From benefits and training to compensation and talent development, organizations around the globe are striving to embed diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) into their offerings and policies. This week’s host and Senior Vice President, Chief Broking Officer and National Leader of Growth and Client Engagement for Health Solutions at Aon, Joey Raheb, welcomes Aon’s Head of Advisory and Specialty Practice for EMEA Health Solutions, Dr. Avneet Kaur, for a conversation on DE&I in the workplace and what Aon’s 2022 Global DE&I Survey uncovered about how effective DE&I efforts are and where they still need to improve.

• [2:16] Career advice for a younger Dr. Kaur
• [3:16] An overview of the findings from Aon’s 2022 Global DE&I Survey
• [5:45] The three key components of the survey’s structure
• [15:44] Unique findings from the survey based on geography
• [20:15] Dr. Kaur’s latest book recommendation

Additional Resources:

Aon’s 2022 Global DE&I Survey

Global Aon Survey Shows Positive Correlation Between Employee Engagement And Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Policies

Unleash: D,E&I policies must include older workers

HR Dive: Highly engaged companies have broader DEI programs, study says

Aon website

Aon’s 2022 Executive Risk Survey includes insights from over 800 CEOs and provides an in-depth look at business leaders’ view on risk. This week’s host and Aon’s President Eric Andersen is joined by Aon’s CEO of Commercial Risk Solutions, Lambros Lambrou, and Aon’s CEO of Enterprise Clients, Lori Goltermann, for a conversation about the findings of the survey, a potential recession and how leaders can best prepare for the interconnected risks of today, as well as those on the horizon. 

• [1:38] Leaders that inspire Lambros and Lori. 
• [4:00] Top Executive Risk Survey takeaways for managing risk as we enter 2023. 
• [8:13] Three components of effective climate change management. 
• [10:43] How prepared leaders are focusing their investments on climate change.
• [14:25] Understanding the interconnectivity of risks.
• [19:15] How Aon is helping clients make better risk management decisions in 2023.
• [25:15] The last book that Lori read and Lambros’ typical morning routine. 

Additional Resources:

Aon’s 2022 Executive Risk Survey

Forbes: Sustainability In Times Of Volatility - What Aon’s 2022 Executive Risk Survey Means For Your Business

On Aon Podcast Episode 39: On Aon’s View on Challenging Economic Times – Part One with Eric Andersen and Leslie Follmer

The One Brief: Greg Case: How Business Leaders Are Preparing for the “Great Volatility”

Aon’s website

Tweetables:

• “Embracing risk in uncertain times is the only option.” — Lambros Lambrou
• “Addressing risk isn’t a choice, it’s a matter of survival.” — Lambros Lambrou
• “Risk management is a real differentiator and competitive advantage when navigated appropriately.” — Lori Goltermann
• “Climate is a good example of where we see prepared leaders continuing to focus their investments over the long term.” — Lambros Lambrou
• “The commitments that we’re making to transparency and disclosure are so much deeper today than it ever has been before.” — Lori Goltermann

Episode 44: On Aon’s Spotlight on Inclusion and Diversity with Jamal Evans and Austin Raymond

Together We Can Be The Dream. Welcome to a new podcast series, brought to you by Aon and Liberty Mutual. On Aon brings you the first in this podcast series, centering on the inclusion and diversity perceptions, promises and practices in corporate America. This week’s host, Insurance Business’ recent America’s 2022 Rising Star Award recipient and Director of External Engagement at Spencer Educational Foundation Tandeka Nomvete, welcomes Jamal Evans, Temple University senior majoring in Risk Management and Insurance and Austin Raymond, senior at the Honors College at Towson University majoring in mathematics with an emphasis in Actuarial Science and Risk Management. Together, they discuss some of Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous quotes as they apply in the setting of preparing for the interview, internship and employment process in the risk management industry. 

• [1:27] Introducing Jamal and Austin and their impressive resumes. 
• [4:53] “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” 
• [6:37] Preparing for the job interview process and creating a tailored approach to each company. 
• [9:47] Techniques for approaching interview questions confidently. 
• [13:32] “I still have a dream.” Handling rejection in ways that can still benefit your future efforts. 
• [14:47] Lessons learned from a disadvantaged interview. 
• [19:29] “If you can’t fly, run.” Moving forward regardless of the obstacles in your way.

Find more episodes of Together We Can Be The Dream here.

Additional Resources:

Aon’s website

Life at Aon Careers

Tweetables:

• “My philosophy about interviews is that they are a two-way process, so I spend a lot of my time actually learning about the company.” — Jamal Evans
• “Your network is a great tool to leverage when you are in the interview process.” — Jamal Evans
• “I’ve had to prepare for each of my interviews a little differently based on the type of company that it was.” — Austin Raymond
• “Make sure the company you interview with is a good fit for you and that they are able to meet your needs deeper than just somewhere to work.”— Jamal Evans
• “If I see someone that looks like me at higher levels, what the company is telling me without telling me is that there is space for me to grow into those higher leadership positions.” — Tandeka Nomvete
• “When something doesn’t go well in an interview, take the time to reflect on your performance, identify what went wrong, and brainstorm what you can do differently the next time.” — Austin Raymond

This week’s host and Aon’s North America Chief Operating Officer Kevin Johnson is joined by Partner and Co-Lead, Global Life Sciences Vertical, Aon, Meaghan Piscitelli and Co-Lead, Global Life Sciences Vertical, Aon, Lars Sørensen for a conversation about the various ways Aon is helping companies within the life sciences sector become more resilient and agile as they navigate volatile market conditions. They also discuss how companies can use this period of economic uncertainty to continue to innovate for their clients. 

• [2:21] Meaghan and Lars reveal what they enjoy most about their roles at Aon. 
• [4:40] The three major challenges facing the life sciences sector. 
• [8:24] The potential impact of cyber threats in life sciences. 
• [12:41] The challenges of attracting and retaining talent in life sciences. 
• [14:14] Actions and opportunities for companies  to drive innovation and increase resiliency. 
• [22:09] Meaghan and Lars reflect on Aon’s future impact on the life sciences industry.

Additional Resources:

Aon Industry Insights

What’s Ahead for Life Sciences? These Five Trends Are Shaping the Industry

Aon’s 2021 Global Risk Management Survey 

Aon’s website

Tweetables:

• “Volatility is one of the few constants in the life sciences industry.” — Meaghan Piscitelli
• “Having a disruption in production in life sciences is really very costly compared to other industries.” — Lars Sørensen
• “Companies now more than ever really need to work to build a resilient workforce in order to grow and thrive.” — Meaghan Piscitelli

As cyber attacks become increasingly more sophisticated and costly, organizations will face new challenges in mitigating their cyber risks. 

This week, host and Engagement Management Leader for Cyber Solutions, Stroz Friedberg, an Aon company, Rachel Ratcliff, is joined by Aon’s Managing Director, Cyber Solutions, Nitai Mandhyan, and Aon’s Practice Leader, Cyber Solutions, Scott Swanson, for a conversation about how organizations can withstand and respond to potential cyber risks. They discuss the importance of developing a cyber resilience strategy and participating in regular adversary simulation exercises to help build resistance to cyber attacks. 

• [1:32] Staying passionate about the dynamic field of cyber security
• [3:26] What makes cyber security so important today
• [4:41] The macro and micro implications of cyber security
• [6:21] Key tactics to developing cyber resilience
• [8:55] Adversary simulation — what it is and what it offers organizations 
• [11:56] The learnings that an adversary simulation provides 
• [13:28] The value of adversary simulation data for companies
• [16:46] Scott’s and Nitai’s hidden skills

Additional Resources:

On Aon’s Cyber Threat Hunt with Samantha Billy and Jonathan Rajewski

E&O and Cyber Market Review – Midyear 2022

Stroz Friedberg Incident Response, Named A Leader In The Forrester Wave™: Cybersecurity Incident Response Services, Q1 2022 Report

Aon’s 2021 Global Risk Management Survey

Making Better Decisions in Uncertain Times: Aon’s 2022 Executive Risk Survey

Aon’s website

Tweetables:

• “Cyber security is such a dynamic field, no two days are alike.” — Nitai Mandhyan
• “Cyber attacks are so much more frequent now - they are targeted, sophisticated and extremely expensive for our clients.” — Nitai Mandhyan
• “Cyber security needs to be driven right through the core of an organization.” — Scott Swanson
• “Resiliency goes hand in hand with cyber security.” — Scott Swanson
• “Given the current threat landscape, I really don’t see why every organization isn’t considering regular adversary simulation exercises to enhance their cyber resistance and resilience.” — Scott Swanson

Over the course of three weeks, we’ll hear from Aon colleagues on how economic challenges are impacting all solutions, clients and colleagues in a special edition takeover of the “On Aon” podcast. 

This week, host and Aon’s U.S. President, Charles Philpott, welcomes Head of Human Capital Solutions, North America, Brooke Green; Large Market Segment Leader for Health Solutions, North America, Kim Hurst and Head of U.S. Retirement, Jennifer Brasher; to discuss the challenges that HR leaders are facing given increased economic volatility.  

• [2:39] The key challenges that today’s economy has caused HR leaders. 
• [4:53] The unexpected ripple effect that economic volatility has on the market at large. 
• [7:29] The main factors causing change in the retirement landscape.
• [10:30] HR considerations as we enter 2023. 
• [12:54] How Aon is supporting clients in these uncertain times.
• [15:32] Ideas to help employees think about saving for retirement. 
• [21:26] Jennifer, Brooke and Kim share one word to inspire HR managers navigating these challenging times. 

Additional Resources:

New Aon Research Shows Prepared Leaders Embrace Risk And Make Better Decisions During Economic Uncertainty

Inflation is Influencing Business Risk Management — Take Steps to Mitigate its Impact 

Aon 2021 Global Wellbeing Survey

38: On Aon’s Balancing of Inflation and Employee Benefits with Dave Guilmette

39: On Aon’s View on Challenging Economic Times – Part One with Eric Andersen and Leslie Follmer

40: On Aon’s View on Challenging Economic Times – Part Two with Joe Peiser

Aon’s website

Tweetables:

• “What we know from previous recessions is that companies start to take a look at what and who they’re spending money on.” — Brooke Green
• “More and more employers are asking their employees what they value.” — Kim Hurst

“Employer communication and education is key to get employee savings to the right amount for retirement.” — Jennifer Brashe

Over the course of three weeks, we’ll hear from Aon colleagues on how economic challenges are impacting all solutions, clients and colleagues in a special edition takeover of the “On Aon” podcast. 

This week, Aon’s U.S. President, Charles Philpott, and Aon’s North America Commercial Risk Leader, Joe Peiser, discuss insights from risk markets and clients, and what risk managers should be thinking about when facing increased economic volatility.

• [2:00] The impact of the economic landscape on insurers
• [5:35] The main client concerns in the face of inflation
• [9:32] Steps risk managers can take to mitigate losses
• [13:53] Actions for the future of key lines of insurance
• [20:15] The impact of natural disasters on the market forecast
• [29:14] Joe’s and Charles’ optimistic look at the end of 2022

Additional Resources:

New Aon Research Shows Prepared Leaders Embrace Risk And Make Better Decisions During Economic Uncertainty

Aon's Global Market Insights Report Q2 2022

Making Better Decisions in Uncertain Times: Aon’s 2022 Executive Risk Survey

Inflation is Influencing Business Risk Management — Take Steps to Mitigate its Impact 

Aon’s website

Tweetables:

• “For insurance companies, rising interest rates, in the long run, is a good thing. But in the short run, it’s a problem.” — Joe Peiser
• “It’s time for experienced risk managers to take a more holistic approach to their risk financing program.” — Joe Peiser
• “It’s a great time to be in our business and a great time to be a risk manager.” — Joe Peiser

Over the next three weeks, we’ll hear from Aon colleagues on how economic challenges are impacting all solutions, clients and colleagues in a special edition weekly takeover of the “On Aon” podcast. 

This week, Aon’s President, Eric Andersen, and Aon’s Head of Investor Relations and ESG, Leslie Follmer, sit down with host and Aon’s North America CEO, Jennifer Bell, for a conversation about the challenges that organizations are facing given increased economic volatility. 

• [2:20] Volatility in 2022 and key market indicators 
• [5:03] Reasons for and results of slowing growth expectations 
• [6:45] Aon’s strategy for rising inflation 
• [11:30] Indicators of recession and Aon’s response 
• [17:30] Client solutions and innovative efforts 
• [21:37] Leslie and Eric’s optimistic outlook for the end of 2022 

Additional Resources:

New Aon Research Shows Prepared Leaders Embrace Risk And Make Better Decisions During Economic Uncertainty

Making Better Decisions in Uncertain Times: Aon’s 2022 Executive Risk Survey

Increasing Inflation: Key Considerations for Employers Looking to Provide Better Support

The Impact of Inflation on Employee Benefits and Considerations for Businesses

Inflation is Influencing Business Risk Management — Take Steps to Mitigate its Impact 

Aon’s website

Tweetables:

• “We’ve gone from really strong growth around the world last year to a market this year where you’ve got growth expectations slowing down a lot.” — Leslie Follmer
• “The topic of inflation is such a real-world topic in terms of its impact on our clients, our colleagues and our business decisions.” — Eric Andersen
• “There is so much happening in our business, we want to make sure we’re investing in the future.” — Eric Andersen

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and wellbeing of employees is top of mind for employers, with many looking for ways to enhance their benefits programs. With inflation and rising costs, employers are faced with the challenge of balancing those costs and employee wellbeing. 

On episode 38, host and Aon’s Senior Vice President, Chief Broking Officer and National Leader, Growth and Client Engagement, Joey Raheb, sits down with Aon’s Chief Executive Officer, Health Solutions, Dave Guilmette, for a conversation about the impact of inflation on employee benefits. 

• [1:46] The impact of the pandemic on the employment market and benefits.
• [5:26] Transitioning from benefits as an expense to an investment. 
• [10:10] Inflation’s impact on employee benefits. 
• [11:51] Tactics for balancing healthcare inflation with employee wellbeing. 
• [17:06] Supporting employees in the face of rising business costs. 
• [20:46] Dave’s optimistic view of Aon’s future.

Additional Resources:

2021 Global Wellbeing Survey

2022 Global Medical Trend Rates Report

Inflation is Influencing Business Risk Management — Take Steps to Mitigate its Impact

Q&A: As Inflation Surges, New Business Strategies Emerge

Aon’s website

Tweetables:

• “We’re seeing from employers a very strong level of interest around the resiliency of their workforce.” — Dave Guilmette
• “We have a significant and serious affordability gap in healthcare.” — Dave Guilmette
• “Retain what’s working, potentially even invest in those parts, and start to take out the parts that are not working.” — Dave Guilmette

Cyber incidents are becoming more frequent, targeted, sophisticated and costly, with a projected $10.5 trillion annual global cost by 2025. To better understand the evolution of cyber attacks and their impact on organizations, host and Engagement Management Leader for Cyber Solutions, Stroz Friedberg, an Aon company, Rachel Ratcliff welcomes Aon’s North American Head of Incident Response and Digital Forensics Incident Response Practice Leader for Stroz Friedberg, an Aon company, Jonathan Rajewski and Aon’s VP and U.S. Broking Growth Leader for Aon’s Cyber Solutions, Samantha Billy, for a conversation about the what, when and why of the proactive approach to this costly problem — cyber threat hunting. 

• [1:26] Samantha and Jonathan highlight their responsibilities at Aon. 
• [2:47] The evolution of cyber attacks and their impact on organizations. 
• [5:15] How the changing threat landscape has impacted the cyber insurance marketplace. 
• [7:29] What is a threat hunt and when should organizations consider conducting one? 
• [11:51] How can threat hunting work to achieve cyber resilience? 
• [17:42] The impact of threat hunts on insurance coverage and renewals.
• [19:15] Achieving cyber resilience starts with proactive efforts. 

Additional Resources:

E&O and Cyber Market Review – Midyear 2022

Threat Hunting For COVID-19: Leveraging Threat Intelligence To Drive Cyber Security Defenses

Stroz Friedberg Incident Response Named A Leader In The Forrester Wave™: Cybersecurity Incident Response Services, Q1 2022 Report

Aon Completes Acquisition Of Risk Management Firm Stroz Friedberg

Aon’s website

Tweetables:

• “Cyber attacks continue to not only evolve, but they’re becoming more frequent, targeted, sophisticated and costly for organizations of all sizes.” — Jonathan Rajewski
• “Threat actors have evolved, and they have very sophisticated techniques. They’ve grown and scaled their operations to be able to impact global organizations.” — Jonathan Rajewski
• “The landscape has changed the cyber insurance marketplace to be much more hardened.” — Samantha Billy
• “Cyber threat hunting is a great instrument for organizations to use to demonstrate if their existing cyber resilience is actually working.” — Jonathan Rajewski
• “Threat hunting is one of the best tools that can minimize a company’s exposure from top to bottom.” — Samantha Billy
• “Cyber resilience is a culture.” — Samantha Billy