The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI

Latest Episodes:

The Top 5 Risks for Women in Construction Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI welcomes Tricia Kagerer, executive vice president of risk management at Jordan Foster Construction. Tricia's presentation, which was originally provided as a snap talk at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference (CRC), highlights some of the top challenges women in the construction and insurance industry face. Tricia talks about factors such as jobs demanding constant availability that punish those with caregiving responsibilities, psychological safety, and underrepresentation in advancement. Listen in as Tricia summarizes these top risks and learn actionable strategies companies can implement to foster safer, more equitable workplaces for everyone.

Beyond Compliance: Leveraging Telematics to Drive Risk Management Impact Sep 25, 2026

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Hear a conversation on lessons learned from implementing telematics in complex energy operations, plus emerging technologies shaping the future of fleet risk management. This is how telematics moves beyond compliance and insurance pricing to become a strategic risk management tool. In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, Joel Appelbaum sits down with Michael Tuomi, vice president of health, safety, environment, and training at Liberty Energy, to explore ways that telematics can uncover leading indicators of loss, provide valuable claims context, and support more effective driver coaching. They also discuss how organizations are using telematics data to identify high-risk behaviors, strengthen accountability, enhance contractor oversight, and make more informed fleet risk decisions.

How Captive Insurance Supports MGA Program Growth and Stability Sep 17, 2026

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Managing general agents (MGAs) increasingly use captive insurance to participate in underwriting results, support program growth, and build greater stability across market cycles. Anne Marie Towle and Alex Gedge of Hylant explain how MGAs, fronting insurers, captive insurance companies, and reinsurers work together within these structures, and why alignment among the parties is essential. The conversation examines fronting relationships, underwriting discipline, capital adequacy, risk transfer, and the governance responsibilities that arise as programs expand. Ms. Towle and Ms. Gedge also discuss using data and performance indicators to guide decisions, support loss control, and keep a captive aligned with an MGA's long-term strategy.

Quick Tips for Maximizing Additional Insured Coverage Sep 11, 2026

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Discussions around additional insured coverage are ubiquitous in the construction industry. This month, The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI welcomes Jeffrey Vita, partner at Saxe Doernberger & Vita, in his presentation providing tips on how to maximize additional insured coverage. Listen in as Jeff provides practical tips that insureds and their representatives can put into practice immediately to maximize and clarify additional insured coverage. This presentation, which was originally provided as a snap talk at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference, highlights important aspects such as confirming the main parties involved in the construction contract, verifying manuscript endorsements, and understanding the consequences of choice of law.

Product Recall Realities: Managing Food Safety Risks Across the Supply Chain Sep 10, 2026

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Food recalls are making headlines with increasing frequency, creating challenges that extend far beyond removing products from store shelves. In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, Marty Detmer, US national practice leader for product recall and contamination at Aon, discusses what triggers a recall, why events like cyclospora outbreaks can be so difficult to manage, and the operational, financial, and reputational risks organizations face. It's a timely conversation for anyone involved in agriculture, food production, or the food supply chain.

Beyond Thermal Runaway: What Makes Battery Energy Storage Systems Insurable? Sep 02, 2026

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As battery energy storage systems (BESSs) continue to expand across the energy sector, insurers, developers, and operators are working to better understand the risks associated with rapid deployment. In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast, recorded live at the 2026 IRMI Energy Risk & Insurance Conference, Joel Appelbaum welcomes Jen Aitchison, renewable and sustainability practice leader at HUB International, to discuss the factors shaping BESS's risks today.

Their conversation goes beyond thermal runaway to examine transportation exposures, business interruption concerns, balance-of-system risks, large-scale fire testing, warranties, and the growing influence of industry codes and standards. They also explore evolving underwriting practices, emerging technologies, and risk management strategies that support the long-term growth and insurability of energy storage.

Tune in for an informative look into the intersection of renewable energy innovation, risk management, and insurance.

Captive Insurance Growth Through Strategy and Collaboration Aug 27, 2026

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Captive insurance is increasingly viewed as a strategic risk management tool rather than simply an alternative to the commercial insurance market. Sam Komo, captive manager for the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance's Captive Insurance Program, discusses the importance of clear business purpose, realistic financial assumptions, adequate capitalization, experienced advisers, strong governance, and long-term organizational commitment.

Recorded live at the 2026 Vermont Captive Insurance Association Annual Conference, the conversation also examines the Midwest's growing role in captive insurance, the collaborative purpose of the Mid Rivers Risk Forum, and opportunities involving enterprise risk management, emerging risks, group and association structures, data analytics, technology, and artificial intelligence.

Top 3 Considerations for Contractors When Partnering with Architects and Engineers on Design-Build Projects Aug 12, 2026

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The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Joe Reynolds, executive vice president at RT Specialty, to discuss a framework for consideration regarding professional liability when contractors are collaborating with design professionals on design-build projects. Originally presented as a Snap Talk at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference, Joe highlights the importance of implementing appropriate contractual and coverage requirements while considering market availability in such negotiations. Joe discusses adequacy of limits requirements, limitations of liability provisions, and waivers of consequential damages, among other negotiated terms.

Why Energy Insurance Is Defying the Market Cycle Aug 10, 2026

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From on-site at the 2026 IRMI Energy Risk & Insurance Conference, this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI explores forces influencing today's energy insurance market. Join host Joel Appelbaum and David Artzerounian, property and casualty client executive and partner at USI Insurance Services, as they dive into underwriting and capacity shifts, risk management innovations, and alternative risk financing solutions. This episode offers practical insights for navigating an increasingly dynamic risk landscape.

How to Corporate: Navigating the Unwritten Rules of the Insurance Industry Aug 06, 2026

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Want to get ahead in your career faster than your peers? In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum sits down with Fela Abioye, middle-market underwriting leader and author of How to Corporate. They discuss the skills nobody teaches you in school but every successful professional needs to master.

Fela shares the lessons he wishes he had known earlier, including how to build influence, create a personal brand, develop meaningful professional relationships, and accept feedback.

If you've ever wondered why some talented professionals advance while others stall, this conversation provides an honest look at the unwritten rules, relationship-building strategies, and leadership habits that can make a lasting impact on your career. Don't miss this practical road map for succeeding in today's workplace.