Firm & Final: Recent Episodes
BCS Financial
Firm & Final: The Legends of Stop Loss and Reinsurance is an exciting stop-loss industry podcast from BCS Financial Chief Actuary Mehb Khoja. Mehb brings together legends from the stop loss, reinsurance, and self-funded industries to discuss current and future stop loss issues and trends and share legendary experience and advice for the next generation of stop loss and reinsurance superheroes. Record and submit your question at legends@bcsf.com to be featured on a future episode! BCS Financial: bcsf.com
Pharmaceutical costs are one of the key factors driving increased health care expenditures in the U.S.
Which is pretty stunning when you consider that most Americans don’t have any idea how those drugs are priced, or even how they get to market.
So in this episode, we’re exploring the complexities of high-cost drugs, including gene therapies and specialty medications, with some of the top experts from the Blue Cross Blue Shield family of companies.
Joining us are Pat Gleason from Prime Therapeutics, Ramesh Jayasuriya from Evio, and Jim Clement from Synergie.
Together, we’ll have a very frank conversation where we try to define what constitutes a specialty medication, explain how value-based contracting and warranties work, and explore what the future may hold for pricing in the pharmaceutical industry.
And, each panelist will offer up what they see as some potential solutions to help improve drug affordability and access in the U.S. healthcare system.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Even veterans of the stop loss industry are scratching their heads these days, wondering if this is the hardest market with which we’ve ever had to contend.
With loss ratios peaking at 91% last year and widespread underperformance across all segments, insurers are struggling to keep pace with the accelerating trajectory of high-severity claims. But big premium adjustments risk alienating customers.
So in this episode, we’re discussing these trends with three veterans of the stop loss industry, and exploring opportunities to stabilize and sustain the stop loss marketplace moving forward.
Joining us are Jeremy Freestone from Symetra, Ryan Siemers from Aegis Risk LLC, and Steve Gransbury from Captive Resources, LLC.
With their insights, we’ll explain the current market’s repercussions for the growth of self-insurance, the increasing impact of new technology on the underwriting process, and four potential solutions to button up margins as we head into the next year.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
The dynamics between selling stop loss policies and underwriting stop loss policies have always created a strange dichotomy in the stop loss industry.
But the latest NAIC data show loss ratios in stop loss climbing to an astounding 91%.
And, in an environment where both of the severity and frequency of claims are on the rise, this added pressure is being felt by everyone.
So in this episode, we’re speaking with sales leaders from throughout the industry about the implications of these loss ratios, how sales strategies are evolving to meet the new market realities, and the impact of continued broker consolidation.
Joining us are Tom Costello from Symetra, Ed Wadhams from QBE, and Pete Laio from BCS.
Together, we’ll discuss trends in self-funding, captive programs, and the move away from fully insured models, as well as new approaches to balancing profitability and growth in a high-loss environment.
And all our guests will make sure to share their predictions for how these dynamics will impact us in the year ahead.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
While the world of stop loss often focuses on mitigating catastrophic employer risk, supplemental health products are designed to protect the working families at the heart of those plans.
In this episode of Firm & Final, we explore these "two sides of the same coin," examining how these two distinct product lines manage different layers of risk in an increasingly expensive healthcare landscape.
We’re joined by two of our BCS Financial colleagues: Liz Midtlien, Head of Large Claims Solutions; and Drew Neslin, Head of Supplemental Health Solutions.
Together, we break down the similarities and differences between these markets and how they can work in tandem to support both employers and employees.
Tapping into the depth of their individual experiences, Liz and Drew define some of the features that make supplemental insurance unique, explore the contrasting market challenges that the two industries face, and chart the potential for "claims integration," where medical data is used to automatically trigger supplemental benefit payments.
Finally, our guests offer their predictions for the coming year, from industry consolidation and market exits to the "doubling down" on technology and transparency to better serve the needs of the modern workforce.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
It feels like there's a growing disconnect between established players in the stop loss industry and the new entrants who crop up annually.
Long-term industry experts point to warning signs that the market may be hardening.
Yet every year, new players enter the market, attracted by the undeniable year-over-year growth.
So what are they seeing on both sides of this equation that creates this disconnect between the insurance markets and the capital markets? And where are we all going to end up?
In this episode, we bring in three pros to sort it all out: Theresa Galizia from Berkley Accident and Health, Tara Krauss from QBE North America, and Alexis Neu from Guy Carpenter.
Additionally, they'll discuss why it's so rare to see an all-female panel in our industry, and what can be done about that.
And then, why one panelist predicts the stop loss industry will eclipse $50 billion next year!
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
You can't fully understand the stop loss and reinsurance industry without considering the impact that its myriad consultants have on both insurers and underwriters.
These consultants bring decades of experience to bear on behalf of their clients, and offer up a unique perspective on what's happening behind the scenes in our business.
So in this episode of Firm & Final, we'll introduce you to three of the industry's foremost experts from the consulting side—Laurie Horan LeBlanc from Marsh McLennan, Andrew Peel from Mercer, and Carol Adams from Guy Carpenter.
We'll discuss the current market dynamics, the challenges faced by stop loss carriers, and the appeal of the market to new entrants. As consultants in the industry, Laurie, Andrew and Carol will also share how they evaluate new providers and make recommendations to their clients, claims management issues, and the growing role of captives in the market.
Finally, each participant in the conversation will offer advice for clients as they prepare for the 2026 renewals season.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
It’s summer time—normally the calm before the storm for the stop loss and reinsurance industries.
But many experts will tell you the industry feels more “unsettled” than usual.
It’s a time of churn, as some carriers exit but other new players enter. Some stop loss carriers are struggling to find margin, while some brokers feel like they’re in a strong position.
So in this episode, we want to chart a path for meeting the needs of the stop loss and reinsurance industries amid this market uncertainty.
We’re talking to three experts from the front lines: Tanya Arrowsmith from Crum & Forster, Bob Black from Aon Benfield, and Raj Gulati from Risk Strategies Company.
They’ll explore the dynamics of capacity and profitability, the impact of market cycles, the influx of new entrants, and the ongoing trends of consolidation within the industry.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Gene therapy offers a powerful tool for treating or curing debilitating diseases that have vexed medical science for years.
Patients battling conditions like hemophilia B, sickle cell anemia, beta thalassemia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other ailments now have new options to consider in their treatment plans.
But let's be blunt. Gene therapy is also... at least for now... really, REALLY expensive.
And so, as these incredible treatments and technologies are unveiled, those of us in the stop loss and reinsurance industries have to stay informed about new developments in gene therapy, the implications of insurance for gene therapy, and the greater economic and social forces in play.
To help us explore these topics, we're bringing in expertise from Ashley Hume, President of Emerging Therapy Solutions; Brooks Wildasin, Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Havarti Risk; and Kelly Munger, Head of US Health at PartnerRe.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Artificial intelligence has landed in the world of stop loss and reinsurance, and this innovative set of tools has the potential to unlock new insights and data sets.
But how will AI providers filter out the noise and incorporate their models into this established $35 billion industry?
We’re going straight to the source with three key leaders in this space: Jason Oswald from Gradient, Ian Pietz from Prealize, and Ali Panjwani from Merit Medicine.
Together, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of predictive analytics in the stop loss and reinsurance sectors, including how artificial intelligence tools stand to redefine underwriting practices and their relationship with data access.
Ali will explain his “3-V” value proposition that AI can unlock in underwriting—visibility, variability, and value.
And all of our expert guests will lay out their visions for future broader adoptions of predictive analytics across the various carrier types.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
We’re back with season 3 of Firm and Final, and it’s a full house!
It’s already been an eventful year in the stoploss and reinsurance industry.
So we have lots to cover with Ben Dewar, SVP of Business Development at SBR; Vince Lewis, chief of sales and marketing officer at UME; and Jonathan Socko, the president of ECU.
We’ll put forward some theories about the underperformance we’ve seen in the market so far, discuss what it means for a few big carriers to exit the reinsurance space, and explore the growth of self-insurance and captives. We’ll also discuss the value of some new AI tools in the industry and make a few bold predictions for the future of the market.
And finally, Ben will reveal to the world why Mehb is no fun at cocktail parties.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
The Firm & Final Season 2 Finale is HERE, with a twist!
We’ve brought back some friendly faces to revisit self-funding topics in our very first group podcast session. Mehb serves as moderator for this wide-ranging discussion with Andrew Trupiano of ATS Underwriting, Dan Davey of Alliant Insurance Services, and James Donnelly of Lockton Re. Listen in to hear about the industry’s opportunities and challenges, career training gaps, and finding a path forward.
PLUS – stick around to the end for an exclusive update on Firm & Final Season 3!
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Join Mehb and Mike Kroupa, Benefits Advisor for Connor & Gallagher OneSource for the next episode of Firm & Final! Mehb and Mike will talk about finding passion in what you do, the parallels between home remodeling and the insurance industry, and the fear of change that is holding many employers back. Plus, Mike shares his tips for transitioning to self-funding or level-funding arrangements, with some client examples along the way.
This episode features our first actuarial guest of Season 2! Welcome Dave Rowbottom, Founder and CEO of Reinsurance Actuarial Solutions to Firm & Final.
Listen in to hear Mehb and Dave discuss career paths, changes in the reinsurance industry, and an honest discussion about the risks and rewards of starting your own business. Actuaries, reinsurance brokers, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship – you’ll want to save this one!
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Episode 9’s guest is Laura Morrison, Vice President, National Healthcare Practice, Risk Strategies. Laura shares her career experience, why she decided to get into the insurance business, and the path she’s forging for other women in the industry through women’s networking groups. Mehb and Laura also discuss the risks and opportunities facing the industry, and lots more. Listen in and learn!
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Mehb chats with Lucy Carter, Senior Vice President – Accident and Health Practice Leader, BMS Group in this next episode. Their discussion covers a wide-range of topics focusing on the international reinsurance market. You’ll hear about the differences between the U.S. and London healthcare experience, and get a detailed sense of what it’s like brokering at Lloyd’s of London – no passport required! If you’ve ever considered the reinsurance industry, this episode is for you.
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
If you listen to stop loss podcasts, you KNOW this next guest! “Self Funded with Spencer” podcast host and SVP, ParetoHealth joins Mehb for episode 7 of Firm & Final. You won’t want to miss this discussion about the power of content, growing your online audience and building your brand, and changes occurring in the insurance industry.
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
In episode 6, Mehb chats with Erin Duffy, Director of Business Development at Imagine360 about her entrance to the industry, mentor and mentee relationships, and the importance of networking on LinkedIn. Erin, who is Chair of the SIIA Future Leaders Committee, also turns the mic back to Mehb and asks some questions about his goals and impact, too!
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Season 2 of Firm & Final continues with episode 5, featuring Ryan Sachtjen, Co-Founder and CEO of software company ThreeFlow. The conversation kicks off with the largest single stop loss case Ryan ever sold – which happened to be the last case before he left to start ThreeFlow. Listen in to hear about the entrepreneurial side of the stop loss and reinsurance business, and the journey this first-time co-founder took to get where he is today. Watch or listen on your preferred channel today!
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
In episode 4, Mehb chats with Dale Sagen, VP, Business Development Leader at QBE North America about all things captives in the self-funded/stop loss industry. During the wide-ranging discussion, they talk about the early days of Dale's career, the power of social media and AI, and personal development opportunities (shout-out to mentorship and Toastmasters!). Watch or listen on your preferred channel today.
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Season 2 of Firm & Final continues with episode 3 featuring James Donnelly, Senior Broker (Accident, Health and Life) at Lockton Re. James talks with Mehb about college majors, the power of relationships, the art of the deal, and more. Watch or listen on your preferred channel today!
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Next up on Firm & Final is an energizing discussion with Andrew Trupiano, starting with his beginnings in the family business to his current role as President of ATS Underwriting. Andrew and Mehb chat about growing up in the business, "being a sponge", building your personal brand, and the coming charge of guard in the industry. Watch or listen on your preferred channel today!
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Firm & Final Season 2 kicks off with Dan Davey, National Director, Stop Loss at Alliant Insurance Services. Dan chats with Mehb about his career path from intern to industry expert, peppered with advice for newcomers about building relationships and finding your own way in the self-funded industry. Watch or listen on your preferred channel today!
Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️ Play on BCS website – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱 Watch on YouTube – https://bit.ly/42lnrsi
☑️ Sign up to subscribe – https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸 Recommend a Legend – legends@bcsf.com
Episode 16 marks the final episode of season 1! Don't miss out on this conversation with Gary Nidds, Executive Vice President, Crum & Forster, as he chats with Mehb about all things stop loss, reinsurance, and self-funding. Gary's story, and the stories shared over the previous 15 episodes, help us understand the career journeys of some of the legends in our industry, providing useful advice that can help pave the way for future legends. Happy listening!
Connect with Gary Nidds on LinkedIn
Don’t miss your chance to hear from all the legends of the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️Play on BCS website > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧Listen on Spotify > https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎Listen on Apple Podcasts > https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱Listen on Google Podcasts > https://bit.ly/3GetZzn
☑️Sign up to subscribe > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸Recommend a Legend > legends@bcsf.com
Larry Thompson's career began with "group school" in 1977 and has lasted through a myriad of companies, roles, and even two attempts to leave the industry. He was the youngest EVP in the history of Dun & Bradstreet, worked for all the major carriers (except Cigna), has bought and sold 8 TPAs, and has been heavily involved in industry organizations. Currently CEO at BSI Consulting, he brings a unique perspective on our ever-changing industry. With this resume, you're going to want to hear from Larry!
Connect with Larry Thompson on LinkedIn
Don’t miss your chance to hear from all the legends of the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast.
Play on BCS website > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧Listen on Spotify > https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎Listen on Apple Podcasts > https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱Listen on Google Podcasts > https://bit.ly/3GetZzn
☑️Sign up to subscribe > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸Recommend a Legend > legends@bcsf.com
Join Mehb and Richard Fleder, President and CEO of ELMC Risk Solutions, LLC, for episode 14 of Firm & Final!
Richard, a serial entrepreneur who has been working in the industry since the 1970s, has started and sold a TPA, a broker/dealer, and a conglomerate of MGUs. Hear more about his experiences, including what has stayed the same and what has changed, and what's kept the fire in his belly over five decades in the stop loss and reinsurance industry.
Connect with Richard Fleder on LinkedIn
Don’t miss your chance to hear from all the legends of the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast.
Play on BCS website > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧Listen on Spotify > https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎Listen on Apple Podcasts > https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱Listen on Google Podcasts > https://bit.ly/3GetZzn
☑️Sign up to subscribe > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸Recommend a Legend > legends@bcsf.com
Channel your inner entrepreneur for this episode! Mehb chats with Alison Saifer, President and CEO of independent consulting firm Actuarial Management Strategies about the "dynamic, constantly-changing" stop loss and reinsurance industry. With 26 years of experience on both sides of the aisle, Alison compares and contrasts what it means to work on the consulting side of the industry versus working for an insurer or reinsurer, and provides insights into a breadth of topics through the lens of her entrepreneurial spirit.
Connect with Alison Saifer on LinkedIn
Don’t miss your chance to hear from all the legends of the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast.
Play on BCS website > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧Listen on Spotify > https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎Listen on Apple Podcasts > https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱Listen on Google Podcasts > https://bit.ly/3GetZzn
☑️Sign up to subscribe > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸Recommend a Legend > legends@bcsf.com
Tune in to hear Ken Maginot, Partner at Mercer, chat about his background, how he got started in the self-insurance industry, and the processes and innovations he developed at Mercer over the years – many of which are now table-stakes in the industry.
Connect with Ken Maginot @LinkedIn
Don’t miss your chance to hear from all the legends of the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast.
Play on BCS website > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧Listen on Spotify > https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎Listen on Apple Podcasts > https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱Listen on Google Podcasts > https://bit.ly/3GetZzn
☑️Sign up to subscribe > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸Recommend a Legend > legends@bcsf.com
In another not-your-average-actuarial discussion, Mehb chats with Rob Bachler, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman, about his 20+ years of experience in the stop loss industry, the term “spaggregate”, and the breadth of work he has done beyond traditional actuarial roles.
Connect with Rob Bachler @LinkedIn
Don’t miss your chance to hear from all the legends of the Stop Loss and Reinsurance industries. Subscribe today at https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/.
🖥️Play on BCS website > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🎧Listen on Spotify > https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq
🍎Listen on Apple Podcasts > https://apple.co/3Kvdlhg
📱Listen on Google Podcasts > https://bit.ly/3GetZzn
☑️Sign up to subscribe > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
🦸Recommend a Legend > legends@bcsf.com
In episode 10, BCS Chief Actuary Mehb Khoja chats with Mike Ferguson, President & CEO of the Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc. (SIIA), about the objectives SIIA is driving to bring value to members, the challenges facing the industry, and his advice for the future generation of self-insurance leaders. Packed with insightful discussions and rapid-fire questions, listen in to the episode as Mike distills a career in the self-funded industry in three words: partnership, problem-solving, and golf.
Connect with Mike Ferguson:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikefergusonsiia
Mehb chats with Joann DeBlasis, who started her career as a CPA working in financial reporting. Joann talks about her career path and the chances she took along the way to find the right fit, ultimately spending 30+ years in reinsurance and retiring as a senior leader at The Hartford/Navigators Re. Listen in now!
Connect with Joann DeBlasis:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joann-deblasis-38465812a
Employee benefits legend Ray Marra talks with Mehb about the "fun, dynamic, and fast-paced" self-funded industry, particularly in the Hartford, Connecticut area. Surprisingly, these two actuaries steer clear of reserves and rates talk, instead focusing on sales distribution, entrepreneurship, and finding the right career fit. Listen and learn!
Connect with Ray Marra:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymarra/
Mehb chats with Hobson Carroll, who recently retired from his role as President of MedRisk Actuarial Services, Inc. With 45 years of experience and expertise, Hobson's stories take us back in time to a budding industry in the 70s, to the "big debacle" of the late 90s/early 2000s (and the aftermath), and finally to today - with lots of lessons along the way.
Connect with Hobson Carroll:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hobson-carroll-0b44641a5/
Listen in as Liz Mariner-Ford share her learnings from a 40-year career journey, from when she was the only female in the room, to her first SIIA meeting in 1992, and to her "final stop" at Risk Strategies, where she recently pulled a Tom Brady and about-faced her retirement plans.
"I was focused on learning, listening, and ignoring the things that did not serve me well."
Connect with Liz Mariner-Ford:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-mariner-ford-945875b/
Listen podcast on:
https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/
Apple Podcast
Google Podcast
Spotify
In this mini episode, Mehb reflects on the first five episodes of Firm & Final and the purpose behind the podcast.
“Success leaves clues, and those clues should be something everyone knows.” –Mehb Khoja
Another stop loss legend, Paul Fallisi, President of Windsor Strategy Partners, Inc., shares his insights through an energetic conversation and rapid-fire Q&A with Mehb. Listen for stories from the beginnings of Paul’s career, stretching to his current role, with a couple wardrobe malfunctions along the way.
Connect with Paul Fallisi:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-fallisi-fsa-maaa-a38543a3/
If you've ever been a mentor or mentee, episode 4 is for you! Mehb chats with Pat Campola, an industry veteran who has mentored some of the biggest and most successful names in the industry. Pat shares his advice for the next generation, and the secret sauce for success that can be summed up with the acronym, R.A.T.S. Listen and learn!
Connect with Pat Campola:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-campola-31ba8223/
Mehb chats with industry giant Ernie Clevenger, whose popular newsletter (“a hobby that is out of control”) gives back by sharing information to the industry and has helped make him famous in the stop loss and reinsurance world. Listen for his career highlight reel and a lightening round of Q&A full of insights and useful advice.
Connect with Ernie Clevenger:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernie-clevenger-125635213/
https://www.myhealthguide.com/
In episode 2, Bette Sisti – a former SIIA President and mainstay in the industry since the 1970s – shares insights from her decades-long career, her advice for the next crop of leaders, and the humble beginnings of MRM (spoiler alert: one headhunter saw the office and thought it was "a sting operation").
Mehb chats with Mike McLean – a 36+ year industry veteran, Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and “the Michael Jordan of Stop Loss” – about his experiences over the years, how the industry has changed, and his advice for future leaders.
“When the Michael Jordan of the Stop Loss industry asks you to shoot free throws with him, you don’t say no.”
Mike McLean is the Chairman of Medical Risk Managers. Learn more on mrmstoploss.com.