The Long Way to the Top: Rob Adams on Forging His Own Path to the CFO Role

The Long Way to the Top: Rob Adams on Forging His Own Path to the CFO Role

Matt Naylor sits down with Rob Adams, CFO of Crumdale Specialty, to trace the arc of a career built on persistence, differentiation, and calculated risk. Rob opens up about his early inflection points—switching from public school to all-boys Malvern Prep (which turned his grades around), fighting the administration for the right to recruit with Big 4 accounting firms as an econ major, and the frustration of watching entrepreneurs reap equity rewards while his firm could only collect fees. That frustration sparked his pivot from service provider to principal, leading him to an MBA at the University of Michigan—and a tough choice between grad school and a budding romance that ultimately shaped his path. From Ernst & Young to the music industry to the CFO seat, Rob shares how grit, diverse experience, and knowing when to zig while others zag built the career he has today.

The Real Skills That Matter in an AI Driven World with Shawn Kanungo

Matt is joined by Shawn Kanungo, who shares his perspective on why AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time and how it will reshape every industry. He explains that success in an AI-driven world isn’t about prompt engineering, but about creativity, context, and the ability to generate ideas that AI can execute. Shawn breaks down how individuals at every stage of their career should approach AI—encouraging younger professionals to build skills with the tools, while urging experienced professionals to pair their deep industry knowledge with AI as a “technical co-founder.” He emphasizes that the real opportunity lies in reimagining work, designing around human strengths, and becoming more adaptable in a world where change is constant. Ultimately, he highlights that those who lean into uncertainty, experiment, and build a muscle around AI will thrive, while those who resist it risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Breaking the Cycle of Rising Health Costs and Finding Better Solutions with Rod Strata Jr.

Matt is joined by Rod Strata Jr., who shares his journey from cold-calling medical supplies and college recruiting to leading benefits strategy at GDK. He explains how those early experiences built resilience and shaped his approach to helping employers navigate the complexities of healthcare. Rod breaks down why transparency and access to data are critical in a system where prices can vary dramatically for the same service, and how tools that guide employees to lower-cost, higher-value care can make a meaningful difference. He also highlights how innovative strategies like specialty drug sourcing, cost containment, and the right vendor partnerships help flatten rising healthcare costs while improving the member experience.

Why Education Is the Missing Piece in Lowering Healthcare Costs with Eric O’Brien

Matt is joined by Eric O’Brien, who shares his journey from aspiring professional lacrosse player to founding Mosaic Employee Benefits after recognizing the disruption coming with the Affordable Care Act. Drawing on his experience as an athlete, Eric explains how resilience, discipline, and a competitive mindset shaped his approach to building a business and serving clients. He breaks down how education and employee engagement are key to lowering healthcare costs, helping companies move beyond the traditional “use your card and pay the bill” mindset toward more informed, cost-conscious decisions. Eric emphasizes that in a complex and rapidly evolving benefits landscape, success comes from cutting through noise, focusing on the right partners, and leading with transparency, trust, and genuine care for clients and their employees.

Why Most Health Plans Fail and How Captives Change the Game with Buzz Hannum and Tonya Crawford

Matt is joined by Buzz Hannum and Tonya Crawford, who share their journeys into the insurance and healthcare space and how they came together at Crumdale Specialty. Buzz started on the broker side, developing a focus on risk management and alternative financing, while Tonya transitioned from a clinical healthcare role into the business side, keeping patient outcomes at the center of her work. Together, they explain how Crumdale’s approach differs from traditional models by guiding employers through a phased transition from fully insured plans to captive solutions, using data, cost containment strategies, and integrated services to reduce costs and improve outcomes. They also highlight the importance of alignment, transparency, and partnership with brokers—positioning Crumdale as a true extension of their teams in an increasingly complex and fragmented healthcare market.