Episodes
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In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats with Bradley Flowers, founder of Portal Insurance and co-host of the Insurance Guys Podcast, to explore how family influences, personal struggles, and triumphs paved the way for a successful career.
Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and listen as they unravel the challenges of business ownership and the beauty of building meaningful relationships along the way.
Episode Highlights
Rural roots in Atmore, Alabama – known for its casino and high-security prison (0:55)Getting progressively safer with hobbies, from bull riding to skateboarding to golf (5:22)A near-death experience that had nothing to do with bull riding (14:00)Starting out in insurance to have time for golf (16:37)Bradley’s biggest regret…it might surprise you (18:47)Starting an agency and creating the Insurance Guys Podcast (37:46) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats with Jack Ramsey, the vice president of agent channels at NEXT Insurance, to dive into Jack’s life journey – from his humble beginnings as a shy kid in a small town to his pivotal role at NEXT Insurance.
Tune in to hear how Jack broke through his shyness to create an impact in the insurance industry for a fully digital carrier and is giving back through mentorship and his passion for disaster relief, including the disaster that recently impacted his hometown.
Episode Highlights
Big family, small town (00:45)Turning shy-kid experiences into mentorship opportunities (5:36)From door-to-door greeting card salesperson to insurance leader (13:43)Waking up excited to represent something different that agents are looking for (23:53)The growing talent gap in insurance (35:48)A heart for giving back to youth and supporting disaster relief (52:55) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats with Leticia Trevino, COO at Heffernan Insurance Brokers, to discuss Leticia’s remarkable story, from growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area to a thriving 24-year career at Heffernan.
Tune in to dive into the intricacies of the insurance technology landscape, the challenges and triumphs of leading a major organization, and the importance of staying connected to one's culture and values amidst it all.
Episode Highlights
· Music, culture, and connection (2:30)
· Starting out as a claims adjuster (3:35)
· Targeting Latino markets (7:45)
· Finding satisfaction in team building (9:45)
· The “golden record” (20:47)
· Success equals having a body of work you’re proud of (42:40)
· Setting up the Poder in Action fund for Latina females (44:21)
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In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats with Adam Denninger, global industry lead for insurance at Capgemini, to discuss everything from musical interests and fighter jet dreams to an appreciation for history and a passion for insurtech.
Tune in to hear about Adam’s dream of going into flight as a fighter jet pilot in the US Air Force evolved into entering the world of insurtech – you won’t want to miss his insights and stories.
Episode Highlights
From fighter jet dreams to insurance impact (1:43)A taste of modern family life and historical interests (2:20)Entering insurance at The Hartford, from intern to director (13:56)Being a newbie at Capgemini (24:34)The right place, the right time, the right data (28:19)Leading without fear and being ready to work (1:03:03)Doing the right thing (1:09:24) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats with Send Chief People Officer Pat Caldwell about his early lessons in leadership, work ethic, acceptance and culture that influenced his career trajectory.
Tune in to hear how Pat’s aspirations evolved, from wanting to become a paramedic to going to law school and eventually sending off his good startup culture vibes within the HR insurtech space for an underwriting platform.
Episode Highlights
Documenting culture and leadership tips as an author (1:08)Venturing into insurtech HR at Send (1:11)Giving back, realizing work is not your identity (1:27)Reminiscing on first-job lessons and “vintage” video stores (12:56)Starting in HR at a large Australian mining company (24:09)Leaving for London and entrepreneurial dreams (33:27) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, co-host Christen Kelley puts Reid in the hot seat to look back at a summer packed with fun and zoom ahead to a season brimming with industry events.
Tune in to hear about Reid’s upcoming work travel adventures and learn about some of the latest trends and news, including the buzz around the Applied Systems/Planck acquisition.
Episode Highlights
Embracing the summer vibes (00:30)Nashville bound for Ivans Connect & Applied Net (3:20)Taking center stage as panel moderator at IndieTech (8:35)Mingling with C-suite executives at CIAB (12:32)Sparking industry-wide connections at ITC (15:19)Elevating the AI game with Planck (26:44) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats with Jason Cass, managing partner of the Insurance Alliance and founder of the Insurance Podcast Network, to share Jason’s story of entrepreneurship that started at an early age on a business venture to milk cows and has led to being a successful insurance entrepreneur.
Get ready for these two podcast hosts and insurance gurus to discuss the rewards of working in the industry and the importance of connectivity. You’ll also discover how to find what Jason calls “tuxedo moments” to sail into success.
Episode Highlights
An ambitious spirit that started with milking cows (5:22)Tuxedo moments and how being different matters (10:01)Leading by listening and putting people first (29:42)Sailing into success (30:42)Giving back, seeing a need and trying to fix it (32:40)A love for building things, boating, animals and dive bars (38:15) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats with Dr. Douglas Brackmann, author and psychologist, for a deep conversation about neurodivergence related to being what Dr. Doug calls “driven.”
Tune in to hear how Doug self-identified as neurodivergent and driven at a young age, and how seeing a psychologist drove him to inspire others to put their soul in the driver’s seat.
Episode Highlights
Neurodivergence and imposter syndrome (14:30)The “driven” trait to thrive in chaos (18:39)The hunter-farmer theory (21:43) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats with Fenris CEO and Founder Jen Linton for another insightful interview live from House of Blues at Insurtech Boston ’24.
Tune in to get inspired to dream big as we explore Jen’s journey from growing up in a large family in the Salt Lake City suburbs, becoming a microbiologist, obtaining her MBA, and founding an insurtech startup.
Episode Highlights
Growing up with an entrepreneurial mom, siblings and livestock in the Salt Lake City suburbs (00:57)The pivot from microbiology to education software to insurtech startups (3:31)Venturing into insurance and telematics (8:45)Creating her startup vision with the help of bottomless coffee (18:45)Leading with vision, and a little bit of necessary stubbornness (27:23) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid chats with Surround Insurance CEO and Co-founder Kate Terry for an engaging conversation from Insurtech Boston ’24.
Tune in to get to know Kate, from her Boston upbringing and work ethic that started at an early age to a new passion for tap dancing and how she’s always chasing a challenge.
Episode Highlights· Boston roots (1:01)
· Right place at the right time (19:14)
· Becoming an insurtech co-founder (24:41)
· Success equals a sense of growth (47:25)
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In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid covers key post-event takeaways from Insurtech Boston ’24, captured live from House of Blues with Nick Lamparelli, managing partner of Insurance Nerds, and Charles “Chip” Bacciocco, CEO of TrustedChoice.com.
Get ready to be inspired as these three insurtech thought leaders reflect on the event topics, comparing insurance to hide-and-seek, sharing excitement about the “golden age of innovation,” and speculating on how factors like AI and telematics will impact the industry.
Episode Highlights
· The speedy pace of Generative AI (2:45)
· The roller coaster of a startup (11:45)
· Understanding the economics of this industry (19:20)
· Three magic words to double success (36:15)
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In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, co-host Christen Kelley puts Reid in the hot seat for the first time in a new format we will occasionally use. Reid shares his thoughts on current industry topics.
Tune in to hear Reid fly solo as the guest, sharing his point of view on the industry, from single sign-on solutions to connectivity challenges, transparency, fraud and more.
Episode Highlights
· Connectivity as the lifeblood of innovation (2:00)
· The need for tech adoption (3:45)
· Transparency of data is key (12:20)
· Single sign-on as a real thing in the industry (14:40)
· Coming together for the betterment of insurance (30:37)
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In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, podcast co-host Christen Kelley picks some of the best insights from host Reid Holzworth as we celebrate the podcast’s third anniversary today! With more than 70 episodes, Reid has interviewed a ton of industry greats, but he’s also shared a lot of his own passion and industry insights.
Tune in to get a glimpse into his passion for entrepreneurship, technology and more.
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In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid sits down with Ryan McMahon, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development for Cambridge Mobile Telematics, to talk about how early aspirations to go into law enforcement eventually transitioned to a career in insurance telematics.
Catch a ride on Ryan’s journey, including an attempt at a fast and furious move that was pivotal in driving his passion for safer roads and reduced crash risk.
Episode Highlights
Reading actuarial review magazines as a kid (1:56)From park ranger to EMT to volunteer rescue squad (3:35)Entering the world of insurance (5:08)A fast and furious attempt gone wrong (11:51)Thinking outside of the box to make roads safer (34:54) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid sits down with Joe Stephenson, Director of Digital Intelligence at INTERTEL, kicking things off on a light note with the amusing story behind Joe’s impressive title and moving onto heavier topics like Joe’s encounters with drunk drivers, law offenders and scammers during his time as a police officer and investigator.
Tune in to hear how Joe has brought his skills as a seasoned investigator into the world of insurance and technology.
Episode Highlights
A rural Maine upbringing (1:50)Joe’s scariest story in policing (11:46)Career “ADD” (18:15)Uncovering insurance claims scams (20:01)Embracing life as a director of digital intelligence (47:53) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid sits down with Deb Smallwood, founder and creator of SELFPOWERMENT (Deb M. Smallwood LLC), to discuss Deb’s deeply planted roots on the seacoast of New Hampshire and her impressive career – from starting out as a developer for Liberty Mutual to co-founding Strategy Meets Action (SMA), selling SMA, and embarking on a legacy to help women become empowered to manifest their own goals.
As we wrap up National Women’s History Month, tune in to hear how Deb’s admiration for women trailblazers like Amelia Earhart and her family of strong women shaped her own 'Why not me?' philosophy.
Episode Highlights
A happy life on the New Hampshire seacoast (2:08)The root of Deb’s ‘Why not me’ philosophy (5:22)Pursuing entrepreneurship with Strategy Meets Acton (18:46)Focusing on women empowerment in semi-retirement (26:22) -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid sits down with Taylor Rhodes, CEO of Applied Systems, to dive into Taylor’s career journey of building great teams in technology with humility and customer-centricity.
Plug in to listen to how Taylor left his 11-year tenure at Rackspace to pursue a new mission he could pour his heart into and eventually landed at Applied, reinvigorating a culture of innovation for the company’s family of brands.
The last act of leading at Rackspace (1:12)Entering the SAAS space (2:08)Leading a customer-centric mission at Applied (14:17)Creating a safe harbor and making the industry better with tech (29:49)
Episode Highlights -
In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid sits down with Taylor Rhodes, CEO of Applied Systems, to chat about his fascinating journey from childhood to starting his career in technology.
Get ready for a ride down Taylor’s memory lane to hear about his early life experiences, from childhood summers on the ranch to serving in the Marines, and how these experiences have shaped who Taylor is today.
Episode Highlights
· Summers on the cattle ranch (4:15)
· The “team over self” Marine mentality (13:40)
· Entering the tech space at Rackspace (22:21)
· Being a good neighbor (35:41)
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In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid sits down with Luke Magnan, co-founder and CIO of Combined Ratio Solutions, for a thought-provoking conversation about Luke’s entrepreneurship journey.
Get ready to gain inspiration from Luke’s thoughts on the need for more industry collaboration, the importance of leading with a vision, a project that brings the strength of neurodivergent professionals to insurance, and more.
Episode Highlights
· A hope for the industry to come together more (1:08)
· What being a leader means to Luke (3:54)
· An ice fishing dream (10:30)
· Building a socially responsible startup (11:25)
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In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid sits down with Luke Magnan, co-founder and CIO of Combined Ratio Solutions, to discuss Luke’s Connecticut upbringing, his passion for technology, and the conversation with a bus driver that led him from political science pursuits to his computer science roots.
Take a break from your New Year’s resolutions to hear Luke’s story of following his heart and combining his love for computers with insurance.
Episode Highlights
Luke’s love for video games (3:13)Re-routing career paths (7:07)Starting out at a carrier in Hartford (8:08)Credibility, trust, and partnership (47:44) - Montre plus
