Cold Call

Rick McCathron, CEO and president of Hippo, an insurtech firm addressing climate challenges, dives into innovating home insurance strategies. He discusses how Hippo leverages technology for competitive edge, smart home packages, and data-driven pricing. With Harvard’s Lauren Cohen, they explore adapting underwriting models to extreme weather events. Topics include consumer behavior shifts towards tech solutions and how new entrants improve claims processes while traditional insurers struggle. Together, they highlight the essential role of AI in predicting risks and enhancing customer engagement.

The podcast discusses the challenges faced by Twiddy & Company during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the importance of trust in managing through a crisis. It explores how the company leaned into trust to support homeowners, guests, and employees, highlighting the dynamics of trust relationships and the role of communication in crisis management.

Ferran Adrià, chef at elBulli, balances innovation and business growth. Harvard Prof. Norton discusses creativity, emotions, and innovation connections. Podcast explores rituals, emotional dining experience at elBulli, and the power of creativity in exceptional customer experiences.

Exploring Amazon's role in addressing a housing crisis in Seattle, the podcast delves into the debate on whether tech giants worsen or help the problem. It discusses the firm's partnership with a nonprofit to provide shelter for homeless families and the importance of business in addressing societal issues. The conversation also touches on the balance between corporate responsibility, government revenue, and the lessons for business leaders in community engagement.

Hüsnü Özyeğin, successful entrepreneur, discusses legacy of giving in Turkey. Topics: impact of post-earthquake efforts, evolution of family business, philanthropic focus on education, responsive disaster relief, and integrating social giving into business models.

Raymond Jefferson, a military veteran, overcame false allegations by filing a federal lawsuit. His resilience and vulnerability shaped his leadership style. The podcast explores his journey from West Point to the U.S. Department of Labor, highlighting how he triumphed over adversity with positivity and determination.

The podcast discusses how Paul English brought multiple ideas to market, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing good ideas, systematic thinking, and fast development. It explores his journey from aspiring car wash owner to successful entrepreneur, highlighting traits like scrappiness and innovation. Also, it delves into the creation of kayak.com, leadership empowerment, problem-solving speed, and building trust with customers.

Harvard University aims to decarbonize its supply chain by using a low-carbon substitute for cement. The podcast discusses the challenges of measuring carbon emissions and the potential use of blockchain technology. They explore the innovative solution of using recycled glass to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the concrete industry and the importance of precise carbon accounting in reducing emissions.

The podcast explores Apple's dilemma in balancing privacy and safety. It discusses the encryption system on the iPhone 6S, the debate over contact tracing apps during the pandemic, and the controversy surrounding Apple's delay in implementing child sexual abuse features. The podcast also examines the tension between privacy and safety, Apple's dominance in the smartphone market, and the ethical considerations of data ownership and privacy.

The podcast explores Raízen's strategy of bringing second-generation ethanol to the world in order to decarbonize the world. It discusses the challenges and opportunities of producing ethanol from sugar cane byproduct, the importance of buy-in from stakeholders, and ethanol's role in decarbonization. It also highlights the potential for Brazil to become a major exporter of decarbonization services and products.