CONVOS with Stokes

Building America in the AI Boom: Construction, Captives, and Risk

This episode is a candid, wide-ranging chat with Insurance and Risk Management guru, Bill McIntyre, who’s spent nearly 60 years in construction risk. We dig into why insurance matters more than you think, how group captives like ACIG let contractors take control of risk, and why insurance isn’t just a paperwork checkbox but a tool that literally protects lives, livelihoods, and company competitiveness. We talk about the massive construction ramp driven by AI, data centers, chip plants, and next-gen infrastructure — and how that growth exposes gaps in trained labor and frontline managers. Bill explains the real cost of mistakes (think way beyond the insurance payout) and why safety and quality go hand in hand. You’ll hear why leadership and culture make the biggest difference: set the tone at the top, walk the talk, and empower people in the field to Observe–Orient–Decide–Act (OODA). That loop is everything for fast, complex projects where thousands of micro-decisions happen every day. We also cover practical ways to bridge the gap — mobile tools that push and pull knowledge to the craft level, sharing best practices across captives, profit-sharing models that align incentives, and how a strong safety mindset actually makes companies more competitive on bids. Finally, Bill frames construction and insurance as essential to national strength — from energy and water infrastructure to cyber and AI security — and reminds us why working in this space is meaningful. If you care about building stuff that matters (and keeping people safe while doing it), this episode is full of perspective and ideas you can actually use.

Risk, Insurance & Building Something That Lasts – with Jack Gibson

In this episode, I sit down with Jack Gibson, CEO of IRMI (International Risk Management Institute), WebCE, and McIntyre Financial Services. Jack’s been in the risk and insurance world for over four decades—and unlike most people who stumble into the industry, he got into it on purpose. We talk about what pulled him into this field, why insurance is way more important (and misunderstood) than most people realize, and how IRMI evolved from three-ring binders to one of the most respected educational platforms in the business. Jack also shares how risk management touches nearly every part of our lives—from whether you can get a mortgage, to how homes are built after wildfires. We get into: * Why insurance companies are “second responders” after disasters * The real reason premiums go up—and what most people get wrong about it * How to build products your customers don’t even know they need yet * Leading through big changes (like the jump from print to digital) * Why the insurance world is full of opportunity—especially for the next generation Jack’s career is a masterclass in long-term thinking, staying close to your customer, and building something that actually helps people. Whether you’re in the industry or just curious how it all works, this is one worth tuning into.

Jack Urban - Photography and Infosec

Exploring the Analog and Digital Worlds with Jack Urban In this episode, I sit down with Jack Urban, Director of Engineering at MindForge and an information security analyst. But that’s just one side of his story. Jack also has a deep passion for photography, which he sees as a way to connect with the world beyond the digital. We dive into Jack's journey from the abstract world of cybersecurity to the introspective art of photography. He shares how his portrait and documentary work helps him understand human connection while reflecting on how digital photography influences our perception of reality. On the flip side, we explore the human-centric nature of cybersecurity—how trust, ethics, and intent shape our online lives, the challenges of protecting a digital world, and what it all means for the rest of us. It’s a fascinating conversation about the intersection of creativity and technology and how Jack balances two very different yet complementary passions. Check out Jack’s photography on Instagram: @syntheticsolace [https://www.instagram.com/syntheticsolace/].

Merry-We-Go-Round

Life journey, reflecting on the twists and turns of personal development. Purpose, discovering meaningful work, and a sense of direction. Career paths, exploring different professional routes, and finding the right fit. Pivoting, transitioning from accounting to filmmaking,g and embracing change. Uncertainty, navigating unknowns, and learning to make decisions in ambiguity. Confidence, building self-assurance through action and experience. Relationships, the role of partners, and connections in shaping your journey. Ambition, balancing personal growth with the pursuit of long-term goals. Emotional well-being, managing stress, and maintaining balance during challenges. Risk-taking, stepping out of your comfort zone to explore new opportunities. Failure, using setbacks as learning experiences and growth opportunities. Self-reflection, assessing your life’s direction, and adjusting when needed. Overcoming challenges, developing resilience, and learning from difficulties. Finding purpose, identifying what truly motivates and drives you. Navigating choices and understanding the long-term impact of key decisions.