Leader's Edge

In this episode we meet Benjamin Verlingue, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Adelaide Group.

Verlingue shares his story of becoming the 4th generation to run his family’s insurance business. He discusses what changes he wants to see during his time of leadership, and differences and misconceptions between U.S. and France.

In this podcast episode, we discuss women’s health and healthcare with chief medical officer Dr. Janet Choi and chief development officer Julie Stadlbauer from Progyny, a fertility, family building and women’s health benefits provider.  From the history of exclusion in medical research, to the fragmented system and myriad point solutions now available, women’s healthcare requires expertise and navigation, the experts say. And it’s an opportunity for employers to better serve this crucial population.    

In the second interview conducted on-site at The Council's Insurance Leadership Forum in October, Leader's Edge spoke with Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Goodwin offers insights on the political strife, past and present, that has challenged numerous generations of Americans. She also offers anecdotes concerning the history of the presidency, a message on the importance of young people bringing change to the world, and leadership lessons applicable to all.

In this episode, Matt Waters, head of US Middle Market for AXA XL, shares what it has taken for his team to build out its business over the past couple of years.

Waters also discusses what characteristics impact the middle market and what industry segments the company is focused on.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the 2024 Insurance Leadership Forum, Leader's Edge held open mic hours in the magazine's podcast booth where conference guests could sit down and share thoughts on any topic.

First to join in conversation was Kevin Davis, president of Kevin Davis Insurance Services, who shared how he uses his own podcast to help his business. Next, Leader’s Edge’s book reviewer Scott Naugle discussed the similarities between recommending a book and an insurance policy.

“If I’m doing my job right, I’m going to make you laugh and think at the same time”

For over 34 years Mike St. Lawrence traveled the United States selling alien abduction insurance on local TV news and radio shows.

With nearly 7,000 coverages sold at a $24.95 asking price, the Florida resident offered a $10 million payout for proof of abduction. The catch: The payout would come at $1 annually for 10 million years. Following our 2021 interview with St. Lawrence, podcast producer Zach Ewell recently attempted to reach the self-proclaimed comedian insurer to see how his business was going and pick his mind on current UFO phenomena.

A Christmas miracle on Capitol Hill keeps the federal government funded through March 14, 2025.

In this year-end episode of Politics & Risk, The Council’s senior vice president and vice president of government affairs, Joel Kopperud and Blaire Bartlett, discuss the turmoil in Washington, D.C., as Congress struggles to keep the government open through the new year.

Additionally, Bartlett interviews Republican Rep. David Joyce, of Ohio’s 14th Congressional District. The congressman offers his thoughts on the incoming presidential administration and hot-button legislation pertaining to cannabis and banking.

Mark Siebold, SVP and head of workplace solutions at Wintrust Workplace Solutions, offers a comprehensive overview of health savings accounts (HSAs) and the benefits to both employers and employees. 

Soldiers engaging in combat with native tribes in post-Civil War America. The free press waging a war of words on companies in the Wild West. A massive parade celebrating the tricentennial of the Massachusetts colony. These are all scenes that shaped the way American’s think about risk, from author Katherine Hempstead’s new book Uncovered: The Story of Insurance in America. The book shares how the American insurance industry developed over a period of centuries.

In this discussion, Hempstead takes us through the stories and people in her book.

In the second interview conducted on-site at The Council's Insurance Leadership Forum in October, Leader's Edge spoke with Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Goodwin offers insights on the political strife, past and present, that has challenged numerous generations of Americans. She also offers anecdotes concerning the history of the presidency, a message on the importance of young people bringing change to the world, and leadership lessons applicable to all.