Underwriting Evolved: A DUO Podcast

Executive Chef vs. Sous Chef: Where Does AI Fit?

🎙️ Guests: Taylor Pickett, VP & Actuary; and Nick Kocisak, Associate Actuary, RGA 💡 Are we still the executive chef, or has AI taken over the kitchen? In this episode, Taylor Pickett and Nick Kocisak tackle one of insurance's biggest questions: how AI fits into underwriting. Spoiler alert: it's not about replacement – it's about partnership. They explore how consumer expectations have evolved, why human judgment remains irreplaceable, and how actuaries and underwriters can work together to harness AI's power. 🔍 Tune in for insights on: * Meeting Amazon-era expectations without sacrificing underwriting rigor * AI-assisted underwriting: powerful tool, not replacement * Breaking down silos between actuaries and underwriters * Skills that matter in an AI-enabled future A must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of AI and insurance.

Scaling Smart: Building AI Tools That Underwriters Actually Use

🎙️ Guest: Eric Westhus, Lead Data Scientist, Americas Data Solutions, RGA 💡 Can a three-person data science team really transform how underwriters handle 1,000-page case files? What does it take to turn an AI experiment into a production tool that underwriters actually trust? In this episode, we sit down with Eric Westhus to explore how RGA is scaling AI tools that underwriters actually use – tools that don't replace human judgment ... but enhance it. Through his unexpected journey from outdoor ecology to data science innovation, Eric shares how his team is transforming underwriting workflows with real-world AI applications. 🔍 Tune in for practical insights on staying ahead in digital underwriting, including: * Approaches for data scientists and underwriters to co-develop tools through daily feedback loops * The importance of customizable models tailored to underwriting needs * Real-world examples of fixing OCR errors and refining data strategies This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of AI and insurance. Eric offers practical insights into building scalable, auditable, and human-centered AI tools that solve real problems – while optimizing the underwriter's expertise.

Training the Super Smart Child: AI's Role in Modern Underwriting

🎙️ Guests: Mark James and Rich Schroeder, Directors of Underwriting Innovation, RGA 💡 What happens when underwriting meets a 'super smart child' trained by AI? In this week's episode of Underwriting Evolved, Host Adam Lorentzen sits down with Mark James and Rich for an exclusive conversation on how artificial intelligence is transforming underwriting – moving beyond traditional rules engines into what they describe as a "strange Star Trek hybrid" of automation and human expertise. 🔍 Key topics covered: * The "super smart child" model approach to training AI systems * Stories like the unforgettable "tongue depressor depression" diagnosis * How AI processes massive 2000+ page case files * Treating AI like a "trained intern" Plus, Rich and Mark offer candid insights from RGA's frontlines of AI implementation – sharing breakthroughs, lessons learned, and a glimpse into what's next for underwriting teams. You won't want to miss this episode!

How to Transform Your Underwriting Process Through Tech & Teamwork

🎙️ Guest: Fazilya Abdulkafarova, Executive Director, Underwriting R&D, RGA 💡 Can AI-powered tools make underwriting not just faster, but smarter? And what does that mean for the people behind the decisions? In this week's episode of Underwriting Evolved, Host Adam Lorentzen sits down with Fazilya Abdulkafarova to unpack the "A to F" of digital underwriting. From automation to the future of the field, they explore how technology is reshaping the industry. 🔍 Tune in for practical insights on staying ahead in digital underwriting, including: * Accelerating decisions with automation, AI, and data science * Driving innovation through cross-functional collaboration * Simplifying workflows with smart tools and intuitive interfaces Plus, hear why Fazilya gives her mom credit for launching her career in the field. From eliminating manual document searches to empowering underwriters with cutting-edge tools—discover how technology + teamwork are transforming underwriting.

Structured Data Revolution: Transforming Underwriting with AI and Analytics

🎙️ Guest: Mirsad Kulovic, Technical Director of Underwriting Data Analytics, RGA 💡 Can AI-powered tools make underwriting not just faster, but smarter—and what does that mean for the people behind the decisions? In this week's episode of Underwriting Evolved, RGA's Mirsad Kulovic shares how structured data and AI are transforming insurance underwriting—from slashing processing times to enhancing decision quality. 🔍 Learn practical strategies for: * Change management * Underwriter engagement * Building trust in AI-powered solutions Plus, hear Mirsad's inspiring journey from intern to director and his vision for making life insurance more accessible.