Episode Info

Jim has over thirty years of experience in the insurance and insurtech industries, with a proven track record of success in leading and growing companies. In Jim's previous role as CEO of bolt Solutions Inc, he grew the company's revenue and oversaw the transformation of its business model, enabling the company to grow and scale quickly and efficiently. He has extensive experience creating unparalleled business success in the insurance and insurtech space, administering pragmatic and analytical decisions in high-pressure environments. His enthusiasm for embracing cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of innovation aligns perfectly with MISSON's transformative and forward-thinking core values.

Episode Overview:

In this engaging episode of The Future of Insurance, we sit down with Jim Dwane, CEO of Mission, recorded live at ITC Vegas 2025. Jim shares his insights on the evolving landscape of the insurance industry and how Mission is at the forefront of this transformation.

Key Discussion Points:

Jim Dwane's Background:

• Jim discusses his extensive career in the insurance industry, having spent two-thirds of it with major carriers like Travelers and AIG before venturing into the insuretech space in 2017.

Mission's Role and Vision:

• Mission is described as a program administrator that builds de novo programs, focusing on finding exceptional underwriters and providing them with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs.

• The company acts as an incubator and accelerator for MGUs (Managing General Underwriters), emphasizing a technology-first approach.

Strategic Advisory and Support:

• Mission provides strategic advisory services, helping underwriters manage aspects beyond underwriting, such as capital management, marketing, and compliance.

• The company supports its partners with administrative, operational, and technological infrastructure.

Industry Trends and Future Outlook:

• Jim highlights the rapid growth of the program space within the insurance industry and the importance of speed and innovation.

• The discussion touches on the strategic use of technology to accelerate industry transformation.

Mission's Partnerships:

• Mission collaborates with multiple capacity partners, including its parent company, Accelerant, to ensure a robust support system for its MGUs.

Conclusion:
Join us for this insightful conversation with Jim Dwane as we explore the future of insurance and how Mission is paving the way for innovation and growth in the industry. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the field, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the dynamic changes shaping the insurance landscape.

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.

Episode Info

As Senior Vice President, Laurna leads the company's Western State Product and Club Experience teams, which are responsible for the performance of personal lines insurance products across CSAA Insurance Group's Western markets. She also oversees the Club & Agency Experience teams, which are responsible for the operations and experience of CSAA's largest distribution channel, AAA clubs.

Laurna started her insurance career at CSAA Insurance Group as an Actuarial Analyst and rose rapidly through the company's ranks. Subsequent roles of increased responsibility include Actuarial Supervisor and State Product Manager/Executive, before being promoted to VP in 2020.

She has a degree in Applied Mathematics with a focus on Actuarial Science from UC Berkeley. She also is an Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society and sits on the board of the California FAIR Plan and the Advisory Board for the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center (WIRC) at San Jose State University.

Born in Liverpool, UK, Laurna has lived in California since 2001. In her spare time, she enjoys playing games with her children and traveling with friends and family.

Episode Overview:

Laurna Castillo, SVP at CSAA Insurance Group, discusses the evolving landscape of the insurance industry, particularly in California. Recorded live at ITC Vegas 2025, the conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities facing insurers today.

Key Topics Discussed:

Commitment to California:

• Laurna discusses CSAA's longstanding commitment to the California market, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged despite the challenges posed by natural disasters like wildfires.

• The conversation highlights CSAA's strategic approach to maintaining viability in a tough market, focusing on careful rate management and community engagement.

Wildfire Mitigation and Community Engagement:

• The episode explores CSAA's proactive measures in wildfire mitigation, including collaboration with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

• Laurna shares insights on the societal and educational aspects of encouraging property owners to adopt fire-safe practices.

Regulatory Changes and Industry Adaptation:

• Discussion on the new sustainable insurance strategy introduced by the Department of Insurance and its implications for the industry.

• Laurna explains how these regulatory changes allow insurers to incorporate catastrophe models and reinsurance costs into their rates, a significant shift from past practices.

Future Outlook:

• The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the potential paths out of the current insurance availability crisis in California.

• Laurna emphasizes the need for a long-term commitment to market stability and resilience, highlighting the generational nature of these efforts.

Conclusion:
Join us for this engaging episode as Laurna Castillo provides a comprehensive view of the insurance industry's future, focusing on innovation, resilience, and community involvement. Whether you're an industry professional or simply interested in the future of insurance, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the challenges ahead.

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.

Episode Info

Gil Arazi is the Founder and Managing Partner of FinTLV Venture Capital – a leading global late stage Insurtech VC (Hippo, Next Insurance, Unqork, Corvus, wefox and many more). FinTLV works very closely with dozens of the leading global insurers and re-insurers – to provide real value to its' portfolio companies. Therefore, Gil is a board member/observer in Hippo, Next Insurance, Pattern, iFeel, Assured Allies, Lovys, and more.

Gil has 20 Years' experience as a senior executive and board member at the largest insurance companies in Israel and is a seasonal entrepreneur in the insurtech startup ecosystem.

Episode Overview:

Gil Arazi is a seasoned expert in the insurance industry and the visionary behind FinTLV Ventures. Recorded live at ITC Vegas 2025, this conversation delves into the transformative trends shaping the insurance landscape, with a focus on innovation, prevention, and the integration of technology.

Key Discussion Points:

• Background and Experience: Gil Arazi shares his journey from Tel Aviv to becoming a prominent figure in the global insurance industry, highlighting his 30 years of experience and leadership roles in companies like Generali.

• The Birth of FinTLV Ventures: After leaving corporate life due to internal politics, Arazi founded FinTLV Ventures, which has grown into a leading insurtech venture capital firm. The firm has successfully invested in companies like Hippo and Corvus.

• Investment Focus and Industry Trends: Arazi discusses FinTLV's strategic focus on cyber insurance and the shift towards profitable growth in the insurance sector. He emphasizes the importance of understanding industry trends to guide investment decisions.

• The Role of Prevention in Insurance: A significant portion of the conversation centers around the need for the insurance industry to focus on prevention. Arazi argues that prevention can lead to substantial savings on future claims and improve societal well-being.

• The Spark Consortium: Arazi introduces "The Spark," a consortium aimed at integrating proven technologies from various sectors into insurance products. This initiative seeks to drive prevention and innovation within the industry.

• Challenges and Opportunities: The discussion also touches on the challenges of implementing innovative solutions in a traditionally conservative industry. Arazi highlights the potential of quantum computing and other emerging technologies to revolutionize insurance practices.

Conclusion:
This episode offers a deep dive into the future of insurance through the lens of innovation and technology. Gil Arazi's insights provide a roadmap for industry leaders looking to embrace change and drive growth in a rapidly evolving market.

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.

Episode Info

Amy Antczak, COO of GreenieRE, brings nearly two decades of experience working in the legal and insurance industries to her role as Chief Operating Officer for GreenieRE. In her previous leadership positions at Energetic Capital, CNA, and AIG, Amy leveraged her law degree to manage complex financial lines claims, professional liability cases, and corporate litigation.

Episode Background:

Amy Antczak is the Co-Founder and COO of GreenieRe, a pioneering reinsurance company focused on supporting the renewable energy sector. Recorded live at ITC Vegas 2025, this conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities within the insurance industry as it adapts to the growing demand for renewable energy solutions.

Key Discussion Points:

Introduction to GreenieRe:

• Amy shares her journey from a legal background and extensive experience in the insurance industry to co-founding GreenieRe.

• GreenieRe's mission is to remove bottleneck risks that hinder the deployment of decarbonization infrastructure.

Challenges in Renewable Energy Insurance:

• The episode explores the lack of capacity in the insurance market for renewable energy projects and how GreenieRe is addressing this gap.

• Amy discusses the importance of making renewable energy projects more bankable and financeable.

Innovative Solutions:

• GreenieRe's approach to providing surety bonds for renewable energy projects and the launch of their own surety bond program.

• The role of reinsurance in supporting primary insurers and enabling them to cover renewable energy risks.

Future Outlook:

• Amy emphasizes the potential of insurance as a force for good in combating climate change and the need for collaboration across the industry.

• The episode concludes with a call to action for the insurance industry to embrace innovative solutions and work together to support the transition to renewable energy.

Conclusion:

This episode provides a compelling look at how the insurance industry can play a pivotal role in the transition to renewable energy. Amy Antczak's insights highlight the importance of innovation and collaboration in overcoming the challenges faced by the sector. Whether you're an insurance professional or interested in the future of renewable energy, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of insurance.

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.

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.

Episode Info

I provide insights from InsureTech Connect Vegas 2025, focusing on the significant impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry. I saw the power of the democratization and proliferation of AI models, which are enabling new solutions in the market. The emphasis was on empowerment rather than replacing staff, recognizing the need for more workforce due to overwork and burnout.

I also got to be a judge at Guidewire's InsurePitch event, which featured pitches from five insurtechs, four of which focus on claims. This reflects a renewed interest in claims within the industry.

Networking was a significant aspect of the conference as always, and it seemed like you never had enough time given how many great conversations can be had in this very unique coming together of so many forward thinking people and companies in Insurance.

Episode Highlights

This is my recap of the ITC Vegas 2025 conference, highlighting several key insights:

1. Impact of Artificial Intelligence: A major theme was the transformative role of AI in the industry. The conference emphasized the democratization and widespread adoption of AI models, which are creating new market solutions. The focus is on using AI to empower the workforce rather than replace it, addressing issues like overwork and burnout.

2. Claims Back in the Spotlight: There was a renewed focus on Claims-specific solutions, with 80% of the companies competing for the Guidewire InsurPitch prize being Claims solutions.

3. Networking and Collaboration: Networking was a crucial part of the conference, with attendees engaging to drive industry progress. Despite time constraints, the speaker valued the opportunity to connect with peers and share ideas, which is vital for industry advancement.

Overall, the conference had a strong focus on AI's pivotal role in industry transformation, the centrality of claims in insurance, and the importance of networking and collaboration for future growth.

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.

Episode Info

Rob Galbraith is the founder and CEO of Forestview Insights and is the author of the international bestselling book, The End of Insurance As We Know It.

Rob is an award-winning speaker who has shared his unique insights at numerous events around the globe on the topics of innovation, insurtech, and the future of insurance.

Rob has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry in a variety of innovation and leadership positions at AF Group, USAA, and the Federal Reserve Board.

Episode Highlights

The interview with Rob Galbraith at the 2025 PLRB Innovation Summit covers several key topics related to innovation in the insurance industry. Rob Galbraith, the founder and CEO of Forestview Insights, discusses his role in consulting and training traditional companies, particularly in the insurance sector, to foster a culture of innovation.

Key points from the interview include:

• Building a Culture of Innovation: Rob emphasizes the importance of creating a sustainable culture of innovation within companies, which goes beyond the efforts of a single leader or project. He highlights that innovation should be treated as a discipline similar to underwriting or actuarial science.

• Challenges in Innovation: He acknowledges the difficulties companies face in maintaining innovation, particularly in aligning IT projects with business needs. Rob shares his experiences with core system projects and the challenges of implementing new systems that meet business requirements.

• Role of AI: The discussion touches on the potential of AI to address technical debt and streamline processes in the insurance industry. Rob shares insights on how AI can help in summarizing regulatory documents and customizing systems without extensive manual programming.

• Long-term Perspective in Insurance: Rob discusses the long-term nature of the insurance business and how this perspective can be advantageous for innovation. He suggests that the industry's focus on long-term outcomes could support a more thoughtful approach to innovation.

Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into the strategies and challenges of fostering innovation in the insurance industry, with a focus on the role of leadership, culture, 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.