https://www.zurichna.com/

Step inside the fast-moving world of data center construction and operations in this episode of Future of Risk, hosted by Matt Wagner, Head of Construction Property at Zurich U.S., joined by Bill Ingram, VP of Technical Operations, and Joseph McManigal, Senior Risk Engineer, South, both with Zurich Resilience Solutions. The conversation offers a firsthand look at how risk engineers' approach some of today’s most complex, high stakes builds. From the moment they arrive on site to the final stages of commissioning, Bill and Joseph share the details that can determine project success—highlighting how coordination, early planning and disciplined execution can make or break a project. The takeaway is clear: build it right, respond quickly to issues, and plan for the long term, because in data centers, every decision can have lasting impact.

In this miniseries, other episodes include:

5/20/26: Billion-dollar questions in the data center buildout

6/3/26: Lessons from data center claims

6/17/26: Human side of data centers

Record date: 5/21/26

Air date: 7/1/26

https://www.zurichna.com/

From AI-driven demand to worker safety on the ground, the data center boom is reshaping construction risk in real time.

In this episode of Future of Risk, host Matt Wagner, Head of Construction Property at Zurich U.S., is joined by James Savage, U.S. Head of Construction Casualty and Chris Semlies, Project and Business Resilience Manager at Zurich Resilience Solutions, to explore the human side of data center construction. The discussion examines how labor shortages, compressed timelines and complex project environments are increasing safety risks across job sites. Key topics include video-based safety coaching, onsite medical clinics, worker fatigue and the critical role of safety culture in improving outcomes. The episode also highlights parametric insurance innovations, including heat index and air quality triggers, as tools for managing environmental risk and protecting workers. Ultimately, the conversation underscores that successful data center projects depend on proactive risk management, integrated safety planning and a consistent focus on workforce wellbeing.

In this miniseries, other episodes include:

5/20/26: Billion-dollar questions in the data center buildout

6/3/26: Lessons from data center claims

Record date: 4/10/26

Air date: 6/17/26

https://www.zurichna.com/

As data centers grow in scale, speed and complexity, the risks driving claims are evolving just as quickly.

In this episode of Future of Risk, we explore key lessons from data center claims, focusing on the unique risks emerging from rapid construction, increasing project scale and evolving loss drivers. Our guests are Jimmy Johnson, Vice President of Property Major Case Unit at Zurich U.S. and Patrick McBride, Head of International Construction, Global Specialty at Zurich.

Together, they unpack how rising project values, complex equipment and compressed timelines are fundamentally reshaping both underwriting and claims strategies. The discussion highlights major loss drivers such as severe weather, equipment sensitivity and construction sequencing, as well as the growing impact of delay in startup (DSU) exposures. Listeners will gain insight into how Zurich is applying decades of experience, data and cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative solutions and help clients navigate these increasingly complex risks.

In this miniseries, other episodes include:

5/20/26: Billion-dollar questions in the data center buildout

Record date: 3/30/26

Air date: 6/3/26

https://www.zurichna.com/

This episode of Future of Risk is the first in Zurich U.S. data center podcast miniseries, where we look at the risk management challenges posed by the rapid expansion of data centers fueled by AI, cloud computing and digital transformation.

For the kickoff episode, Wagner speaks with Tobias Cushing, U.S. Head of Construction, and Stephen Penwright, Head of Underwriting for U.S. National Accounts, about how hyperscale data centers are blurring the lines between construction and operations and how these billion‑dollar projects are integrating onsite power generation and testing the limits of insurance capacity.

Cushing and Penwright highlight how data centers can remain a strong, insurable risk by building in resiliency, redundancy and safety from design through operations. This episode provides essential insights for risk managers, construction leaders, insurers and business decision‑makers navigating the expanding data center economy.

Our host for this miniseries is Matt Wagner, a Regional Vice President with Zurich’s Construction business.

Record date: 4/10/26

Air date: 5/20/26

https://www.FutureOfRisk.com/

Discover how artificial intelligence is redefining the future—faster, smarter, and more customer-focused than ever before. In this episode of the Future of Risk by Zurich North America, host Justin Hicks discuss the rapid evolution of AI, highlighting trends like agentic and generative AI, explainable AI, and hyper-personalized customer experiences with Amy Nelsen, Head of Underwriting Operations for Middle Market and Madhu Ramamurthy, Chief Information Officer. The conversation covers how Zurich is leveraging AI to automate routine tasks, enhance underwriting and claims with advanced tools, and deliver actionable insights—all while ensuring strong human oversight and regulatory compliance. Scaling AI for meaningful return on investment and navigating regulatory ambiguity are recognized as key industry challenges, but Zurich’s approach emphasizes starting with low-risk, high-impact use cases. The podcast underscores that AI is here to augment, not replace, human expertise, empowering underwriters and claims professionals to focus on what matters most: building relationships and delivering value to customers. Stay tuned to learn how Zurich is helping businesses meet tomorrow prepared through responsible, innovative AI adoption.

Record date: 10/16/25

Air date: 12/3/25

In this miniseries, other episodes include:

10/22/25: What is AI delivering so far

11/5/25: 5 ways everyone can benefit from AI today

11/19/25: Dark side of AI

https://www.FutureOfRisk.com/

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the way we work and protect our businesses, are you ready for the risks—and the rewards—it brings? In this episode of the Future of Risk by Zurich North America, host Justin Hicks discusses the evolving risks of AI and machine learning with Barry Perkins, Chief Operations Officer, and Adam Page, Chief Information Security Officer. The conversation highlights concern about AI’s impact on talent, entry-level jobs, and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, including deepfakes and targeted phishing. Both Adam and Barry emphasize that while AI presents new risks—such as data breaches and disinformation—it also offers opportunities to streamline business processes and improve decision-making. The discussion underscores the importance of governance, continuous education, and adapting workforce skills to stay ahead of technological change. Ultimately, the podcast encourages businesses to embrace AI’s potential while remaining vigilant about its challenges, ensuring a safer and more resilient future.

Record date: 10/10/25

Air date: 11/19/25

In this miniseries, other episodes include:

10/22/25: What is AI delivering so far

11/5/25: 5 ways everyone can benefit from AI today

12/3/25: What’s next in AI?

https://www.FutureOfRisk.com/

Just as learning to read once unlocked access to knowledge, opportunity and participation in society, AI literacy is rapidly becoming a baseline skill for the modern workplace. In this episode of Zurich North America’s Future of Risk podcast, host Justin Hicks explores how understanding and using AI is fast evolving from a niche capability to a core professional competency.

Jay Bell, Head of Innovation for Specialties and Head of Operations for Construction at Zurich, and Mark Breading, Senior Partner at ReSource Pro, share how AI is reshaping their daily work—from turning flip chart photos into meeting summaries in seconds to using AI-powered conversations to brainstorm complex ideas during a commute in the car. They argue that AI is not just a tool—it’s a collaborator, a co-creator and a force multiplier.

Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode offers practical, real-world examples of how AI literacy can elevate your impact, improve communication, and unlock new levels of productivity.

Record date: 9/26/25

Air date: 11/5/25

In this miniseries, other episodes include:

10/22/25: What is AI delivering so far

11/19/25: Dark side of AI

12/3/25: What’s next in AI?

https://www.FutureOfRisk.com/

Generative AI is transforming business at an unprecedented pace, but are organizations seeing real value from this rapid adoption? In the debut episode of Zurich North America’s Future of Risk AI miniseries, host Justin Hicks speaks with Kristen Bessette, Chief Data Officer at Zurich, and Anthony Meyers, Managing Director of Data and AI Strategy at Aon, about the practical benefits and pitfalls of integrating artificial intelligence into business.

The conversation highlights that while AI adoption is accelerating across industries, success relies on understanding its limitations, aligning technology with business strategy, and embracing change. Real-world examples show how AI is already streamlining workflows, enhancing decision-making and improving customer interactions, but achieving true return on investment requires incremental progress, strong governance and ongoing learning.

Business leaders are encouraged to start small, experiment and include cross-functional teams in their AI journey. Ultimately, AI is not a magic wand—but when implemented thoughtfully, it can empower organizations to navigate disruption and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Record date: 9/25/25

Air date: 10/22/25

In this miniseries, other episodes include:

11/5/25: Five ways everyone can benefit from AI today

11/19/25: Dark side of AI

12/3/25: What’s next in AI?