
FNO: InsureTech
A podcast that interviews leaders from insuretech and insurance to get up-to-date ideas and perspectives on how technology is disrupting and transforming the industry. We bring stories, trends, and useful insights to our audience from carriers, insuretechs, service providers, and various industry groups.
New episodes feature people who are on the forefront of inventing, using, developing, or transforming the insurance world through applied technology.
FNO: InsureTech is created and produced by Alacrity Solutions.
Latest episodes

Jun 11, 2021 • 1h 9min
Ep 131 – Auto Club Enterprises VP of Insurance Claims, Claudia Rodriguez
On this episode of FNO: InsureTech, we talk with Claudia Rodriguez, VP of Insurance Claims at Auto Club Enterprises, a AAA Insurer (ACE). Rob talks with returning guest Claudia Rodriguez to learn more about Auto Club Enterprises. As one of the three underwriting companies for AAA, ACE provides a variety of insurance coverage and services to their members. Join Claudia and Rob as they discuss: being an affiliate of the American Automobile Association (AAA), Claudia’s role as the VP of Insurance Claims and first female executive in her position; the effects of the pandemic on ACE and their operations; examples of finding solution through innovation, the Texas freeze event, customer service solutions, and more.

Jun 4, 2021 • 48min
Ep 130 – CCC Intelligent Solutions SVP, Chief Strategy Officer Marc Fredman
On this episode of FNO: InsureTech, we talk with Marc Fredman, SVP, Chief Strategy Officer at CCC Intelligent Solutions (CCC). CCC is a technology leader pioneering solutions that power insurers, automotive manufacturers, collision repairers, parts suppliers, lenders, fleet operators and more through our advanced cloud-based SaaS platform of digital and data services. As a trusted leader in AI, IoT, network management, customer experience, and digital workflows, CCC continues to innovate the space they work and play in. We had an opportunity to talk with their SVP, Chief Strategy Officer to learn more. Join Marc, Rob, and Lee as they discuss: CCC’s role as a SaaS platform and digitizing the insurance economy; digitizing decisions and the implementation of machine- and deep-learning AI models; planning for the inevitable and managing complexity; SPACs, "connected cars", and more.

May 28, 2021 • 49min
Ep 129 – Xactware President Mike Fulton
On this episode of FNO: InsureTech, we talk with Mike Fulton, President of Xactware. Once again, Rob and Lee sit down and talk with return guest Mike Fulton to talk Xactware. It’s been over a year since their last conversation (Episode 64, published February 28, 2020) and we are excited to catch up with Mike and hear what’s happened, what’s happening, and what the future holds for Xactware. Join Mike, Rob, and Lee as they discuss: Elevate 2021 and the shift to a virtual experience; finding the balance between leading and following in the industry; the continued advancement of innovation and integration; and more.

May 21, 2021 • 47min
Ep 128 – Surround Insurance Co-Founders Kate Terry & Jay Grayson
On this episode of FNO: InsureTech, we talk with Kate Terry & Jay Grayson, Co-Founders of Surround Insurance. Rob goes solo on this episode to talk with Kate Terry, COO and Co-Founder, and Jay Grayson, CEO and Co-Founder, of Surround Insurance. Modern consumers enjoy more options and choices than any other generation in history. The shift from owned assets to shared access gives them the flexibility to work, live, and move on their terms; however, it also leaves them exposed to an unprecedented level of financial uncertainty. Angel- and venture-backed by insurance and technology veterans who share a vision for a whole new world of customer-centric, technology-enabled insurance, Surround Insurance is reinventing age-old insurance products to serve these new consumers. Join Kate, Jay, & Rob as they discuss: the motivation behind the idea of Surround Insurance, Surround’s distribution model, the rise of side hustles and alternative work trends; the global pandemic effects on Surround, and much more.

May 14, 2021 • 48min
Ep 127 – Branch Insurance Co-Founder & CEO Steve Lekas
On this episode of FNO: InsureTech, we talk with Steve Lekas, Co-Founder & CEO of Branch Insurance. Branch Insurance is making saving on insurance easier than ever, leveraging instant prices, no quotes, and their unique community backing to provide home, auto, renters, and umbrella insurance. They were founded in 2017 behind a simple idea: insurance has lost its way. Led by an executive team comprised of insurance-industry veterans, they want to re-align insurance back to being a communal product. Join Steve, Rob, & Lee as they discuss: what separates Branch from traditional insurers, community-driven insurance and Branch’s Community Pledge; the importance of partners and partnerships; bundling your insurance, insurance savings, and much more.

May 7, 2021 • 50min
Ep 126 – Bold Penguin CEO & Founder Ilya Bodner & American Family Ventures Managing Director Drew Aldrich
You don’t want to miss this episode of FNO: InsureTech, featuring Ilya Bodner, CEO & Founder of Bold Penguin, and Drew Aldrich, Managing Director at American Family Ventures (AmFam Ventures). We have guests from prominent companies making waves in insurance, insuretech, the venture capital world, and much more. Bold Penguin and AmFam Ventures have a unique relationship and perspectives on the industries they represent and serve. Join Ilya, Drew, Rob, & Lee as they discuss: the beginnings of Bold Penguin, the partnership between Bold Penguin and AmFam Ventures; Amazing advice for founders, businesses, VCs, and startups; and much more.

Apr 30, 2021 • 50min
Ep 125 – Sproutt Co-Founder & President, Assaf Henkin
On our latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, we talk with Assaf Henkin, Co-Founder & President of Sproutt. Sproutt is a new kind of life insurance company that celebrates life, or to be more precise, celebrates quality life. Leveraging data and technology, they’ve developed a Quality of Life Index that assesses your lifestyle and provides personalized recommendations to help you lead a healthy lifestyle. Join Assaf, Rob, & Lee as they discuss: how Sproutt is taking a new approach to life insurance, what is the Quality of Life Index, Sproutt’s distribution methods, a glimpse at the background behind Sproutt and its founders; and more.

Apr 23, 2021 • 43min
Ep 124 – EXL Practice Leader of Insurance Analytics, Rahul Nawab
On our latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, we talk with Rahul Nawab, Practice Leader, Insurance Analytics at EXL. EXL leverages data and advanced analytics to create predictive insights and enable intelligent operations, helping customers deliver a superior customer experience, build sustainable growth, and optimize efficiency and resiliency. Rob and Lee talk with Rahul and discuss: EXL’s services to the insurance vertical, leveraging data to drive insights and understanding; cracking the code of innovation in a heavily, regulated industry, the pandemic affect and lessons learned at EXL; and more.

Apr 16, 2021 • 42min
Ep 123 – Five Sigma CEO & Co-Founder, Oded Barak
On our latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, we talk with Oded Barak, CEO & Co-Founder of Five Sigma. A claims platform that enables carriers to embrace innovation faster. Five Sigma set out on a mission to allow claims organizations to innovate, leveraging their suite of Claims-First Cloud-Native and User-Centric management tools and unique platform. Five Sigma is what Insurers need to bring their claims operation to the rapidly changing world. Rob and Lee had the wonderful opportunity to sit down and talk with Oded. Listen in as Oded, Rob, and Lee discuss: Five Sigma’s innovative, data-driven platform, creating a new experience for adjusters and management of claims; the shared vision of innovation in insurance, traditional vs. contemporary carriers and their needs; Oded’s background and experience; and more.

Apr 9, 2021 • 45min
Ep 122 – American Family Ventures Managing Director, Katelyn Johnson
On our latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, we talk with Katelyn Johnson, Managing Director at American Family Ventures (AmFam Ventures). A lot has changed since we last spoke with Katelyn Johnson (Episode 96, October 9, 2020). Rob and Lee talk catch up with Katelyn to get an update on her newest addition to the family, as well as what’s been happening at AmFam Ventures. Listen in as Katelyn, Rob, and Lee discuss: AmFam Venture’s long-established reputation in VC funding, Katelyn’s insights on the VC world, the renewed growth and popularity of insurance, American Family Insurance’s (parent company of AmFam Ventures) acquisition of Bold Penguin, new areas in insuretech to keep an eye on for innovation, and more.