Eric Coleman, senior vice president, commercial lines, Nationwide, said the restaurant industry has recovered from the pandemic, and most owners are increasing focus on insurance while face growing pressures such as rising costs and changing building valuations. 

Nicholas Aiola, chief executive, Priority Life, a health and life insurer, says that now that the pandemic is waning, so too are life insurance sales. Health policies, meanwhile, are on the upswing.

Andrew Schwartz, an analyst with Celent, discusses the decline in insurtech funding and the associated factors, including lackluster return on investment from past spending.

Ashley Moffatt, SVP Brokerage, Primary Casualty for Nationwide E&S, said their ultimate goal is to be a top 10 carrier with their key distribution partners. 

Kristin Stein, vice president, PHLY E&S Insurance Solutions, said the company focus this year is on the value of human connection and relationship building.

Tandeka Nomvete, director of external engagement, Spencer Educational Foundation, said the organization helps connect financial supporters with targeted scholarship opportunities.

Marion Townes, senior district sales manager, Erie Insurance Group, said military veterans bring discipline and adaptability to their work. Townes spoke with AM Best TV at the Emerging Leaders Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

Juan Andrade, president and CEO, Everest Re Group, said the rate of change continues to increase, putting greater emphasis on the use of data, analytics and effective leadership.

Kirstin Marr, chief analytics officer, Insurity, said studies show that many workers must upgrade skills or retrain to fill available jobs. Marr spoke with AM Best TV at the Emerging Leaders Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.

Insurers can help transition pandemic remote hires with "soft skills" into collaborative team members by employing effective strategies, said Judy Busby, senior vice president of executive search and corporate strategy, The Jacobson Group.