InsuranceAUM.com

Episode 18: Telematic Insurance with Robert Smithson, Just Insure Founder and CEO

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Robert Smithson, founder of Just Insure, to discuss how Insurtech is revolutionizing the auto insurance industry. Robert shares his journey from the sports betting industry to launching an insurance startup, applying real-time risk pricing and telematics to create a more equitable auto insurance model. By leveraging technology to analyze real-world driving behavior rather than relying on traditional demographic factors, Just Insure aims to offer fairer pricing and greater accessibility—especially for lower-income drivers.

The conversation dives deep into how telematics works, why traditional insurers may be missing the mark on risk assessment, and how real-time data can lead to safer driving habits. Robert also shares his thoughts on the future of the auto insurance market, the potential for telematics to impact road safety, and the opportunities available in the growing Insurtech sector. Whether you're an insurance professional, an investor, or just curious about the intersection of technology and insurance, this episode offers an insightful look into one of the most innovative areas of the industry.

Episode 18: Telematics Insurance with Robert Smithson, CEO of Just Insure

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Robert Smithson, founder of Just Insure, to discuss how Insurtech is revolutionizing the auto insurance industry. Robert shares his journey from the sports betting industry to launching an insurance startup, applying real-time risk pricing and telematics to create a more equitable auto insurance model. By leveraging technology to analyze real-world driving behavior rather than relying on traditional demographic factors, Just Insure aims to offer fairer pricing and greater accessibility—especially for lower-income drivers.

The conversation dives deep into how telematics works, why traditional insurers may be missing the mark on risk assessment, and how real-time data can lead to safer driving habits. Robert also shares his thoughts on the future of the auto insurance market, the potential for telematics to impact road safety, and the opportunities available in the growing Insurtech sector. Whether you're an insurance professional, an investor, or just curious about the intersection of technology and insurance, this episode offers an insightful look into one of the most innovative areas of the industry.

Episode 17: Street View with Loop Capital's Anthony Chukumba

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, welcomes retail industry expert Anthony Chukumba of Loop Capital to discuss the dramatic shifts in the retail sector. Anthony shares insights into how traditional brick-and-mortar retailers were already struggling before COVID-19, the continued rise of e-commerce, and how the pandemic has accelerated digital shopping trends. He also explains which retailers are best positioned to survive economic downturns and why certain business models are more resilient than others.

The conversation dives into the growing dominance of Amazon, the role of omnichannel retailing, and how companies like Best Buy have successfully adapted to the digital age. Anthony also offers his take on investment opportunities, highlighting stocks he favors and those he’s cautious about. Whether you're an investor, an insurance asset manager, or just interested in the future of retail, this episode provides valuable perspectives on the industry's transformation.

Episode 16: On the Desk: Talking ETFs with Mike Cafiero and Aaron Kehoe

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down with trading professionals for A View From the Desk, a new segment offering real-time market insights. With ETFs playing an increasingly important role in insurance general accounts, they break down the liquidity benefits, cost efficiencies, and risk management advantages of these investment tools.

The discussion covers how ETFs performed through the recent market volatility, the role of the Fed’s asset purchase programs, and why insurance investors are increasingly using ETFs for tactical exposure. Whether you’re actively investing in ETFs or tracking them for price discovery, this episode provides valuable insights into their expanding role in insurance portfolios.

Episode 15: Meet Sanjay Chawla, CIO of FM Global

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, sits down with Sanjay Chawla, Chief Investment Officer at FM Global, to discuss his career journey from corporate pensions to leading investments at a major insurance company. Sanjay shares how his diverse experiences in corporate treasury, risk management, and asset allocation have shaped his approach to managing insurance general account assets. He also discusses the fundamental differences between pension investing and insurance portfolio management, offering valuable insights for seasoned professionals and young investors alike.

The conversation explores the unprecedented volatility of 2020, the importance of risk management in navigating economic uncertainty, and the role of technology in modern investment strategies. Sanjay also shares his perspective on total return vs. book yield, the integration of private assets in an insurance portfolio, and how asset managers can better serve insurance clients. Whether you’re an industry veteran or an aspiring investment professional, this episode delivers key takeaways on leadership, risk, and investment decision-making in today’s dynamic market environment.

Episode 14: Meet the Silver Lining's Bestie: Margaret Resce Milkint, Managing Partner of The Jacobson Group

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down for an insightful discussion on the evolving insurance job market, leadership, and the power of diversity and inclusion. The conversation covers the impact of COVID-19 on hiring trends, the critical need for agile and empathetic leadership, and how the next generation of insurance professionals can navigate today’s challenges.

With a deep dive into the skills that matter most in today’s environment, this episode explores why communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are just as important as technical expertise. Plus, hear about ongoing efforts to advance diversity in the industry and how inclusion plays a key role in its future. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting your career, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the road ahead.

Episode 13: Before, During and After COVID 19 with Loop Capital's Chris Mier

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley sits down for an insightful conversation on the economic landscape before, during, and after COVID-19. The discussion covers the unprecedented nature of the downturn, the role of monetary and fiscal policy, and what indicators may reveal about the path forward.

With perspectives on recession recovery patterns—whether V-shaped or U-shaped—and the critical importance of fiscal action, this episode offers a thoughtful analysis of what lies ahead. Tune in for a discussion on economic trends, key data points to watch, and how policymakers are navigating this uncertain environment.

Episode 12: On the Desk: Talking ETFs with Brownstone's Mike Cafiero and Aaron Kehoe

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley explores the role of ETFs in insurance general accounts. A View From the Desk provides insights from the trading floor, covering ETF liquidity, volatility, and adoption trends in the insurance industry.

With a growing number of insurers incorporating ETFs for tactical exposure, duration matching, and liquidity management, this discussion sheds light on how these instruments are being utilized—and how they performed during recent market stress. Tune in for key takeaways on ETF implementation, price discovery, and evolving market trends.

Episode 11: Retail and COVID 19 with Anthony Chukumba of Loop Capital

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, is joined by Loop Capital’s Anthony Chukumba for an engaging look at the retail sector through the lens of a seasoned equity research analyst. With over 20 years of experience, Anthony shares how major shifts—including ecommerce, omnichannel strategies, and recessionary pressures—are reshaping the retail landscape. From legacy brands to new entrants, he highlights what’s driving survival and what’s accelerating decline in an already overstored U.S. market.

The conversation spans pre- and post-COVID dynamics, including which business models are proving resilient, how Amazon’s dominance is being challenged, and where technology is creating both opportunity and disruption. For insurance investors with exposure to equities—or just looking to better understand one of the most visible sectors in the economy—this episode delivers sharp, experience-backed insights into what’s next for retail.

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