Life Accelerated

Equisoft + Insurance Innovation Reporter
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Life Accelerated is a show from Equisoft with one goal–to keep you from falling behind by equipping you with the practical tools to handle the rapidly changing environment. Each episode will feature thought-provoking conversations with experts in life insurance, facing the same challenges as you. You’ll leave each episode feeling encouraged, excited, and motivated.

  1. SEP 10

    Modernizing Core Systems and Portals in Life Insurance with Ann Mengelson-Clark

    In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine speaks with Ann Mengelson-Clark, Vice President of Technology at Kuvare, and Chief Technology Officer at Guaranty Income Life, United Life, and Lincoln Benefit Life on Kuvare’s journey of growth and digital transformation. Ann explains that Kuvare evolved from its early acquisitions to exploring new technologies for core systems, while restructuring teams to keep up with change. She walks through the company’s digital transformation efforts, from consolidating policy administration platforms to creating a unified portal for financial professionals and policyholders. She describes the path toward advanced data strategies for more efficient processes. The discussion also covers how Kuvare experiments with AI, operationally and for customer service, which is guided by a governance model that includes compliance from the very beginning. Key Takeaways: Aligning business and IT teams accelerates decision-making and creates stronger digital outcomes. Modernizing data systems gives leaders immediate insights that were locked in legacy platforms. Calculated AI adoption for operations and customer service requires both governance and creativity. Jump Into the Conversation: (00:00) Meet Ann Mengelson-Clark (02:23) What fuels Ann outside of work (04:19) How Kuvare grew through acquisitions and bold expansion (08:01) Ann’s unexpected career path from HR receptionist to CTO and VP (12:33) Turning paper processes into digital systems that scale (16:15) Breaking silos by aligning business and IT teams (20:57) Results from modernization projects that changed daily operations (21:48) Launching a unified digital platform for advisors and clients (24:04) Making smarter business decisions through data dashboards (26:31) Practical ways AI is already helping at Kuvare (28:39) Balancing compliance and innovation with AI governance   Resources: Connect with Ann Mengelson-Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-m-c/  Check out Kuvare: https://kuvare.com/  Check out Guaranty Income Life: https://www.gilico.com/  Check out United Life: https://www.unitedlife.com/  Check out Lincoln Benefit Life: https://www.lbl.com/  Connect with Olivier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlafontaine/

    34 min

  2. AUG 13

    Balancing Innovation and Risk in Insurance AI with Darwin Larrison and Amanda Turcotte

    In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine speaks with Amanda Turcotte, SVP and Chief Actuary at Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, and Darwin Larrison, VP and Chief Information Security Officer at Modern Woodmen of America, about how their teams are navigating the changing landscape of artificial intelligence in life insurance. Amanda shares how her company is applying tools like Amazon Q and Intelligent Document Processing to streamline customer support and data handling. Darwin explains how governance frameworks, vendor partnerships, and licensing decisions are shaping how AI tools like Copilot are being deployed securely and responsibly. Throughout the session, Amanda and Darwin bring their unique perspectives from actuarial and security leadership to highlight what AI can realistically deliver today, and how insurers can prepare for what’s ahead.   Key Takeaways: Adopting AI in insurance requires more than tools. It demands structure, governance, and cultural buy-in. Licensing strategies and vendor partnerships can quietly shape how innovation spreads inside an organization. AI can help small carriers scale smarter by turning everyday data into operational advantage.   Jump Into the Conversation: (00:00) Meet Amanda Turcotte and Darwin Larrison (02:18) Why insurance leaders are cautious with AI (06:44) Using Amazon Q to speed up service (08:11) Building a centralized CRM with AI features (11:27) Who gets access to Copilot and why (14:50) AI’s role in institutional memory and training (19:00) Building a governance group for responsible AI (23:29) How to upskill non-tech employees on AI (29:17) Why transcription still faces internal resistance (38:15) What startups do differently with AI adoption (40:31) Predictions on how AI will transform insurance jobs Resources: Connect with Amanda Turcotte: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-turcotte-7a436413/ Connect with Darwin Larrison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darwinlarrison/ Check out Amalgamated Life Insurance Company: https://www.amalgamatedbenefits.com/amalgamated-life/ Check out Modern Woodmen of America: https://www.modernwoodmen.org/ Connect with Olivier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlafontaine/

    46 min

  3. JUL 9

    Standardizing Life Insurance for the Digital Age with Yolanda Austin

    In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine sits down with Yolanda Austin, Senior Director of the Life & Annuity Program at ACORD, to talk about the organization’s role in building smarter, standardized systems for life insurance. Yolanda breaks down how ACORD is addressing inefficiencies in medical underwriting by creating digital formats for electronic health records. She also walks through the work behind ACORD’s standardized life insurance application, which was developed with input from distributors, carriers, and the Interstate Insurance Compact. And now, it is being adopted across the industry. As the conversation unfolds, it’s clear that progress in this space doesn’t come from technology alone, but through thoughtful coordination and collaboration across all parts of the ecosystem. Key Takeaways: Standardization only works when carriers, distributors, and regulators build it together. Reducing redundant and non-relevant data improves efficiency and unlocks smarter underwriting decisions. Creating digital forms that create good experiences requires both technology and behavioral science expertise. Jump Into the Conversation: (00:00) Meet Yolanda Austin (02:28) How ACORD began solving problems in insurance (03:35) Turning Microsoft’s data model into an ACORD standard (04:59) Collaborating with DTCC and the Interstate Compact (05:53) From high school co-op to insurance leadership (08:44) Fixing inefficiencies in underwriting with EHR data standards (10:54) How ACORD reduced medical data by 93 percent (13:36) Will AI reshape how underwriters use health records? (15:14) The mission to standardize every life insurance form (19:45) How ACORD got carriers to align on questions (24:37) What e-labels and fillable forms change for insurers   Resources: Connect with Yolanda Austin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolandaaustin/  Check out ACORD: https://www.acord.org/  Connect with Olivier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlafontaine/

    30 min

  4. JUN 11

    Inside MetLife’s New Strategy for Tech and Operations with Bill Pappas

    In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine speaks with Bill Pappas, EVP and Head of Global Technology and Operations at MetLife, about how MetLife is operationalizing transformation at scale, and what that means for the future of the life insurance sector. Bill outlines the pillars of MetLife’s new enterprise strategy, New Frontier, and walks through the company’s investment in simplifying infrastructure, reengineering customer journeys, and implementing their own AI platform that combines generative, agentic, and classical AI. Bill also discusses how MetLife is approaching data readiness, from governance and engineering to responsible use. But aside from technology, Bill also points out the value of leadership in the age of AI. He emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to unlearn old patterns as important skills for those who want to make an impact in the industry. Key Takeaways: Leaders need to prioritize business impact, not novelty. Workforce success in today’s world depends on reskilling and learning to unlearn. AI is only valuable when it’s integrated into a modernized ecosystem Jump Into the Conversation: (00:00) Meet Bill Pappas (01:48) What MetLife’s new strategy means for growth and resilience (03:58) Lessons from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and leading through uncertainty (05:57) How a banking background shaped Bill’s approach to insurance (09:33) Four forces reshaping the life insurance industry (14:26) Why AI is a business opportunity, not a mere tech trend (18:33) Scaling AI responsibly at MetLife (23:58) Building MetLife’s AI platform (27:27) How MetLife listens to customers and adapts to their needs (30:29) Solving the data readiness gap with governance and engineering (33:57) The leadership mindset needed to thrive in a human-plus-AI world Resources: Connect with Bill Pappas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-pappas-9a35048 Check out MetLife: https://www.metlife.com/  Connect with Olivier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlafontaine/

    41 min

  5. MAY 14

    Modernizing Annuity Distribution with Joe Maringer, MassMutual Ascend

    In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Olivier LaFontaine welcomes Joe Maringer, SVP and National Sales Manager at MassMutual Ascend to explore how annuity distribution is being reshaped by digital transformation and shifting market dynamics. Joe discusses how MassMutual Ascend is adapting to today's market by investing in technology to streamline advisor workflows, simplify purchases, and enhance in-force management. He shares insights from overcoming operational challenges during a rebrand and improving customer experience. Joe also highlights the role of AI and predictive analytics in enabling faster customer authentication, smarter call routing, and proactive service models. Beyond technology, Joe reflects on the human side of the business, emphasizing the importance of building long-term trust with distribution partners and clients. By focusing on both digital innovation and personal connection, MassMutual Ascend is positioning itself as a leading force in a competitive and growing annuity market. Key Takeaways: Streamlining the advisor experience is critical to unlocking future annuity growth. Operational resilience and strong partnerships create lasting competitive advantage. AI adoption should enhance human relationships, not replace them, in financial services. Jump Into the Conversation: (00:00) Streamlining annuity execution and why digital visibility is everything (00:45) Meeting the new annuity customer: Higher expectations and digital experiences (03:00) How MassMutual Ascend evolved through focus, acquisition, and rebranding (06:59) Navigating volatility: Why guaranteed income is gaining renewed attention (12:19) Making annuities easier to buy: Consolidating the financial advisor workflow (18:11) Lessons from 2022: How operational stress led to better service models (25:11) Enhancing the advisor experience with real-time dashboards and self-service tools (34:03) Leveraging AI for faster customer authentication and predictive call routing (39:07) Why human advice still matters in the age of automation and robo-advisors (42:30) MassMutual Ascend’s growth outlook: Building loyalty through better experiences Resources: Connect with Joe Maringer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-maringer-4965304/ Check out MassMutual Ascend: https://www.massmutualascend.com/ Connect with Olivier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlafontaine/

    46 min

  6. APR 9

    Leading Change in Underwriting with Andrew Kramer, M Financial Group

    In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Olivier LaFontaine sits down with Andrew Kramer, VP and Head of Underwriting Risk & Innovation of M Financial Group, to discuss how innovation is reshaping underwriting and risk management in life insurance. Andrew breaks down the innovative steps M Financial Group is taking to streamline underwriting processes, from embracing electronic health records to championing industry-wide data standardization. He shares how the company is tackling the challenges of high-net-worth insurance, balancing risk-sharing with the need for personalized service. This conversation provides insights into how digital transformation is reshaping customer experiences and creating efficiencies in one of the most complex areas of insurance.   Key Takeaways: Rushing into digital transformation without standardization creates inefficiencies. Digital innovation isn’t just about speed—it’s about enhancing decision-making. Embracing digital standards can transform the underwriting process.   Jump Into the Conversation: (00:00) Why underwriting must lean into digital transformation (02:00) What a quiet Tokyo subway teaches us about global business norms (05:10) From reinsurance to M Financial Group (10:00) Risk-sharing, distribution, and strategic partnerships (15:15) How ACORD is solving inefficiencies in the value chain (20:30) Unlocking new speed and accuracy in underwriting (26:50) AI and the future of underwriting (32:40) How data can sharpen distribution strategy   Resources: Connect with Andrew Kramer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-kramer-529b4b10/ Check out M Financial Group Group: https://www.mfin.com/ Connect with Olivier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlafontaine/https://www.equisoft.com/podcasts

    35 min

  7. MAR 12

    Building a Future-Ready Insurer with Michael New, ClearView

    In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Olivier LaFontaine sits down with Michael New, Chief Technology Officer at ClearView, to explore the realities of large-scale digital transformation in life insurance.  Michael shares his experiences leading ClearView’s migration to a modern policy admin platform, tackling legacy system challenges, and ensuring data readiness for a seamless transition. As an ultra-marathon runner, he draws compelling parallels between endurance sports and the long, strategic journey of digital modernization. From navigating data complexities to redefining the advisor experience, this conversation highlights the patience, precision, and leadership required to build a future-ready insurer. Key Takeaways: Rushing into transformation without a solid data foundation creates unnecessary roadblocks. A realistic, milestone-driven roadmap is essential for managing expectations and delivering long-term impact. Digital innovation isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about enhancing customer and advisor experiences meaningfully. Jump Into the Conversation: (00:00) The marathon mindset: How endurance running parallels digital transformation (03:59) Navigating ClearView’s large-scale platform migration and its challenges (07:41) Addressing legacy data complexities and the role of SMEs in data integrity (12:52) Lessons learned from previous migrations: Why data baseline matters (16:57) ClearView’s strategic shift: Simplifying operations to become a dynamic challenger (24:00) Balancing technology expectations and business realities in digital transformation (27:49) Future focus: Enhancing advisor experience with a stronger digital presence Resources: Connect with Michael New: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-new-1959381/ Check out ClearView: https://www.clearview.com.au/ Connect with Olivier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlafontaine/

    38 min

  8. JAN 15

    Meet the New Host of Life Accelerated, Olivier Lafontaine

    In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Anthony O’Donnell introduces Olivier Lafontaine, Equisoft’s Chief Product Officer, as the new host of the podcast.  Olivier shares his perspective on the unique challenges facing life insurance carriers, from navigating 20-year transformation timelines to achieving vendor independence and embracing generative AI. He highlights how low-code/no-code solutions and modernizing legacy systems play a pivotal role in helping carriers adapt to market shifts and regulatory changes while maintaining long-term operational stability. Listeners will hear Olivier’s vision for the future of Life Accelerated and his thoughts on emerging industry topics and trends that should be top of mind for them this year. Launched monthly, keep tuned as we continue to guide you through the next wave of life insurance transformation. Key Takeaways: Transformations in the life insurance industry are long-term and continuous, requiring thoughtful planning and adaptability. Modernizing legacy systems and achieving vendor independence are essential steps for carriers to stay competitive and responsive to market shifts. Generative AI and large language models will play a growing role in streamlining operations, enhancing customer interactions, and driving innovation. Jump Into the Conversation: (00:00) Intro of Olivier Lafontaine, Chief Product Officer at Equisoft (01:39) Olivier’s career journey (03:07) Key themes for 2025 (04:36) Digital transformation and its role in modernizing systems (07:00) Tackling challenges like vendor dependency in long-term transformations (08:52) The importance of selecting adaptable technologies for lasting success Resources: Connect with Olivier Lafontaine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlafontaine/

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Life Accelerated is a show from Equisoft with one goal–to keep you from falling behind by equipping you with the practical tools to handle the rapidly changing environment. Each episode will feature thought-provoking conversations with experts in life insurance, facing the same challenges as you. You’ll leave each episode feeling encouraged, excited, and motivated.

Information

  • Creator
    Equisoft + Insurance Innovation Reporter
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Equisoft 2022
  • Show Website
    Life Accelerated

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