Wheel of Risk: A podcast by Allianz Trade

How could initiatives and programs aimed at rejuvenating Baltimore serve as positive examples to other cities across America? After all, it’s the birthplace of the nation’s oldest railway. It’s where the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner were written. It’s home to some of the earliest National Historic Districts in the country. And it’s the most populous independent city in the country. But for all its beauty, history, and diversity, Baltimore often gets a bad rap in TV shows, movies, and the media. 

That’s why this special season finale episode of Wheel of Risk is dedicated to the city we call home here at Allianz Trade in North America. Host Alix McCabe is joined by two leaders from Baltimore City Hall — Charlyn Nater, the Director of Main Streets in the Mayor’s Office of Small Minority Business Advocacy & Development, and Christopher R. Lundy, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development, for a comprehensive conversation about efforts to reinvigorate the local economy. They also discuss what they love the most about the city, which stereotypes they can’t stand, and share invaluable advice for business owners in both Baltimore and beyond.

When even The Federal Reserve takes note of your economic impact, you know you’re a big deal. And that’s just one of the many accomplishments attributed to Taylor Swift, whose 2023-2024 Eras tour has become the highest-grossing of all-time, and the first ever to rake in more than $1-billion in revenue, boosting local businesses across the country. But Swift isn’t the only musician, athlete, or organization with an oversized impact on the economy.

On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe sits down once again with Dan North, the Senior Economist for North America at Allianz Trade, for a deep dive into the ripple effect that occurs whenever a famous musical act, high-stakes playoff game, or big business conference comes to town. They explore how — ticket sales aside — these marquee events also generate spending on everything from lodging and transportation to restaurants, retailers, and much more. They also discuss what local businesses can do to ‘get on the bandwagon’ and take advantage of all those juicy opportunities when they do arise.

“An intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions.” 

That’s how Merriam-Webster defines the term “glass ceiling”, which was first coined by writer, consultant, and diversity advocate Marilyn Loden during a speech way back in 1978. But even today, despite decades of effort and attention, the glass ceiling remains a clear obstacle to women vying for leadership positions. 

On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe is joined by two women with compelling stories about their own experiences climbing the corporate ladder: speaker, talent coach, and author, Roberta Matuson, and Allianz Trade’s CEO for UK & Ireland, Sarah Murrow. Over the course of their conversation, they discuss both the progress that’s been made in recent years as well as the societal norms that are still holding women back. They also explore how having women in leadership roles can benefit a company both financially and culturally, why underperforming organizations tend to have fewer female leaders, and why companies that ignore gender diversity do so at their own peril. 

Ready or not, the AI revolution is upon us. Global spending on artificial intelligence in e-commerce is expected to top out at $8 billion this year, with companies large and small rushing to explore the productivity gains and cost reductions they could achieve by automating repetitive tasks and data entry. The rise of generative AI in particular also represents an unprecedented opportunity to improve the way businesses understand and interact with their customers. 

On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe is joined by Aaron Lindstrom, the Regional Head of E-Commerce for Allianz Trade Americas, to discuss the impact AI is having on business operations, as well as the potential it holds for enhancing engagement, effectiveness, and resilience. They explore how companies can shore up their defenses against evolving cyberthreats that are also AI-powered, and why business owners and leaders shouldn’t sit on the sidelines as the technology becomes more ubiquitous. You can even play along as Alix and Aaron test their ability to distinguish AI voices from real ones, in a special quiz at the end of the episode.

They’re a form of insurance that’s been around for millennia. Here in the U.S., they’ve been mandatory on all federal public works projects since 1894. They’re also integral to the importation of goods by foreign companies and ensuring that essential public services like garbage collection keep running smoothly. But despite how much we depend on surety bonds every day, most people don’t know much about them.

On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe explores the often-overlooked offering with the help of three members of Allianz Trade’s “surety squad”; Nick Verna, Regional Head of Surety for Allianz Trade Americas; Nicole Beck, Underwriting Director, Commercial Surety at Allianz Trade in the U.S.; and David Brehm, Underwriting Director, Contract Surety at Allianz Trade in the U.S. Together, they explain the role of surety bonds across a variety of industries, answer the most commonly-asked questions, and arm business owners and contractors with the knowledge they need to decide if a surety bond is something they should talk to their broker about.

They’re three little letters that can have a huge impact, in terms of both business performance and being a good corporate citizen: ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance. And in a world that’s experiencing the increasing effects of climate change, the ‘E’ is particularly important right now. But what can organizations do to ensure they’re actually walking the walk when it comes to the environment?

On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe sits down with Piril Kadibesegil, the Group Head of Sustainability at Allianz Trade, for a crash course in ESG, with a particular focus on the environment and what companies can do to improve their sustainability practices. Together, they explore the origins of the movement, the business case for sustainability, as well as potential stumbling blocks to implementation. Piril also provides clear, actionable advice for organizations that are either just starting their sustainability journeys or well down the road and looking to increase their impact.

Have you ever noticed how often the economy comes up in campaign speeches and promises from our political leaders? The economy consistently ranks as the main policy issue for most Americans, but just how much does economic performance hinge on the occupant of the Oval Office, and what happens when there’s a change at the top?

Just ahead of the presidential election in November, this episode of Wheel of Risk is aimed at navigating the uncertainty and changes caused by election cycles, which can have a broad range of impacts on the U.S. economy. Host Alix McCabe is joined by Allianz Trade’s Head of Economic Research, Ana Boata, for a comprehensive exploration of presidential economic policies, past and present, including predictions of what to expect if Donald Trump secures a second term. You can even play along as Alix puts her political knowledge to the test in a special presidential pop quiz.

What does Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging mean to you? There’s been a lot of talk about DEIB in corporate America over the last few years, but in too many cases, those conversations haven’t resulted in concrete change. 

On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe dives headfirst into the complicated, nuanced topic, with the help of two experts on the subject: Clayton Corley, the Chief of Staff for Commercial and DEIB Officer at Allianz Trade in North America; and Josh Saterman, the CEO and co-founder of Saterman Connect. Their frank discussion covers a lot of ground, from the origins and intent of the DEIB movement, to myths, current roadblocks, and strategies for implementation. They also get into the business case for DEIB initiatives, and how they can help companies large and small boost their bottom lines and enhance employee engagement.

Higher gas prices. Limited air travel options. Packed cruise ships. Hotel rooms and campsites booked up months in advance. Yes, it’s that time of year again — summer vacation season! And that means a bevy of both risks and opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. Anyone else get thirsty at the mention of a ‘bevy’? 

On this episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe is joined once again by series stalwart and Senior Economist for North America at Allianz Trade, Dan North, to dive into the economic ups and downs associated with summer travel. They’ll explore which types of business and which industries tend to see a seasonal spike in spending, and what companies can do to cash in on those juicy, tourist dollars. They’ll also explain why some goods and services tend to get more expensive over the summer, and how individual travelers can maximize their time and their money. Listen until the very end for a special ‘Hot or Not’ segment, where Dan shares his take on recent summer travel trends.

It’s an expression that dates back to ancient Greece, attributed to mathematician, physicist, and astronomer Archimedes. In modern times, it’s defined as a cry or shout of satisfaction when someone finds or discovers something. And in the world of business, it can be the difference between seizing an opportunity, or walking away out of fear, uncertainty, or a lack of information. 

On this season premiere episode of Wheel of Risk, host Alix McCabe focuses on the importance of those “Eureka” or “aha” moments, when entrepreneurs and business leaders make a powerful mental shift to reframe risk as opportunity. With the help of leadership coach and clarity expert Al Herrera, and long-time Wheel of Risk contributor Justin Seedorf, Allianz Trade’s Regional Vice President for Southwest America, Alix explores everything from why humans tend to default to fear, to the difference between known and unknown risks, to actual Eureka moments behind some real-life success stories. They also discuss the benefits of that shift in thinking to uncover why a simple change in perspective can often lead to better business outcomes.