Insurance Leadership Podcast

Lisa Collier joins Ben Markland to talk about carrying forward a family business while continuing to build for what comes next. They discuss the lessons Lisa learned from her father, the importance of listening before building, and how innovation and technology are changing the pharmacy benefits space. Lisa also shares how personalized medicine, PBM strategies, and a 360-degree approach can help c...

Dylan DiMarchi joins Ben Markland to talk about building and leading a growing company, finding greatness in the people you hire, creating ownership, and giving employees room to grow. They also discuss why relationships and differentiation still matter in insurance—and how leaders can stand out without reinventing everything.

Farah Rehman joins us to discuss her move from a global insurance carrier to a growing distribution organization and the leadership lessons that came with it. They explore strategy, execution, company culture, AI, customer data, and how leaders can successfully navigate change while driving growth and building high-performing teams.

Katy Talento, CEO of AllBetter Health and former White House Health Policy Advisor, joins Ben Markland to discuss employer healthcare, rising healthcare costs, reference-based pricing, transparency, and why employers must take a more active role in shaping their healthcare strategies.

Emily Raspante, CEO of LeClair Group, shares her journey from captive agent to leading a 94-year-old organization as its first non-family CEO. The conversation explores AI in insurance, leadership transitions, company culture, mentorship, and how technology can support independent agents without replacing relationships.  

In this episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, Ben Markland sits down with Sergio Tigera, founder of Game Changers, to discuss what it takes to create true alignment within an organization. The conversation focuses on why teams often stay busy without making real progress, and how clarity, focus, and strong leadership drive results. Sergio also shares insights on culture, leadership challeng...

In this episode of the  Insurance Leadership Podcast , Ben Markland speaks with  Sharon Alford , Vice President of Direct-to-Consumer Business Development, and  Warren Laird , Marketing Director for Individual Products at VSP Vision Care. They discuss how the employee benefits landscape is evolving and how VSP is expanding access to vision care through technology, new distribution strategies, and...

What does disciplined leadership look like in a compressed insurance market? In this Season 6 Host Roundtable, Ryan Eaton, Ben Markland, and Casey Combest discuss the forces shaping insurance today margin pressure, regulatory complexity, broker consolidation, AI acceleration, and shifting distribution dynamics. Drawing on insights from ICMG, they examine alignment, operational discipline, innovati...

What does effective leadership look like as data, AI, and technology continue to reshape the insurance industry? In this episode, host Ben Markland is joined by Nicole Farley, Sn. VP, Chief Insurance Officer at Bold Penguin, for a practical conversation on digital distribution, data driven decision making, and leading through change. Nicole shares how technology is being used to support agents, wh...

What does effective leadership look like when premiums rise, options multiply, and employers feel the pressure? As premiums rise and the market grows more complex, effective leadership matters more than ever. In this episode, host Ben Markland is joined by Mark Lampen, owner of Health Insurance Specialist, for a practical conversation on staying relevant, balancing technology with relationships, a...

We're closing out the final episode of 2025 on the Insurance Leadership Podcast with a look back at the standout conversations, lessons, and leadership themes that shaped this year. This highlight reel pulls together the voices of nine remarkable guests along with insights from Casey, Ben, and Ryan as they reflect on a year of growth, innovation, and integrity. This year reminded us of one thing:...

Markets moved fast, technology moved faster, and leadership had to keep pace. In this roundtable conversation,  Casey Combest ,  Ryan Eaton , and  Ben Markland  reflect on the defining trends that shaped 2025—from digital transformation and carrier exits to AI innovation and developing the next generation of talent. The trio shares how brokers and carriers are adapting to a more data-driven, techn...

What if the key to financial freedom isn't just about earning more—but preparing for the moment you won't love your job anymore? In this episode, host Casey Combest sits down with Sam Dogen, better known as the  Financial Samurai , to talk about his new book  Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures . Sam shares practical strategies on forecasting your misery, managing inconsistent in...

In this episode, Ben Markland sits down with Terry Ward, Senior VP of Sales at United Vision Plan, live from the ICMG Conference in Tampa, Florida. With over 40 years of experience in the vision benefits industry, Terry shares his journey and how technology, consumer expectations, and transparency are reshaping the way benefits are delivered. From the evolution of vision care to the rise of digita...

In this episode, Ben Markland talks with Dustin Moseley, Head of Distribution & Partnerships at Guardian Life, about his journey from entrepreneurship to the insurance industry. Dustin shares insights on building strategic partnerships, trends in the gig economy, and opportunities in the retiree market. He also discusses the importance of perseverance, staying informed, and how to navigate today's...

What happens when someone with firsthand experience in both clinical chaos and corporate healthcare decides to challenge the status quo? In this episode of the  Insurance Leadership Podcast , host Ryan Eaton sits down with Tiffany Rider—health policy expert, NFL cheerleader alum, ER clinician, and founder of 20+ ventures—to explore her unconventional journey from rural Louisiana to national health...

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! Chris Ellis, CEO and Founder of Thatch, joins co-host Ben Markland for a powerful conversation recorded live at the ICMI Conference in Tampa. From his early days in cancer research at MIT to launching a company built to empower brokers, Chris shares how a deep understanding of healthcare and a passion for solving real problems led him to create one...

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! Alisha Pequeno, Head of Distribution and Broker Partnerships at Zurich North America, joins co-host Ben Markland to share leadership lessons from the carrier side. She discusses building strong partnerships, leading with authenticity, and creating a culture that drives growth. Tune in for practical insights to help you lead, adapt, and build lastin...

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! What happens when the uniform comes off—but the mission isn't over? Army veteran and entrepreneur  Adam Peters  joins co-host  Casey Combest  to talk life after service, rebuilding identity, and leading with authenticity. From combat zones to boardrooms, Adam shares how discipline, vulnerability, and purpose helped him launch  Stronghold —a thrivin...

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! In this engaging episode of the Insurance Leadership Podcast, co-host Ben Markland welcomes Warren Laird, a seasoned leader in the insurance and vision care industry. With nearly three decades at VSP Vision Care, Warren shares invaluable insights on leadership, company loyalty, and fostering a workplace culture that stands the test of time. We expl...

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! In this episode, Co-host Casey Combest opens today's episode with Luke Aslesen, Founder of INFRMD, a leader in revolutionizing how employees engage with their benefits. Luke shares his fresh approach to simplifying complex insurance concepts and discusses innovative programs like Benefits Boot Camp, designed to transform employee education in the i...

In this special episode, Ryan shares heartfelt gratitude for the team that made it all possible and introduces two new co-hosts: Casey Combest and Ben Markland. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and fresh energy, poised to add even greater depth to the ILP. Listeners will hear about exciting updates for the new season, including a revamped format with dynamic Q&A sessions, an impressive lineup of g...

Join us as we reflect on an incredible year of growth and insights. From leadership lessons with a former Secret Service leader to game-changing innovations in AI and industry expertise, 2024 was transformative. Celebrate the milestones, gratitude, and inspiration as we look ahead to a bright future!

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! In this episode, host Ryan Eaton sits down with Mark Lampen, founder of Health Insurance Specialists, a Missouri-based general agency known for its exceptional service and specialized approach. Mark shares his journey from starting in insurance right out of college to building a successful small agency focused on quality over quantity. He discusses...

Welcome back to the Insurance Leadership Podcast! In this episode, Ryan Eaton talks with Mikel Cook, owner of The Cook Group Inc., about his 25-year journey in the insurance industry. Mikel discusses his transition from Blue Cross Blue Shield to founding his own general agency in Dallas, Texas, and reflects on 15 years as a general agent, highlighting the challenges and successes of running a smal...