Making Risk Flow | The Future of Insurance

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Making Risk Flow is a podcast powered by Cytora. This insurance podcast is designed to bring clarity, know-how and inspiration in driving digital transformation for commercial insurers, paying particular attention to the automation of risk processing. This podcast, led by industry veteran Juan de Castro as well as insurance change-makers, will showcase their learnings, challenges and solutions that have, or haven’t, worked for them. If you are embarking on leading a transformational project in your insurance company and want to make sense of it all - this podcast is for you. To discover out more about digital risk processing, visit https://www.cytora.com

  1. 23H AGO

    Why Operating Model Beats Portfolio Strategy in Insurance | Antonio Grimaldi, McKinsey

    In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro speaks with Antonio Grimaldi, Partner at McKinsey, about how London Market carriers can unlock growth by redesigning their operating models, not just optimising portfolios. They explore why execution drives the majority of performance, how underwriting workflows must be reimagined to free up judgement-led work, and what the shift towards facilities, MGAs, and alternative distribution means for competitive differentiation.  The conversation cuts through the AI hype, outlining a pragmatic buy-versus-build framework and the real cost of “POC purgatory”. Antonio also reframes relationship-based service for 2026, arguing that speed, clarity, and decisive underwriting strengthen broker relationships more than manual processes; especially in a softening market. Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we’ll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora. To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'. Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

    40 min

  2. JAN 13

    Why Claims Accuracy Is Insurance’s Biggest ROI Lever | Evgeny Aleksandrov, PilotBird

    In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Jake Harding speaks with Evgeny Aleksandrov, Founder and CEO of PilotBird, about why claims accuracy, and not speed, is the biggest lever in modern insurance. Evgeny explains how open-source intelligence and lifestyle analytics help insurers validate claims earlier, uncover organised fraud networks, and avoid costly post-payout recovery. The conversation explores how curated data can mislead adjusters, why a “trust and verify” approach is essential, and how early-lifecycle intelligence delivers outsized returns, often 14–56x ROI.  They also discuss how better data tools improve adjuster satisfaction and retention, and what insurers must do to responsibly adopt emerging data sources at scale to future-proof their risk infrastructure. Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we’ll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora. To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'. Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

    24 min

  3. 12/23/2025

    Top Episodes of 2025: The Hartford’s Next Chapter: Building a Global Insurance Powerhouse | Carl Bach, The Hartford

    Welcome to a special end-of-the-year series on Making Risk Flow as we count down the weeks to the end of 2025. The series is a collection of our top episodes from this year. Each Tuesday, we will re-release one standout episode as we build up to releasing our top fan favourite on the last Tuesday. In this episode replay, host Juan de Castro sits down with Carl Bach, CEO of Hartford Underwriting Agency, about how a 200-year-old insurer is modernising for the future. They discuss Hartford’s brand refresh, maintaining its historic stag emblem while evolving its global identity. Carl outlines the company’s strategic transformation since 2019, which is focused on streamlining operations and ramping up specialisation in marine, energy, and financial lines.  The conversation also covers Hartford’s international growth ambitions through Lloyd’s syndicate 1221, its approach to serving diverse market segments, and its use of AI and intelligent document processing in underwriting. Carl shares insights on balancing tradition with innovation, underscoring Hartford’s values, especially "own it with pace," as the company embraces change and seizes new opportunities in a fast-evolving industry. Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we’ll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora. To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'. Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

    31 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    Top Episodes of 2025: The Vertical Advantage: How Specialisation Drove Success in Insurance | Marcus Ryu, Guidewire

    Welcome to a special end-of-the-year series on Making Risk Flow as we count down the weeks to the end of 2025. The series is a collection of our top episodes from this year based on views, downloads, and overall engagement. Each Tuesday, we will re-release one standout episode as we build up to releasing our top fan favourite on the last Tuesday. In this episode, host Juan de Castro sits down with Marcus Ryu, former CEO and current strategic adviser at Guidewire Software. Marcus shares his journey from management consulting to co-founding one of the leading software providers for the property and casualty insurance industry. He offers candid insights into the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship, including pivotal moments such as navigating a competitive lawsuit and transitioning to the public markets. A central aspect of Marcus's story is Guidewire’s contrarian belief in the power of vertical solutions. By developing mission-critical software tailored to the specific needs of the P&C insurance sector, Guidewire revolutionized how insurers manage claims, policies, and billing. Now a partner at Battery Ventures, Marcus discusses how his experiences at Guidewire inform his approach to investing in the next generation of startups. From the importance of customer-centricity to leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for founders and industry professionals alike. Whether you're revisiting the episode or viewing it for the first time,  this episode offers tactical guidance for actionable insights for founders and industry professionals alike. Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we’ll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora. To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'. Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

    56 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    Top Episodes of 2025: Practitioner’s Guide: The Blueprint for Risk Digitization POCs | Zaheer Hooda and Richard Lewis, Cytora

    Welcome to a special end-of-the-year series on Making Risk Flow as we count down the weeks to the end of 2025. Each Tuesday, we will re-release one standout episode as we build up to releasing our top fan favourite on the last Tuesday.  In this episode, Juan de Castro is joined by his colleagues, Rich Lewis, Cytora's Sales Director, and Zaheer Hooda, Head of North America, for a deep dive into what makes proof-of-concept (POC) initiatives in risk digitisation succeed or fail. Drawing on firsthand experience from working with leading carriers, they break down five essential capabilities insurers need to get right when implementing digitisation initiatives, from extraction accuracy and full-spectrum intake handling to scalable deployment and human-in-the-loop exception management. They also provide a practical, inside look at how insurers structure effective proof of concept processes, including live workshops, data preparation, success metrics, and how to align POC design with measurable business outcomes. Whether you're revisiting the episode or viewing it for the first time,  this episode offers tactical guidance to ensure your technology investments deliver meaningful impact. Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we’ll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora. To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'. Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

    28 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    From Hype to Hard ROI: Making AI Actually Work in Insurance | Matthew Grant, InsTech

    In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Jake Harding speaks with Matthew Grant, founder and CEO of Instech and a veteran of 33 years in catastrophe modelling. Matthew unpacks why insurance’s cautious approach to AI is more strategic than sceptical. Together, they explore how carriers can align technology adoption with real business problems, build trust in new data sources, and drive operational efficiency without disrupting core workflows.  Matthew explains why consistency in user interfaces can mask major capability leaps, how to focus on outcomes rather than perfection in data quality, and why the industry’s measured pace reflects deep risk intelligence. The conversation offers insurers a clear roadmap on how a purposeful adoption of AI and cultural innovation can drive a durable competitive advantage. Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we’ll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora. To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'. Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

    31 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Making Risk Flow – Season 7 Highlights | Top Lessons & Expert Takeaways

    In this special compilation episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro revisits conversations with the industry leaders who shaped Season 7. Join Allison Thornicroft, Yaemish Rughoo, Mark Allan, Greg Hendrick, Bilge Mert, Jean-Jacques Henchoz, and Lambros Lambrou to explore why speed and efficiency matter in commercial insurance, how AI and technology are reshaping underwriting workflows, and the key strategies insurers are using to standardize processes and drive real value for clients.  Discover how top carriers are accelerating quote-to-bind cycles, modernizing underwriting workflows, and redefining the insurance operating model for real impact. Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we’ll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora. To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'. Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

    28 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    Exploring the Ecosystem: From Reactive to Predictive: The Proactive Advantage Reshaping Cyber Insurance Today

    In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Jake Harding speaks with Ross Wirth, Head of Strategic Tech Ecosystem at CyberCube, about why cyber insurance requires a new playbook for risk assessment. Ross explains how traditional underwriting struggles to keep pace with dynamic security environments, and why real-time data visibility is now essential for identifying concentration risk, single points of failure, and systemic exposures like cloud outages.  The conversation explores shifting from static applications to continuous monitoring, balancing AI-driven insights with human judgment, and designing underwriting strategies that prioritise prevention over post-incident repair. Whether you're an underwriter, broker, or cyber risk leader, this episode offers practical guidance on using data intelligently while preserving the relationship-driven core of insurance. Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we’ll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora. To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'. Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA. Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

2
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Making Risk Flow is a podcast powered by Cytora. This insurance podcast is designed to bring clarity, know-how and inspiration in driving digital transformation for commercial insurers, paying particular attention to the automation of risk processing. This podcast, led by industry veteran Juan de Castro as well as insurance change-makers, will showcase their learnings, challenges and solutions that have, or haven’t, worked for them. If you are embarking on leading a transformational project in your insurance company and want to make sense of it all - this podcast is for you. To discover out more about digital risk processing, visit https://www.cytora.com

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