Vertafore Insurance Podcast

Dark Matter - Episode 411

he E&S market is hot. MGAs and wholesale brokers must quickly turn quotes around while managing complex submissions and carrier relationships. Mike Roy, Founder of Dark Matter InsurTech, shares how Dark Matter is helping MGAs, carriers, and agencies streamline operations, reduce errors, and speed up quoting and underwriting. 

We invite you to check this one out and hear more about:

• How this integration approach eliminates headaches and simplifies tech stacks.
• Normalized data means cleaner submissions and accurate quotes, quicker. 
• Streamlined data flow improves carrier-agency interactions.
• Automation drives speed, consistency, and fewer manual touchpoints.
• Dark Matter doubling down on innovation through tighter integration.

Get your pen and paper ready; you'll want to take notes on this one.

Leading your team through the hard market. Episode 410

In today’s fast-changing insurance landscape, strong leadership isn’t just about numbers , it’s about people. Managing your team with empathy, leveraging technology for efficiency, and navigating the hard market are critical skills for modern agencies.

On this episode with Tinsley English, we explore:

• Leading your team with empathy to boost morale and performance.
• Why technology is more than a tool, it’s vital for agency success.
• What inspired Tinsley to write her book and the lessons she’s learned.
• The power of treating every employee as a leader from day one.
• The impact of the hard market and how to adapt to its challenges.

This episode is packed with actionable insights so you can become a more effective leader.

Is this hard market, now just the new norm? Episode 409

The insurance industry is navigating one of the longest and toughest hard markets we’ve seen. Rising premiums, tighter underwriting, and reduced capacity are forcing carriers and agencies alike to rethink their strategies. In this episode of the VIP Podcast, we sit down with Maheu, VP of Partnerships and Industry Relations at Vertafore, to dive deep into how insurers and agents can adapt and thrive in these challenging times.

Kelly shares expert insights on:

• The real impact of prolonged hard market conditions and why they may be the “new norm”
• How carriers are leveraging AI and predictive analytics to price risk smarter
• The growing role of surplus lines and MGAs in providing flexible coverage solutions
• Why data-sharing between carriers and agents is a must for staying competitive
• How technology is streamlining underwriting and helping agencies win more business

Don’t let the hard market slow you down. Get the insights you need to stay ahead.

Can this app change the game for your agency? Episode 408

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial for clients to be able to self-serve and get the information they need quickly, saving time for both clients and agents. In this episode, we sit down with Matt and Kiki from the Insurance Agent App to discuss the evolution of their app, designed to improve the efficiencies for insurance agents, and enhance their customer's journey. 

We invite you to eavesdrop on this candid conversation and learn more about:

• How you can have an app for your agency and "it's so easy!"
• How your client data can be integrated from carriers into one place.
• How self-service for clients and better efficiency for your agency is possible.
• How the customer-first approach helps agencies save time and money.

Get your pen and paper ready; you'll want to take notes on this one.

The foundation of an integrity-driven agency. Episode 407

Caden Braly

How to use SEO to build a multi-million dollar niche. Episode 406

Landon Bentham, an experienced marketer, breaks down how agencies can leverage SEO, video marketing, and reputation-building strategies to elevate their client's experience. He emphasizes that while the digital landscape constantly evolves, agencies must prioritize quality content, long-term commitment, and simple but effective tactics to ensure they remain visible and accessible to clients. From reviews to video marketing, Landon shares actionable tips that can help agencies stand out and build lasting relationships with their audience. Listen is as we explore the critical roles of : Google Reviews: for improving local SEO and driving engagement Video Content: short, authentic videos that build trust and visibility Solid reputation & long-term brand-building over immediate sales SEO basics with optimized content and a verified profile on Google. Get your pen and paper ready; this is one you're going to want to take notes on.

Can Old School Sales beat AI? Episode 405

Effective prospecting and streamlined sales processes are crucial to staying ahead in today's fast-paced, competitive insurance market. In this episode, we welcome Scott Angell, Senior Vice President at LeO, to discuss the future of sales, how to stand out in a noisy world, and how AI is transforming the insurance industry. With the ability to differentiate themselves and leverage data-driven recommendations, agents using LeO can drastically improve their efficiency and success rates, making the sales process faster, more innovative, and more effective.

Check out this episode to learn more about:

LeO’s AI technology prospect recommendations
Old-school sales tactics that make a difference
Deep dive into LeO’s data usage
Balancing human touch with AI for effective sales
Using data-driven sales tactics to set personalized goals

Tune in for a fresh perspective on balancing technology in a rapidly changing industry and get ready for some solid advice on staying ahead in your sales game!

How do we shift from defensive to offensive in our insurance practices? Episode 404

Strong relationships are the cornerstone of success in the insurance industry, fostering trust, collaboration, and mutual growth between agents and carriers. Troy Korsgaden is a published author, trainer, speaker and consultant, and the founder of Korsgaden International. In this episode, we discuss the current and future state of the market. Troy also dives deep into the critical role technology plays in enhancing efficiency and improving client service, all while emphasizing the need for a proactive mindset and intentional strategies. 

Meet Troy and hear more about:

• Staying focused on the client is the key to success in a transitional market
• Technology is an enabler, not a replacement, for the personal connections that define the insurance industry
• The importance of being proactive rather than reactive when managing client relationships
• How to align your agency's goals with operational efficiency and client-centered strategies for long-term growth.
• The biggest lessons he has learned throughout his illustrious career
• His thoughts on the most overlooked growth opportunities for carriers and agencies today. 

Whether you're a carrier, agent, or broker, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you navigate the industry's complexities and come out ahead.

How has InsurTech transformed over the last 50 years? Episode 403

Over the last 50 years, InsurTech has evolved from manual processes and basic data management to a dynamic, tech-driven industry that leverages AI, big data, and automation to transform how insurance is delivered and experienced. In this week episode, we delve into the evolution of InsurTech over the past five decades, guided by the insights of industry expert Linda Vecoli. With a distinguished career in insurance and risk management, Linda shares her unique perspective on the technological advancements that have shaped the industry.
Linda's commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her decision to return to academia later in life, a move that has significantly enriched her professional journey.

Tune in to hear Linda's reflections on:
The transformative milestones in InsurTech over the past 50 years
Her personal experiences navigating and adapting to technological changes in the industry
The impact of continuous education on her career trajectory
Insights into maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving field
Advice for professionals seeking to stay ahead in the insurance sector
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Linda's extensive experience and forward-thinking approach.

How does a small town agency continue to grow in these market conditions? Episode 402

Being a small business owner comes with its fair share of challenges. However, this forward-thinking power couple, Jessica Holder and Keenan Rice continue to rise above and face those challenges head-on. They have an outstanding balance of community involvement and innovative technology at their fingertips and have mastered the balance of work and fun in their agency. 

Tune in to Jessica and Keenan and hear more about:

The delicate balance of marriage and co-ownership of a growing agency
How human touch and community involvement are possible with the right technology in your agency
How the emphasis on educating their community on the intricacies of insurance drives growth
Their powerful message of staying true to yourself and not sacrificing authenticity 
Get ready to be inspired and educated by this episode. It's a good thing there is a rewind button; this one is full of impactful moments.