Sound Policy

Epizode

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  How power markets are evolving, with Marsh's Mike Kolodner 15.09.2026 35min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we explore how growing energy needs are reshaping the industry. From data centers and AI to manufacturing and electrification, organizations across the energy ecosystem are facing new challenges as infrastructure, investment, and technology continue to evolve.Host Brian Amaral speaks with Michael Kolodner, leader of Marsh's U.S. Energy and Power Practice, about the forces reshaping today's power ecosystem and why risk management is becoming increasingly important as new technologies, stakeholders, and investment models enter the market.They also discuss renewable energy, battery storage, nuclear technology, and the challenge of aligning stakeholders around a common understanding of risk in a rapidly changing energy landscape.More resources:Renewable Energy Property Insurance | FMhttps://www.fm.com/About-Us/Our-Organization/FM-Renewable-Energy
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  Risk, resilience, and the hidden cost of disruption 01.09.2026 28min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we explore how organizations are building resilience in an increasingly interconnected business environment. As companies face operational disruptions and evolving risks, many are looking for better ways to understand their exposures and make more informed decisions. Guest host Lew Abramson speaks with Jessica Mizenko, Global Manager of Business Risk Consulting at FM, about business interruption, business continuity planning, hidden dependencies, and the challenges of making the business case for resilience investments. They also discuss how risk quantification can uncover exposures that aren't always visible on financial statements.More resources:FM Business Risk Consultinghttps://www.fm.com/solutions/services-we-provide/business-risk-consulting-and-biaJessica Mizenko LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamizenko/
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  Four qualities of a well-protected data center 18.08.2026 26min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we explore one of the biggest infrastructure stories of recent years: the data center boom. As demand grows to support AI, cloud computing, and digital services, data center operators are working to build facilities that can scale quickly while maintaining resilience and reliability. Host Brian Amaral speaks with Paul Heisel, chief underwriter for FM Intellium, about FM's framework for a well-protected data center. They discuss four qualities that help data center operators build resilience, support uptime, and prepare for evolving risks. They also explore how emerging technologies,including liquid cooling, lithium-ion batteries, and on-site power generation, are changing the way data centers are designed, built, and operated.The Four Qualities of a Well-Protected DataCenterhttps://www.fm.com/solutions/industries/data-centers/four-qualities-of-well-protected-data-centers
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  Digging into losses in the mining industry 04.08.2026 24min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we take a closer look at the mining industry and the challenges of operating in an increasingly complex world. As demand grows for critical minerals used in AI, electrification, and digital infrastructure, mining companies are managing increasing complexity while working to keep operations running reliably.Host Brian Amaral speaks with FM’s Michael Beaumont about findings from a 2026 report that examines 20 years of mining losses. They discuss how increasing operational complexity is changing the industry, why business interruption can have a significant impact on operations, and how maintenance, contingency planning, and disciplined operational practices help companies strengthen resilience and prepare for disruption before it happensMore resources: FM Mining Industry Loss History Reporthhttps://fmglobalpublic.hartehanks.com/AssetDisplay?acc=11FM&itemCode=WF692204_DIGITAL
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  Why FM's chief investment officer calls the market this year 'anti-fragile' 22.07.2026 30min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we explore how FM approaches investing in a rapidly changing market environment. From AI and data centers to private credit and inflation, investors are navigating a wide range of opportunities while balancing long-term resilience.Host Brian Amaral speaks with Sanjay Chawla, chief investment officer at FM, about the forces shaping financial markets in 2026. They discuss why markets have remained resilient amid global uncertainty, how AI is transforming investment opportunities, and what investors are watching as demand for data centers and digital infrastructure continues to grow.The episode also explores FM's long-term investment approach, the role of private markets, and how building an all-weather portfolio helps support the company's mission and clients.More resources: FM Investmentshttps://www.fm.com/about-us/our-leadership/sanjay-chawla
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  Inside FM's new report on power generation losses 07.07.2026 28min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we dive into FM's new report on losses in the power generation industry. From electrification and AI infrastructure to aging equipment and evolving supply chains, power generation companies are balancing increasing complexity while delivering consistent electricity.Host Brian Amaral speaks with FM's Brian Palmer and Austin Larkin about recent loss trends across the sector. They discuss what’s driving losses, why mechanical and electrical breakdowns play such a large role, and how longer lead times for critical equipment are raising the stakes when outages occur.More resources:FM Power Generation Loss Insights Report(https://fmglobalpublic.hartehanks.com/AssetDisplay?acc=11FM&itemCode=WF500935)
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  The growing cost of hail 23.06.2026 21min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we take a closer look at hail, one of the fastest growing weather-related loss drivers, and a new global hail map developed by FM to better understand where the risk is most severe. While hail often draws less attention than other natural hazards, its frequency, severity, and cost have increased significantly in recent years.Host Brian Amaral speaks with Andreas Muehlbauer, principal research scientist at FM, and Anthony Longabard, senior staff engineering specialist, about how hail forms, why losses are rising, and how FM’s new global hail map combines climate science, loss data, and machine learning to measure both frequency and intensity. The conversation also explores how this data supports engineering recommendations and helps businesses make more informed decisions about protecting roofs, equipment, and outdoor assets from hail damage.More resources:FM natural hazard maps(https://www.fm.com/resources/nathaz-toolkit/flood-map)FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets(https://www.fm.com/Resources/fm-data-sheets)FM Research Campus (https://www.fm.com/About-Us/Our-Engineering-Approach/FM-Research-Campus)
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  Risk, resilience, and salty snacks with Utz Quality Foods' Staci Smith 09.06.2026 20min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we take a closer look at risk management through the lens of food manufacturing and the complex journey required to get products from the factory floor to store shelves. From automation and cyber risk to supply chain visibility and business interruption, food manufacturers are operating in an environment where disruption has become the norm.Recorded at RISKWORLD 2026 in Philadelphia, the episode features Staci Smith, vice president of risk management at Utz. Staci shares how risk management supports decision making across the business, why partnership and culture matter as much as controls, and how planning helps teams respond when things do not go as expected. The conversation also explores how automation and data are changing food manufacturing, creating new risks and new opportunities.More resources:Risk engineering and resilience insights from FM
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  Manufacturing resilience in a changing global landscape 26.05.2026 20min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we explore the forces reshaping manufacturing and what resilience means in an increasingly uncertain environment. from natural catastrophes and secondary perils to supply chain disruption, automation, artificial intelligence, and energy volatility, manufacturers are navigating a period of rapid change that is redefining risk worldwide.Recorded at RISKWORLD 2026 in Philadelphia, this episode features Achim Hillgraf, operations senior vice president of global growth strategies at FM. Achim shares insights on why manufacturing remains central to property risk, how global interconnectedness is amplifying exposure, and why resilience has shifted from a strategic choice to a business necessity. The conversation also explores how FM Essential is expanding access to FM’s engineering and loss prevention capabilities, helping more manufacturers strengthen resilience and plan for the future.
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  What manufacturers need now to build resilience 05.05.2026 24min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we explore the evolving risks and challenges facing manufacturers today and discuss what resilience looks like in a rapidly changing environment. From supply chain disruptions and aging infrastructure to automation, workforce shifts, and fire risk, manufacturers are navigating increasing complexity while remaining essential to the global economy.To understand what is driving loss and how manufacturers can better protect their operations, we spoke with James Gieger, New York operations manager at FM. James shares insights from working with manufacturers of all sizes, why people remain at the center of resilience, and how better planning and risk engineering can help businesses stay operational and support their communities. We also discussed FM Essential, an insurance product designed to support a broader group of manufacturing companies seeking to strengthen their resilience. More resources: Extend Manufacturing Expertise to More Companies than Ever Before with FM Essential FM Essential
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  How AI and technology could transform insurance claims 21.04.2026 22min

  On this episode of Sound Policy, we take a closer look athow AI and automation are transforming the insurance claims experience.Claims are one of the most critical moments in an insurance relationship, andnew technologies are reshaping how quickly, fairly, and efficiently insurerscan help clients recover after a loss.To explore what’s changing and what still matters most, wespoke with Jeremy Gallant, senior vice president of claims at FM. He shares howdigital tools and AI are helping streamline administrative work, speed uppayments through initiatives like fast-track claims, and free adjusters tofocus on high impact, human centered decision making. We also discuss howclaims data can inform underwriting and risk insights, the importance ofkeeping people in the loop, and what the future of claims might look like as technologycontinues to evolve.Copyright 2026 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.This podcast is for informational purposes only and aims to highlight potentialhazards or conditions to help reduce property loss. FM makes no express orimplied warranties and assumes no liability for the use of any information orproducts mentioned.
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  How resilient is your country? Breaking down the 2026 data 07.04.2026 14min

  On the latest episode of Sound Policy, FM’s podcast about risk and resilience, we’re taking a global view: Every year, we release the FM Resilience Index, a ranking of the business environments of 130 countries and territories. The 2026 ranking had Denmark on top, Venezuela at the bottom, and plenty of insights in between.  To help break it all down, we spoke with Simon Barsoum, an FM engineer who was born and raised in Denmark. He explains what makes the country so resilient and how it’s responding to recent tensions with the U.S. over Greenland. We also spoke with Leo Kushner, who helps manage the FM Resilience Index, about how this tool is used and some of the broader insights from the 2026 version.To explore the 2026 rankings and learn more about the Index, visit fm.com/resilienceindex.More resources: Explore the data: 2026 FM Resilience IndexExecutive summary: 2026 FM Resilience Index: Clarity for an increasingly complex risk landscapeFrom 2025: Why is Denmark so resilient? We asked a Danish engineer.
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  ‘The age-old fire problem’ 03.02.2026 28min

  The world faces plenty of challenges right now. New geopolitical tensions. Climate change. Technology that will unlock innovation but also new threats.But what about the oldest risk? Fire is still the No. 1 cause for all claims FM manages globally. Why is that? What new technologies are driving the risk? And what new technologies are helping address it?On this episode of Sound Policy, we spoke with Lou Gritzo, chief science officer at FM. More resourcesVideos of FM’s fire tests are available onlineLet's help tame the risk of wildfireTop of the class: Pepperdine aces wildland fire test
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  Inside the next industrial revolution 20.01.2026 19min

  The way our industries work is changing quickly. Really quickly. So quickly that some people have declared that we are in a new industrial revolution, called Industry 4.0. Here at FM, part of our job is preparing our clients for this changing landscape. As new technologies arrive, we research the steps industries can take to reduce the risks these systems might bring.So on this episode of Sound Policy, we sat down with the person helping lead that research at FM. Dr. Roland Schaefer is research director for future of industry, based in Luxembourg. More resources: FM Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Science and Technology Centre | FM (US)FM and LIST Launch Research Partnership to Tackle Climate and Cyber Risks | FM (US)Confronting the resilience challenge with science and research
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  Building a better data center 06.01.2026 21min

  With the rise of artificial intelligence and the cloud computing boom, it's  hard to think of an industry that is growing faster than the data center industry. In response, FM has been researching how to help protect and insure data center infrastructure--along with everything that goes with it, like power generation. On this episode of Sound Policy, we spoke to two experts to learn more about how to build a better data center.Adrian Oxley is staff vice president, senior engineering technical specialist at FM. Paul Heisel is high-hazard occupancy specialist at FM. Both work with FM Intellium, a new business unit at FM. More information on FM Intellium can be found here. Sound Policy also explored lithium-ion battery risks—increasingly relevant to data centers—in our first episode. More resources: FM webinar explores data center risks and their impact on your businessDowntime doesn’t compute at AI data centersThe rise of the reliable, resilient data center
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  Extreme weather risk is changing—are businesses ready? 23.12.2025 17min

  If your business is seeing the impacts of extreme weather, you’re not alone: 62% of risk decision-makers report they’ve suffered at least one severe disruption due to natural hazards in the past three years. That’s according to FM’s survey of nearly 1,000 risk decision makers and insurance brokers across the world.On this episode of Sound Policy, we’ll get into the results of the survey, what’s driving natural hazards risks—and what can be done to help protect against them. Our guest is Angelika Werner, FM’s research area director for natural hazards and climate. More resources: 2025 FM Natural Disasters ReportFM Nathaz Toolkit Understanding the future of extreme weather
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  Lithium-ion batteries: How research is confronting the risks 08.12.2025 21min

  Lithium-ion batteries have become commonplace in our lives. They’re in things as small as a smartwatch to as large as an electric car. And they're quickly becoming a crucial part of our businesses, too, from data centers to renewable energy to robotics.But as many benefits as these batteries have, they have a pretty big drawback: They sometimes catch fire or explode. When lithium batteries get damaged or get hot, they enter "thermal runaway," a chain reaction that can lead to fires and explosions.So to understand the risk from this new technology, FM's experts have been studying these batteries—putting them through the paces, even setting them on fire, all in the name of research. On this episode of Sound Policy, we sat down with Stephanie Thomas, senior staff engineering specialist, and Ben Ditch, principal research engineer. Thomas wrote a recently-released data sheet on the storage and manufacturing of lithium-ion battery hazards. FM’s Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets help reduce risk at facilities with engineering guidelines and exacting standards. Ditch is a researcher at FM who, along with his colleagues, has tested numerous lithium-ion batteries—from the cellular level to the large-scale burn lab.More resources:FM property loss preventiondata sheetsLithium-ionbattery hazards: FM releases first-ever comprehensive guidanceWhythis technology is a ‘big deal’ for data centers, battery energy storagesystems and more