Episode Info

As innovation continues to change at a relentless pace, cutting through a noisy marketplace has never been more essential.

Such change brings exciting opportunities but also potential risks. Solve the right issues with the right tech, and you can bolster bottom lines and future-proof operations. Identify the wrong challenges and the wrong technology, and you risk trust, reputation, and even market share.

Learn how to identify the right opportunities with MetLife's Bill Pappas in this episode from our conversation on the main stage at ITI NYC 2025 session, 'From Enable to Empower:

Harnessing Technology to Drive Business Growth.' Join us as Bill outlines the innovations that help shape MetLife's strategy and how his team has evolved tech deployment from an enabler to an empowerer of business growth.

Episode Summary

The episode discusses the evolving role of technology and AI in business operations, particularly at MetLife. Bill Pappas, a leader in technology and operations, highlights the integration of traditional technology with client experience and operational processes. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to rapid technological changes and the need for new execution playbooks, as traditional methods become obsolete quickly.

The discussion also covers the balance between human and AI collaboration, suggesting that while AI presents significant opportunities, humans will continue to play a crucial role, especially in areas requiring critical thinking. Bill stresses the importance of a commercial mindset for business leaders, understanding both the financial aspects and the competitive landscape.

Furthermore, the Bill addresses the challenges of digital transformation, noting that many companies struggle with integrating new tools into existing ecosystems due to legacy technical debt and fragmented data. He advises business leaders to focus on the value proposition of new technologies and ensure their data is fit for purpose.

1. Role of Technology and AI:

   • Exploration of how technology and AI are transforming business operations at MetLife.

   • Integration of traditional technology with client experience and operational processes.

2. Adapting to Technological Changes:

   • Importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements.

   • Need for new execution playbooks as traditional methods become quickly outdated.

3. Human and AI Collaboration:

   • Discussion on the balance between human roles and AI capabilities.

   • Emphasis on the continued importance of human involvement in areas requiring critical thinking.

4. Commercial Mindset:

   • Importance of a commercial mindset for business leaders.

   • Understanding financial aspects and the competitive landscape.

5. Challenges of Digital Transformation:

   • Challenges companies face with digital transformation.

   • Issues with integrating new tools due to legacy technical debt and fragmented data.

6. Focus on Value Proposition:

   • Advice for business leaders to focus on the value proposition of new technologies.

   • Ensuring data is fit for purpose to maximize technology benefits.

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

Chris Merideth is a seasoned insurance industry professional, public policy strategist, and Republican candidate for Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner in 2026. With a career spanning agency operations, catastrophe response, and legislative advocacy, Chris brings a rare 360-degree view of the insurance ecosystem—having worked with agents, adjusters, consumers, and lawmakers from across the country.

Currently serving in government affairs for a major national carrier, Chris has been on the front lines of some of the most pressing issues facing the market: skyrocketing premiums, litigation abuse, disappearing availability, and the urgent need for property resilience in a high-risk state like Oklahoma.

Chris’s campaign is built on grassroots leadership, free-market reform, and a clear promise: make insurance work for people again. His bold policy agenda includes reducing reinsurance pressure, incentivizing fortified home construction, streamlining regulatory red tape, and launching transparency tools like a Prior Authorization Report Card and a Claims Complaint Scoreboard.

Known for his energy, grit, and straight talk, Chris is leading a grassroots movement of agents and consumers to restore trust and accountability in the insurance system—before it’s too late.

Follow his campaign at www.ChrisMeridethForOK.com

Episode Summary

The video features a conversation with Chris Meredith, a candidate running for the position of Commissioner of Insurance in Oklahoma. The discussion centers around the challenges and solutions related to insurance and fortified homes in the state. Here are the key points covered in the video:

1. Background and Motivation:

   • Chris emphasizes that their campaign is not about politics but about protecting people and doing the right thing.

   • He has extensive experience in the insurance industry, having worked across various states and attended national meetings.

2. Insurance Challenges:

   • There is a nationwide issue with insurance affordability, where people struggle to afford insurance, and carriers find it economically challenging to provide coverage.

   • The frequency and severity of storms, particularly hailstorms, are increasing, making it more likely for homes to be hit.

3. Fortified Homes Initiative:

   • Chris advocates for fortified homes, which are designed to withstand severe weather conditions. This includes using hail-resistant shingles and securing roof decking.

   • They highlight the success of similar programs in Alabama and stress the need for Oklahoma to adopt these best practices.

4. Legislative and Grassroots Efforts:

   • Chris discusses the importance of legislative changes and grassroots efforts to push for fortified home initiatives.

   • He emphasizes collaboration over conflict, urging local agents, roofers, and contractors to work together to influence legislative priorities.

5. Future Plans and Commitment:

   • Chris is committed to implementing these initiatives if elected, drawing on private funding and legislative support.

   • He expresses a personal connection to the cause, having witnessed the impact of insurance in disaster recovery.

Overall
Overall, the interviedw highlights Chris's vision for improving insurance practices in Oklahoma through fortified homes and collaborative efforts.

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

Over the last decade, the insurtech landscape has rapidly evolved, transitioning from a space dominated by startups innovating at the fringes to becoming a thriving industry amassing huge investment and innovation.

But how did we get here, and more importantly, where do they go next?

Hippo CEO, Rick McCathron, joins Bryan Falchuk for this conversion, titled, "A Decade of Insurtech: From Startup to Success Story in 10 Years," recorded live from the main stage of ITI NYC 2025. Rick reflects on a decade of progress at Hippo, exploriing the strategies that have propelled insurtechs from industry disruptors to established market players, offering insights into what it takes to scale, sustain growth, and maintain operational excellence.

Episode Summary

This episode provides insights into effective sales and networking strategies for those selling to insurance companies. It challenges conventional sales tactics and emphasizes the importance of personalized and informed approaches.

Industry Challenges and Adaptation

Rick emphasizes the dynamic nature of the business world, noting that successful companies are those that can pivot and adapt quickly to new learnings, data, and shifts in consumer appetites.

He shares insights on the importance of making decisions with imperfect information and the need to adjust those decisions as more information becomes available.

Financial Performance and Future Outlook

Hippo has successfully met and exceeded its financial metrics, and Rick expresses confidence in the company's ability to continue this trend. He mentions an upcoming presentation to the investment community to outline their future plans.

Customer Experience and Industry Transformation

The discussion touches on the need for the insurance industry to improve customer experience, drawing parallels to Amazon's customer-centric approach. Despite progress, Rick believes there is still room for improvement.

Transparency and Management

Rick highlights the importance of transparency and ownership in management, acknowledging past mistakes and the need for change. He credits Hippo's management team for their ability to adapt and overcome challenges.

Collaboration and Industry Opportunities

The conversation also covers the need for collaboration within the industry, emphasizing that there is ample opportunity for different companies to succeed without a winner-takes-all mentality.

Overall
The interview provides a comprehensive look at Hippo Insurance's strategies, challenges, and future plans, along with broader insights into the insurance industry's evolution.

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.