PremiumBytes

PremiumBytes

Step into the intricate world of insurance technology leaders with PremiumBytes, where we explore the underpinnings of hard technology problems in an industry rooted in data and risk management. We openly discuss innovating in the minefield of durable regulation, intense competition and relentless change. In an industry where legacy complements modern, resilience meets expertise, and the thankless becomes the celebrated, the future is squarely pegged on wining in and with technology. Let's celebrate the unsung heroes excelling at insurance technology, where success is anything but ordinary!

  1. Episode 029: The Marketplace Connecting Every Insurance Player, bolt | ITC Vegas, 2025

    NOV 18

    Episode 029: The Marketplace Connecting Every Insurance Player, bolt | ITC Vegas, 2025

    In this 29th episode of PremiumBytes episode, host Samir Ahmed sat down with Nga Phan, Head of Product at bolt, live from ITC Vegas. They unpack bolt's new AI Quoting Assistant and what it means for agencies, carriers, and the broader distribution ecosystem.The conversation covers: Why quoting is still painfully manualHow bolt automates carrier portals without APIsThe balance between AI assistance and regulatory oversightMarketplace insights that reveal underserved risksNga’s vision for a globally connected, AI-native distribution platformIf you care about the future of insurance tech, embedded distribution, or the evolution of agency workflows, this is a conversation worth your time.#ITCVegas | #BecauseofITC | #InsuranceTechnology---🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest insights in insurance technology.👉 Follow us on LinkedIn👉 Visit our website ---PremiumBytes, Episode 029: The Marketplace Connecting Every Insurance Player, bolt | ITC Vegas, 2025Welcome to #PremiumBytes, where we shine a light on the unsung world of #insurancetechnology leaders. We are Sudhar Krishnamachary, one of your co-hosts and Samir Ahmed, your other co-host. We're here to have meaningful conversations about the evolving #technology landscape inside the #insuranceindustry. Let's acknowledge it: being an #insurance firm #CIO, or chief information officer, (and also #CTO, or chief technology officer) is one of the toughest #leadership roles in today's world. You've got a risk averse mindset baked into the very fabric of the industry, a legacy estate that must complement the modern tech, and a talent crisis from both the retiring side and next-gen recruiting side. And then you have the slow pace of #innovation. We see it because we're right there in the trenches with you, as consultants, day in and day out. Our mission is to deep dive, have conversations that carry substance, offer practical insights, and help you validate and navigate the relevant challenges of being an effective CIO in the insurance sector. So thank you for joining us on this adventure.#insurtech

    25 min
  2. Episode 028: Inside the first AI-native Neo-Insurer, MGT Insurance | ITC Vegas, 2025

    NOV 12

    Episode 028: Inside the first AI-native Neo-Insurer, MGT Insurance | ITC Vegas, 2025

    What if a brand-new insurance carrier started from scratch, without legacy systems, paper, or silos; just data, AI, and a mission to serve small business? In this episode of PremiumBytes, co-host Samir Ahmed sits down with Graham Topol, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of MGT Insurance, America’s first AI-native neo-insurer. Graham shares how MGT is reimagining small commercial insurance by building a full-stack, digital-first carrier powered by data and automation. From using 3,500 data points per policy to blending Silicon Valley engineers with veteran underwriters, MGT is redefining what “modern” means for insurance carriers. They discuss the promise and pitfalls of AI in underwriting, the challenge of legacy ecosystems, and the future of claims automation. If you lead technology, data, or innovation in insurance, this is a must-listen! #ITCVegas | #BecauseofITC | #InsuranceTechnology --- 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest insights in insurance technology. 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn 👉 Visit our website --- PremiumBytes, Episode 028: Inside the first AI-native Neo-Insurer, MGT Insurance | ITC Vegas, 2025 Welcome to #PremiumBytes, where we shine a light on the unsung world of #insurancetechnology leaders. We are Sudhar Krishnamachary, one of your co-hosts and Samir Ahmed, your other co-host. We're here to have meaningful conversations about the evolving #technology landscape inside the #insuranceindustry. Let's acknowledge it: being an #insurance firm #CIO, or chief information officer, (and also #CTO, or chief technology officer) is one of the toughest #leadership roles in today's world. You've got a risk averse mindset baked into the very fabric of the industry, a legacy estate that must complement the modern tech, and a talent crisis from both the retiring side and next-gen recruiting side. And then you have the slow pace of #innovation. We see it because we're right there in the trenches with you, as consultants, day in and day out. Our mission is to deep dive, have conversations that carry substance, offer practical insights, and help you validate and navigate the relevant challenges of being an effective CIO in the insurance sector. So thank you for joining us on this adventure.#insurtech

    21 min
  3. Episode 027: Scaling Small Commercial, with Mylo's CEO, David Embry | ITC Vegas, 2025

    NOV 4

    Episode 027: Scaling Small Commercial, with Mylo's CEO, David Embry | ITC Vegas, 2025

    In this 27th episode of PremiumBytes, host Samir Ahmed reported from ITC Vegas at the Mandalay Bay. He sat down with David Embry, CEO of Mylo, to talk about how the company is transforming insurance distribution with data, AI, and digital integration. Mylo is a digital insurance agency that focuses on small commercial and personal lines, using its proprietary Agent Hub and Mind of Mylo recommendation engine to simplify coverage decisions. David shares how Mylo was “doing embedded before embedded was cool,” explains how AI helps classify risk and streamline quoting, and discusses why partnerships and API integrations are the future of insurance. He also opens up about navigating regulatory challenges, ensuring AI transparency, and building a business that scales responsibly. If you're an insurance CIO, InsurTech leader, or carrier innovator, this conversation is packed with insights about digital transformation, AI-driven efficiency, and the next wave of embedded insurance. #ITCVegas | #BecauseofITC | #InsuranceTechnology --- 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest insights in insurance technology. 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn 👉 Visit our website --- PremiumBytes, Episode 027: Scaling Small Commercial, with Mylo's CEO, David Embry | ITC Vegas, 2025 Welcome to #PremiumBytes, where we shine a light on the unsung world of #insurancetechnology leaders. We are Sudhar Krishnamachary, one of your co-hosts and Samir Ahmed, your other co-host. We're here to have meaningful conversations about the evolving #technology landscape inside the #insuranceindustry. Let's acknowledge it: being an #insurance firm #CIO, or chief information officer, (and also #CTO, or chief technology officer) is one of the toughest #leadership roles in today's world. You've got a risk averse mindset baked into the very fabric of the industry, a legacy estate that must complement the modern tech, and a talent crisis from both the retiring side and next-gen recruiting side. And then you have the slow pace of #innovation. We see it because we're right there in the trenches with you, as consultants, day in and day out. Our mission is to deep dive, have conversations that carry substance, offer practical insights, and help you validate and navigate the relevant challenges of being an effective CIO in the insurance sector. So thank you for joining us on this adventure. #insurtech

    23 min
  4. Episode 026: A Wonderland of Possibilities at ITC Vegas, 2025

    SEP 29

    Episode 026: A Wonderland of Possibilities at ITC Vegas, 2025

    ITC Vegas is back. And it's bigger than ever. In this 26th episode of PremiumBytes, host Samir Ahmed goes inside the world’s largest insurance innovation event with Co-founder and Chief Customer Officer, Bill Harris. Hear what’s new, how to plan your week, and why chance meetings at ITC often spark real deals.What’s inside: Expo “neighborhoods” for LATAM, Life/Health/Benefits, Distribution, and Startups12+ stages, an agents & brokers kickoff, and a full Cyber SummitKeynotes from Liberty Mutual’s Tim Sweeney and Savannah Bananas’ Jesse ColeFirst-timer playbook: webinar, exhibit-hall tour, and smart app filtersThe app booked 3,000+ meetings in week one—here’s how to use itAfter-hours: receptions, ITC Week events, and the Goo Goo Dolls closing concertHot topics: captives, epigenetics, mental health & psychedelics in benefits, AI, cyber, climateIf you work in insurance and care about what’s next, this episode is your guide to making ITC Vegas your highest-ROI week of the year.And just for listeners of PremiumBytes, use code ITCPREMBYTES for $200 off your registration.ITCVegas | #BecauseofITC | #FutureOfInsurance | #InsuranceInnovation | #InsuranceTechnology---🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest insights in insurance technology.👉 Follow us on LinkedIn👉 Visit our website---PremiumBytes, Episode 026: A Wonderland of Possibilities at ITC Vegas, 2025Welcome to #PremiumBytes, where we shine a light on the unsung world of #insurancetechnology leaders. We are Sudhar Krishnamachary, one of your co-hosts and Samir Ahmed, your other co-host. We're here to have meaningful conversations about the evolving #technology landscape inside the #insuranceindustry. Let's acknowledge it: being an #insurance firm #CIO, or chief information officer, (and also #CTO, or chief technology officer) is one of the toughest #leadership roles in today's world. You've got a risk averse mindset baked into the very fabric of the industry, a legacy estate that must complement the modern tech, and a talent crisis from both the retiring side and next-gen recruiting side. And then you have the slow pace of #innovation. We see it because we're right there in the trenches with you, as consultants, day in and day out. Our mission is to deep dive, have conversations that carry substance, offer practical insights, and help you validate and navigate the relevant challenges of being an effective CIO in the insurance sector. So thank you for joining us on this adventure.#insurtech

    23 min
  5. Episode 025: Embedded Insurance | Old Idea, New Revolution?

    SEP 4

    Episode 025: Embedded Insurance | Old Idea, New Revolution?

    Embedded insurance is everywhere — from travel protection at checkout to warranties on your latest gadget. But is it truly transforming the industry, or still just a niche add-on? In this 25th episode of PremiumBytes, hosts Sudhar Krishnamachary and Samir Ahmed dive deep into the real state of embedded insurance.They explore its history, from car dealerships bundling coverage decades ago to today’s digital-first startups like bolttech, CoverGenius, and Qover attracting millions in funding. The conversation unpacks why adoption remains low despite strong technology capabilities, and how consumer behavior, industry complexity, and distribution models shape its future.From binary “yes/no” offers to full insurance marketplaces, embedded distribution is evolving fast. The hosts also compare global approaches, including China’s WeChat “super app,” and discuss regulatory and privacy challenges in the U.S. For insurance CIOs and tech leaders, this episode is a wake-up call: the embedded revolution is coming, and readiness is key.Watch now and subscribe for more practical tech leadership insights.#EmbeddedInsurance #FutureOfInsurance #InsuranceInnovation #DigitalTransformation #InsuranceTechnology---🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest insights in insurance technology.👉 Follow us on LinkedIn👉 Visit our website---PremiumBytes, Episode 025: Embedded Insurance | Old Idea, New Revolution?Welcome to #PremiumBytes, where we shine a light on the unsung world of #insurancetechnology leaders. We are Sudhar Krishnamachary, one of your co-hosts and Samir Ahmed, your other co-host. We're here to have meaningful conversations about the evolving #technology landscape inside the #insuranceindustry. Let's acknowledge it: being an #insurance firm #CIO, or chief information officer, (and also #CTO, or chief technology officer) is one of the toughest #leadership roles in today's world. You've got a risk averse mindset baked into the very fabric of the industry, a legacy estate that must complement the modern tech, and a talent crisis from both the retiring side and next-gen recruiting side. And then you have the slow pace of #innovation. We see it because we're right there in the trenches with you, as consultants, day in and day out. Our mission is to deep dive, have conversations that carry substance, offer practical insights, and help you validate and navigate the relevant challenges of being an effective CIO in the insurance sector. So thank you for joining us on this adventure.#insurtech

    36 min
  6. Episode 024: The Quantum Leap | A Realist’s Guide for Insurance CIOs

    AUG 19

    Episode 024: The Quantum Leap | A Realist’s Guide for Insurance CIOs

    In this 24th episode of the PremiumBytes video podcast, hosts Sudhar and Samir sit down with Renu Ann Joseph of Luminant Analytics to cut through the hype and show where quantum computing fits today for carriers and reinsurers. They cover a quick Quantum 101 (qubits, superposition, entanglement), why hardware dominates the conversation, and why commercialization is arriving first through hybrid approaches (classical + quantum), including annealing.Big takeaways:✅ Start from business problems, not qubit counts.✅ Near-term wins sit in predictive analytics and optimization (routing, packing, planning).✅ Keep an eye on post-quantum cybersecurity, simulations, and synthetic data.You’ll leave with a 3-step plan:1️⃣ inventory hard problems;2️⃣ attend 2–3 commercialization-focused quantum events per year; and3️⃣ upskill your current engineers with quantum certifications.Banking may be ahead, but insurance is data-heavy and underwrites every risk—including quantum-powered ones. Use the GenAI breather to get ready—before the board asks.Watch now and subscribe for more practical tech leadership insights.#InsurTech #Insurance #CIO #QuantumComputing #PredictiveAnalytics #Cybersecurity #DataAnalytics #Underwriting #ITC #GenAI #Actuary #Reinsurance--References: IonQ Announces Agreement to Acquire Oxford Ionics, Accelerating Path to Pioneering Breakthroughs in Quantum ComputingInnovation Odyssey podcast, Episode 3, with Dominik Andrzejczuk, CEO of the Quantum Data Center Corporation---🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest insights in insurance technology.👉 Follow us on LinkedIn 👉 Visit our website---_PremiumBytes, Episode 024: The Quantum Leap | A Realist’s Guide for Insurance CIOs_Welcome to #PremiumBytes, where we shine a light on the unsung world of #insurancetechnology leaders. We are Sudhar Krishnamachary, one of your co-hosts and Samir Ahmed, your other co-host. We're here to have meaningful conversations about the evolving #technology landscape inside the #insuranceindustry. Let's acknowledge it: being an #insurance firm #CIO, or chief information officer, (and also #CTO, or chief technology officer) is one of the toughest #leadership roles in today's world. You've got a risk averse mindset baked into the very fabric of the industry, a legacy estate that must complement the modern tech, and a talent crisis from both the retiring side and next-gen recruiting side. And then you have the slow pace of #innovation. We see it because we're right there in the trenches with you, as consultants, day in and day out. Our mission is to deep dive, have conversations that carry substance, offer practical insights, and help you validate and navigate the relevant challenges of being an effective CIO in the insurance sector. So thank you for joining us on this adventure.#insurtech

    38 min
  7. Episode 023: Insurance Tech News Roundup, 2025-Q1 Edition

    JUN 23

    Episode 023: Insurance Tech News Roundup, 2025-Q1 Edition

    In this 23rd episode of the PremiumBytes video podcast, hosts Sudhar and Samir discuss observations and learnings from various news stories at the intersection of insurance and technology that they came across in the first quarter of 2025. Watch the episode to learn why: InsurTech Investment Momentum Is BackAI Is Dominating InsurTech StrategyBig Carriers Are Doubling Down on DigitalHealth Data Access May Have Reached a BreakthroughInnovation Culture Matters More Than ToolsThe Build vs. Buy Equation Has FlippedLegacy Tech Still Drags Down ProgressNews Items:The following are the media and news items referenced in the episode: Global InsurTech Report for Q1 2025 | [PDF]Generali partners with MIT to explore AI in insuranceLexisNexis Health Intelligence Helps U.S. Life Insurers Improve Underwriting ProcessNEXT Insurance Acquired by Munich Re’s ERGO for $2.6bInsurers Discover Value in Innovation Culture | [PDF]Innovation in insurance isn’t stalled by lack of ideas - it’s stalled by lack of trust‘Build vs. Buy’ in the Digital Age | [PDF]TechTalk: Insurers still grappling with legacy system challengesIf you're a CIO, tech leader, or investor in the insurance space, or otherwise involved in underwriting, claims, or transformation, this roundup is packed with insights you won't want to miss.🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest insights in insurance technology.👉 Follow us on LinkedIn👉 Visit our website---PremiumBytes, Episode 023: Insurance Tech News Roundup, 2025-Q1 EditionWelcome to #PremiumBytes, where we shine a light on the unsung world of #insurancetechnology leaders. We are Sudhar Krishnamachary, one of your co-hosts and Samir Ahmed, your other co-host. We're here to have meaningful conversations about the evolving #technology landscape inside the #insuranceindustry. Let's acknowledge it: being an #insurance firm #CIO, or chief information officer, (and also #CTO, or chief technology officer) is one of the toughest #leadership roles in today's world. You've got a risk averse mindset baked into the very fabric of the industry, a legacy estate that must complement the modern tech, and a talent crisis from both the retiring side and next-gen recruiting side. And then you have the slow pace of #innovation. We see it because we're right there in the trenches with you, as consultants, day in and day out. Our mission is to deep dive, have conversations that carry substance, offer practical insights, and help you validate and navigate the relevant challenges of being an effective CIO in the insurance sector. So thank you for joining us on this adventure.#insurtech

    32 min
  8. Episode 022: Why Insurance CIOs Should Care About Quantum- Today

    MAY 22

    Episode 022: Why Insurance CIOs Should Care About Quantum- Today

    In this 22nd episode of the PremiumBytes video podcast, hosts Sudhar and Samir explore a topic that’s often seen as futuristic but may be closer than we think: quantum computing. They break down what it is, how it’s evolving, and why insurance tech leaders should start paying attention—now.From Microsoft’s recent quantum processor reveal to IBM’s roadmap and real-world experiments with insurers like Anthem, the conversation traces the trajectory of quantum tech and its implications for the insurance industry. Topics include: Quantum computing basics and architectural advancesNear-term vs. long-term impact on insurance use casesQuantum’s role in cybersecurity, encryption, predictive modeling, and synthetic dataWhy CIOs, actuaries, and data scientists should prepare todayBacked by insights from IBM and the Society of Actuaries, this episode is your primer on what quantum means for insurance—and how to get ahead of the curve. --References: The Quantum DecadeQuantum Computing and its impact on Actuarial Modeling | What Is Post-Quantum Cryptography? 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest insights in insurance technology. 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn👉 Visit our website ---PremiumBytes, Episode 022: Why Insurance CIOs Should Care About Quantum- TodayWelcome to #PremiumBytes, where we shine a light on the unsung world of #insurancetechnology leaders. We are Sudhar Krishnamachary, one of your co-hosts and Samir Ahmed, your other co-host. We're here to have meaningful conversations about the evolving #technology landscape inside the #insuranceindustry. Let's acknowledge it: being an #insurance firm #CIO, or chief information officer, (and also #CTO, or chief technology officer) is one of the toughest #leadership roles in today's world. You've got a risk averse mindset baked into the very fabric of the industry, a legacy estate that must complement the modern tech, and a talent crisis from both the retiring side and next-gen recruiting side. And then you have the slow pace of #innovation. We see it because we're right there in the trenches with you, as consultants, day in and day out. Our mission is to deep dive, have conversations that carry substance, offer practical insights, and help you validate and navigate the relevant challenges of being an effective CIO in the insurance sector. So thank you for joining us on this adventure.#insurtech #quantum #quantumcomputing #qubits #topological

    32 min

About

Step into the intricate world of insurance technology leaders with PremiumBytes, where we explore the underpinnings of hard technology problems in an industry rooted in data and risk management. We openly discuss innovating in the minefield of durable regulation, intense competition and relentless change. In an industry where legacy complements modern, resilience meets expertise, and the thankless becomes the celebrated, the future is squarely pegged on wining in and with technology. Let's celebrate the unsung heroes excelling at insurance technology, where success is anything but ordinary!