Alliance NOW! Risk & Insurance Podcast Series

Episodios

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  Cyber Insurance, AI & Rising Threats- What Agents Need to Know in 2026 11.08.2026 32m

  AI, Cyber Insurance & the Future of the Cyber Risk Marketplace Cyber threats continue to evolve, but the cyber insurance market remains highly competitive. What does that mean for insurance professionals and their clients? In this episode of Alliance Insights, Lisa Gardner sits down with Adam Connor, Area Executive Vice President at Risk Placement Services, to discuss emerging cyber risks, AI's growing influence on both insurers and threat actors, and what organizations should expect from the cyber insurance marketplace over the next 12-18 months. Adam explores how predictive and generative AI are changing agency operations, why cyber insurance remains essential for companies of every size, and how social engineering and ransomware continue to drive claim frequency. He also explains current marketplace dynamics, emerging coverage concerns, and why inadequate cyber limits can create significant exposure for both clients and agents. What You'll Learn • How AI is transforming insurance operations and client service • The difference between predictive and generative AI • Why cyber criminals are increasingly leveraging AI • Current cyber insurance pricing and market conditions • Trends driving ransomware and social engineering claims • Why small and mid-sized businesses remain major cyber targets • Common cyber insurance coverages and protections • Cyber market predictions for the next 12-18 months • Best practices when responding to a cyber incident • Why cyber insurance is becoming increasingly important for every organization Whether you're an insurance agent, broker, risk manager, or business leader, this episode provides practical insights into one of the most important risks facing organizations today.
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  Environmental Strategist Podcast: Dirt, Dust, and Environmental Liabilities for Contractors 06.08.2026 47m

  In this episode, Brooks Bumbery and Christopher Pell discuss environmental liabilities contractors face, including mold, asbestos, underground utility strikes, stormwater runoff, transportation pollution, illicit dumping, fuel spills, and aging underground storage tanks. The conversation explains how Contractors Pollution Liability, site pollution, and other environmental insurance solutions can help address coverage gaps.
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  How Insurers Launch New Products in the Age of AI From Product Design to Underwriting Operations 30.07.2026 44m

  Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the insurance industry, creating new opportunities, operational efficiencies, and emerging risks. In this episode, industry experts Darren, Jeffrey Williams of Microsoft, Andy Welch of HSB, and Max Bedell of Covenir explore how insurers, MGAs, and technology providers are responding to AI's growing influence. The discussion covers AI liability insurance, coverage gaps, underwriting considerations, claims operations, automation, customer experience, and strategies for successful AI adoption. Listeners will gain insight into how insurers are evaluating AI risk, developing new insurance products, empowering employees through technology, and preparing for a future where AI becomes a core part of daily operations. The conversation also examines the importance of maintaining human relationships while using AI to improve productivity, customer service, and operational performance. Whether you're an insurance professional, risk manager, underwriter, technology leader, or student exploring insurance careers, this episode offers valuable perspectives on one of the industry's most important emerging topics.
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  Enterprise Risk Management Building an ERM Program from the Ground Up 22.07.2026 34m

  In this episode of Alliance Insights, Noelle Codispoti welcomes Emily Buckley, Risk Manager at Specialized Bicycle Components, to discuss what it takes to build an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program from the ground up. As Specialized's first dedicated risk manager, Emily shares how she established the foundation for a risk management program that supports a global organization operating in more than 30 countries. Emily discusses the importance of executive buy-in, relationship building, risk prioritization, business continuity planning, supply chain resilience, and strategic insurance program design. She also shares practical lessons learned from creating a risk culture across departments, partnering with brokers and consultants, and communicating organizational risk to leadership and underwriters. Whether you're a seasoned risk professional, an insurance practitioner, a student exploring career opportunities, or a business leader interested in organizational resilience, this episode offers valuable insight into how risk management creates long-term value.
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  AI in Insurance: How Carriers Are Transforming Underwriting, Claims, and Operations 15.07.2026 32m

  Artificial intelligence is transforming insurance operations, but what does effective AI adoption actually look like inside a carrier? In this episode of Alliance Insights, host Will Jones sits down with Chaz Perera, Co-Founder and CEO of Bevaya, to discuss how AI is reshaping underwriting, claims management, policy servicing, and insurance operations while keeping human expertise at the center of critical decisions. Drawing on his experience leading claims, operations, and transformation initiatives at AIG, Chaz shares practical insights on AI governance, human-in-the-loop decision-making, insurance automation, and the importance of domain-specific AI models. He explains why insurers should focus on business outcomes, not technology, when pursuing AI initiatives and how carriers can achieve meaningful results by starting with targeted, high-volume workflows. Whether you're an insurance agent, broker, underwriter, claims professional, carrier executive, risk manager, or insurance technology leader, this episode offers actionable strategies for improving operational efficiency, enhancing decision quality, and preparing for the future of insurance.
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  The Interconnectedness of Risks 08.07.2026 30m

  In this episode of Alliance Insights, Lisa Gardner is joined by Michael Zuraw, Senior Director of Global Enterprise Risk Management at OnSemi, and Tom Easthope, former leader of ERM methodology at Microsoft, to explore why risks should no longer be viewed as isolated events. Instead, they argue that risks are interconnected, influencing and amplifying one another in ways that traditional risk management tools often fail to capture. The conversation examines how organizations can move beyond static risk rankings and heat maps to better understand the complex relationships that drive enterprise-wide exposure.
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  Product Recall and Subsequent Business Continuity Risks in Food and Beverage 15.06.2026 33m

  In this episode of Alliance Insights, Zach Finn explorse the growing risks of product contamination and recalls in the food and beverage industry, and why organizations must treat these events as ongoing operational realities rather than rare disruptions. The conversation highlights how increasing supply chain complexity, regulatory scrutiny, and production scale are making recalls faster, more visible, and more impactful than ever before. Rather than viewing recalls as unavoidable crises, the episode reframes them as manageable risks that can be anticipated through stronger quality control, traceability, and preparedness. From strict liability across the supply chain to the critical role of business continuity planning and specialized insurance, the discussion emphasizes that organizations who plan ahead can significantly reduce the financial, operational, and reputational impact of a recall.
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  Environmental Strategist Podcast: Environmental Exposures Impacting High Net Worth Insureds 08.06.2026 15m

  In Episode 3 of the Environmental Strategist series, Chris and Brooks Bunbury shift the focus to the often-overlooked environmental risks facing high-net-worth (HNW) individuals and families. They explain how HNW insureds represent a uniquely complex risk class, with diverse assets and exposures that frequently exceed the capabilities of traditional personal and commercial insurance models. Through a series of real-world examples, from marina fuel spills and industrial emissions incidents to regulatory fines tied to environmental releases, the Bunburys illustrate how environmental losses can escalate quickly, creating significant financial and reputational consequences. The discussion also highlights how standard insurance approaches often leave critical gaps, resulting in many HNW clients unknowingly self-insuring environmental liabilities across their portfolios.
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  Predicting and Preventing Crashes 02.06.2026 46m

  In this episode of Alliance Insights, Michael Carcione of Samba Safety and Darren Beard of NFP explore a critical question facing today’s insurance and transportation industries: how can organizations better predict and prevent fleet crashes in an environment of rising costs? The conversation centers on the growing pressure from increasing claims severity, nuclear verdicts, and higher premiums, all forces that are impacting everyone from insureds to brokers and carriers. Rather than treating these challenges as unavoidable, the episode reframes them as a call to evolve how risk is managed.
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  From Onboarding to Belonging 18.05.2026 30m

  In this episode of Alliance Insights, host Noelle Codispoti sits down with Julie Webb, founder of JMW Collective, to explore how organizations can transform onboarding from a checklist into a meaningful, human-centered experience.for a thoughtful conversation on turning onboarding into a more meaningful, human-centered experience. Together, they discuss why many companies focus heavily on processes and paperwork — and miss but overlook the personal connections that drive engagement, retention, and performance. Ready to turn insight into impact? Take the next step in strengthening your agency’s leadership and performance with CIC Agency Management—where strategy, people, and growth come together.
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  Beyond the Claim: The Human Element of Workers Compensation 11.05.2026 39m

  What if better workers’ compensation outcomes start with how people feel, not just how claims are managed? In this episode of Alliance Insights, host Noelle Codispoti is joined by Dr. Claire Muselman to explore a more human-centered approach to workers’ compensation. Together, they unpack why workers’ comp is often misunderstood — from its original purpose to common assumptions about wages and benefits — and how system complexity, rigid processes, and unclear communication can leave injured employees feeling lost at a critical moment. Dr. Muselman highlights the powerful role employers, supervisors, and claims professionals play from day one. Every interaction matters. Early conversations can build trust — or break it — making clear, consistent, and empathetic communication essential. You’ll also hear practical strategies to improve engagement, including: • Setting clear expectations early • Staying connected through regular check-ins • Supporting meaningful return-to-work experiences The takeaway is simple: when organizations put people first, outcomes improve — helping employees get back to work, back to life, and fully supported along the way. Want to learn more? Explore the Workers Compensation RiskPRO course, or discover customized training through the Alliance’s Corporate Education Solutions.
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  Getting your Agency Ready for AI 05.05.2026 30m

  In this episode of Alliance Insights, Noelle Codispoti of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance is joined by Ron Hocutt of Angela Adams Consulting for a practical discussion on what AI readiness really looks like for today’s insurance agencies. Ron reframes the conversation away from “Which AI platform should we buy?” and toward the far more important questions of how we best use technology, how we ensure data quality, and how we encourage operational discipline. The episode breaks down the differences between generative AI and agentic AI, clarifying how each can support agency workflows without replacing licensed professionals or transferring legal responsibility. Ron explains why current AI tools remain limited in scope, why liability always stays with the agent or agency, and why fears of full automation often overlook regulatory and legal realities. Listeners are guided through real world applications—such as workflow coordination, policy analysis, client communication, and renewal preparation—while learning why inconsistent workflows and poor data can undermine any AI initiative. The discussion also highlights the competitive risks agencies face if they fail to prepare, emphasizing that efficiency gains, not job replacement, will define winners and losers.
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  Alliance Insights: Insuring Contractors The Additional Insured Basics You Need to Know-Part 2 24.04.2026 27m

  Alliance faculty member and nationally recognized coverage expert Cathy Trischan returns with Part II of Insuring Contractors: The Additional Insured Basics You Need to Know. Building on the history covered in Part I, this discussion focuses on how today’s ISO additional insured endorsements operate in real-world contracts. Cathy explains the intent and limitations of commonly used forms—such as CG 2010, CG 2033, and CG 2038—and why understanding their wording is critical to effective risk transfer. The episode highlights the impact of privity of contract and key court decisions that narrowed automatic additional insured coverage, creating uncertainty across jurisdictions. Cathy also breaks down the often-misunderstood divide between ongoing operations and completed operations coverage, explaining when separate endorsements are required and why completed ops remains a persistent challenge. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing carrier proprietary forms, identifying hidden restrictions, exclusions, and contract-based triggers that can undermine coverage. The takeaway is clear: navigating additional insured requirements today requires careful endorsement selection, contract awareness, and a practical understanding of how coverage language plays out after a loss.
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  Insuring Contractors: The Additional Insured Basics You Need to Know - Part 1 24.04.2026 38m

  This episode of Alliance Insights features Alliance faculty member and nationally recognized coverage expert, Cathy Trischan, covering Part I of Insuring Contractors: The Additional Insured Basics You Need to Know. Listen in as she unpacks why additional insured requirements remain one of the most complex—and misunderstood—areas of contractor risk. From the evolution of ISO endorsement forms to real-world court decisions that reshaped coverage intent, Cathy explains how language like “arising out of,” “ongoing operations,” and “completed operations” can dramatically change who is protected and when. The episode explores why requests for older endorsements persist, how primary and non contributory demands complicate placement, and what today’s agents and risk professionals must understand to navigate contracts with confidence. This discussion lays the foundation for smarter coverage analysis—where knowing the history of additional insured endorsements is critical to managing today’s risk.
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  Environmental Strategist Podcast - EFA Essentials: What Every Insurance Professional Must Know 10.04.2026 28m

  Looking to deepen your understanding of environmental liability insurance, pollution risk, environmental financial assurance, and environmental risk management? The Risk & Insurance Education Alliance's Environmental Strategist course provides specialized training designed for insurance professionals, risk managers, environmental consultants, and attorneys navigating today's complex environmental exposures. Discover how the Environmental Strategist program can help you better evaluate environmental risks, coverage solutions, and liability exposures while advancing your professional expertise. Learn more at the Alliance and start building your environmental risk knowledge today.
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  Best Practices for Utilizing Ai in Insurance 08.04.2026 37m

  In this episode of Alliance Insights, host William Hold speaks with Robin Spaulding, Head of Insurance at Roots, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the insurance industry beyond experimentation and into real operational impact. Robin breaks down where AI is delivering the most value today—claims, underwriting, and policy servicing—and explains how automating repetitive, manual workflows allows insurance professionals to focus on judgment, strategy, and empathy. The discussion highlights client‑driven innovation, real‑world examples of AI‑powered efficiency, and why human expertise remains essential even as automation accelerates.
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  Streamlining Insurance: VC Investing, Startups & Carrier Partnerships 24.03.2026 45m

  In this episode, Darren moderates a deep dive into the fast evolving intersection of venture capital, startups, and carrier partnerships within the insurance industry. Guests Adam Care (HSB Funds) and John Javan (BrokerTech Ventures) unpack how AI is reshaping insurance, the explosion of new vendors, and what makes certain startups stand out. The discussion covers the rapid acceleration of AI—from early process automation tools to individualized productivity solutions—while highlighting a major industry shift: companies no longer market themselves as “AI companies,” but instead focus on the real problems they solve. They explore challenges in product market fit, the complexity of insurance sales cycles, and the disconnect between frontline users and C suite decision makers. The conversation also goes into why carriers are eager but cautious adopters of innovation, the role of accelerators in bridging gaps between startups and legacy players, and what founders must understand about risk aversion, compliance expectations, and long adoption timelines in insurance. Looking ahead, Adam and John predict foundational changes as AI becomes ubiquitous—impacting underwriting, claims, customer service, distribution, and even insurance policy structures themselves (including AI-related exclusions). Their closing advice to founders: fall in love with the problem, not the solution, stay persistent in the face of industry complexity, and partner with organizations that can help accelerate market access and credibility.
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  Recipes for Restaurant Risk Management Success 26.02.2026 31m

  In this episode of Alliance Insights, hosts Mitch Dunford and Dr. Lisa Gardner talk with Jay Gates, Managing Director of Gallagher’s National Restaurant Practice, to explore the unique world of restaurant risk management. Jay shares his journey from EEOC investigator to claims leader to building an enterprise risk management program for more than 165 Applebee’s locations. He breaks down the most pressing challenges facing restaurants today—including labor shortages, cyber exposures, liquor liability, and product recalls—and explains how Gallagher helps clients reduce their total cost of risk through proactive service, innovative insurance solutions, and data-driven strategies. Jay also highlights the rising role of artificial intelligence in restaurant operations, from table‑turn tracking to drive‑through optimization, and the new risks that come with rapid adoption. Packed with real-world stories, leadership insights, and future-focused perspective, this episode is a must‑listen for anyone serving clients in the foodservice and hospitality sectors.
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  Environmental Strategist Podcast: Why We’re Here—and Why It Matters 23.02.2026 22m

  In Episode 1 of the Environmental Strategist series, Chris and Brooks Bunbury introduce listeners to the world of environmental risk—an exposure that touches nearly every commercial operation. They explain how pollutants are defined, why many insureds incorrectly assume their CGL covers environmental losses, and how Environmental Strategists guide businesses in building proactive risk strategies. Through personal stories, industry examples, and practical insights, the Bunburys highlight the need for better education, cross‑disciplinary planning, and forward‑thinking environmental management in today’s transparent business environment.
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  Will an AI Bot Take my Job? Interviewing an AI and Innovation Speaker 28.01.2026 38m

  Join us for a conversation with Dan Chuparkoff, AI expert and former leader at Google, McKinsey, and Atlassian, as he breaks down how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work. Dan shares his journey from early tech disruption to guiding teams through major shifts in collaboration, and explains what AI can—and can’t—do for today’s workforce. Discover how AI is reshaping productivity, decision making, and human connection across industries, including risk and insurance. A concise, insightful look at the future of work in an AI powered world.