Ethos Life has launched an exciting new podcast series, led by CEO and Co-founder Peter Colis. This series delves into the intricacies of the life insurance industry through conversations with some of its most influential leaders. From discussing innovative business strategies to exploring personal leadership challenges, these episodes offer a behind-the-scenes look at what drives success in the life insurance sector. Each episode promises unique insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the industry’s dynamics.
In the premiere episode, Peter Colis sits down with Mark Holweger, President and CEO of Legal & General America. Mark shares the secrets behind their success as the largest issuer of term life insurance in the U.S. He talks about their focus on a single product, the innovative approaches they use to enhance customer experience, and the mission-driven culture of their recruitment process. Additionally, Mark reveals his passion for cooking, adding a personal touch to this insightful business conversation. This blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes sets the tone for the engaging discussions featured throughout the podcast series.
The Journey of Legal & General America
In the inaugural episode, Mark Holweger, President and CEO of Legal & General America, joins Peter Colis to discuss the company’s successful strategies. As the largest issuer of term life insurance in the U.S., Legal & General America focuses on a singular product. This dedicated approach allows them to streamline processes and enhance the customer experience. “We believe in perfecting one product rather than diversifying too broadly,” Mark explains.
Mark also delves into their innovative customer journey, which emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. The company’s recruitment process is mission-driven, centered around protecting families. This ethos resonates throughout their operations, making them a significant player in the life insurance sector. Interestingly, Mark also shares his passion for cooking, offering listeners a glimpse of his personal life and adding a unique element to the conversation.
Diversification with Ameritas
In the second episode, Bill Lester, President and CEO of Ameritas, discusses the importance of diversification in achieving long-term success. Unlike Legal & General America, Ameritas offers a wide range of products including insurance, financial services, and employee benefits. “Our goal is to help people plan well and enjoy life,” says Bill, highlighting their comprehensive approach.
Ameritas, a mutual-based organization, isn’t tied to Wall Street expectations, allowing them to focus more on their customers. With a history spanning 130 years and serving 5.3 million customers, Ameritas has built a reputation for stability and reliability. Bill Lester’s insights provide a contrasting viewpoint to Mark Holweger’s single-product focus, showcasing different paths to success in the life insurance industry.
Tech Innovations at Lemonade
The third episode features Daniel Schreiber, CEO and Co-founder of Lemonade, a company known for its tech-driven approach. Lemonade leverages AI and behavioral economics to offer a range of insurance products. “Innovation is at the core of what we do,” Daniel states, emphasizing how technology can revolutionize the insurance industry.
Daniel discusses Lemonade’s multi-product strategy and how their public company status brings unique challenges and opportunities. The use of AI not only streamlines the customer experience but also helps in risk assessment and claims processing. Daniel’s perspective offers a glimpse into the future of insurance, where technology plays a crucial role in shaping customer interactions and business operations.
HighTech, HighTouch with NewFront
Spike Lipkin, CEO and Co-founder of NewFront Insurance, joins Peter in the fourth episode to talk about their innovative platform. NewFront aims to modernize risk management, employee experience, insurance, and retirement solutions. “We’re building a modern insurance platform that combines high tech with high touch,” Spike explains.
NewFront’s approach focuses on integrating technology with personalized service. By doing so, they aim to provide a seamless experience for their clients, balancing efficiency with a human touch. Spike’s insights highlight the transformative potential of technology when paired with customer-centric service models, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving insurance landscape.
Guidewire’s Transformation Journey
In the fifth episode, Priscilla Hung, President and COO of Guidewire, discusses the company’s evolution from a startup to a leading provider of core admin systems for property and casualty insurance carriers. “Our journey has been about constant innovation and adaptation,” Priscilla notes.
Guidewire has transitioned from mainframes to on-prem systems and now to the cloud, adapting to technological advancements along the way. Priscilla’s insights into their transformation provide valuable lessons on agility and forward-thinking in a rapidly changing industry. Her discussion underscores the importance of evolving with technological trends to maintain a competitive edge.
Family First Life’s Meteoric Rise
Shawn Meaike, Founder, CEO, and President of Family First Life, is featured in the sixth episode. Launched in 2013, Family First Life has grown into a multi-million-dollar organization. “Our growth has been driven by our commitment to providing value and support to our agents,” Shawn explains.
Family First Life’s success is attributed to their unique distribution model and focus on agent development. By empowering their agents, they’ve built a robust network capable of reaching a broad customer base. Shawn’s story illustrates the impact of strong leadership and a clear vision in driving organizational growth.
Equis Financial’s Focus on Middle-Income America
In episode seven, Barry Clarkson, CEO of Equis Financial, shares his journey in the insurance industry. Equis Financial specializes in serving middle-income families, offering life insurance, college education plans, and retirement solutions. “Our mission is to make financial security accessible to everyone,” Barry states.
Barry’s passion for serving underserved communities is evident in Equis’s approach. By focusing on middle-income America, they’ve carved out a niche market, providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of their clients. Barry’s insights shed light on the importance of inclusivity and targeted strategies in the insurance sector.
SCOR’s Innovative Reinsurance Strategies
JC Brueckner, the US CEO of SCOR Global Life Americas, joins Peter in the eighth episode to discuss the evolving reinsurance market. SCOR has shifted from a commodity-driven business to one focused on partnerships and innovation. “Data and technology are reshaping our industry,” JC notes.
JC emphasizes SCOR’s efforts to close the insurance gap and leverage partnerships to meet the needs of the uninsured and underinsured. His discussion highlights the transformative role of data and technology in modernizing reinsurance and expanding coverage. JC’s insights provide a comprehensive look at the strategic shifts occurring within the reinsurance landscape.
The Career Journey of TruStage™’s David Sweitzer
In the ninth episode, David Sweitzer, President of Business Units, Sales & Marketing at TruStage™, shares his unique career path. From a fresh college graduate in sales to a top-tier executive, David’s journey is a testament to the power of a customer-centric approach. “Our focus has always been on supporting credit unions and their members,” David explains.
TruStage™ has expanded its reach significantly, touching the lives of millions of consumers. David’s commitment to customer-centricity has played a crucial role in their growth. His story illustrates how a focus on customer needs can drive business success and foster long-term relationships.
Eric Olson’s Transformative Leadership at Global Financial Impact
Eric Olson, CEO of Global Financial Impact, is featured in the tenth episode. From a toll booth operator to the head of a life insurance empire, Eric’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. “Entrepreneurship is about seizing opportunities and learning from every experience,” Eric states.
Eric recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his career and the decision to pioneer a new path in life insurance after leaving World Financial Group. His candid storytelling offers valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the importance of innovation in building a successful business.
Susie Keisler-Munro’s Rise in Assurity
In episode eleven, Susie Keisler-Munro, CEO of Assurity Insurance, discusses her career trajectory from an actuary to the helm of a leading insurance company. “Innovation and adaptability have been key to our success,” Susie notes.
Susie’s extensive background in the field provides a wealth of knowledge on various aspects of the insurance industry. Her emphasis on innovation and adaptability underscores the dynamic nature of the sector and the need for continuous improvement to stay ahead.
Christian Mitchell on Northwestern Mutual’s Data Transformation
The twelfth episode features Christian Mitchell, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Northwestern Mutual. Christian discusses the challenges and innovations reshaping the insurance industry today. “Transitioning to a client-centered data model is critical,” Christian explains.
Northwestern Mutual is modernizing its data infrastructure to better serve its clients. By addressing data debt and focusing on client needs, they’re setting new standards for customer-centric service. Christian’s insights highlight the importance of data in enhancing customer experience and driving business growth.
The Ethos Life podcast series, hosted by CEO and Co-founder Peter Colis, offers a comprehensive exploration of the life insurance industry through the eyes of its most influential leaders. Each episode provides a unique blend of professional expertise and personal insights, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of this essential sector.
Listeners gain access to a wide range of topics, from the focused product strategies of Legal & General America to the tech-driven innovations of Lemonade and the customer-centric approaches of TruStage™. The episodes also highlight the importance of adaptability, the impact of AI and technology, and the various paths to success taken by these industry pioneers.
Whether you’re a professional in the field, a potential policyholder, or simply someone interested in the inner workings of life insurance, the Ethos Life podcast delivers valuable knowledge and inspiration. By featuring diverse perspectives and stories, it underscores the multifaceted nature of the industry and the continuous evolution that keeps it relevant and responsive to the needs of society.
