Episode Info

Peter Settel, CEO of Bold Penguin, is a business and technology leader with a proven track record of leading technology-led growth companies across the insurance sector.

Prior to Bold Penguin, Settel was the Enterprise Chief Strategy Officer and Information Officer at American Family Insurance. Before that, Peter spent 17 years as a senior executive leading capability development at Homesite Insurance. Peter spent his early career at Cambridge Technology Partners and as a leader at MediaLink Interactive.

Settel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Investments from Babson College.

Introduction and Background:

Recorded live at ITC Vegas 2025, Peter shares his extensive experience in the insurance technology sector, spanning over 25 years, and discusses the transformative journey of Bold Penguin from a startup to a leading enterprise technology provider in the insurance industry.

Key Discussion Points:

Introduction to Peter Settel and Bold Penguin:

• Peter Settel introduces himself and provides a brief overview of his career in insurance technology, starting with his role at Homesite Insurance and his journey through various leadership positions.

• An introduction to Bold Penguin, highlighting its evolution from a venture-backed startup to a significant player in the insurance technology space.

Bold Penguin's Strategic Growth:

• Discussion on the acquisition of Bold Penguin by American Family Insurance in 2021 and Peter's transition to CEO .

• Insights into Bold Penguin's strategy to maintain its independence while serving the broader insurance market .

Technology and Market Impact:

• Exploration of how Bold Penguin leverages digital technologies to enhance distribution platforms for small commercial insurance .

• The role of AI and digital transformation in reshaping the insurance landscape, with a focus on competitive positioning .

Future of Insurance Distribution:

• Peter discusses the importance of maintaining a robust distribution network that includes agents, brokers, and carriers .

• The challenges and opportunities in balancing traditional insurance practices with innovative digital solutions .

Audience Engagement:

• The episode encourages listeners to think about the future of insurance distribution and the role of technology in driving industry change.

Conclusion: Peter Settel provides a compelling vision for the future of insurance, emphasizing the critical role of technology in driving efficiency and growth in the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of insurance and technology.

This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk.

Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes.

Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.