What if the next leap in workers’ comp is not a new tool, but better conversations? Brandi Lewis says speaking the injured worker’s language and opening doors for new talent changes everything.

Recorded live at WCI in Orlando, Florida, Marc Cunningham sits down with Brandi Lewis, founder of Health Plus Trans, to talk about building people-first services that remove friction for injured workers. She shares the personal story that shaped her mission and how tech paired with empathy improves outcomes. They also walk through her WRMC cohort model for bringing high school and college students into claims, risk, and managed care.

In this episode:

• How translation, interpretation, and concierge support help injured workers understand care and move through recovery.
• The shifts Brandi sees across claims today, from smarter tech to fresh leadership, and what she is looking to spark at WCI.
• A practical playbook for the talent pipeline, including WRMC cohorts, outreach before college, and pathways that do not require a four-year degree.

What happens when a career built on claims and compliance turns into a mission to reshape the future of workers’ comp? Carlos Luna believes the answer is found in people, purpose, and bold new ideas.

At WCI in Orlando, Marc Cunningham sits down with Carlos Luna, founder and CEO of Luna Link, to talk about his 20-year journey from the claims desk to entrepreneurship. Carlos shares the moment that gave him a deeper purpose for his work, why he launched Luna Link as a new model for connecting buyers and vendors, and how he sees the role of data, technology, and mentorship shaping the industry. This conversation brings forward the human side of leadership while tackling some of the biggest questions facing workers’ comp today.

In this episode:

• How a single call from an injured worker changed Carlos’s perspective on insurance
• The Costco-inspired model behind Luna Link and why it matters for claims leaders
• Balancing AI, people, and mentorship to build a more resilient industry

What if the key to controlling workers’ comp costs isn’t cutting care, but doubling down on the human element?

Marc Cunningham interviews Tamara Johnson, Vice President of Claim Cost Control at Lockton, about how communication and compassion are transforming workers’ compensation outcomes. Tamara shares how strategies like injury counseling, supervisor training, and early interventions create better recoveries for employees while reducing costs for employers. They also explore how AI and compliance considerations are reshaping the future of claims management.

In this Episode:

• Why emphasizing communication and empathy leads to faster employee recovery and lower claim costs.
• The role of injury counselors and supervisor engagement in preventing litigation.
• How AI, data analytics, and ADA/EEOC compliance are changing the landscape of claims management.

What does it take to lead risk in one of the world’s most essential—and regulated—industries?
In this episode, host Marc Cunningham talks with Beth Mineau, Director of Strategy, Sustainability and Risk Management at TriCal Group, live from RIMS RISKWORLD in Chicago.
 
Beth shares how she transitioned from insuring the company to becoming its embedded risk leader, and how her work helps protect people, land, and legacy across a global agricultural operation.
They explore the role of risk leadership in protecting workers, supporting long-term family businesses, and creating safety-first cultures in complex environments.
Join us as we discuss:

• The strategic role of risk in sustainable agriculture
• How to build safety and compliance into operations
• Preparing future claims leaders through better partnerships

Risk management in the restaurant industry is no longer just about minimizing claims. For Kurt Leisure, VP of Risk Services at The Cheesecake Factory, it’s about anticipating challenges, building strong industry partnerships, and knowing when to trust people over technology.

In this episode, recorded live at RIMS 2025 in Chicago, host Marc Cunningham talks with Kurt about the lessons from 35 years in risk, the art of preventing litigation before it begins, and how Cheesecake Factory is blending AI with human insight to stay ahead.

Join us as we discuss:

• How to work with carriers early to avoid courtroom surprises
• Why people skills still matter more than automation in complex claims
• Where AI fits in risk programs—and where it doesn’t
• What forward-thinking really looks like in enterprise risk management

Strong communication isn’t just a nice-to-have for risk leaders—it’s part of the job. Whether it’s a panel at a conference or a media interview on emerging threats, the ability to deliver your message clearly and credibly can set you apart in a crowded industry.

In this episode, host Marc Cunningham talks with Beth Jarecki, Founder and CEO of Omnia, live from this year’s RIMS RISKWORLD in Chicago. Beth shares lessons from two decades of helping executives in insurance, law, and financial services sharpen their voice, lead with clarity, and turn expertise into influence.

Join us as we discuss:

• How media training equips professionals for high-impact moments
• Why storytelling remains essential for risk and claims leaders
• The value of preparation in elevating executive presence

What happens when high performance hides toxic leadership? As innovation accelerates, overlooking the human side of work can quietly erode even the strongest companies.

In today’s episode, Marc Cunningham sits down with Michael Baumgartner—veteran HR strategist and founder of the Work Life Survival Center—to explore how talent, leadership, and culture intersect. Together, they tackle the hidden costs of poor management, why employee advocacy is non-negotiable, and how businesses can build environments where people and profits thrive.

Join us as we discuss:

• The hidden dangers of promoting talent without people skills
• How promoting without empathy destroys culture
• How HR can become a true catalyst for culture change

This week, host Marc Cunningham speaks with Jeff Breskin, Commercialized Producer for Insurance Office of America, who was recently recognized as a 2024 Workers’ Compensation Power Broker. Jeff shares his unrivaled passion for client advocacy and holistic approach to risk management, highlighting personal anecdotes of how he’s gone above and beyond for clients. Marc and Jeff also explore emerging trends, challenges, and strategies within the industry that every ambitious and committed insurance professional should bear in mind.

Join us as we discuss:

• The impact of generative AI on commercial insurance and workers' compensation pricing
• How robust employee benefits programs can influence premiums
• The value of strong relationships with carrier partners and underwriters for achieving industry success.

This week, Wayne Brand, Head of Corporate Client Practice at Crawford & Company, speaks with Stephen Lathrope, Senior Vice President of Solutions at ICEYE, live from the RIMS RISKWORLD 2024. Stephen talks with us about Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and how the technology is being harnessed in satellite constellations to revolutionize disaster risk assessment and management.

Join us as we discuss:

• The benefits of SAR-generated imagery over optical imagery
• How government agencies are utilizing SAR-equipped tech in their disaster responses
• How satellite data is enabling innovative risk management

This week, host Marc Cunningham speaks with Kara Sepulveda, Senior Corporate Risk & Insurance Manager at Lithia, whom he caught up with at RIMS RISKWORLD 2024. Kara shares her thoughts on employee care, industry misconceptions, and the strategic role of case management—particularly her commitment to proactive communication and continuous training in order to prevent client dissatisfaction and enhance relationships.

Join us as we discuss:

• How proactive problem-solving from account managers positively impacts client retention
• Using field case managers early in an injury claim process
• The role of personalization when engaging with injured employees

This week features host Marc Cunningham’s conversation with Paul King (Chief Client Officer at myMatrixx), which took place at this year’s RIMS RISKWORLD2024 conference. Paul covers all things Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM)—from implementation to challenges to benefits.

Join us as we discuss:

• How clinical edits fit into the PBM process
• The concept of benefit neutrality and treating whole-person health
• Using virtual healthcare platforms in managing conditions like COPD, asthma, and obesity

If you’re a reporting entity, there’s a good chance you have October 11, 2024 circled on your calendars, as it’s when Medicare’s Section 111 becomes applicable following the effective date of December 2023. Naturally, questions remain for many regarding what effective compliance looks like—and when companies need to fully comply by. Given the hefty penalties that come along with the guidelines, most companies truly can’t afford to be left in the dark.

This week, we’re joined by Suzanne Jordan, Compliance Manager at Broadspire, who helps break down Section 111 and demystifies the various dates, forms, processes, and acronyms companies that all manner of companies need to know. 

Join us as we discuss:

• The process for registering and recertifying with Medicare as a responsible reporting entity (RRE)
• The various challenges for meeting Medicare reporting standards
• The claim review process and the relevant deadlines for reporting entities

Just how valuable is the human touch? And how necessary is it? More and more, it seems like the winning recipe for success in the Risk & Claims Management industry involves harnessing cutting-edge trends and technology without making your clients or team members feel like they’re dealing with an organization run by analytics and machines. It’s a challenge—but also an opportunity.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Crystal Sanderson, National Director of Strategic Partnerships and Placement at McGriff Insurance. Crystal harnesses more than two decades in the insurance industry—as well as experiences in many different areas—to continuously redefine and sharpen what effective internal collaboration and client support looks like.

Join us as we discuss:

• The role of market dynamics and internal company culture in shaping strategic vision.
• How unifying cultures and expanding into new industry verticals can excite and rejuvenate an organization.
• The value of non-linear career growth and exploration.

The importance of partnerships and collaboration isn’t limited to product-driven spaces. In fact, they hold just as much weight in the program space. Making sure you work with top-of-the-line partners in mutually beneficial agreements can help build a strong brand across the high-competition program marketplace. But how are partnerships and M&As decided in the modern MGA environment?

We’re joined by Brad Isaacson, Senior Vice President, Program Development at Amynta Group, who shares all things program — from new trends, best practices and success stories, Brad’s insights and experiences can help you shape a top-tier program with the right partners and cutting-edge strategies.

Join us as we discuss:

• The MGA space and business segments at Amynta
• The impact of hardening in the program industry
• Current state and emerging trends across the program industry

With countless moving pieces, businesses function like extremely complex machines. But this doesn’t make one function more important than any other. So how do you address risk management while simultaneously fostering internal growth? And what metrics and systems can be put in place to accurately judge success and while also highlighting areas of weakness?

Today we speak with Brian Riley, Associate Vice President at Compass Group Canada, a food facility service provider that serves countless industries including healthcare, sports, leisure, education and beyond. Brian dives into exactly how his team works to balance business and ensure each function of the machine works in unison with proper care and attention.

Join us as we discuss:

• Key indicators to implement in risk management systems
• How to deliberately impact team members’ success
• Open communication as the key to teamwide growth and success

The use of captives in industries such as the sharing and gig economies, as well as in unique risk areas such as cannabis and crypto, has become more prevalent due to the challenges faced by the commercial market in pricing and structuring insurance programs for these risks.

Richard Cutcher, Founder at Captive Intelligence & Host of the Global Captive Podcast, says that in particular, captive owners in the gig economy require claims support, and Crawford plays an important role in this area. The popularity of cell captives is growing, with some large structures seeing members paying up to $20m in premiums per year. Some even suggest that well-capitalized captives could take on significant business from the parent and start setting prices for premiums.

Join us as we discuss:

• What the benefits of using AI in supply chain management are
• How AI can be integrated into supply chain management processes
• When the best time to implement AI in supply chain management is

We’ve entered the era of the accommodating workplace.
From telecommuting to ergonomics, recent changes in the status quo have made the workforce more welcoming to more people than ever before. And that’s good news for everyone.

Today, we’re speaking with Matthew McCord, Senior Consultant at Job Accommodation Network, and Nesha Courtney, National Product Manager Advocacy, Biopsychosocial, Disability, and Return to Work Services at Broadspire, about what’s fueling the trend.

Join us as we discuss:

• Why companies are investing in ergonomic modifications
• The COVID effect on accommodation in the workplace
• How legislation is impacting accommodation

Offering products and services across Latin America is no small task. The region is massive and its languages and traditions just as varied. What works in one country may not work in another and even exact translations may be problematic because of cultural nuances. It’s an opportunity that Roberto McQuattie, President, Latin America at Crawford & Company, has learned to manage with finesse. 
A reluctant chip off the old block, Roberto followed in his father’s footsteps to insurance, but certainly did it his way and in ways his father likely could not have imagined. 
Join us as we discuss:
How to navigate the challenges associated with different customs, languages, and traditions
What Crawford’s Latin American strategy looks like
Where to offer various products and services in a varied region

Are you innovating? We all think we are, but is your company really committed to driving impact for clients, colleagues, and industry culture in the midst of a changing world? Is your company committed enough to hire somebody precisely to do that job?

That’s exactly what Rachel Perry, Chief Innovation Officer, Commercial Risk North America at Aon, is here to do. The way Rachel sees it, you can’t have innovation if you’re not driving growth for the company, solving client problems, and growing right as a firm.

Join us as we discuss:
What a Chief Innovation Officer does to be successful
Why diversity, equity, and inclusion is important for innovation
How to not just hire a good team, but retain them too