Now in podcast format, Target Topics is an informational series supporting the burgeoning Program Business landscape, hosted by John Willemsen of Willemsen Advisors. The collection features industry leaders sharing insights on emerging issues and offering multi-functional solutions to a myriad of business challenges.
Have a topic to discuss? Contact Merrie Goodlander to be featured in an upcoming episode.
Get acquainted with the Target Topics process by viewing this document.
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BONUS EPISODE: Split the atom: building programs nobody else can see with Art Seifert
AI may be changing underwriting, but it isn’t changing everything. Having built four programs in three years without the benefit of historical loss data, Art…
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Target Topics: Insurance for the inner city with Karina Szymanski
Traditional underwriting models rely heavily on historical loss data at the ZIP code level—but in dense, fast-changing urban environments, that data is often incomplete, lagging,…
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Target Topics: Reconsidering statistical reporting with Scott Whitaker
This episode explores why most organizations don’t consider statistical reporting until it’s too late and what steps can be taken to avoid systemic issues. Guest…
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BONUS EPISODE: Pricing and underwriting platforms with Jon Shapiro
This episode explores how insurance Program Administrators and Carriers can modernize their pricing and underwriting operations — and what role AI is beginning to play…
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Target Topics: Why MGAs Need Claims Partners, Not Vendors with Sean Willett and Shawn Fatheree
This episode challenges the traditional view of claims management as just a vendor service and explores why it’s a critical driver of MGA profitability. We…
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Target Topics: Improving subrogation outcomes with Chris Tidball
15% of all claims are closed with a missed subrogation opportunity at a cost to the industry of $20 billion dollars annually. There are a…
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BONUS EPISODE: AI in claims with CJ Przybyl
A solid foundation is necessary for any tech-enabled TPA. But where can technology support a service-oriented business? Hear from CJ Przybyl about how a balance…
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Target Topics: Telematics data with Tiana Showe and Spencer Mitchell
Telematics data is a powerful tool for the initial underwriting process. But how is this technology being implemented today? Hear from our guests about underwriting,…
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Target Topics: Pre-built insurance solution with Robert Clark
Today’s conversation is about one of the biggest hidden drags in our business—data that’s everywhere and useful nowhere. Most carriers, MGAs, and program administrators are…
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BONUS EPISODE: M&A in the MGA market with Rick Dennen
In today’s episode, we explore the current M&A landscape for insurance agency owners who are looking to buy and sell. We’ll discuss the current trends…
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Target Topics: A talent solution for the insurance industry with Sharon Emek
In this episode, we explore how talent shortages, retirements, AI, and changing workload demands are reshaping insurance operations. The conversation focuses on why workforce flexibility…
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Target Topics: Structured maintenance platforms with Jon DeWald
Your loss ratio moves on decisions being made at insured properties, by people your program has never met. Jon makes the case that maintenance teams…
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BONUS EPISODE: When things aren’t going well with Valoree Celona
Join John Willemsen for a conversation with Valoree Celona of Coverys. Today’s conversation is about one of the most critical moments in any program’s lifecycle—what…
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Target Topics: AI adoption inside lean MGA operations with Abhay Mitra
Program administrators have always punched above their weight, but they’ve done it with a fraction of the actuarial staff, data infrastructure, and tooling that large…
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Target Topics: AI and clean data with Ravi Morjaria
In this episode, host John Willemsen sits down with Ravi Morjaria to explore why clean, well-governed data is the foundation of successful AI initiatives. They…
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BONUS EPISODE: The next generation of talent with Marianne Villanueva and Tandeka Nomvete
Join John Willemsen for a special bonus conversation with Marianne Villanueva and Tandeka Nomvete, exploring the new reality of recruiting, retaining, and reimagining the next…
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Target Topics: Commercial Auto Trends with John Ehinger
Commercial auto remains the most pressured insurance line. Continuing, poor industry underwriting results pose significant challenges for MGAs and program carriers in their effort to…
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Target Topics: AI workflows with Aman Gour
You’ve probably heard a lot of noise about AI transforming the industry, but FurtherAI is one of the companies actually doing it in production. They’re…