The Voices of Risk Management - podcast cover

The Voices of Risk Management

Katie Crowe and Hunter Fausnachtweb.theinstitutes.org
The Voices of Risk Management is the premier podcast that gives listeners a 30 minute peek into the minds of Risk and Insurance leaders. Every episode, a new guest will be telling their stories of heroics, hard conversations, and just dumb luck. Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of risk management!

Episodes

Navigating Risk in Academia with Craig McCallister

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 ch...

Dec 20, 202429 min

Maximizing Insurance Recoveries Legally with Michael Levine

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 Hunt...

Nov 01, 202432 min

The Role of Insurance for Disaster Resilience with Daniel Kaniewski

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...

Oct 18, 202450 min

In Risk Management, You Get to Create Your Own Destiny with Jenna Kirkpatrick Howard

Jenna Kirkpatrick Howard is the Senior Vice President for Lockton Companies. She is also a board member and treasurer for the Community of Hope, a non-profit focused on creating opportunities for low-income families in Washington, DC. In this episode, Jenna shares her journey from hesitantly stepping into a sales position to embracing her skills as a networker and people connector. She shares the truth behind the Lockton/Rolex legend and provides candid advice for young professionals navigating ...

Sep 06, 202431 min

Bridging Gaps within Risk Management with Cheryl Reecher

Cheryl Reecher is the Vice President of Business Development at Cotton Holdings Inc. With a career spanning over two decades, across various high-profile roles in the insurance industry, Cheryl brings a rich wealth of experience from director of risk management to insurance broker, and now as a business developer. In this episode, Cheryl shares her journey from discovering insurance to mastering the intricacies of each major insurance role. Learn how Cheryl’s diverse experiences have enabled her...

Aug 23, 202429 min

Global Impact with Martin Drux

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 p...

Aug 02, 202434 min

Pioneering and Simplifying Construction Contracts with Josh Levy

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 neces...

Jun 21, 202441 min

7 Years of Bootstrapping an InsurTech Company with James Benham

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 ...

May 31, 202444 min

What is Captive Insurance? with Anne Marie Towle

Anne Marie Towle is the CEO of Global Risk & Captive Solutions at Hylant. Since joining Hylant, Anne has grown the company’s captive consultancy into a powerhouse, earning U.S. Captive Review’s Captive Manager of the Year award. Prior to joining Hylant, Ms. Towle was an executive vice president with JLT and formerly a senior consultant with Willis Towers Watson for over seven years. In this episode, Anne shares her experience in the insurance industry, what a captive is, and when it makes sense ...

May 10, 202437 min

The Energy Episodes: Fostering Energy Innovations and Member Relations with Michael Galea & Peter Nadel

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 (EI...

Mar 29, 202431 min

Mastering Risk Management in the Renewable Energy Sector with Yan Veytsman and Fred Wass

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 i...

Mar 22, 202421 min

The Energy Episodes: Recession-Proof Your Career Opportunities with Insurance with Jen Aitchison

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 f...

Mar 15, 202425 min

How to Think About and Build Community Around Clean Energy with Miles Braxton

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 t...

Mar 08, 202426 min

Best Practices Towards Bridging Talent and Innovation in the Energy Sector with Michael Kolodner

Michael Kolodner is the Global Renewable Energy and US Power leader at Marsh. In this episode, Michael shares insights from Marsh’s 2024 North America Energy Industry Conference. He highlights the importance of creating a collaborative space for stakeholders across the energy sector. He emphasizes the critical talent gap in the industry, the innovative approach of bringing diverse voices together, and the future of clean energy sources like geothermal. The episode also features a dynamic convers...

Mar 01, 202425 min

The Insider Details of Risk & Insurance within the Fusion Industry with Sarah Sherman

Join Sarah Sherman, Managing Director at NFP, as she dives into the intricate world of risk management within the fusion industry. This episode sheds light on the importance of working closely with clients, the requirements for industry-specific knowledge in managing risks, and the value of clear communication and honesty in building professional credibility. Sarah discusses her journey into risk and insurance, her pivotal role in The Wattles Fellowship, and her unique position in outsource risk...

Feb 23, 202439 min

Scott Addis’s Blueprint for Success: Transforming Risk into Opportunity

Scott Addis, the Founder of Beyond Insurance and a recognized innovator in the insurance industry, shares his multifaceted journey from sports psychology to becoming a key figure in risk management. In this episode, Scott delves into his unique approach to risk management, the importance of active listening and honest communication in understanding client needs, and he discusses his five-step risk management process. He also shares his method for becoming “rejection-proof” when building new rela...

Feb 02, 202442 min

Shaping a New Era of Diversity and Opportunity in Insurance With Christopher Holmes

Christopher Holmes, co-founder of RiskVersity, brings over 15 years of risk management expertise to the forefront of the insurance industry. In this episode, Christopher shares his journey from being an intern at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to becoming the CEO of RiskVersity, a company dedicated to changing the insurance landscape by creating opportunities for minorities. He discusses the unique challenges and progress in diversity within the industry, his commitment to fostering an inclusive envi...

Jan 12, 202445 min

Leveraging Generative AI in Insurance Claims Management With Jeff Gurtcheff

Jeff Gurtcheff is the Chief Claims Officer at CorVel and brings a unique blend of passion, collaboration, and extensive experience in worker’s compensation, liability, and property claims. In this episode, Jeff shares his insights on the evolving role of insurance adjusters, the importance of mentorship, and the art of reading policies and people. Jeff also discusses how his experiences in team sports have enriched his professional life in insurance. Key Takeaways: A little bit about Jeff and hi...

Dec 15, 202336 min

Demystifying Nuclear Energy and Its Evolving Safety Measures With Milton Stark

Milton Stark is a seasoned professional with an impressive 52-year career spanning industrial, government, and commercial sectors. His expertise lies in a broad range of areas including management, operations, and safety. In this episode, Milton dives into his extensive career in nuclear energy and risk management, discussing the evolution of safety protocols since the 1970s and addressing public misconceptions, including the current concerns over tritium in drinking water. Key Takeaways: A litt...

Dec 01, 202341 min

The Lucrative Industry of Insuring Collectible Items With Richard Vinhais

Richard Vinhais is the Chief Executive Officer at WAX, an insurance company that protects rare collectible items. Richard shares how you can insure half of a collectible item, what he looks forward to in the expansion of the business, and why it really takes an “insider” to truly understand the pain points collectors go through when it comes to insuring some of these precious items. Key Takeaways: A little bit about Richard and what he does for WAX. WAX is a much-needed service in the collector ...

Sep 22, 202347 min

You Can Jump Into Any Industry in Insurance With Sharon Fox

Sharon Fox is a Risk Management and Insurance Leader with more than 14 years of experience. Sharon got her foot in the door through Aon, a risk transfer solution for clients in the mining, power, and engineering sector before making her big jump into technology. In this episode, she describes why she made a conscious decision in getting her degree in insurance, as well as details her experiences as a woman in a very male-dominated field. Key Takeaways: A little bit about Sharon and her work care...

Sep 08, 202348 min

There Are Hidden Lessons in Failure with James Martin

James Martin is the Global Enterprise Director and Head of Brokers at AXA Group. Currently based in London and working remotely in his position, James shares how he’s learned to embrace and be open about failure, why you have to focus on the relationships of this industry, and the importance of giving back to causes you deeply care about. Key Takeaways: A little bit about James and his work career. What’s the transition from broker to carrier position been like? James encourages people to try di...

Aug 25, 202340 min

RIMS Chapter Members Want More Networking Opportunities With Lori Seidenberg

Lori Seidenberg is a Director and Global Head of Infrastructure and Real Estate Insurance Risk Management for BlackRock, Inc. She has over 30 years of diversified experience in risk management and insurance. She also serves as a member of the board of directors at Spencer Educational Foundation, a project she is very passionate about. In this episode, your hosts and Lori sit down at the RIMS RISKWORLD conference in Atlanta to catch up and discuss what the future of the New York RIMS chapter look...

Jul 07, 202323 min

The Insurance Risk Behind Renewable Energy With Michael Kolodner

Michael Kolodner is the Global Renewable Energy Leader at Marsh, where he leads an integrated team of more than 250 renewable energy specialists around the world. In this episode, he shares some exciting things that are happening within the renewable energy space, and why you have to assess risk differently in this industry. He also shares some stories of when he was living in a submarine while serving in the Navy. Key Takeaways: A little bit about Mike. What is renewable energy and what kind of...

Jun 16, 202354 min

Building a Community of Like-Minded Peers in Insurance With Tyler Vaughan & Jasmine Klein

Tyler Vaughan and Jasmine Klein join this episode to talk about what it’s like being young professionals in the risk and insurance industry. Tyler is a Business Analyst at Safelite Autoglass and Jasmine is an Assistant Vice President for the FINPRO department at Marsh. They share why they’re passionate about expanding the Global RIMS RRP Advisory Group and why it’s important to have a strong community of peers and like-minded professionals and they share their future dreams of where they’d like ...

Jun 02, 202333 min

How the Federal Government Thinks About Risk With Marianne Roth

Marianne Roth is the Chief Risk Officer at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and she is also the President of the Association for Federal Enterprise Risk Management (AFERM). In this episode, she explains how the government thinks and assesses risk on a national scale and how young professionals can get their foot in the door to make a difference within the government. Key Takeaways: A little bit about Marianna and her work at CFPB. How did Marianne discover risk management? As some...

May 12, 202343 min

How to Think and Manage Global Risk With Carlos Dezayas

Carlos Dezayas is the Head of Risk Management at Kraft Heinz Company, a global food and beverage company. Carlos shares his unique experience in insurance and offers insight into what it means to manage risk on a global scale. He also shares the best ways young professionals can position themselves within the industry and shares his experience managing the intricate balance between insurance premiums and insurance risk. Key Takeaways: A little bit about Carlos and his work at Kraft Heinz. Why di...

Apr 28, 202342 min

The Inner Workings of Overseas Government Contracts and Defense Insurance With Bert Iams

Bert Iams is the Senior Vice President of Government Contracting at Signal Mutual. As an underwriter, Bert is constantly fascinated by some of the contracts he’s had to assess risk and insurance coverage for. In this position, you never know what to expect and he shares insights on how he approaches his very diverse job in a systemized way. Find out how Bert insures some of the most dangerous jobs for our overseas contractors in this week’s episode. Key Takeaways: What is the DBA (Defense Base A...

Mar 31, 202340 min

The Different Multigeneration Personalities in Insurance with The Hard Market

The admin of the Instagram profile, The Hard Market, gets interviewed on this week’s show. The Hard Market is a safe place for Insurance Professionals where there are memes, laughs, and very real moments that every insurance professional can relate to on the social media profile. In this episode, the anonymous admin lays out some hard truths about the job market today, what Millennials really think, and how our society’s coping mechanisms have been normalized and part of the status quo. Key Take...

Mar 10, 202354 min

Insurance Is a Stable Industry During Market Uncertainty and Recessions With Matt Sutika

Matt Sutika is the Chief Insurance Officer at Obie, an insurtech company that focuses on quick insurance quotes for multifamily rentals. Matt talks about how more professionals are entering the insurance industry with more intentionality than ever before, what it means to brokers when there are more insurance purchasing options available online, and why insurance tends to be a more stable industry than any other industry out there during recessions and bear markets. Key Takeaways: A little bit a...

Feb 24, 202345 min