Welcome to the Tearsheet Podcast. I’m Zack Miller.

We’ve interviewed quite of few large incumbent financial firms about their innovation programs. They may be structured differently with different activities, metrics, and incentives, but they all have one thing in common: an attempt to combine the best internal and external resources to improve the evolving customer experience.

That’s true at Aflac, as well. Th firm’s VP of US innovation Keith Farley joins us on the podcast today to talk about how the insurer’s defines innovation and how the structure of the program helps them achieve their objectives. We discuss the Hatch Lab that the company runs and how its relationships with local universities contribute to the innovation program. Lastly, Aflac has a corporate venture arm and we talk about its activities and the types of companies it invests in.

Keith Farley is my guest today on the Tearsheet Podcast.

Before we jump into the podcast, we’re winding up submissions for our Tearsheet Innovation Program Awards. We’re looking to hear about the best and most creative innovation programs that are more than just innovation theater. Does your organization have a good story to tell? Head on over to our website and click on the Awards button to let us know.