When the market softened, Ridge didn’t follow the crowd. Here’s how discipline became their competitive edge.
 
In this episode, host Anthony Hess sits down with Greg Markell, President & CEO at Ridge Canada Cyber Solutions Inc., for a candid conversation on what it takes to build a sustainable cyber MGA.

Greg shares how Ridge has resisted the pull of chasing market share during soft cycles—maintaining its underwriting standards since 2020—and why he believes cyber risk transfer must be earned, not assumed. He unpacks Ridge’s strategy of building proprietary underwriting tools in-house, explains why AI is an efficiency enhancer (not a replacement for people), and introduces the company’s new “risk marketplace,” which helps brokers turn declines into actionable paths to coverage.

 
You’ll learn:

1. Why consistent underwriting is Ridge’s strategy for long-term profitability
2. Why cyber coverage should depend on client maturity, not market capacity
3. How Ridge balances internal tech and AI with human-led underwriting
4. What Ridge’s “risk marketplace” offers when clients aren’t ready for coverage
5. Why trusted vendor partnerships are core to a strong claims experience

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Get in touch with Greg Markell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmarkell/


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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us!

What if the biggest threat to your cyber claims portfolio isn’t ransomware—but a spreadsheet buried in someone’s inbox?

In this episode, host Anthony Hess chats with John Spiehs, Head of Claims at Converge, about what’s shifting in the cyber claims space—and what insurance professionals should have on their radar.

John breaks down how Converge is leading efforts to simplify Business Interruption (BI) claims with a cleaner, more intuitive, top-down approach. He also digs into the growing exposure around data privacy, where even small incidents can trigger costly class actions. Finally, he explains what’s getting lost as the market softens, why vendor relationships matter more than price tags, and the kind of talent today’s claims teams really need.


You'll learn:

1. Why BI claims are evolving, and how Converge is simplifying the process
2. Why data privacy and class actions are emerging as cyber’s new frontier
3. Why soft market dynamics threaten underwriting discipline
4. How poor email habits can explode breach costs overnight
5. What defines a strong vendor partnership, beyond cut-rate solutions

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Get in touch with John Spiehs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-s-b981337/


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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

Cyber insurers can’t just assess risk—they need to actively protect businesses from evolving threats.

In this episode, host Anthony Hess welcomes Daniel Woods, Principal Security Researcher at Coalition, to explore how cyber insurers can move beyond risk transfer and take an active role in cybersecurity. Daniel explains how Coalition’s mission-driven approach sets it apart, and why active insurance has an edge in an era of escalating threats.


You'll learn:

1. Why cyber insurers must go beyond risk assessment and actively protect policyholders
2. How web privacy litigation from the plaintiffs’ bar mirrors cybercriminal tactics
3. The biggest blind spots in systemic cyber risk, and why a privacy casualty catastrophe is worth thinking about
4. How insurers can build real-time risk mitigation into their coverage models
5. The future of cyber insurance: Where the industry is headed and how insurers can stay ahead

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Get in touch with Daniel Woods on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-woods-82555199/


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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

Can your cyber insurance policy really deliver when it counts? Find out what separates a winning policy from a risky gamble.

In this episode, host Anthony Hess welcomes David Anderson, Vice President of Cyber at Woodruff Sawyer, to explore the evolving cyber insurance landscape. David dives into the current trends shaping the market, sharing insights into what 2025 holds for privacy underwriting, ransomware risks, and premium stabilization. He reveals the common missteps that leave organizations vulnerable and offers actionable strategies to ensure your cyber insurance policy performs effectively in the event of a claim.


You'll learn:

1. Why privacy underwriting is the focal point of 2025 renewals
2. How policy misalignment can lead to disastrous claims outcomes
3. The must-have policy elements for manufacturing and tech firms
4. Strategies to improve collaboration between CISOs and financial buyers
5. Why underwriter scrutiny is shifting from quantity to efficacy of tools

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Get in touch with David Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dava988/


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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

How can insurers, brokers, and clients all win through proactive risk management? Discover the strategies reshaping the cyber insurance ecosystem.

In this episode, host Anthony Hess sits down with Sidd Gavirneni, Global Product Owner, Digital Risk Management at HSB. With a background spanning cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and InsurTech innovation, Sidd shares his insights into transforming the cyber insurance landscape. He highlights how pre-breach services benefit insurers, brokers, and clients. This episode also explores personal cyber insurance, AI’s dual role in cybersecurity, and the value of partnerships in the cyber insurance ecosystem.


You'll learn:

1. Why pre-breach solutions are key to reducing claims and enhancing client trust
2. How the insurance industry can unlock the potential of personal cyber coverage
3. The challenges of data utilization in underwriting and ways to overcome them
4. The role of AI as both a cybersecurity asset and a growing threat
5. How closer collaboration between insurers and cybersecurity vendors drives innovation

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Get in touch with Sidd Gavirneni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddgavirneni/


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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

In a market defined by uncertainty, is it possible to ever be ‘good’ at cyber insurance? Daniel Kasper thinks not—at least for now.

In this episode, Daniel Kasper, CEO of QualRisk Cyber Insurance Center, joins host Anthony Hess to explore why the cyber insurance market is still in its infancy. Drawing from examples like the ransomware epidemic of 2019-2022, Daniel explains how the lack of historical systemic event data, a fast-evolving threat landscape, and inherent unpredictability make cyber insurance uniquely challenging.


You'll learn:

1. Why a standardized framework for cyber events could revolutionize the industry
2. How to balance data-driven decisions with expert judgment in an imperfect market
3. What makes cyber insurance uniquely difficult to master in today’s evolving landscape
4. The consolidation wave reshaping the MGA sector and what it means for market players
5. Why mastering cybersecurity fundamentals is essential for insurance professionals

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Get in touch with Daniel Kasper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kasper-cyber/


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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

Discover how the evolving cyber insurance market is unlocking growth opportunities and shaping the future of risk management.

In this episode, host Anthony Hess welcomes Gillian Anderson, Global Line Head for Cyber & Technology at SCOR. Gillian shares her expert insights on the market’s rapid evolution, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, data-driven innovation, and the untapped potential in SMEs and emerging markets. She also highlights the critical role of talent and relationships in driving the industry’s success.

You'll learn:

1. How collaboration and data innovation address systemic risks
2. Where the industry sees growth potential in SMEs and new markets
3. Why talent acquisition and education are vital for sustainability
4. How relationship-driven dynamics fuel long-term success in cyber insurance

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Get in touch with Gillian Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-anderson-15998321/

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Details about SCOR:
Website: https://www.scor.com
Industry: Insurance
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1970

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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

High-tech tools alone can’t manage today’s evolving cyber threats—human insight remains essential.

In this episode, host Anthony Hess welcomes Ann Irvine, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Resilience, who shares why cyber risk management requires more than just the latest tech. Ann explains how Resilience combines technology with hands-on expertise to address complex cyber threats. She emphasizes the value of continuous client partnerships and highlights why a high-touch approach is crucial for mitigating cyber risk in an environment where attackers constantly adapt.


You’ll learn:

1. Why human insight is essential to effective cyber risk management, beyond what tech can offer
2. How data hygiene and diligence in data collection empower informed risk assessments
3. Why ongoing partnerships create resilience against cyber threats
4. How cyber insurance policies can drive best practices, ensuring organizations meet critical cybersecurity standards
5. Why a collective approach to cybersecurity could reduce systemic risks across the industry

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Get in touch with Ann Irvine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-irvine-b5b39677/

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Details about Resilience:
Website: https://www.cyberresilience.com
Industry: Computer and Network Security
Company size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 2016

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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us!

When system failures and AI threats collide, cyber insurance must evolve. Explore the shifting conversations redefining the industry.

In this episode, host Anthony Hess speaks with Nadia Hoyte, National Practice Cyber Leader at USI Insurance Services, who brings over 20 years of expertise in shaping the evolving landscape of the industry. Nadia explores why cyber coverage must break free from traditional insurance models, highlighting the need for industry-specific risk assessments and the urgent evolution of business interruption policies to address emerging digital threats.


You'll learn:

1. Why cyber insurance should be treated as a standalone product for more effective risk coverage
2. The importance of industry-specific risk assessments to tailor cyber insurance policies
3. How business interruption coverage is evolving to address system failures and third-party risks
5. How brokers are stepping up their expertise to better serve clients in the cyber insurance space
6. The dual nature of AI as both a risk and a tool in the future of cyber insurance

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Get in touch with Nadia Hoyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadianhoyte/

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Details about USI Insurance Services:
Website: https://www.usi.com
Industry: Insurance
Company size: 10,001+ employees
Headquarters: Valhalla, New York
Founded: 1994

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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us! 

What’s slowing down the cyber insurance marketplace, and how can you stay ahead of the curve? Explore how innovative InsurTech solutions are transforming efficiency and growth.

In this episode, Jeff Cohen, Senior Vice President at Zywave, discusses the vital role of InsurTech in streamlining the cyber insurance marketplace. The company's leading technology solutions are driving efficiency, unlocking new premium sources, and empowering brokers to better represent cyber coverage. Discover how data-driven strategies and innovative tools are reshaping the landscape for carriers, MGAs, and brokers alike.

You'll learn:

1. Actionable steps to eliminate inefficiencies and accelerate marketplace growth
2. How the evolving marketplace is opening up new cyber premium opportunities
3. Key strategies for carriers and MGAs to equip brokers with cutting-edge tools and insights

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Get in touch with Jeff Cohen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreymcohen/

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Details about Zywave:
Website: https://www.zywave.com
Industry: Software Development
Company size: 501-1,000 employees
Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Founded: 1995

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About the host Anthony Hess:
Anthony is passionate about cyber insurance. He is the CEO of Asceris, which supports clients to respond to cyber incidents quickly and effectively. Originally from the US, Anthony now lives in Europe with his wife and two children.

Get in touch with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyhess/ or email: [email protected].

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Thanks to our friends at SAWOO for producing this episode with us!