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 

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. 

In this episode, special guest host Anthony Massaro shares highlights from the HYPE × Nassau Intern Mixer, a summer networking event that brought together over 100 interns and young professionals from more than 24 companies across the Hartford region. Held at Nassau Financial Group and hosted in partnership with Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) and the MetroHartford Alliance, the event featured food, yard games, mocktails, and meaningful conversations designed to spark new connections and career inspiration. Tune in to hear what made this event a standout experience, how it reflects the momentum building among Hartford’s next generation of leaders, and why community-driven networking opportunities like this matter for emerging professionals. Learn more at: https://nfg.link/2026internship and https://www.hypehartford.com 

In this episode, we explore the world of quantum technologies with experts from UConn and QuantumCT. Led by Mike DiDonato, UConn Tech Park Business Development Manager and QuantumCT Project Manager; Sanguthevar Rajasekaran, Department Head of Computer Science and Engineering and Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor; and Sara Mahoney, Assistant Vice President of Corporate & Foundation Relations, the conversation delves into quantum algorithms, their potential impact on industries like insurance, and the collaborative efforts between UConn, Yale, and various industries to drive innovation in quantum computing. Listeners will gain a foundational understanding of quantum mechanics, the practical applications of quantum in real-world industries, and the exciting research initiatives shaping Connecticut into a hub for quantum advancement. Key Takeaways:   1. Quantum Basics: Quantum computing focuses on the behavior of particles at the microscopic level, operating differently from classical mechanics, enabling superposition and parallelism. 2. Practical Applications: Industries like insurance can leverage quantum algorithms for improvements in risk assessment, fraud detection, and operational optimization. 3. Collaboration is Key: Quantum Connecticut brings together academic research and industry needs to drive use-inspired solutions, preparing companies for the upcoming quantum wave. 4. Opportunities for Involvement: UConn and Yale are actively engaging with industries through workshops, startup initiatives, and research projects to make quantum technology accessible and applicable to businesses. 5. Exponential Speed-Up: Quantum algorithms offer significant computational speed-ups compared to classical algorithms, making them game-changers in solving complex problems. This episode was recorded as part of a live event during Hartford Innovation Week and is essential for anyone interested in how quantum technologies will shape the future of industries and innovation.  

Dive into the heart of the action at the 2024 Medicarians & Retiretech event in Vegas! Explore exclusive insights from this year's conference, covering the future of health and wealth. Join us as we interview top industry leaders, delving into technology-driven advancements, human connections, and cutting-edge concepts. Stay updated with our weekly releases at www.primelifepodcast.com and follow along on social media to share your thoughts! Featuring interviews with: - Bryan Allen, Twilight Wish Foundaton  - Dalton Miller, RetireFlo - Joe Jordan, JoeJordan.com - Nicole Hardy, Lyfeshare - Rebecca Adleman, Guide Path LLC - Scott Miller, Senior Benefit Group - Stefan Ogden, Team Health Insurance - Audrey Villeneuve, IFC National Marketing  - Cindy Jordan, Pyrx Health - Patrick Casale, Multicare Benefits - Stefano Selorio, Carevocacy - Lew Lim, Vielight Inc.  

That Annuity Show x Re/Imagine Podcast In this episode, we delve into the dynamic landscape of annuities and retirement markets, exploring the promising opportunities of 2024 amidst the evolving Retiretech scene. Join moderator Doug Roth of CT Innovations and industry experts Ray Jang from Primetime Partners, Marie-Christine Razaire representing Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, and Andrew Wegrzyn of SixThirty Ventures as they discuss strategies for making smart bets on the future of retirement. Discover insights on navigating the shifting sands of valuation resets and uncover the untapped potential that lies within the annuity and broader retirement markets. Gain exclusive access to expert predictions on which opportunities are primed for success in 2024 and which ventures are poised to attract funding. This episode was recorded live at Retiretech Vegas in April 2024. Click to watch the full panel: https://vimeo.com/936825322

Join us for an exclusive peek into the heart of retirement innovation at RetiretechTM Vegas 2024.  Hosted by Laura Dinan Haber and Paul Tyler, this podcast episode takes you straight to the bustling streets of Las Vegas, where the retiretech community is thriving in its third year! From thought-provoking discussions on the power of stories to the transformative role of technology, this episode delves into the vibrant world of retirement, sharing insights and reflections from over 60 speakers. As the event wraps up, they ponder the big question: what's next? Tune in for engaging conversations, insightful reflections, and a glimpse into the future of retirement. 🎧 Learn more about RetiretechTM at https://imagine.nfg.com/retiretech-2024/ #retiretech #medicarians2024 #retirementInnovation #podcast #lasvegas

The latest Nassau Re/Imagine Podcast episode explores the crucial steps in integrating AI and machine learning into businesses: from pilot programs to seizing opportunities and fostering experimentation. Join us in this insightful discussion recorded during Hartford Innovation Week, where we unpack the profound impact of AI, ML, and Quantum Computing on our society, businesses, and personal lives. Dive into an engaging panel discussion hosted by Nassau Financial Group, featuring experts Francesco Ricigliano from AdvanceCT, Sanjeevnayak Nayak, and Mike DiDonato from the University of Connecticut. Their expertise provides a solid groundwork for the intriguing conversations that ensued. If you're passionate about these transformative technologies and keen to be part of future discussions, drop your interest in the comments below. Let's continue this dialogue and drive innovation forward! #AI #MachineLearning #Innovation #BusinessStrategy  

Welcome to this exciting podcast episode recapping the Building For Equity culminating pitch event hosted by Girls For Technology on August 3rd in Hartford, CT. Special edition host, Tisa Rabun-Marshall, will take you through the highlights of this unforgettable evening. Picture this: a vibrant gathering filled with innovative ideas, inspiring presentations, and moments that left a lasting impression. The event showcased ten exceptional pitches that left us inspired, proving the undeniable power of innovative thinking and the potential to create a positive global impact. Join us as we dive into exclusive interviews with the entrepreneurs behind these groundbreaking ideas. We'll hear from Rashia Schand of Flurish LLC, Alexsys Cooper representing Outlashed by Lexx, Nicqueva Harrison with Elsada by Nicqueva, and Mya Gray from Viewfindher Films, each sharing their journey and passion. But that's not all – Yasmine Nahounou of Yian Company, Leslie Gomez of Imperfect by Pop, Clovia McIntosh from IRL Innovations LLC, and Dorothelia Barnett of Dottie's Sea Moss Wellness Bar will also captivate us with their stories of innovation and determination. The podcast wouldn't be complete without shining a spotlight on the remarkable Kay Johnson of Push Classic Collections and Jodi-Ann Bryan, the driving force behind Jodi Cup of Health. Their dedication to their respective ventures is truly inspiring. And of course, we have the privilege of speaking with the dynamic Sabrina Tucker-Barrett, the President & CEO of Girls For Technology. She'll provide us with insights into the organization's mission and the incredible impact they're making. Join us in celebrating the culmination of this extraordinary pitch event that showcased not only brilliant ideas but also the limitless potential of human innovation. Stay tuned for an episode filled with creativity, determination, and the promise of a brighter future. Learn about the program here: https://www.girlsfortechnology.org/building-for-equity Building For Equity: Girls For Technology's culminating pitch event August 3, 2023 Nassau Financial Group, Hartford, CT Featured interviews:  Host: Tisa Rabun-Marshall Entrepreneurs:  Rashia Schand, Flurish LLC.  Alexsys Cooper, Outlashed by Lexx Nicqueva Harrison, Elsada by Nicqueva Mya Gray, Viewfindher Films Yasmine Nahounou, Yian Company  Leslie Gomez, Imperfect by Pop Clovia McIntosh, IRL Innovations LLC.  Dorothelia Barnett, Dottie's Sea Moss Wellness Bar Kay Johnson, Push Classic Collections Jodi-Ann Bryan, Jodi Cup of Health Sabrina Tucker-Barrett, President & CEO, Girls For Technology

In this episode we discuss Nassau Financial Group’s recent partnership with LifeYield, and how it will lead to innovative solutions in retiretech. Nassau will integrate LifeYield’s “Social Security+ with Income Layers” application into its retiretech toolbox for use by independent producers.  Jack Sharry, Chief Growth Officer of LifeYield, joins the conversation to discuss how this partnership will benefit Nassau, LifeYield, and how the collaboration is intended to help advance the ability of independent producers to create retirement income protection for more Americans through education, emerging retiretech technology, and annuities. “Nassau’s collaboration with LifeYield demonstrates our long-term focus on providing leading digital capabilities to help insurance producers develop strong retirement income strategies for each client,” said Tom Buckingham, Chief Growth Officer at Nassau. “We are excited about the future of technology in retirement planning, from setting goals through seeking to protect savings, deliver guaranteed income, and pay for health care costs,” Buckingham added. “By partnering with LifeYield, we align with a leader for technology designed to maximize retirement income, broadening our commitment to insurtech beyond our incubator, Nassau Re/Imagine.” LifeYield is a technology company whose goal is to improve investor outcomes by minimizing investment taxes and maximizing retirement income. Major financial services firms integrate LifeYield APIs with their proprietary platforms to automate ongoing asset location, tax harvesting, transitions, withdrawals, multi-account rebalancing, and retirement income optimization. LifeYield’s goal is to increase advisor productivity and improve financial results for investors, advisors, and firms. Learn more about the partnership:  https://news.nfg.com/nassau-financial-group-advances-digital-capabilities-and-retiretech-by-partnering-with-lifeyield/ Learn more about LifeYield and connect with Jack Sharry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksharry/ https://www.lifeyield.com  Engage with Nassau Re/Imagine: https://imagine.nfg.com/podcasts/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/nassau-reimagine https://www.instagram.com/nsre_imagine/