Insurtechs.io

In this episode of Industry Voice, Jeff Shi sits down with Samantha Ridgewell, Managing Director of Empower Development, to explore how social media—particularly TikTok and LinkedIn—can reshape the way young professionals discover and enter the insurance industry. Samantha shares how her engaging content has influenced over 200 people to find roles in the London insurance market, and offers an insider’s look at Lloyd’s of London, including the unique culture, ecosystem, and generational shifts within the market.

From building community through creative digital content to founding her own company while on maternity leave, Samantha’s story is a masterclass in innovation, empathy, and making insurance careers more accessible. Learn how she grew a team of 12, leveraged proximity networking, and her big goals for TikTok in 2025.

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Thank you to our sponsors:

Traq AI!

To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://calendly.com/traq/traq-ai-introduction-for-insuretechs-io

Mav

Sign up today to claim your exclusive offer: https://hiremav.com/insurtechs

Who said insurance isn’t sexy? Prove ‘em wrong – grab your merch today!

https://insurtechs-2.creator-spring.com

Follow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Samantha Ridgewell :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthalydonempower/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this powerful episode of Insurance Dads, hosts Matt Sutika and Jeff Shi sit down with the ever-inspiring Anthony Gruppo—a serial entrepreneur, board chair, author, and philanthropist. Anthony opens up about his incredible journey from blue-collar beginnings and early sales jobs to leading major organizations like USI and Marsh, and ultimately founding Vantage Insurance Partners. But what truly sets Anthony apart is his unwavering commitment to making a difference through his family's foundation, which supports autism programs and senior care.

Anthony shares how personal experiences, including being a foster parent and having a granddaughter on the autism spectrum, shaped his outlook on leadership, philanthropy, and humanity. The conversation goes beyond business as Anthony reflects on the importance of servant leadership, balancing work and family, and his thoughts on AI’s role in the future. If you're an entrepreneur searching for purpose beyond the grind, this one’s for you.

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Thank you to our sponsors:

Traq AI!

To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://calendly.com/traq/traq-ai-introduction-for-insuretechs-io

Mav

Sign up today to claim your exclusive offer: https://hiremav.com/insurtechs

Who said insurance isn’t sexy? Prove ‘em wrong – grab your merch today!

https://insurtechs-2.creator-spring.com

Follow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Matthew Sutika :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsutikanimbleins/

Anthony Gruppo :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-c-gruppo-6918709/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode of Founders Journey, host Jeff Shi sits down with Charles Merritt, co-founder and CEO of Buddy, to unpack his entrepreneurial path from cinematography and tech startups to founding a pioneering insurtech platform. Charles shares how his curiosity and creativity led him from media production to product innovation, ultimately co-founding Buddy to make insurance more accessible through embedded and ecommerce-ready distribution. He explains the original vision behind Buddy’s on-demand accident coverage, the challenges and lessons from launching during the pandemic, and the company’s pivot to becoming an enterprise SaaS platform for insurance carriers.

Listeners will gain insight into building from scratch, pitching to Lloyd's, surviving pandemic disruptions, and why Buddy is now the fastest way for carriers to launch products online. This is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone passionate about the future of insurance distribution and software.

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Thank you to our sponsors:

Traq AI!

To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://calendly.com/traq/traq-ai-introduction-for-insuretechs-io

Mav

Sign up today to claim your exclusive offer: https://hiremav.com/insurtechs

Who said insurance isn’t sexy? Prove ‘em wrong – grab your merch today!https://insurtechs-2.creator-spring.com/

https://insurtechs-2.creator-spring.comFollow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Charles Merritt :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmerritt/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode of Founders Journey, host Jeff Shi sits down with Sivan Iram, Co-Founder and CEO of Flow Specialty. From coding in his childhood bedroom in Israel to navigating the complexities of venture-backed growth in Silicon Valley, Sivan shares a detailed, candid look into his entrepreneurial journey. He talks through his transition from software engineering to business leadership, the genesis of Flow, and how he and his co-founders identified a gaping opportunity in the wholesale and specialty commercial insurance market.

Sivan dives into the highs and lows of fundraising—raising $20M across seed and Series A from top-tier VCs like Lightspeed Ventures and Munich Re Ventures—and what it was like getting the final yes call in his dad’s study. He also reveals why they pivoted from a tech-first platform model to an in-house wholesale brokerage, how they’re applying AI to transform quote-to-bind ratios, and why the future of insurtech lies in dynamic, fluid service experiences. If you're a founder, investor, or just fascinated by the intersection of insurance and technology, this episode delivers deep insights and raw storytelling.

-----------------------------Thank you to our sponsors:Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechsMavSign up today to claim your exclusive offer: https://hiremav.com/insurtechsWho said insurance isn’t sexy? Prove ‘em wrong – grab your merch today!https://insurtechs-2.creator-spring.com

Follow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Sivan Iram :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sivaniram/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode of Industry Voice, host Jeff Shi sits down with analytics and insurance veteran Martin Ellingsworth. With a career spanning over four decades—from the Air Force to corporate America to startup culture—Martin shares invaluable insights on transforming the insurance industry through data, ai, and human-centered innovation.

The conversation explores the evolution of analytics in insurance, from the early days of fraud detection models and unstructured data to today’s potential with tools like ChatGPT and AI-enhanced image recognition. Martin reflects on his work with giants like Fireman's Fund, USAA, and J.D. Power, as well as his current focus advising insurtech startups and scouting breakthrough technologies. He also gets personal—offering stories of career pivots, his philosophy on transformation, and advice to those aiming to break into or advance in data-driven insurance roles.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about how technology, data, and leadership can change the face of insurance.

-----------------------------

Thank you to our sponsors:

Traq AI!

To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechs

Mav

Sign up today to claim your exclusive offer: https://hiremav.com/insurtechs

Who said insurance isn’t sexy? Prove ‘em wrong – grab your merch today!

https://insurtechs-2.creator-spring.com

Follow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Martin Ellingsworth :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyells/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode of Industry Voice, Jeff sits down with Mick Hunt—consultant, serial entrepreneur, and founder of Premier Strategy Box and Mic Unplugged.

Mick shares his incredible journey from a promise he made to his mother at age 10 to building and selling his insurance agency for $16 million by age 32.

The conversation dives deep into lessons in leadership, time management, and how Mick is helping agency owners become better CEOs with his consulting firm. Mick also unveils what he’s building next: AI-powered learning systems and digital twins designed to elevate the next generation of insurance leaders. You’ll also hear about his successful podcast journey, his major mentors (including Damon John and Les Brown), and his passion for increasing diversity in the insurance and insurtech space.

This is an inspiring episode about building, scaling, and making impact through business and beyond.

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Thank you to our sponsors:Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechsMavSign up today to claim your exclusive offer: https://hiremav.com/insurtechs

Who said insurance isn’t sexy? Prove ‘em wrong – grab your merch today.!https://insurtechs-2.creator-spring.com

Follow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Mick Hunt :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode of Founders Journey, host Jeff Shi sits down with Timon Gregg, co-founder of a cutting-edge claims technology company. Timon shares his journey from Oxford to launching an AI-driven third-party administrator (TPA) in the U.S., tackling inefficiencies in the insurance claims process. He breaks down how AI-powered automation is transforming claims management—from fraud detection to digital FNOL—and why he and his co-founder relocated to Silicon Valley. Timon also discusses the company’s rapid growth, investment backing, and future plans, including scaling their AI claims solutions and acquiring TPAs. Tune in to hear how AI is reshaping the future of insurance claims!

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Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI!

To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechs

Follow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Timon Gregg :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timon-gregg/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

Welcome to another insightful episode of Founders Journey! In this episode, Jeff sits down with Michael Malfa, the co-founder of BoardWalk Insurance, a leading Canadian property and casualty brokerage specializing in commercial P&C. Michael takes us through his journey into the insurance industry and how he co-founded BoardWalk with a vision to bring innovation and efficiency to the traditional brokerage model.

Throughout the conversation, Michael highlights the unique challenges facing insurance brokers today and how BoardWalk is addressing these issues by leveraging technology. He shares the story behind their proprietary agency management system, designed to streamline broker operations, and discusses the broader role technology plays in the future of the insurance industry.

The episode wraps up with exciting insights into BoardWalk’s future plans for growth, including potential capital raising and the launch of a producer accelerator program aimed at attracting new talent to the industry. Michael also touches on the importance of partnerships and collaborations in scaling their business and expanding their impact.

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Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI!

To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechs

Follow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Michael Malfa :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmalfa/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Zachary Townsend, co-founder and CEO of Meanwhile, the world’s first bitcoin-denominated life insurance company. Zach walks us through his journey from working in government and fintech to building a YC-backed startup acquired by Silicon Valley Bank, and now pioneering in insurtech. He dives deep into the origin of Meanwhile, how a late-night “aha” moment turned into a seed round led by Sam Altman, and how Bitcoin is reshaping life insurance as we know it. Zach also shares how Meanwhile is built to serve a global, decentralized economy and what it means to offer secure, tax-efficient, and uniquely structured life insurance products. This one’s packed with real founder insights and serious disruption in the insurance space.

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Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI!

To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechs

MavSign up today to claim your exclusive offer: https://hiremav.com/insurtechs

Follow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Zachary Townsend :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zactownsend/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode, host Jeff Shi sits down with fintech innovator Timothy Li to explore the evolving intersection of financial services and insurance. With a background spanning consumer lending, banking, and tech startups, Timothy brings a deep understanding of how fintech infrastructure can revolutionize traditional insurance operations. The discussion delves into Timothy’s entrepreneurial journey, lessons from launching and scaling multiple ventures, and the critical role of infrastructure and compliance in both fintech and insurtech. Timothy also highlights how adapting successful fintech frameworks can drive innovation in the insurance space, offering insights into automation, underwriting, and distribution strategies for future-ready insurance models.

-----------------------------

Thank you to our sponsors:

Traq AI!

To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechs

Mav

Sign up today to claim your exclusive offer: https://hiremav.com/insurtechs

Follow Insurtechs.io :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs

Listen to the Pod :

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh

Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614

Jeff Shi :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/

Timothy Li :

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothytli/

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!