50 - Future-Proofing Through Data: Structural Auditing and Anomaly Detection05:38 - Making Satellite Intelligence Practical: Real-World Applications and Cost Benefits07:25 - The 80% Prediction: Why Satellite Surveillance is Becoming Industry Standard08:34 - Technology Meets Experience: Bridging Generational Knowledge in Risk Management10:59 - Getting Started: Practical Steps for Incorporating Satellite Intelligence12:10 - Climate Risk Misconceptions: Moving Beyond ESG Buzzwords14:18 - Risky or Too Risky Game: Safety Culture and Risk Tolerance16:15 - Final Thoughts: The Future of Infrastructure Risk Management Episode Resources:James Alexander's LinkedInMeliora-ESGTrustLayer If you enjoyed this episode, please (with a cherry on top):Subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple PodcastsFollow TRS on SpotifyTell a friend!Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest

We're coming to you LIVE from Riskworld 2025! In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, Jason Reichl sits down with Kathy Burns, CEO of Acclaimant, to explore her remarkable journey from Aon's technology pioneer in the 1990s to leading one of the most innovative risk management information systems companies today.Kathy shares how she broke away from the traditional broker path early in her career to help create what is now the RMIS category, her experience building and selling Ventiv Technology, and her strategic pivot to the wholesale insurance market at Ryan Specialty Group. Now as CEO of Acclaimant, she's on a mission to democratize enterprise-level risk management solutions for middle market companies.Discover why "everybody deserves the right to be a good risk," how focusing on specific problems rather than feature lists transforms sales conversations, and why the most successful leaders surround themselves with great people. Learn practical insights about balancing innovation with risk-averse buyers, the importance of consultative selling in insurance technology, and when to trust your intuition over data in pivotal decisions.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io. Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don Halliwell Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro: Meet Kathy Burns, CEO of Acclaimant00:39 Early Career Risks: Breaking Away from the Pack02:14 Building the RMIS Category at Aon and Ventiv04:36 The Ryan Specialty Group Experience05:26 Democratizing Risk Management Technology07:21 Strategic Focus: The 18-Month Transformation10:42 Beyond Features: Solving Real Problems13:17 The Consultative Sales Revolution16:47 Enterprise vs. Middle Market Strategy18:10 Leadership Rapid Fire: Risky or Too Risky22:27 Career Advice: Surround Yourself with Good PeopleEpisode Resources:Kathy Burns’ LinkedInAcclaimantTrustLayer If you enjoyed this episode, please (with a cherry on top):Subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple PodcastsFollow TRS on SpotifyTell a friend!Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest

We're coming to you LIVE from Riskworld 2025! In this episode of Brick by Brick, Jason Reichl sits down with David Finz, Senior Vice President at Alliant Insurance Services, to tackle the growing threat of social engineering attacks that are costing businesses six and seven-figure losses. David shares his expertise helping companies across construction, healthcare, and financial services understand how cyber insurance works alongside crime and fidelity policies to protect against wire fraud and business email compromise.Discover the four key types of cybercrime losses covered under cyber policies, why employees fall for increasingly sophisticated payment instruction changes, and how to implement multi-layered authentication systems. Learn why risk managers need to break down silos between IT, HR, and legal teams, how tabletop exercises can elevate your profile within your organization, and practical strategies for staying ahead of threats - including emerging AI-powered voice phishing that David's team is now seeing firsthand.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io. Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don Halliwell Episode Highlights:00:00 - Intro: Meet Jason Reichl from Alliant Insurance Services03:03 - Beyond Insurance: Building Multi-Layer Security Controls05:20 - AI Deep Fakes: The New Frontier of Cyber Threats07:07 - Understanding Different Types of Cyber Insurance Coverage10:09 - Breaking Down Organizational Silos in Risk Management12:20 - Emerging Threats: AI and Quantum Computing Risks14:28 - Fun Game: Risky or Too Risky Scenarios17:52 - Key Takeaways: The Future of Risk ManagementEpisode Resources:David Finz’s LinkedInAlliant Insurance ServicesTrustLayer If you enjoyed this episode, please (with a cherry on top):Subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple PodcastsFollow TRS on SpotifyTell a friend!Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest