Risk & Resolve

Conner Insurance
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

The Risk & Resolve Podcast is your go-to resource for insightful conversations at the intersection of leadership, business ownership, and the insurance industry. Hosted by Ben Conner and Todd Hufford, this podcast dives deep into the challenges and opportunities that leaders face in an ever-changing world. Each episode features candid discussions with business owners, industry experts, and thought leaders, exploring topics like innovation, risk management, and the strategies that drive success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or insurance professional, you’ll gain actionable insights and inspiration to navigate today’s complex business landscape. Tune in to Risk & Resolve—where leadership meets resilience.

  1. Aug 19

    More Than Basketball: Rick Risinger & Ron Young on Coaching, Legacy, Friendship, and Building Champions

    In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Ben Conner sits down with legendary Heritage Christian coaches Rick Risinger and Ron Young to reflect on decades of coaching, friendship, and the lasting legacy of Dr. Mark “Doc” Richards. From state championships and unforgettable games to leadership, mentorship, faith, and the relationships that mattered most, this conversation reveals why great coaches build far more than winning teams—they build people.  Main Talking Points Rick Risinger’s journey from Indiana All-Star to Purdue basketballRon Young’s path through basketball, tennis, and coachingMeeting Dr. Mark “Doc” Richards and forming lifelong friendshipsHow Doc’s leadership shaped Heritage Christian basketballLessons learned from competition, discipline, and preparationThe philosophy behind building championship teamsWhy great players make the team bigger than themselvesThe heartbreaking loss of Doc Richards and carrying his vision forwardWinning seven state championships while keeping people firstThe importance of preparation, scouting, and attention to detailCoaching beyond basketball—building character, discipline, and faithThe role parents, teammates, and assistant coaches play in lasting successWhy humility matters more than trophiesReflections on friendship, legacy, and investing in future generations

  2. Aug 5

    Leading with Purpose: Adam Weber on Building People Before Business (2026 NextGen Healthcare Summit Recording Series)

    In this episode of Risk & Resolve with Adam Weber to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose. Drawing from his experience as a startup founder, executive coach, and leadership expert, Adam shares practical strategies for avoiding burnout, maintaining perspective, and building sustainable leadership. From the “tyranny of the now” to creating healthy boundaries, this conversation offers actionable insights for leaders who want lasting success without sacrificing their lives outside of work. Main Talking Points: Adam’s most embarrassing leadership moment—and what it taught himThe “Tyranny of the Now” and why leaders lose perspectiveWhy business is simply a series of solving problemsBuilding centeredness through intentional daily practicesLeading with calm, predictable presence instead of emotional reactionsCreating a meaningful life outside of workThe power of writing a personal life visionWhy hobbies make better leadersPrioritizing physical health to improve decision-makingUsing gratitude as a leadership advantageSimple gratitude practices that transform team cultureWalking, meditation, and creating mental space for better thinkingReading timeless wisdom instead of reacting to constant noiseLeading from the “top of the mountain” with long-term perspective

  3. Jul 22

    From Chicago to the Big Ten: Kris Loving on Faith, Officiating, and Finding Ministry Everywhere

    In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with Kristopher Loving, Big Ten football official, Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, teacher, chaplain, and minister. Kris shares his journey from growing up in Chicago to officiating college football at the highest levels while discovering that ministry isn’t confined to a church building. This conversation explores faith, leadership, sports, purpose, and the courage to say yes when God calls. Main Talking Points Growing up as an only child on Chicago’s west sideThe church influence that shaped Kris’s leadership and faithThe moment he fully surrendered his life to Christ in 2011Learning leadership through church ministry and public speakingMoving from Illinois to Minnesota and entering a new season of lifeHow a simple conversation led him into sports officiatingReceiving a vision of ministry through officiating sportsThe unlikely path from first-year official to Division I footballWorking Big Ten football and the UFLThe hidden preparation, study, and discipline required of elite officialsBuilding relationships and ministry opportunities within officiating circlesHow sports became a platform for serving people outside church wallsWorkforce chaplaincy and meeting people where they areCreating a legacy of faith, stewardship, and service for future generations

  4. Jul 8

    Family Business, AI, and the Future of Work: Erik Braden on Building Braden Business Systems

    In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with Erik Braden, Managing Partner of Braden Business Systems, to discuss family business, technology, growth, and leadership. Erik shares his journey from cold-calling his way onto Wall Street to returning home to help grow his family business through acquisitions, innovation, and a people-first culture. From managed print and IT to AI consulting and automation, this conversation explores what it takes to stay ahead of change while building a business that serves clients, employees, and family well. Main Talking Points Erik’s Indiana roots and early ambition to work on Wall StreetCold-calling his way into an internship at Bear StearnsLessons from JP Morgan, private equity, M&A, and board-level leadershipWhy he returned to Indiana and joined the family businessBraden Business Systems’ evolution from fax machines and copiers to full technology solutionsUsing acquisitions to grow and diversify the businessBuilding in downtown Fishers and betting on the city’s futureWorking alongside his father and honoring the family business legacyHow the pandemic reshaped demand for IT, cloud, and remote-work supportWhy Braden is leaning into AI consulting and implementationThe importance of helping companies adopt AI—not just turn tools onHow automation, workflows, and agentic AI will reshape office workErik’s people-first leadership philosophy and “never miss your kid’s game” standardBuilding a culture of energy, optimism, service, and long-term resilience

  5. Jul 1

    Activating Indiana Employers to Drive High-Value Healthcare Markets - 2026 NextGen Healthcare Summit Recording Series

    In this episode of Risk & Resolve, a healthcare leader from the Employers’ Forum of Indiana (EFI) breaks down why employers—not the system—must drive healthcare reform. Drawing from decades in HR and benefits at Ford, this conversation dives into rising healthcare costs, hospital price transparency, and the policy changes reshaping Indiana’s healthcare landscape. From RAND pricing studies to fiduciary responsibility laws, this episode reveals how employers can move from awareness to action—and finally take control of healthcare spending. Main Talking Points Speaker’s background: 25+ years in HR and benefits at Ford, managing large-scale healthcare systemsThe reality: healthcare costs have exploded—from $7K per employee to $27K annuallyWhere healthcare dollars actually go: hospitals (45%), physicians (32%), drugs (23%)Why employers historically failed to control healthcare costs—and the consequenceThe RAND Hospital Price Transparency Studies and what they revealedShocking insight: Indiana employers pay ~300% of Medicare rates for hospital servicesThe imbalance: hospitals overpaid, physicians underpaidHow price transparency exposed systemic inefficiencies and sparked reformCreation of tools like Sage Transparency to help employers compare cost and qualityReal-world case studies: Employers removing high-cost hospitals and saving millions, Direct contracting strategies driving better outcomesIndiana’s rise as a national leader in healthcare policy reformKey policy wins: Fiduciary responsibility for TPAs and PBMs, Anti-competitive contract bans, Claims data access and audit rights, Hospital price caps and transparency requirementsThe critical gap: policy exists—but employers must actually use itEFI’s role in translating complex policy into actionable employer strategiesThe challenge: benefits teams are overwhelmed and under-resourcedWhy employers must become active purchasers, not passive participantsTop strategies for employers: Invest in advanced primary care (DPC, onsite, near-site), Steer employees to high-value providers, Optimize contracts and eliminate misaligned incentives, Direct contract with hospitals, Audit claims aggressively, Strengthen benefits teamsThe future: 2027 legislative focus on healthcare—and employers must be readyCore message: awareness isn’t enough—execution is everything

  6. Jun 24

    Building Brotherhood & Purpose: Don Palmer and Greg Enas on Citizen 7

    In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with Don Palmer and Greg Enas, co-founders of Citizen 7, to discuss male friendship, leadership, generosity, mentorship, and building movements instead of organizations. From entrepreneurship and business leadership to faith, community, and legacy, this conversation explores what it means to build men who build others. Main Talking Points How Don Palmer and Greg Enas first met and built a decades-long friendshipThe origins of Citizen Seven and the vision behind itWhy male loneliness and isolation are growing problemsThe difference between building an organization versus building a movementHow authentic male friendships are formed shoulder-to-shoulder on missionThe role of vulnerability, confidentiality, and accountability in friendshipsWhy businessmen often struggle to cultivate deep relationshipsThe power of “throwing the party” instead of waiting for an invitationBuilding intergenerational friendships and mentorshipWhy curiosity and asking good questions matter in relationshipsCreating opportunities for younger men to lead and carry the batonFaith, entrepreneurship, generosity, and civic engagement intersecting togetherHow Citizen Seven encourages men to say yes to meaningful actionThe importance of play, fun, and shared experiences in building brotherhoodLegacy, family, and finishing life well

  7. Jun 17

    Care Reimagined: Building a Sustainable Primary Care Model - 2026 NextGen Healthcare Summit Recording Series

    In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Thompson, founder of Nice Healthcare, shares a powerful story of tackling one of the hardest problems in modern society: healthcare. From his background in statistics to building a care model that delivers healthcare directly into patients’ homes, Thompson breaks down why the system is broken—and how simplicity, access, and aligned incentives can fix it. This episode explores innovation, entrepreneurship, and the role of desire in solving massive, systemic challenges. Main Talking Points Thompson’s background in statistics—and solving complex problems like authorship of ancient textsWhy healthcare is one of the hardest problems—and why most fail to even define it correctlyThe core insight: outcomes are obvious (cost, access, poor health)—but the root problem is unclearThe role of desire as the missing ingredient in solving large systemic challengesPersonal catalyst: navigating a broken healthcare experience as a new parentThe frustration of fragmented care, repeat visits, and lack of accountabilityThe realization: healthcare is overbuilt, inefficient, and disconnected from patient needsFounding Nice Healthcare to simplify access, reduce friction, and improve experienceThe model: no clinics—care delivered via in-home + virtual visits (DoorDash-style healthcare)Eliminating common patient pain points: travel, cost confusion, insurance complexity Why most people don’t need traditional healthcare infrastructure for everyday careFocus on the “many who fund the system”, not just the high-cost feThe importance of making healthcare easy, accessible, and perceived as a positive changeEmployer strategy: saving time + money while improving employee healthData-driven validation: measurable ROI and reduced total cost of careEntrepreneurial journey: risk, near failure, and the moment everything almost collapsedThe emotional reality of building a company while risking personal financial stabilityWhy small, simple changes can drive massive system-wide impactThe future of healthcare: decentralized, accessible, patient-centered, and efficient

  8. Jun 10

    A Life of Service: Risk, Calling, and Paying It Forward with Tom Shevlot

    In this episode of Risk & Resolve, Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with Tom Shevlot to explore a career shaped by leadership, risk, public service, and faith-driven impact. From senior roles at AT&T to serving on the Lawrence City Council, leading Life Centers, and joining the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Foundation Board, Tom shares how one act of generosity early in life became a lifelong call to pay it forward. Main Talking Points Tom’s early career in telecom during the rise of cellular technologyThe mentor who invested in his family and challenged him to “pay it forward”Taking career risks by leaving AT&T and later returning in a new leadership roleMoving from corporate leadership into nonprofit ministry at Life CentersServing on the Indianapolis Public Library Board during a difficult financial seasonRunning for Lawrence City Council and helping stabilize city financesLeading through broken processes, budget challenges, and organizational messesThe importance of being governed vs. helping governWhy service became a consistent thread through every stage of Tom’s careerHis passion for outdoor conservation and the Indiana DNR Foundation BoardThe difference between being “of value” and being “important”His current focus on protecting children through the Indiana Family Institute

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About

The Risk & Resolve Podcast is your go-to resource for insightful conversations at the intersection of leadership, business ownership, and the insurance industry. Hosted by Ben Conner and Todd Hufford, this podcast dives deep into the challenges and opportunities that leaders face in an ever-changing world. Each episode features candid discussions with business owners, industry experts, and thought leaders, exploring topics like innovation, risk management, and the strategies that drive success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or insurance professional, you’ll gain actionable insights and inspiration to navigate today’s complex business landscape. Tune in to Risk & Resolve—where leadership meets resilience.

Information

  • Creator
    Conner Insurance
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Conner Insurance
  • Show Website
    Risk & Resolve