Podcast
Risk Management: Brick by Brick
Hosted by TrustLayer · EN
Welcome to Risk Management: Brick by Brick! Join Jason Reichl on his journey to discover the crucial role technology plays in risk management in the construction sector. Accompanied by industry-leading risk managers, this podcast will deep-dive into the people who are helping to build and maintain the physical world around us.
28episodes
Episodes
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Greatest Hits 2026: Masterclass in Risk, Tech, and Human Behavior
2d ago00:08:46Tap to summarizeIn this special "Greatest Hits" compilation episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl brings together the most impactful insights from the top five industry leaders of 2026. This episode serves as an essential masterclass for anyone navigating the intersection of risk, insurance, technology, and human behavior.We hear from Eliron Ekstein on why real-world experience beats academia and how the collaborative nature of the insurance ecosystem contrasts with big tech. Annie Quaile shares her foundational approach to understanding risk through raw human observation. Rochelle Clarke pulls back the curtain on small-to-medium business (SMB) vulnerabilities, using real-world breach examples to show why static questionnaires fail and why proactive business continuity planning is non-negotiable. Jack Ramsey challenges traditional insurance carrier models by breaking down the efficiency of a 100% digital sales and service engine. Finally, Louis Alfieri explores the rapidly shifting technology curve, advising professionals on how to balance AI fluency with irreplaceable analog skills.Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights: 00:00:13 – Real-World Mandate: Eliron Ekstein breaks down why professionals must step out of academia as quickly as possible to build actionable, independent experience. 00:00:46 – Ecosystem Synergy: Eliron highlights the relief of moving away from big tech into an insurance industry where small businesses connect and root for each other's success. 00:01:21 – The Power of Observation: Annie Quaile shares her unique lifelong framework of studying human behavior by simply sitting on benches to identify common public habits. 00:02:11 – The SMB Vulnerability Trap: Rochelle Clarke breaks down how digital proliferation makes modern businesses vulnerable, explaining how the 2013 Target breach occurred via a small HVAC vendor. 00:02:44 – Continuous Monitoring: Rochelle details why standard vendor questionnaires are obsolete and why ongoing risk monitoring is vital to catch invisible exposures. 00:03:00 – The Subs on Subs Dilemma: Jason Reichl expands on the loss of visibility that occurs in property management when subcontractors hire further independent subcontractors. 00:03:52 – Proactive Continuity: Rochelle shares a personal family story to illustrate how business continuity planning acts as a way to insulate smaller businesses from sudden disruptions. 00:04:30 – Eliminating Friction: Jack Ramsey explains how traditional, manual insurance underwriting models break the financial models of agents dealing with small commercial premiums. 00:05:01 – The 100% Digital Carrier Engine: Jack highlights how a tech-first approach allows agents to complete small commercial transactions digitally in under five minutes. 00:05:43 – The AI Agency Disruption: Louis Alfieri discusses recent Adobe MAX insights suggesting that AI will challenge traditional agency formats in favor of agile, in-house models. 00:06:17 – The Dual Horizon (AI + Analog): Louis outlines advice for newcomers to the industry, urging them to stay fluent in emerging AI tools while preserving irreplaceable analog trade skills. Episode Resources:Jason Reichl on LinkedInEliron Ekstein on LinkedInAnnie Quaile on LinkedInRochelle Clarke on LinkedInJack Ramsey on LinkedInLouis Alfieri on LinkedInTrustLayer websiteRisk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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Why Your COIs Are "Useless" | Advanced Construction Risk Management featuring Robert Hudson Jr.
3w ago00:27:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Robert Hudson Jr., Vice President of EHS at Baker Roofing Company. Robert has spent nearly two decades leading safety and risk efforts for one of the nation's largest commercial roofing contractors, an organization navigating operational pressures since 1915.Robert shares his transparent approach to balancing safety, craftsmanship, and productivity. The conversation dives deep into the realities of human nature—why people naturally hide mistakes and how leadership must respond with reward and integrity rather than rigid disciplinary action to foster true corporate transparency.From uncovering hidden exposures by auditing full-length insurance policies rather than standard Certificates of Insurance (COIs), to transitioning into a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company where everyone has skin in the game, Robert unpacks what it takes to build a proactive risk culture. He also details how a newly launched "Risk Mitigation" internal course successfully shifted safety from a basic compliance checklist to a proactive, front-line mindset that prevents catastrophes before they occur.Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights:00:00:37 – Elite Industry Authority: Establishing Robert’s nearly two-decade career steering safety at one of the nation’s largest commercial roofing operations.00:01:55 – Skin in the Game: How shifting to an ESOP company structure transformed employee mindsets into a culture of shared risk.00:02:43 – Continuous Communication: Implementing "Corporate Fundamentals" to start every operational meeting with value-driven discussions.00:05:30 – The Cascading Committee Model: How a 75-member corporate safety committee filters standards down into 35 unique regional committees.00:06:31 – Confronting Human Nature: Why standard disciplinary models backfire and encourage teams to hide operational mistakes.00:08:12 – Vulnerable Leadership: Earning executive trust by showing authenticity, giving away credit, and taking the blame.00:12:38 – Walking the Roof: The ultimate credibility check—why corporate safety expectations must apply to leaders first.00:13:59 – Shifting to a Mindset: A real-world look at how their newly launched risk mitigation training prevented a catastrophic roof collapse.00:17:15 – Breaking Down the Silos: Balancing standard corporate mandates with regional autonomy across 27 distinct locations.00:24:30 – The Spousal Strategy: Bringing subcontractors' wives to safety summits to reinforce high-stakes accountability.00:24:48 – The COI Trap: Exposing why a simple Certificate of Insurance is "basically useless" compared to a full policy audit.00:25:52 – Monday Morning Action Plan: Ditching the armchair quarterback mentality to build, test, and reassess safety procedures alongside your team.Episode ResourcesJason Reichl on LinkedInRobert Hudson Jr. on LinkedInTrustLayer websiteBaker Roofing Company websiteRisk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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The Power of Yes: Transforming Risk into Hospitality with Christine Trippi
May 2700:22:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Christine Trippi, an international keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and best-selling author of Yes is the Answer.Christine shares her unique philosophy on leading with "yes," even within risk-heavy industries where choosing "no" traditionally feels much safer. The conversation explores the critical intersection of human biology and team enablement, revealing why difficult customer rejections are driven by instinctual fight-or-flight mechanisms rather than simple laziness.From navigating amusement park height restrictions safely to creative luggage cart solutions at major water resorts, Christine breaks down her signature 4-step framework and explains why setting clear operational "waterlines" allows frontline staff to deliver legendary service under pressure.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights:00:00:01 – The ROI of Hospitality: How starting with "yes" directly improves guest experience, sales, and internal team retention.00:01:02 – The Core Thesis: Why establishing an alliance with your client is the ultimate fast track to business collaboration.00:01:57 – The 4-Step Model: A quick masterclass on how to make friends first, clarify your capabilities, extend options, and stay creative.00:04:53 – Managing Under Peak Volume: How to stay hospitable and efficient when handling a long, physical line of guests.00:06:03 – Overriding Human Biology: Understanding the neurological fight-or-flight mechanisms behind knee-jerk employee rejections.00:06:48 – De-risking Conflicting Moments: How implementing optionality and waivers maintains core rules without generating brand outrage.00:09:27 – Drawing the Waterline: Moving past ambiguous definitions of "empowerment" to build clear employee operational boundaries.00:10:17 – The Strategic Daily Huddle: Why a manufacturing-inspired brief ritual drastically outperforms standard corporate scorecards.00:15:05 – Problem-Oriented Execution: Shifting focus away from generic surface ideas to break down underlying consumer motivations.00:17:57 – Strategic Ownership: How frontline operations can fully own and manage a high-stress crisis without prematurely conceding systemic liability.00:21:44 – Monday Morning Action Plan: Making friends with emerging career opportunities before defaulting to internal self-doubt.Episode Resources:Jason Reichl on LinkedInChristine Trippi on LinkedInTrustLayer websiteRisk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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Designing for Human Behavior and Managing Live Event Risk Without Killing the Magic with Annie Quaile
May 1300:20:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Annie Quaile, an Emmy-nominated entertainment producer and event manager with over two decades of experience designing global attractions and festivals.Annie shares her unique philosophy on "Designing Safe Magic," rooted in her background as both a high-level creative producer and a trained emergency responder. The conversation explores the critical intersection of human psychology and operational safety, revealing why the key to mitigating risk isn't just technology, but understanding the predictable movement patterns of humans in both calm and critical situations.From identified venue risks in Atlanta to extreme weather protocols in Florida water parks, Annie explains why "widening the aperture" and empowering front-line volunteers is the only way to protect the creative intent without compromising safety.Podcast Host: Jason Reichl Executive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights:00:01:02 – Annie’s Elite Credibility: Establishing authority through 20 years of experience and an Emmy nomination.00:02:54 – The Core Thesis: Why mitigating live event risk requires a focus on human movement patterns and psychology.00:03:57 – Relationship Management: Bridging the gap between "safety" and "creative" teams.00:04:58 – The "Bench-Sitting" Method: Practical advice for learning crowd dynamics through direct observation.00:06:54 – Identifying Venue Risks: Mitigating accessibility and access point vulnerabilities in non-traditional spaces.00:08:01 – Communication Tech: How text, Discord, and global response units have evolved safety.00:11:16 – The Queen of Contingency: Why having five or six pivot plans is essential for a seamless show.00:13:46 – Empowering Volunteers: Why the front gate staff is your most important line of defense.00:15:47 – Standard Operating Procedures: The dream of baking safety into the creative DNA of every event.00:19:54 – When Umbrellas Fly: A vivid story about extreme weather risks in water parks.00:22:04 – Monday Morning Action Plan: Why safety managers must be in every conversation from day one.Episode ResourcesJason Reichl on LinkedInAnnie Quaile on LinkedInTrustLayer websiteRisk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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Universal Creative Legend: Is AI a Real Risk to the Physical World?
Apr 2900:16:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Louis Alfieri, Principal and Creative Director of Raven Sun Creative and a veteran of Universal Creative. Louis challenges the industry to move past its current reliance on "status quo" innovation, reframing AI from a threat to a powerful iterative tool for high-fidelity storytelling. We explore the "Dialogue Phase" of artificial intelligence—the vast untapped potential of ultra-personalized experiences—and discuss the operational risks posed by shareholder pressure on radical R&D. From the construction of global landmarks to the front lines of digital transformation, Louis explains how mastering both analog craftsmanship and cutting-edge tech is the only way to de-risk the future of design. To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights00:41 – The Universal Standard: From Transformers to Raven Sun Creative 01:50 – The Innovation Crisis: How shareholder value is stifling radical R&D 02:54 – The "Dialogue Phase": AI and the future of ultra-personalized experiences 03:58 – The Value Gap: Why guests are paying more for less in the current market 06:24 – Breaking the VR Mold: Transcendent high-capacity experiences at museums 07:54 – Invisible Tech: Why the technology should never be the story 09:10 – Detergent Mentality: The risk of incremental features over bold innovation 10:42 – Epic Universe: Advancing ride technology and environmental fidelity 12:08 – The Analog Artist: Using AI as the next set of creative tools 14:43 – The C-Suite Questions: AI, efficiency, and the fear of labor elimination 15:43 – Risky or Too Risky: Concept art, simulations, and data-only design 17:28 – The Small Studio Risk: How AI shifts the agency-owner dynamicEpisode ResourcesJason Reichl on LinkedInLouis Alfieri on LinkedInRaven Sun Creative websiteTrustLayer websiteIf you enjoyed this episode, please (with a cherry on top):Subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple PodcastsFollow TRS on SpotifyTell a friend!Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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Employee Training and Workplace Culture Risk with Adrea Gibbs
Apr 1500:26:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Adrea Gibbs, Head of Content at Study Academy USA and a veteran of global operations at brands like Disney. Adrea challenges the traditional corporate view of training, reframing it from a line-item expense to a critical tool for risk awareness and brand survival.We explore the "Clown Bias"—the dangerous assumption that if you speak, your team is listening—and dive into the "Petri Dish" theory of workplace culture. From the construction of amusement parks to the front lines of guest interaction, Adrea explains how intentional, multilevel training reduces operational risk and protects your bottom line.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.Podcast Host: Jason Reichl Executive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights01:37 – From Disneyland Performer to Global Operations Expert02:48 – The Budget Paradox: Why training is the first thing cut and why that's a mistake 04:36 – Multilevel Learning: Appealing to visual, linguistic, and kinetic learners 07:26 – Mission, Vision, and Values: The core foundation for aligning diverse teams 08:00 – Training in a Room with No Common Language: Lessons from Taiwan 09:41 – The Petri Dish: How every person added to an organization changes its culture 11:12 – Humanistic Risk Management: Treating people as individuals to reduce inclusivity risk 14:01 – Aperture Widening: Reducing construction "change order" risk through early creative expertise 16:43 – Human vs. Tech: Why the human interaction makes or breaks the guest experience 18:58 – Risky or Too Risky: Adrea’s take on iconography, improvisation, and digital-only training 24:28 – The "Clown Bias": Overcoming the assumption that talking equals listeningEpisode Resources:Jason Reichl on LinkedInAdrea Gibbs on LinkedInStudy Academy USA websiteTrustLayer websiteIf you enjoyed this episode, please (with a cherry on top):Subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple PodcastsFollow TRS on SpotifyTell a friend!Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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Building Resilience: SMB Continuity and Vendor Risk with Rochelle Clarke
Apr 100:21:05Tap to summarizeSmall businesses are the backbone of the economy, but they are also often the "weakest link" in a global supply chain. In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Rochelle Clarke, Founder of Continuity Strength, to discuss the vital importance of business continuity for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs).Rochelle shares her transition from a high-level strategy consultant at a global FMCG company to launching a tech-driven solution that productizes resilience. After experiencing a personal crisis in a family business where "no one knew where anything was," Rochelle realized that SMBs needed a simple, consistent way to manage risk.We dive into the "monitoring gap" in procurement, the reality of how attackers use small vendors as gateways to major corporations—citing the 2013 Target breach—and how AI is finally allowing small teams to oversee thousands of vendors with confidence.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.Podcast Host: Jason ReichlExecutive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights00:47 – Meet Rochelle Clarke: Founder of Continuity Strength and her mission to simplify SMB risk.01:09 – Tech-Driven Resilience: Defining how Continuity Strength makes vendor assessments consistent and end-to-end.02:12 – The FMCG Foundation: Overseeing global business continuity agendas at a major global corporation.02:40 – The Genesis Story: How a family accounting firm crisis during tax season inspired a new approach to planning.05:03 – Significant Challenges: Navigating resource constraints and the "monitoring gap" in vendor management.06:44 – Non-Core Activities: Why small businesses often only prioritize risk management when required by contracts or RFPs.08:19 – The Role of AI: How automation streamlines assessments and reporting for thousands of SMB vendors.10:13 – The Resilience Score: Creating a consistent baseline to measure if a vendor's risk profile is improving over time.11:25 – Practical Compliance: Why "one-size-fits-all" due diligence fails small businesses and leaves corporations vulnerable.12:52 – Red Flags: Identifying lack of transparency and responsiveness as indicators of broader operational issues.16:21 – The Target Breach: A real-world example of how a small HVAC vendor became a gateway for a massive corporate compromise.18:20 – Preparing to Adapt: Why continuity is about the ability to adapt quickly rather than predicting every possible disruption.20:04 – Advice for the Younger Self: The importance of "keeping going" through shifting industry trends.Episode ResourcesJason Reichl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betterjasonRochelle Clarke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelleclarkeContinuity Strength: https://www.continuitystrength.comTrustLayer: https://www.trustlayer.ioRisk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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Building the High Net Worth Connection: Mastering the Private Client Relationship with TJ Reardon & Sarah Scott
Mar 1800:34:23Tap to summarizeWe're diving deep into the world of private risk!In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with TJ Reardon and Sarah Scott from HUB International to pull back the curtain on the world of Private Client services. With decades of combined experience, Sarah and TJ discuss why managing the "personal balance sheet" of high-net-worth individuals requires much more than a standard transactional approach.They dive into the "waterline framework" for risk, the importance of verbal connection in a digital age, and how AI is actually clearing the way for deeper human relationships. Discover why the biggest indicator of success isn't just a signed contract, but becoming a trusted voice at the client's dinner table. Whether you are a commercial broker looking to understand B2C trends or a young professional building your network, this conversation offers a masterclass in empathy and sophisticated relationship management.To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.Podcast Host: Jason Reichl Executive Producer: Don HalliwellEpisode Highlights01:00 – Meet Sarah Scott: 30 Years in High Net Worth Insurance01:57 – TJ Reardon’s Journey: From Licensure Broker to Private Client Adviser03:35 – Transactional vs. Relational: Defining the Private Client Space05:31 – The Complex Balance Sheet: Managing Yachts, Art, and Global Properties07:22 – The Death of the Cookie-Cutter: Why Connection is the Only Tool for Bespoke Needs08:03 – The Power of the Phone: Why Conversations Trump Email for Gen Z and Beyond09:53 – Ask Good Questions: The Art of Becoming a Good Listener11:34 – The Waterline Framework: Gauging Risk Appetite Through Real-World Scenarios14:16 – Feeling Management: Using Empathy to Deliver Tough Market News17:11 – Documentation vs. Relationship: The Role of Agency Management Systems22:09 – AI & The Future: Why Technology Makes Us Better at Human Connection30:11 – Innovation in the A La Carte Era: Reevaluating the Package PolicyEpisode Resources:Jason Reichl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betterjason/TJ Reardon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjreardon/Sarah Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-e-scott-60518534/HUB International: https://www.hubinternational.comTrustLayer: https://www.trustlayer.ioRisk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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Simplicity as a Strategy: Rethinking the Insurance Tech Stack with Rob Lewis
Mar 400:15:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl is joined by Rob Lewis, the CEO of Intex Insurance Software. Rob brings a wealth of experience from both the carrier and software sides of the industry, offering a unique perspective on why "simple tools win."Rob discusses the "simplicity paradox"—the idea that while the industry has become overcomplicated by 20-year-old legacy systems, the path forward requires the courage to "turn back from the wrong road" and embrace purpose-built technology. From the evolving role of the risk manager to the underserved complexities of the reinsurance sector, Rob breaks down how a focus on live, transparent data is reshaping the specialty insurance landscape.Podcast Host: Jason Reichl Executive Producer: Don HalliwellHighlights:01:04 – The Simplicity Thesis: Why the industry is overcomplicated by "bolted-on" software from 20 years ago.01:39 – The Wrong Road: Using the Arabic proverb "no matter how far you go down the wrong road, turn back" to justify starting from scratch.02:08 – Intex in 2025: Moving from the London and African markets into the US and targeting tier-one carriers in specialty oil, gas, and marine sectors.04:33 – The Swivel Chair Problem: Why risk managers need simple, live data (like loss ratios) delivered quickly to avoid drowning in manual system navigation.06:58 – Generalists vs. Specialists: How technology should handle specialized tasks, allowing humans to understand the entire value chain.07:30 – Industrial vs. Pretty UI: Why user experience (UX) is essential for maintaining employee interest and knowledge growth.10:15 – Reinsurance Connect: Solving the problem of software that is merely "adapted" from policy admin systems rather than purpose-built for reinsurance.13:11 – The AI Black Box: Why feeding large language models carrier data is "super risky" and must be done in-house.14:36 – Advice for the New Guard: Why millennials and young professionals are the most knowledgeable and hardworking assets an organization can have.Resources: Rob Lewis on LinkedInIntex Insurance Software Jason Reichl on LinkedInTrustLayer.ioRisk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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Empowering the Human Element: Operational AI in Insurance Claims with Grant Beck
Feb 1900:15:56Tap to summarizeWe're coming to you LIVE from ITC 2025!In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, host Jason Reichl sits down with Grant Beck, Head of Innovation & Optimization at KBA Group, to discuss the practical application of AI in insurance building and claims. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Grant brings a unique perspective on "bringing the hammer and nails to the ones and zeros" to help people get back into their homes faster.Grant dives into how KBA Group successfully deployed "Barry"—their gamified AI persona—to transform first notice of loss (FNOL) into a near-instant experience. They discuss the critical importance of the "human in the loop," the potential for AI to detect customer sentiment and vulnerability, and why the ultimate goal of automation isn't to replace staff, but to free them for the complex, strategic tasks that AI simply can't handle.Podcast Host: Jason Reichl Executive Producer: Don HalliwellHighlights:01:10 – Meet Grant Beck: Bringing "Hammers and Nails to the Ones and Zeros"02:08 – Moving at Speed: Removing Mundane, Non-Money-Making Tasks02:51 – Closer to the Customer: Why AI Must Enhance, Not Replace, Interaction03:23 – Case Study 1: Reducing FNOL from Days to Seconds03:54 – Case Study 2: Smart Routing and Google Maps Integration for Assessments05:07 – Best Bang for Your Buck: Focusing on Operational SOPs Over General LLMs05:52 – Human in the Loop: Responsible Positioning for Claims and Legal Reports06:30 – Meet "Barry": Gamifying AI to Overcome Employee Fear07:58 – Efficiency Without Reduction: Empowering Staff for Complex Problem Solving08:34 – Impact on Business: Reducing Claim Life KPIs via Automation09:17 – The Human Factor: Training Staff to be AI-Capable in 30 Days10:00 – The Australian Market: Indemnified Claims and the Builder Model10:45 – Game: Risky or Too Risky? (Image Recognition vs. Instant Payouts)11:39 – The Risk of Financial Opportunism in Fast AI Payout Models12:36 – Sentiment Analysis: Using "Barry" to Detect Customer Vulnerability14:34 – Advice for Young Professionals: Exploring the Pillars of the Insurance Sector15:24 – One Year From Now: The Future of "Barry" at KBA Group Episode ResourcesGrant Beck’s LinkedIn: Grant BeckKBA Group Official Website: KBA GroupTrustLayer: TrustLayer.ioIf you enjoyed this episode, please (with a cherry on top):Subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple PodcastsFollow TRS on SpotifyTell a friend!Risk Management: Brick by Brick is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.soPrevious guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth HausmanFocusing on Specialization with Matthew MeyerRisk Management is Everywhere with Diana RichIf you are interested in being a guest on Risk Management: Brick by Brick, please complete this form: fame.so/trs-guest
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