The Leadership in Insurance Podcast - Insurtech & Innovation

In the latest episode of the Leadership in Insurance podcast, host Alex Bond sits down with Michael Streit, President of Applied Systems Carrier Business, for a fascinating conversation about the future of commercial insurance and the technology driving it forward.Michael shares how Applied, a company with over 40 years of institutional knowledge, is tackling one of the industry's most persistent challenges: friction in the commercial risk submission process.He explores how the recent acquisition of Cytora is enabling carriers to digitise unstructured insurance data using AI and large language models, all without forcing standardisation or compromising each carrier's unique view of risk.The conversation covers three distinct phases of digitisation maturity (from basic document processing, through workflow orchestration, to full connectivity between agencies and carriers), and what it actually takes for carriers to become front of mind for brokers writing commercial risk.Michael also reflects on the cultural challenge of sustaining innovation within a large, established organisation, and why the independent agent channel remains central to the insurance ecosystem.Whether you're a carrier, broker, or insurtech enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical insights on where agency-carrier connectivity is heading — and how quickly it's getting there.🎧 Listen now | [Link in comments]#LeadershipInInsurance #InsurTech #CommercialInsurance #AppliedSystems #AI #DigitalTransformation #Insurance

What does it take to transform the insurance broker industry from the inside out?In the latest episode, host Alex Bond sits down with Will Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of Gyde, to explore how his company is reimagining what it means to be an insurance broker in the age of AI.Will shares how Gyde is on a mission to empower brokers to become true, comprehensive guides for their clients - providing the technological infrastructure, automation tools, and operational support to help them go far beyond a single line of business.The conversation covers:🔹 Why brokers are the most underleveraged, but critical entry point into the US healthcare and insurance system🔹 How Gyde's M&A strategy is built around finding partner-aligned agencies, not just financial deals🔹 The role of automation in solving the labour-intensive renewal process during periods like AEP🔹 What building a culture of empathy and intellectual rigour looks like at an early-stage insurtech🔹 Gyde's roadmap: from completing their leadership team to accelerating their AI platform (GydeOS & Gia)Will brings a rare insider perspective, including experience at Oscar, and beyond — and it shows in how Gyde is speaking the language of the brokers they're building for.If you work in insurance, healthtech, or benefits distribution, this one is worth your time.#LeadershipInInsurance #InsurTech #Insurance #HealthInsurance #Brokers #AI #Podcast #FutureOfInsurance

In this week’s episode, host Alex Bond sits down with Andrew Doran, CEO of UnderwriteMe, to explore what it really takes to bring AI into one of the most regulated corners of financial services — life and health insurance.Andrew shares how UnderwriteMe operates a dual business model: a distribution platform powering up to a quarter of the UK's advisor protection market, and a B2B automation platform for underwriting and claims — two sides that constantly inform each other.The conversation covers:🔹 Why AI adoption looks like a "quiet evolution" in mature markets like the UK and Australia but a "grand revolution" in emerging ones like India🔹 The danger of waiting for perfection and why incremental progress beats standing still🔹 What the future really holds for human underwriters in an AI-driven world (spoiler: the role evolves, it doesn't disappear)🔹 How to bring risk and compliance teams along early rather than treating them as a blockerAndrew's take on navigating innovation inside a regulated industry is both pragmatic and refreshing. A must-listen for anyone working at the intersection of insurance, technology, and change.

The next episode of the Leadership in Insurance Podcast is here  - and it's one not to miss.Host Alex Bond sits down with Abbie Day, reporter at Insurance Insider and one of the  industry's most informed voices on AI, to explore what AI really means for the future of insurance.Abbie brings a uniquely informed perspective: her interest in AI dates back to her Masters dissertation on editorial responses to the technology back in 2018, and she has since authored a widely-read six-part AI series for Insurance Insider. In this conversation, she and Alex go beyond the hype to have an honest discussion about where the industry actually is on its AI journey.They cover a lot of ground, including:🔹 How AI is reshaping claims, underwriting and broking  - and what that means for the people doing those jobs 🔹 The tension between efficiency gains and the human relationships that insurance has always been built on 🔹 The question every insurer is wrestling with: build in-house or buy in? 🔹 The concept of "ethical debt"  -  and why getting AI implementation right from the start matters more than speed 🔹 What future insurance leaders will actually need to succeed in an AI-augmented world 🔹 Why the industry is shifting from talking about AI to doing something about it  - and what the early results look likeWhether you're a leader navigating AI adoption, a professional thinking about what these changes mean for your career, or simply someone trying to make sense of where insurance is heading — this episode is for you.

Insurance"In the latest episode of the Leadership in Insurance podcast, host Alex Bond sits down with Sharon Rodriguez, Co-Founder and CEO of Nevado AI, for a fascinating conversation about the future of artificial intelligence in the insurance industry.With 20 years of insurance experience under her belt, Sharon shares how Nevado AI is using an agentic workforce to help insurers cut through operational inefficiency and regulatory complexity — without the friction of traditional outsourcing models.The conversation explores some of the most pressing questions facing insurance leaders today:🔹 What does it actually mean to be AI-native — and how do you build that infrastructure? 🔹 How should organisations rethink roles, training, and incentive structures in an AI-driven world? 🔹 What kind of leadership does successful AI integration demand?Sharon and Alex also discuss the cultural shift required for companies to treat AI not just as a tool, but as a genuine part of the workforce — and why empathy and creativity are now non-negotiable leadership traits.Whether you're an insurance executive, an ops leader, or simply curious about where AI is taking the industry, this is a conversation worth your time.

In this episode, host Alex Bond sits down with Georgie Simister, Commercial Partnerships Lead at Artificial Labs, to explore her fascinating journey from broker distribution into the world of InsurTech software sales.Georgie opens up about the challenges of adapting to longer sales cycles, learning new industry terminology, and what it really means to sell technology that automates decisions and transforms broker and carrier processes.Beyond the day-to-day, Georgie shares how Artificial is navigating one of the trickiest challenges for any growing business — scaling culture. From the weekly 'Artificial Hour' calls to monthly company breakfasts, she explains how a shared passion for the industry keeps the team united as they grow from a 'family to a village.'The conversation also touches on Georgie's involvement in the Future First Insurance Network, her own podcast “Insurance Technology: Fact or Fiction”, and — with Insurtech Week in London just around the corner — why in-person events still play a vital role in the industry.

This week's episode features Dan Grimwood-Bird, Head of Insurance at Nauto, an AI company at the forefront of commercial auto safety technology. This conversation covers everything from cutting-edge AI to the deeply human side of our industry.Dan shares how Nauto's AI-powered device is transforming fleet safety by tackling the root cause of the problem: with 70% of collisions caused by driver distraction or inattention, Nauto's windscreen-mounted system identifies risks in real time, alerts drivers, and provides critical video evidence for claims. The results? Significantly lower collision rates across commercial fleets.The conversation goes much deeper than technology. Dan and host Alex explore:🚗 The road to autonomy — how Nauto is bridging the gap between human-driven and fully autonomous vehicles, and why CEO Stefan Heck has called AI the biggest leap in motor safety since the seatbelt — a vision now accelerated by Nauto's recent partnership with Qualcomm🤝 The broker opportunity — why the most forward-thinking brokers are moving beyond renewals and actively managing risk for clients and insurers alike🎙️ "Humanizing Insurance" — Dan shares the story behind his own podcast, sparked by a dinner with Ema Roloff that ignited a passion for storytelling and a mission to showcase the genuine intentions and diverse backgrounds of insurance professionals💡 First mover advantage — why understanding emerging technologies early is non-negotiable, and why there is simply no second mover advantage in today's landscape❤️ The human connections that define our industry — Dan reflects on why sharing real, personal experiences matters more than ever, and how the relationships built within insurance are among its greatest, most underappreciated strengths

This week's episode features a fascinating conversation with Melissa Collett, CEO of Insurtech UK — the only trade association dedicated to representing the UK's thriving Insurtech sector.Since starting in 2018, Insurtech UK has grown from 30 to over 150 member companies, working alongside 50 partners and insurers to advocate for and connect the entire insurance value chain. Melissa brings a deep understanding of where the sector has come from, and where it's heading.In this episode, Alex and Melissa explore:🔹 Why the UK punches far above its weight in Insurtech: home to the highest number of Insurtechs per capita globally and second only to Silicon Valley in unicorn production🔹 The shift in how Insurtech companies are structuring themselves - as many move away from regulated models towards SaaS  - and what's driving that change🔹 The real challenges facing Insurtechs trying to scale, particularly in retail insurance, where building a customer base demands patience that investors don't always have🔹 The UK vs US dynamic: why UK companies so often need to establish a US presence to unlock investment and growth, and what initiatives like the UK-Connecticut Corridor are doing to ease that path🔹 The economic powerhouse hiding in plain sight: the UK Insurtech sector is worth over $20 billion to the UK economy, underpinned by the sophistication of UK consumers, the presence of institutions like Lloyd's, and London's unmatched global position🔹 What's coming next for Insurtech UK, including a parliamentary reception at the House of Lords and a global accelerator programme launching in AprilWhether you're building an Insurtech, investing in one, or working within the broader insurance ecosystem, this episode offers a sharp and honest look at the state of the sector, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

The latest edition of The Leadership in Insurance Podcast, features Alex Bond in conversation with Tony Lew, co-founder of Insurtech New York, in an insightful conversation about the future of insurance technology and the critical role of human engagement in an AI-driven industry.Key highlights from this episode:🔹 The Human Side of Insurance - Tony discusses why Insurtech New York's 2026 conference theme focuses on ensuring technology augments rather than replaces human interaction across the insurance value chain🔹 Insurtech New York's Ecosystem - Learn about their multifaceted approach including a 1,000-person annual conference, corporate innovation programs, MGA accelerator, and venture capital fund🔹 Conference Strategy - Why they've deliberately maintained a 1,000-person limit to balance attracting key industry leaders while enabling meaningful networking opportunities🔹 Investment Success - Tony shares insights on their VC fund's impressive 21% IRR and approach to backing insurance innovation🔹 Humanity in the Loop - A thought-provoking discussion on addressing industry fears about AI job displacement and the importance of human involvement in technology deployment and decision-makingThe conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, investment, and insurance innovation.Mark your calendars: The Insurtech New York Conference takes place March 30-31 in New York, featuring dual tracks for P&C and life/health insurance, CEO panels, and startup pitch competitions.Listen now to gain insights on staying relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. 🎧#InsurancePodcast #Insurtech #InsuranceInnovation #LeadershipInInsurance #VentureCapital #InsuranceIndustry