Alliance NOW! Risk & Insurance Podcast Series Podcast By The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research cover art

Alliance NOW! Risk & Insurance Podcast Series

Alliance NOW! Risk & Insurance Podcast Series

By: The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research
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The Alliance NOW! Risk & Insurance Podcast Series provides listeners with rich, nuanced conversations that deepen learning and promote the successful completion of Risk & Insurance Education Alliance programs.Risk & Insurance Education Alliance | Copyright 2024 Career Success Economics Education
Episodes
  • Streamlining Insurance: VC Investing, Startups & Carrier Partnerships

    Streamlining Insurance: VC Investing, Startups & Carrier Partnerships
    Mar 24 2026
    In this episode, Darren moderates a deep dive into the fast evolving intersection of venture capital, startups, and carrier partnerships within the insurance industry. Guests Adam Care (HSB Funds) and John Javan (BrokerTech Ventures) unpack how AI is reshaping insurance, the explosion of new vendors, and what makes certain startups stand out. The discussion covers the rapid acceleration of AI—from early process automation tools to individualized productivity solutions—while highlighting a major industry shift: companies no longer market themselves as “AI companies,” but instead focus on the real problems they solve. They explore challenges in product market fit, the complexity of insurance sales cycles, and the disconnect between frontline users and C suite decision makers. The conversation also goes into why carriers are eager but cautious adopters of innovation, the role of accelerators in bridging gaps between startups and legacy players, and what founders must understand about risk aversion, compliance expectations, and long adoption timelines in insurance. Looking ahead, Adam and John predict foundational changes as AI becomes ubiquitous—impacting underwriting, claims, customer service, distribution, and even insurance policy structures themselves (including AI-related exclusions). Their closing advice to founders: fall in love with the problem, not the solution, stay persistent in the face of industry complexity, and partner with organizations that can help accelerate market access and credibility. Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
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    45 mins
  • Recipes for Restaurant Risk Management Success

    Recipes for Restaurant Risk Management Success
    Feb 26 2026
    Featured Guest

    Jay Gates
    Managing Director, Gallagher National Restaurant Practice
    20+ years in insurance, former Applebee’s risk leader, RIMS committee member, and Kids Chance Nebraska board member.

    What We Cover
    • Jay’s unexpected path into risk and insurance
    • Lessons learned investigating EEOC claims early in his career
    • Leadership principles developed while managing large claims teams
    • Building a full ERM program for 165+ Applebee’s locations
    • The most surprising and severe claims in restaurant operations
    • How Gallagher reduces the total cost of risk for restaurant clients
    • Innovative approaches including captives and proprietary analytics
    • Underestimated risks: cyber breaches + product recalls
    • The growing impact of AI on restaurant ops and risk
    • Privacy + liability concerns tied to AI adoption
    • The future of restaurant risk management over the next decade
    Key Takeaways
    • Restaurant risks are broader than most expect. From contaminated produce to liquor liability fatalities, claims can escalate fast.
    • Cyber and product recall coverages are essential, despite being commonly undervalued.
    • AI will reshape restaurant risk—from customer service to operations tracking—creating both efficiencies and new exposures.
    • Gallagher’s differentiator is proactive service, deep data analysis, and tailoring insurance strategy to each client's risk tolerance.
    • Risk leaders benefit from diverse career experiences, which Jay draws on daily.
    Resources & Links
    • Learn more about the Restaurant Risk Professional (RRP) certification:
      riskeducation.org/restaurant-RiskPro
    • Explore additional Alliance Insights episodes at riskeducation.org

    Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
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    32 mins
  • Environmental Strategist Podcast: Why We’re Here—and Why It Matters

    Environmental Strategist Podcast: Why We’re Here—and Why It Matters
    Feb 23 2026

    Topics Covered:

    • What inspired Chris Bunbury’s career in environmental risk
    • How pollutants are defined beyond chemicals
    • Why most businesses unknowingly self‑insure environmental exposures
    • The limitations of CGL policies & hidden pollution exclusions
    • Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL) vs. Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL)
    • Real‑world examples of unexpected pollution claims
    • The role and value of an Environmental Strategist
    • How environmental stewardship creates competitive advantage
    • Preview of future episodes: PFAS, stormwater, brownfields, due diligence & more

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Environmental Risk Managers, Inc. — ermi.us
    • Environmental Strategist Certification — https://www.riskeducation.org/environmental-strategist/

    Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.
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    23 mins
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