Jo Lynn Clemens, CPCU, ARM, is the CEO and Founder of RiskKarma.io, a strategic risk intelligence solution to reduce claims and improve workplace culture. Jo Lynn has over 20 years of experience in risk, compliance, and litigation, which includes her role as president of JJC Insurance Services, LLC and her past experiences as an auditor for Underwriters at Lloyds of London, director of legislation and research for Arizona CPCU Society, regional chair for Claim Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), 2010 Delegate Ambassador to China for global Society of CPCU and special examiner to the insurance commissioner of Arizona's Department of Insurance. Jo Lynn has served as a thought leader in artificial intelligence, insurance, compliance, and the future of work. She has also served as an expert panelist and speaker for the CPCU Society, the Claims Litigation Management Association, Arizona State University, and the International Association of Defense Counsel. Live from Risk World 2024 in San Diego, this episode of the In The Know podcast features Chris Hampshire and Jo Lynn for a conversation about the number one topic at this year's RIMS RISKWORLD conference — the possibilities and future of AI.

Key Takeaways

• Jo Lynn's unique and varied journey in the insurance industry.

• From the perspective of a mother, Jo Lynn is constantly looking at what the future holds and what society looks like.

• Common litigation topics that can be addressed by AI.

• Jo Lynn is working to create key risk indicators before risk occurs.

• Utilizing AI to scrutinize department policies and practices.

• Diversity quotients can be tracked by AI.

• Does AI have the potential to truly revolutionize the insurance industry?

• Addressing common concerns about AI.

• Increased diversity efforts can help address the talent gap.

• Jo Lynn's experience as a female leader in the industry.

• The current state of diversity in the insurance industry.

• Technology in the insurance sector is improving and has a great future.

• A five-year look at the future of technology.

• Overcoming the challenges of technology adoption.

• Jo Lynn's message to those entering the technology facet of the insurance industry.

Quotes

• "In insurance, you're learning something new every day."

• "With the perspective of a mother, I'm looking at what the future holds and what society looks like."

• "AI has the potential to truly revolutionize the insurance industry."

• "This is just like the industrial revolution. People fear the unknown."

• "Diverse corporations not only perform better productivity-wise but the profits have been proven."

• "I see exponential change in the future of technology."

• "Technology is probably the most needed employment area of our industry."

Kara Skinner is a third-generation surety professional with an extensive background in surety, helping clients understand and obtain surety credit. Over the years, Kara has worked with many surety companies, retail agents, obligees, attorneys, engineers, and contractors. She has managed the surety bond department of a major insurance wholesale brokerage. Kara is a past President of the Surety Association of Washington, a member of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers, and an active member of several committees of other insurance and construction organizations. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Kara dive into all things surety, including the process of how it works and how the 4,000-year history of surety is shaping the future of the industry.

Key Takeaways

• From ballerina to bonds, Kara is a third-generation surety professional.

• Surety is a financial product more than an insurance product.

• The surety process from both the commercial side and performance and payment bonds.

• An overview of the current state of the surety industry.

• The most exciting elements of the surety aspect of the insurance industry.

• Insights into the benefits of being a third generation in surety.

• Kara's advice for going out on your own, especially as a woman in the industry.

• Lessons learned from forming her own business, starting with relationships.

• The value of getting involved in professional organizations.

• Sharing information about bonds so that everyone can access them.

• Teaching, for Kara, started as a marketing idea.

• Kara's advice for anyone considering a career in surety.

• Being a female CEO in a male-dominated industry.

• Ideas for better supporting women of color in the industry.

• Addressing the talent gap in the insurance industry.

• The future of surety relies on its 4,000-year history, which includes typewriters.

• A look to the fast-moving future of insurance.

• Kara's relationship advice for her early career self.

Quotes

• "I like to say that surety is the opposite of insurance."

• "The idea in surety is that we underwrite to zero losses."

• "Surety is an exciting part of the insurance industry because it's really different."

• "Going out on your own isn't for everybody. It's a lot of work, but I love it."

• "This is such a unique and different product that everyone needs to know about it."

• "I want to get other agents as excited about surety as I am."

• "The concept of surety has been around for 4,000 years. It's the most archaic part of the insurance industry."

• 'The future is coming faster and faster, and we need to be ready for it."

Ben Boas is an Underwriting Trainee for Markel Specialty's Environmental team in Richmond, VA. He graduated from the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business in 2023 with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance, with a concentration in Business Analytics. Throughout his academic career, Ben completed various internships with Wholesale & Specialty groups as well as the Philadelphia Insurance Companies. He served as the University of South Carolina's Gamma Iota Sigma chapter president and was a CPCU Society student member. He currently holds an ARM designation from The Institutes and is pursuing both his CPCU and ASLI designations. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Ben discuss his internship opportunities, how writing has impacted his career, and his experiences as a member of Gen Z entering the insurance industry.

Key Takeaways

• Ben's interest in golf led him to explore Risk Management and Insurance.

• The internship and full-time position offerings of Gamma Iota Sigma.

• Ben's experience with WSIA internships was an experience like no other.

• Key takeaways regarding networking in the insurance industry.

• A Philadelphia insurance internship allowed Ben to learn more about the marketing aspect of the industry.

• The role that networking played in Ben securing a position at Markel.

• The value of earning designations throughout your career.

• As a CPCU scholarship recipient, Ben began working on his designation before he graduated.

• Attracting Gen Z talent to the insurance industry by effectively marketing the opportunities.

• A look at the growing future of the insurance industry.

• Ben's goals for his career trajectory include emerging trends and an MBA.

• A five-year look at the growth of technology use within the insurance industry.

• Ben's advice for his early-career self.

Quotes

• "I felt I needed to give back and show students all of the internship and full-time positions Gamma Iota Sigma has to offer."

• "My internship with WSIA was an experience like no other."

• "I quickly learned how important the networking aspect is in the insurance industry."

• "Always continuing your education really can never hurt."

• "I was motivated by people with their CPCUs encouraging me and giving me advice to get mine."

• "The CPCU Society offers amazing network opportunities and a whole new community outside of your company."

• "Insurance is a lot more fun than it sounds… You can do a million different things in the industry."

• "The insurance industry utilizes every industry in business."

• "As long as you trust your connections and the people around you and the industry as a whole, you're going to be where you want to be."

Connor Thomson is a second-year law student at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. After graduating summa cum laude with University Honors from Saint Joseph's University's Maguire Academy of Insurance and Risk Management in 2022, he matriculated to Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. In March 2023, at the age of twenty-three, Connor earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation and began his tenure at Stickley Law, LLC, a boutique insurance defense firm that specializes in fighting fraud. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Connor consider what Gen-Z is looking for in the insurance industry, what compelled Connor to earn his CPCU designation at such a young age, and what the future of the insurance industry could look like.

Key Takeaways

• Connor is a law student and one of the youngest CPCU designations ever.

• Claims is the aspect of insurance that most appeals to Connor.

• The value of earning a CPCU designation at an early age.

• The impact of internships on a successful start to the insurance industry.

• Volunteer work during law school has helped Connor identify his future.

• Connor's experience on the stage at In2Risk.

• Ocular disability has impacted, but not limited, Connor's determination to succeed.

• Writing and researching are key elements of Connor's continued education.

• Connor's message to Gen Z about a future in the insurance industry.

• A five-year look at the future of the insurance industry.

• Connor's advice to his early career self.

Quotes

• "I didn't know much about insurance at the time, but I did a lot of research and learned that insurance is about more than selling policies."

• "Claims is the perfect intersection of the law meets business."

• "To me, it was an easy choice to pursue the CPCU designation at a very young age."

• "There is clearly a dire need for young talent in the insurance industry."

• "I think the one strategic business unit that is not getting that much attention is claims."

• "The insurance industry has done a great job of investing in the next generation of insurance talent."

• "When we get back together in five years, I don't think we'll be discussing this talent shortage anymore."

• "There are more people today than ever before making a conscious decision to study risk management and insurance in college."

April Rinne is the opening keynote speaker at the upcoming In2Risk event and is a trusted advisor to well-known startups and companies, financial institutions, nonprofits, think tanks, and governments worldwide. For over two decades, she's been known for seeing emerging trends early, understanding their potential, and helping others do the same. April is a bridge-builder between stakeholders, priorities, business models, markets, and those excited about change and those resistant to it. Not only is she a guide to developing a "flux mindset," she's also ranked one of the 50 Leading Female Futurists in the world by Forbes. She is a Harvard Law School graduate, a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, a member of the Silicon Guild and Thinkers50 Radar, a Fulbright Scholar, and the author of the international bestseller Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and April explore the flux mindset — what it is, how it differs from a basic approach to change, and how it can enhance your career. April touches on the 8 superpowers for thriving in constant change, from seeing what's invisible and getting lost to knowing you're enough and letting go of the future.

Key Takeaways

• April dives deep into the exact moment that secured her passion for a flux mindset.

• April's perspective on change and how to more effectively approach it.

• How can we learn to show up better for impending change?

• An overview of April's 8 superpowers for thriving in constant change.

• Tackling technology changes in the insurance industry.

• The alarming role of AI in creating greater uncertainty in the world today.

• Addressing the industry talent gap through a focus on career growth and evolution.

• April recalls the advice she would give to her early career self.

Quotes

• "When it comes to change and uncertainty and how we manage risk and figure out where the world is heading, we have to account for the human experience in all of this as well."

• "We often treat change like one thing, but change is messy and hard and scary and we hate it. And change is amazing and life-changing and we love it."

• "Flux is not just change. Flux is continuous, relentless change."

• "If there is going to be more change in the future, how can we learn to show up better for it?"

• "The more reliant people are on technology, the more people struggle to navigate at a very personal level all of these uncertainties."

• "Reconsider how you see the shape of your own career development and evolution."

Welcome to the 100th episode of the In The Know podcast! Today's guest Bruce McEwan is the principal of PROMANCON, an insurance and risk management consulting organization specializing in management, risk management, conflict management, and related organization change projects. Based in Hawaii, Bruce is a retired executive manager for Young Brothers, Limited, a Marine freight transportation company. During his 29-year career as a risk manager, Bruce identified, analyzed, and evaluated risks and developed plans for mitigating and managing risks of many types. In this milestone episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Bruce discuss his life as a risk manager, his current work in the consulting world, and his thoughts on the future of the industry, including ways to attract new talent.

Key Takeaways

• Bruce recalls his entrance into the insurance world and CPCU Society.

• The impressive responsibilities that Bruce oversaw in his early years.

• Unique challenges of working in the insurance industry in Hawaii.

• Recognizing the value of the CPCU designation and recruiting employees who hold it.

• The importance of sharing industry knowledge with others, especially in retirement.

• Bruce's motivation behind writing his article regarding the CPCU code.

• Being a professional means upholding the responsibility to develop and maintain needed skills.

• Tactics for attracting and developing talent to the insurance industry.

• Bruce's networking advice to his early career self.

• Key elements of successful risk management programs.

Quotes

• "I recognized that if I was going to be successful as a risk manager, then I best take advantage of the associate courses offered by the institute."

• "The Institutes really helped me better prepare myself, not only in insurance but in the other fields I now had responsibility for."

• "Students need to be educated about the value of the insurance industry and the roles that they can play and participate in."

• "I'm a professional. I have the responsibility to keep abreast of everything and develop and maintain the skills I need to be good at those things."

• "We need to get the message across that the insurance business is a service business."

• "As you are connecting with other people, take advantage and cultivate relationships that can be helpful in your career."

• "Enterprise risk management is a potential game changer because it is a holistic way of implementing risk management into an organization."

Janet Coffey is the Enterprise Risk Global Manager of Michaels Stores, one of the largest arts and craft retailers in the United States. With over two decades of risk management experience, Janet is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and has served as a director of risk management and a risk management consultant. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Janet explore the world of risk management, Janet's experiences within the retail sector, and her thoughts regarding the future of the industry and talent development.

Key Takeaways

• Janet's unexpected entrance into the world of risk management.

• The appealing and evolving nature of risk management and claims.

• Key changes in the evolution of the insurance industry over the last two decades.

• Janet's experience as a female leader in the insurance industry.

• The encouraging and needed evolution of the industry.

• Successful strategies for attracting new talent into the industry.

• The value and impact of AI in the future of safety, culture, and the bottom line.

• The importance of getting involved in professional networking opportunities.

• The evolving role of risk management over the course of Janet's career.

• Changing exposures in the retail space in a post-pandemic world.

• Utilizing information and technology data to make strategic business moves.

• Janet's advice for anyone considering the risk management track.

• A look to the five-year future of the insurance industry.

• Janet's advice and insights from the early years of her career.

Quotes

• "I do believe that the insurance industry is evolving and growing, more on the domestic side than the international side."

• "I've seen growth in the insurance industry in my lifetime, and I'm continuing to see it grow."

• "When the industry started marketing at the college level, we saw a different level of talent come in."

• "I'm excited for the new college graduate to come in and be mentored, especially on the customer service side and the growth side."

• "I think we're going to be talking about AI for a long time, and the value it's bringing to organizations."

• "I would tell people to touch as many things as you can because I think there is a miss in the industry of too much specialization."

Paul Roderick is a digital product owner and operations manager at Midwest Employers Casualty (a WRB company), where he's deeply involved in digital transformation and process improvement initiatives, as well as bringing technical and business colleagues together. Previously, he led a public entity risk management and insurance program, using a technology-forward approach to streamline operations. He is a current member of the CPCU Society's Technology and Innovation Committee. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Paul discuss the current state of the carrier side of the insurance industry, Paul's experience with working for a public entity, and what he sees happening in the future of risk management.

Key Takeaways

• Working in a family business gave Paul early exposure to a wide variety of aspects of business.

• Key differences in Paul's transition from the public entity sector to the carrier sector.

• The wide variety of skill sets required in insurance is what keeps him engaged in the industry.

• Paul's approach to the need for digital transformation systems in the insurance sector.

• Tactics for recruiting new talent to the technology facet of the industry.

• Overcoming common stumbling blocks when leading a digital transformation project in insurance.

• The benefits of increasing involvement in the insurance community beyond just in your workplace.

• Paul's experience expanding his knowledge and helping others in the CPCU society.

• The potential future impact of the digital side of the carrier transformation.

• Paul's time with a public entity helped to prepare him for his role at a carrier.

• A look at changes in the future of the insurance industry as a result of AI, coverage and claims, and blockchain offerings.

• Paul's encouraging advice for his early career self.

Quotes

• "In the carrier space, we like processes, we have procedures, but it's another level in the public entity. You have to satisfy the process before you can do anything else."

• "I don't think there are many industries that offer such an opportunity to exercise such a variety of skills on a day-to-day basis."

• "When you work in the insurance industry, you're enabling daily life."

• "Change management is a huge stumbling block that we as an industry don't pay enough attention to."

• "I don't think it's possible to remain competitive in a lot of areas of this industry if you don't successfully adopt technology into all aspects of your operating model."

• "It was absolutely critical to my success to make relationships with other individuals and not just make it about an analytical or numbers approach."

• "Anytime you can bring in trust and efficiency, everybody's happier."

Dr. Shirley Davis is the President and CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, Inc., and will be the closing keynote speaker at the In2Risk Conference this fall. Dr. Davis brings a unique background as a seasoned HR and Diversity & Inclusion global thought leader, a senior executive, a certified leadership coach, and a former Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for several major Fortune 100 companies. She has worked in more than 30 countries on five continents and delivers more than 80 speeches a year. She is the former Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Workplace Strategies for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and earned the highest designation in the speaking industry as a Certified Speaking Professional, bestowed by the National Speakers Association. She holds a Bachelor's in Pre-Law, a Master's in HR Management, a Ph.D. in Business and Organization Management, and is a former Ms. America United States. She is also a featured author for LinkedIn Learning's online course, entitled "Inclusive Leadership."

In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Dr. Davis explore innovative strategies for attracting the best talent, developing future leaders, and enhancing inclusiveness and involvement in the insurance industry.

Key Takeaways

• A lifelong learner, Dr. Davis started in banking and has worked in a wide variety of industries.

• As a woman of color, Dr. Davis has earned her place at the table as a credible voice and now shares her empowering strategies with others.

• Bringing your best self to work starts with working at an organization that values great talent.

• Developing a meaningful life starts with the internal work of finding your personal power.

• The power of analyzing the "what if" questions that plague all of us.

• Dr. Davis's advice on the best way to attract new talent to the insurance industry.

• Developing talent and clearly defining the career path starts with closing the leadership gap.

• Best practices to enhance inclusiveness and encourage involvement in insurance.

• Tactics for effectively messaging the value of the insurance industry from a humanitarian perspective.

• Dr. Davis shares her journey from the corporate sector into her own independent consulting business.

• The importance of surrounding yourself with people who are going to push you into your destiny.

• The writing process for Dr. Davis started with her successful speaking endeavors.

• A five-year look at the future of the insurance industry and the demand for entrepreneurship.

• Dr. Davis reflects on the risk-taking approach she wishes she would have taken in her career.

Quotes

• "It has certainly been a journey to get a seat at the table, becoming that person that is heard, seen, and perceived as credible."

• "[Bringing your best self to work] starts with working at an organization that really does value great talent."

• "In order to get a seat at the table, I've got to do some things for myself first."

• "Every one of us wants meaning and significance. Every one of us wants to feel like we are being fulfilled and living our best life."

• "Understanding what this next generation of talent needs and what their expectations are and understanding what they are asking for is very, very important."

• "Relationships are the new currency. You've got to get around people who are not afraid of your BHAG."

• "We want to hear from people who are going to push us into our destiny."

Kristine A. Fox, CPCU, AIC-M, ARM, AIC, API, AINS, SCLA-Gold, is the Midwest regional claims manager for the Property Americas Division of Sedgwick, where she organizes deployment of field resources and oversees client accounts. Fox has over 20 years of experience in property-casualty claims, ranging from homeowners and auto losses to general liability, and has also supervised commercial trucking liability claims. She is a past president of the Omaha CPCU Society Chapter. In this episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Kristi discuss all things claims, from the onset of Kristi's career to the future of claims, how she has pivoted to become an engaging resilience speaker in the industry, and how to more effectively attract talent to the claims space.

Key Takeaways

• A help-wanted ad evolved into Kristi's 20-plus-year career in insurance.

• The helpful aspects of the insurance industry that first appealed to Kristi.

• Kristi's message of caution and encouragement for anyone who is considering a career in claims.

• The evolution of training tactics in the industry.

• Offerings that currently have the biggest impact in the claims space.

• Major technology initiatives that are enhancing the claims experience.

• Defining resilience as a critical component of the insurance industry.

• Claims handling and adjuster expectations as they have evolved over the years.

• The impact of involvement in the CPCU Society on Kristi's career.

• A five-year look at the future of the insurance industry.

• Kristi's long-view advice to her early career self.

Quotes

• "What a lot of people don't think about with insurance is that we are in a helping world."

• "I know that I'm having a positive impact on people and helping them through something really difficult."

• "There is a place for technology, and the more we can utilize it in the right ways, we'll become more efficient, but there is still the human component that is going to be needed."

• "I've really appreciated the consistent focus on growing, developing, and learning as our careers progressed."

• "The human component is still going to be essential in the future of the industry."