PoolSide with Michelle Bechamps

Transcending the Transaction

In this episode, we welcome Jay Baer, Hall of Fame keynote speaker and author of Human.Kind. and Ignite a Word-of-Mouth Wave, for a conversation about why human connection is once again becoming the most powerful growth strategy in a technology-saturated world. As public entity pools gain efficiency through innovation, the real question becomes: What are we doing with the capacity we get back?  In relationship-driven industries like pooling, our differentiator has never been speed alone. It’s trust, proximity, and personal connection. Jay shares how intentional moments spark loyalty, why advocacy is earned through experiences, and how leaders can ignite a wave, one meaningful interaction at a time.

The Productivity Paradox: Tech, Time, and the Forces Reshaping Modern Pooling

We’ve never had more tools, data, or technology at our fingertips—yet many leaders feel more stretched than ever. In this milestone one-year anniversary episode of PoolSide, we unpack a question facing public entity risk pools everywhere: Are we actually becoming more productive—or just busier? In Episode #10, host Michelle Bechamps is joined by Ann Gergen, Executive Director of AGRiP, to explore the real forces reshaping productivity in pooling today, including: * How AI and pooled intelligence are changing expertise, judgment, and decision-making * The impact of shifting demographics and career longevity on innovation and advancement * Why knowledge loss from board and staff turnover quietly erodes productivity * How cognitive and organizational bias slows progress—even in data-rich environments This isn’t a conversation about chasing efficiency or adopting the next shiny tool. It’s about designing productivity—intentionally, strategically, and human-centered. The leaders who thrive won’t be the fastest movers. They’ll be the ones asking better questions, building smarter systems, and creating space for thinking—not just doing.

Leading Across Generations (Without the Stereotypes)

As 2026 approaches, leadership looks different from just a few years ago. Gen Z is now stepping into management, Millennials are running teams, and Gen X and Boomers are guiding organizations through transitions shaped by hybrid work, fast-moving tech, and bigger questions about meaning and motivation. In this episode of PoolSide, we’re joined by Kim Lear, founder of Inlay Insights, to talk about what actually works when leading across generations—plus practical ways to communicate better, build trust faster, and get the best from multi-generational teams (without the stereotypes).

Protecting the Badge — Legal Trends and Leadership in Modern Policing

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Jack Ryan, Attorney & Co-Director at the Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute (LLRMI) — one of the nation’s leading voices in law enforcement risk management and liability — to talk about how agencies can lead with accountability and stay ahead of emerging legal trends. We discuss: • The most common litigation trends facing law enforcement agencies today • How agencies can rebuild public trust and social capital after years of scrutiny • What it really means to “take care of your own house” — and how to stay proactive before problems become lawsuits • Practical steps for chiefs, sheriffs, and risk managers to strengthen policy, training, and documentation

Behind the Firewall: A Public Entity Pool’s Role in Cyber Resilience

As cyber threats grow more complex, public entities face mounting pressure to safeguard systems, data, and community trust. In this episode of PoolSide, we explore how risk pools are adapting—not just by offering cyber coverage, but by actively partnering with members to strengthen defenses. From evolving claims trends and coverage strategies to the frontlines of cyber hygiene, we discuss how shared responsibility, education, and proactive support are shaping the future of public sector cyber resilience.