Funding

141 The Future of Insurance in Connecticut | Innovation, Insurtech, and Industry Leadership

Connecticut has long been known as the Insurance Capital of the World, but the industry is evolving faster than ever.

In this special “State of the State” episode, host Laura Dinan Haber is joined by Susan Winkler, VP and Executive Director, CT Insurance and Financial Services, and Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Josh Hershman to explore the trends reshaping insurance across the state, from innovation and regulation to talent development and ecosystem growth.

Together, they discuss how Connecticut is positioning itself as a national leader in insurance innovation and what the next three to five years could look like for the industry.

Key Topics

  • The evolving insurance landscape in Connecticut
  • Impact of AI and emerging technologies on insurance
  • Talent development and workforce strategies in insurance

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Connecticut’s Insurance Leadership

 

00:55 Current State of the Insurance Industry in Connecticut

 

01:52 Innovation and Talent in Connecticut’s Insurance Ecosystem

 

03:46 Investment in AI and Technology Adoption

 

05:28 Regulatory Perspectives on AI and Innovation

 

09:33 Structural Trends: Climate and Health Risks

 

12:17 NextGen Talent and Actuarial Bootcamp

 

16:10 Changing Perceptions and Career Opportunities in Insurance

 

20:05 Balancing Innovation with Consumer Protection

 

23:37 Future Risks and Opportunities in Insurance

 

26:51 Connecticut’s Unique Ecosystem and Competitive Edge

 

27:05 The Future of Insurance in Connecticut

Learn more: imagine.nfg.com 

 Listen

This information is provided by Nassau for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide any legal, tax, or investment advice. It is not intended to advertise, market or promote third party products or services. Nassau and our sponsors do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any third party content, advertising, products, services or other materials from such third parties.

Laura Dinan Haber141 The Future of Insurance in Connecticut | Innovation, Insurtech, and Industry Leadership
read more

140 Visibility Gets Attention. Trust Earns Opportunity. Featuring Conor Geary

What does it mean to be the front door to an experience?

In this episode of the Nassau Reimagine Podcast, Laura Dinan Haber sits down with Conor Geary, widely known as GameDayConor—a trusted in-game host for some of New England’s most recognizable sports brands. Conor lives at the intersection of personal branding and brand stewardship, balancing visibility with responsibility in front of thousands of fans at a time.

Together, Laura and Conor explore how to stand out in a crowded world—not by being everywhere, but by being intentional, authentic, and trustworthy. From navigating multiple professional identities to showing up confidently in unfamiliar rooms, this conversation offers practical insight for students, entrepreneurs, creators, and corporate professionals alike.

Whether it’s tying a kid’s shoe, replacing a dropped ice cream, or reading the energy of a stadium in real time, Conor reminds us that details matter, and trust is built long before opportunity appears.

Key Themes & Takeaways

  • Being the First Impression: Why the “front door” role carries responsibility—and vulnerability
  • Authenticity Over Performance: How to align personal identity with public presence
  • Standing Out Without Being Loud: The power of consistency, awareness, and professionalism
  • Confidence in New Rooms: Showing up with credibility—even when the space is unfamiliar
  • Unreasonable Hospitality: Why small, unseen moments often matter most
  • Social Media Reality Check: Real presence vs. digital presence—and when content truly resonates
  • Accessibility & Opportunity: Why making it easy to reach you can change your career trajectory

Who Should Listen

  • Students and early-career professionals navigating first impressions
  • Entrepreneurs and creators building personal or business brands
  • Corporate leaders representing themselves and their organizations
  • Anyone trying to stand out—without losing authenticity

Guest Links & Contact

 Listen

This information is provided by Nassau for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide any legal, tax, or investment advice. It is not intended to advertise, market or promote third party products or services. Nassau and our sponsors do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any third party content, advertising, products, services or other materials from such third parties.

Laura Dinan Haber140 Visibility Gets Attention. Trust Earns Opportunity. Featuring Conor Geary
read more

139 The Next-Gen Opportunity: Modernizing Insurance for Tomorrow

Insurance is more than a product — it’s a stabilizing force that helps people recover, manage uncertainty, and build stronger futures.

In this episode, Deputy Commissioner Jared Kosky, Connecticut Insurance Department, and Laurissa Berk, Director, Global & Experiential Education, UConn School of Business, join Laura Dinan Haber, Innovation Brand Director, Nassau Reimagine, to explore the societal value of insurance, the importance of strong regulation, and the essential role the next generation will play in shaping the industry’s future.

They dive into Gen Z’s perceptions of insurance, why so many overlook it as a career path, and how experiential learning can transform awareness and create real pathways into the field. From rebuilding trust to redefining relevance, this conversation highlights what it will take to attract purpose-driven talent and modernize the insurance ecosystem for the decades ahead.

A must-listen for anyone focused on talent, regulation, or the future of financial services.

Learn more about Nassau Reimagine at www.imagine.nfg.com. 

 Listen

This information is provided by Nassau for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide any legal, tax, or investment advice. It is not intended to advertise, market or promote third party products or services. Nassau and our sponsors do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any third party content, advertising, products, services or other materials from such third parties.

Laura Dinan Haber139 The Next-Gen Opportunity: Modernizing Insurance for Tomorrow
read more

138 The Business of Innovation: Translating ITC Momentum into Action

In this episode, Laura Dinan Haber sits down with Susan Winkler, VP and Executive Director of Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services (CT IFS), to unpack key takeaways from InsureTech Connect (ITC) Vegas—one of the world’s largest gathering of insurance innovators.

Together, they explore how AI, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships are shaping the future of the insurance industry. Susan shares insights into CT IFS’s pivotal role in advancing the InsurTech Corridor between Connecticut and the UK, building talent pipelines, and positioning Hartford as a leading global hub for insurance technology.

From AI’s accelerating impact to the evolving needs of the future workforce, this conversation highlights how collaboration and trust remain at the heart of innovation.

Key Themes:

  • The evolving role of AI in insurance
  • Building trusted partnerships across sectors
  • The importance of academia-industry collaboration for talent development
  • Hartford’s unique position as an InsurTech leader
  • How the CT-UK InsurTech Corridor is driving global growth

Tune in to explore how technology, talent, and trust are redefining the future of insurance.

Learn more about Nassau Reimagine at https://imagine.nfg.com

Learn more about CT IFS at https://www.connecticutifs.com

 Listen

This information is provided by Nassau for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide any legal, tax, or investment advice. It is not intended to advertise, market or promote third party products or services. Nassau and our sponsors do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any third party content, advertising, products, services or other materials from such third parties.

Laura Dinan Haber138 The Business of Innovation: Translating ITC Momentum into Action
read more

137 Capital Currents: Where the Money is Flowing in Insurtech and Fintech with Galen Shaffer & Brittany Clements

In this episode of the Nassau Reimagine Podcast, host Laura Dinan Haber speaks with Galen Shaffer and Brittany Clements about the shifting landscape of Insurtech and the forces driving its evolution. They examine today’s bifurcated funding environment, where mega-funds dominate and AI-focused startups attract significant capital, while early-stage companies face mounting challenges in raising funds and achieving strong valuations.

The conversation explores the growing influence of strategic investors, the critical role of a healthy exit environment, and why many AI initiatives in insurance are struggling to deliver measurable outcomes. The episode also highlights major macro trends— from tech-enabled services to demographic shifts — that are shaping the future of financial planning and life insurance. Together, the guests outline how collaboration among investors, startups, and carriers will unlock the next wave of insurance innovation.

Listen now and learn more about Nassau’s Retiretech initiatives at www.imagine.nfg.com.

Connect with Laura Dinan Haber, Galen Shaffer, and Brittany Clements to continue the conversation.

 Listen

This information is provided by Nassau for informational purposes only and is not meant to provide any legal, tax, or investment advice. It is not intended to advertise, market or promote third party products or services. Nassau and our sponsors do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any third party content, advertising, products, services or other materials from such third parties.

Laura Dinan Haber137 Capital Currents: Where the Money is Flowing in Insurtech and Fintech with Galen Shaffer & Brittany Clements
read more