Life Accelerated
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.
Episodes
What does it really take to run insurance contact centres at scale without losing trust?
In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine speaks with Emily LeMay, Co-Head of Individual Markets at Global Atlantic, about what she has learned leading and supporting contact centre teams across the insurance industry. Emily walks through how early roles shaped her view of service operations, and why strong fundamentals...
In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine chats with David Ditillo, CIO of Corebridge Financial, about the large-scale changes that followed Corebridge's separation from AIG. David explains how the company rebuilt its technology foundation while ensuring customers and partners continued to receive reliable service, whether by migrating to the cloud or rolling out new systems.
You'll hear Corebridge's perspe...
In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine reflects on the key themes and insights from the 2025 season of Life Accelerated. Throughout the year, the podcast covered the evolving role of technology in the life insurance industry, from the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) to the necessity of data modernization. Olivier looks back at conversations on standardization to build trust across the sector, alongside discus...
In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine speaks with Adrian Webb, Executive Chairman of OutcomePath, about the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the insurance industry. Adrian breaks down how AI transforms insurance operations, from improving fraud detection to automating complex processes. He discusses the practicalities of scaling AI responsibly, weighing its opportunities and risks.
Adri...
In this episode, host Olivier Lafontaine speaks with David Whitehead, Senior Vice President of Retirement Services Sales and Marketing, and Kyle Ryan, Vice President of Retirement Services Operations from Reliance Standard Life. Together, they reflect on leading multi-year transformations that reshaped how the business manages policies, distribution, and customer service.
David and Kyle discuss efficiency ...
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...
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 D...
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 ...
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, re...
| 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... Listen Mark as Played April 9, 2025 • 35 mins 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 championi... Listen Mark as Played March 12, 2025 • 38 mins 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-... Listen Mark as Played January 15, 2025 • 10 mins 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 mod... Listen Mark as Played December 11, 2024 • 9 mins In this special episode of Life Accelerated, host Anthony O'Donnell revisits thought-provoking conversations with some of the most influential leaders in the life insurance industry during 2024. These discussions delve into the accelerating pace of technological change and its profound impact on customer expectations, operational efficiency, and employee engagement. Through these dialogues, the episode examines how ins... Listen Mark as Played November 13, 2024 • 32 mins In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Anthony O'Donnell sits down with Karen Leggett, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Manulife, for an insightful look into how AI and digital transformation are reshaping the insurance landscape. Listen Mark as Played October 9, 2024 • 27 mins In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Anthony O'Donnell brings you an illuminating conversation with Richard Wiedenbeck, Chief AI Officer at Ameritas. With a wealth of experience in the life insurance and technology sectors, Richard has seamlessly transitioned from his role as CIO to his pioneering position as Chief AI Officer. This title alone signifies Ameritas's progressive strides in adopting arti... Listen Mark as Played September 11, 2024 • 31 mins Host Anthony O'Donnell sits down with Jean Olive, CIO of John Hancock, to discuss the company's impressive journey towards digital transformation and its focus on enhancing customer experience. Jean shares her engineering background and diverse industry experience, discussing John Hancock's mission to promote long, healthy lives through innovative initiatives like vitality behavioral insurance. The discuss... Listen Mark as Played August 14, 2024 • 22 mins Host Anthony O'Donnell welcomes Niki Manby, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Mutual of Omaha to share the remarkable journey of the company's digital transformation that has boosted the success of the company.
Niki shares her extensive experience in financial services and fintech, showcasing how she's driving change and ensuring the company remains competitive and customer-focused. They explore t... Listen Mark as Played July 10, 2024 • 26 mins Great leaders in digital innovation often start their journey in diverse fields. Dora Clements is an exceptional leader at Unum whose impressive journey from entertainment law to overseeing transformative initiatives at the 175-year-old company is a testament to the potential for multidisciplinary approaches in driving organizational change. Host Anthony O'Donnell speaks with Dora, the Senior Vice Presiden... Listen Mark as Played Host Anthony O'Donnell welcomes back Kevin Cummer, Director of Life Products, and Nick Rohan, Director of Partner Management at TruStage Insurance to share the remarkable journey of TruStage's digital transformation, which has not only redefined their brand but also set new benchmarks in the insurance industry. Kevin and Nick take us through the evolution of TruStage, from its roots as CUNA Mutual Group, p... Listen Mark as Played Popular PodcastsIf you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered. Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio. The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God! |