Shows
Scouting for GrowthGil Arazi: Redesigning Insurance Through Prevention, Risk, Growth, and TrustIn this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VanderLinden welcomes Gil Arazi—a serial entrepreneur, executive, and leading insurtech investor—to explore the urgent transformation taking place in insurance. Gil Arazi argues that the industry’s traditional role of simply paying claims post-loss is outdated and that prevention is the new north star for sustainable growth.
Their conversation dives into why insurance must shift from risk transfer to risk mitigation, what the future holds as data, AI, and even quantum computing disrupt business models, and how prevention can actually drive profit—not just avoid cost. Gil Arazi introduc...
2026-02-1945 min
Scouting for GrowthThe Frontier Firm Playbook: How Leaders Are Building Agentic Enterprises at ScaleIn this forward-thinking episode, Sabine VanderLinden returns to kick off the year with a transformative discussion on “frontier firms” and the rise of agentic enterprises.
As digital transformation accelerates, leaders face challenges like increasing climate risks, cyber threats, and widening protection gaps—pushing businesses (especially in regulated industries like insurance) to rethink strategies. Sabine explores how trailblazing organizations are leveraging AI not just as an assistant, but as an autonomous driver of capacity and productivity.
Through practical frameworks and real-world case studies, this episode lays out the playbook for riding the next wave of innovation, resilie...
2026-02-1227 min
Scouting for GrowthSangha Penesetti: Reinventing Enterprise’s Future Through Flexible WorkOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sangha Penesetti, founder and CEO of goZeal, who didn’t just break the glass ceiling—she installed a flexible skylight.
Today we’ll dive into the economics of equity, why flexible work is not a perk but a performance driver, and how insurers can win by rethinking who gets a seat at the table—and how that table is set.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In my early career, every client meeting I walked into was a room full of men. I was the only...
2025-12-2527 min
Scouting for GrowthMarinela Profi: Building the Trust Frontier or How Agentic AI Is Redefining Enterprise Decision-MakingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Marinela Profi, Global Market Strategy Lead for AI, GenAI and Agentic AI at SAS, about the rise of agentic AI and how we will move from hype to real, reliable AI.
In today’s episode, we’ll discuss: Why LLMs alone don’t solve business problems – and what does, how governance is becoming the new frontier of AI trust, and what leaders should expect by 2026, as enterprises shift from experiments to autonomous, explainable intelligence.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
A generative AI chatbot is reall...
2025-12-1845 min
Scouting for GrowthAndrei Craciunescu: Redesigning Insurance for the AI-Powered Startup EraOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Andrei Craciunescu, founder and CEO of RiskCube, about why the next generation of insurance will be built like software: adaptive, transparent, and embedded into every business platform.
They also discuss how AI and data are transforming the broker's role from middleman to intelligent orchestrator, and what the insurance experience of 2030 could look like when protection becomes invisible and trust becomes the new currency.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What companies want from the insurance market is fast underwriting, not to talk with humans...
2025-12-0435 min
Scouting for GrowthRob Schimek: Redesigning for a Connected FutureOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Rob Schimek, Group CEO at bolttech, about how bolttech’s connector model is redefining global insurance distribution, from telcos to auto makers and beyond.
They also talk about why the future of protection will depend on trust, data and design more than policy documents and premiums, and what leadership really looks like when you are building at the intersection of revelation, innovation, and human impact.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
If you have an hour to solve a problem you should spend 55 minutes on...
2025-11-2741 min
Scouting for GrowthTrust-by-Design: Lessons from the AI FrontierOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to us about all she’s learned from the numerous guests on the show recently, from startup founders who build AI to simplify the chaotic insurance back office, to innovation leaders in Fortune 500 firms wrestling with ethics, regulation, and talent shortages.
After dozens of conversations here’s what Sabine has learned: AI isn’t just changing our tools. It’s changing our temperament.
This episode is her reflection on those lessons; a guide for leaders and builders trying to navigate this new age of intel...
2025-11-2018 min
Scouting for GrowthStephen Brittain: Why Venture-Client Models Are Rewriting the Rules of Corporate InnovationOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Stephen Brittain, co-founder of InsurTech Gateway, a pioneering venture builder focused on bringing early-stage startups into the heart of the insurance world – a regulated industry that typically moves at glacial speed.
Over the past decade, Stephen has helped launch and scale ventures inside one of the most regulated, risk-averse business sectors on the planet: the insurance space. He has been the spark for innovation inside large insurance corporates and the strategic partner for founders who wanted to navigate the labyrinth of regulation, procurement and di...
2025-11-131h 13
Scouting for GrowthSebastian Denef: Scaling Agentic AI from Berlin to the WorldOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sebastien Denef, CEO and co-founder at AGENTS.inc, a company at the forefront of building intelligent agent platforms for enterprises.
On this episode we explore how agentic AI architectures are reshaping industries, what it takes to scale agentic AI solutions across siloes, and why the winners in this space will be those who master both the technology and collaboration.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
You can give a task to an AI agent – a piece of software – that autonomously handles the task. When comp...
2025-11-0655 min
Scouting for GrowthAgentic Frontier: Re-imagining Enterprise AI with EY x MicrosoftOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ulrich (Uli) Homann, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft, and Mark Luquire, EY Global Microsoft Alliance Co-innovation Leader, about how to build an agentic AI enterprise that doesn’t just work faster, but works smarter and, most importantly, works for everyone.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In the past automation has been very task driven and specific, things had to go in a certain order and you needed to know that order ahead of time. While you need some of that with generative AI, we now have a...
2025-10-3043 min
Scouting for GrowthLaurna Castillo: How Wildfire Resilience is Rebuilding CaliforniaOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Laurna Castillo, Senior Vice President of Product at CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA insurer serving millions of customers across the western United States.
Laurna has become a leading voice in reimagining how the insurance industry – and entire communities – can build resilience in the face of escalating wildfire risk. On this episode, Laurna will share her journey, lessons learned from the frontlines of growth, and actionable insights for listeners eager to drive meaningful impact in their own ventures.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The AAA...
2025-10-2333 min
Scouting for GrowthYo Kwon: How AI Claim Letters Cut Errors, Costs, and Cycle TimesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Yo Kwon, CEO at Voltaire.Claims.
Together, we pull back the curtain on how enterprise operations (and in particular finance and insurance operations) are being reinvented – not tomorrow, but right now.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I was working with my co-founder on Ai technology trying to work out what would be applicable for wider businesses. While we were testing ideas someone was using one of our products to write claims letters.
Adjustors don’t enjoy writing claims letter, especially denials, they lean heav...
2025-10-1649 min
Scouting for GrowthBobbie Shrivastav: Building the Insurance Ops OS - Generative AI Workflows That Cut 70% of Manual WorkOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Bobbie Shrivastav, co-founder and CEO of Solvrays about building AI-driven workflows that aim to eliminate 70% of manual back office work with governance, auditability, and with human-in-the-loop controls directly built in. They also talk about what makes vertical AI for insurance defensible and measurable, compressing sales and implementation cycles without cutting corners on risk, change management, and how to augment teams as talent retires while new talent ramps up.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When the work comes into an organisation, not everything is digital. Things...
2025-10-091h 06
Scouting for GrowthAmrit Santhirasenan: Talks Agentic Underwriting… From Theory to Enterprise TransformationOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Amit Santhirasenan, co-founder and CEO of hyperexponential, an actuary and software engineer who has built the AI native pricing and underwriting platform used by leading specialty carriers.
In this episode we cover how to turn messy submissions into structured signals your pricing model can trust – without hiring an army, multi agent architectures, the agentic AI mesh, and the human in the loop controls executives need for auditability and speed, and where agentic underwriting is ready today (and where it isn’t), plus the metrics exec...
2025-10-021h 03
Scouting for GrowthWill Ross: The Federato Playbook — RiskOps, Appetite, and Winnability for Profitable GrowthOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Will Ross, Co-Founder & CEO of Federato, and if you’re an underwriting transformation leader—drowning in Excel, stale pilots, and disconnected data sources—this episode is for you.
Will Ross isn’t here to sell you hype. He’s here to show what it looks like when AI actually delivers: faster quotes, better decisions, happier underwriters, and measurable results before the next board meeting.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Thinking back to when Amazon released the Echo with Alexa and a bunch of us bought...
2025-09-2539 min
Scouting for GrowthSara Mikulski: One Source of Truth, Zero ExcusesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sara Mikulski, CTO at Kingstone Insurance, about the moment in her career that convinced her that the claims ecosystem could be rebuilt around a single, trusted data spine.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When I started my career, success looked like stabilisation: getting to a point where we all understood what was happening in which system, where the data was, and just making it work. It wasn’t a long-term scalable solution, but I didn’t want to come into the organisation and disrupt it. It w...
2025-09-181h 01
Scouting for GrowthArvind Sontha: Kyber’s AI Automation Transform Insurance ClaimsOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Arvind Sontha, COE and co-founder of Kyber, an AI startup redefining how carriers handle claims correspondence.
The insurance industry is undergoing a seismic shift as carriers face mounting pressure to deliver faster, more transparent, and compliant communications to policyholders and clients, making the need for digital claims transformation greater than ever.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
If you think about insurance and tailoring, the underlying model of risk is effectively a ‘user personal model’. We started with an obscure line of insurance that didn...
2025-09-111h 00
Scouting for GrowthCharlie Wendland: How AI and Human Empathy Are Transforming the Future of ClaimsOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Charlie Wendland, chief claims officer at Branch Insurance.
The world of claims management is undergoing a seismic shift, with AI at its heart. Insurers leveraging AI have reported a 75% reduction in claims handling time and 50% increase in fraud detection accuracy. Cutting claims processing times allows adjustors to focus on complex decisions and customer care.
Charlie talks about technology only being part of the story. The future of claims is about continuous transformation, balancing innovation with compliance, and making sure that as we...
2025-09-0438 min
Scouting for GrowthBarbara Schonhofer & Carmen Powell: Empowerment, Leadership, Inclusion & Future GrowthOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Barbara Schonhofer and Carmen Powell, two influential voices who have navigated and thrived in the ever-evolving insurance industry.
In today’s conversation, we explore the sector’s evolution, the future of work, and best practices for continuous networking and development.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When I started my career in 1972, men didn’t know how to behave as women came into their own in business and took frontline roles. It wasn’t so much misogyny that I faced; it was more like old geez...
2025-09-021h 04
Scouting for GrowthYandy Plasencia: Data Reconciliation for the CFOOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Yandy Plasencia, founder and CEO of DataHaven Software.
In today’s conversation, we talk about Yandy’s journey and vision as well as how mid-sized insurance companies can explore and empower their finance teams, especially their CFOs, by automating data reconciliation and unlocking real-time insights.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
For the most part, it all comes down to the basic ledger/sub-ledger challenge. The core systems are transactional and contain all the information about what took place, which payments were paid out, when a claim came...
2025-08-2156 min
Scouting for GrowthMike Gulla: Power Outage Coverage Reinvented Amid 78% SurgeOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Mike Gulla, CEO of Adaptive Insurance, whose team is redefining what it means to be resilient in an era of climate uncertainty and operational volatility.
We’ll explore why now is the time for parametric and adaptive insurance, what inspired the creation of Adaptive, and how emerging technologies like AI, big data, and cloud computing are transforming the insurance landscape.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Mike founded Adaptive in early 2024 to help businesses build financial resilience against climate change by leveraging parametric products and unique...
2025-08-1443 min
Scouting for GrowthSterling Parker: Why Tech at Work Is Reshaping Flexible WorkOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sterling Parker, Senior Vice President of Global Solutions and Services at Ivanti.
Sterling is a recognised leader in workplace technology and digital transformation, with deep expertise in helping organizations of all sizes – from global enterprises to fast-growing startups – navigate the evolving world of work.
In this episode, we dive into the findings of Ivanti’s latest report, which gives insights into how leaders can build workplaces that are not only more efficient but also more human, flexible, and future-ready.
KEY TAKEAW...
2025-08-071h 15
Scouting for GrowthSam White: Redefining Insurance, Leadership, and InnovationOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sam White , CEO of Stella Insurance. Sam is not just a leader in the insurance industry; she’s a trailblazer, entrepreneur, and advocate for creating a fairer, more inclusive world.
In today’s conversation, we’ll dive into Sam’s incredible journey as an entrepreneur, her vision for Stella Insurance, and how she’s challenging the status quo in a traditionally male-dominated industry. We’ll also explore her thoughts on leadership, innovation, and the future of insurance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
We didn’t reali...
2025-07-311h 09
Scouting for GrowthAmélie Breitburd: How Coopetition Could Double Europe’s Insurance MarketOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Amélie Breitburd, the former CEO of Lloyd’s Europe, and a leading voice in the movement to rethink how we insure against tomorrow’s biggest shocks – from climate and cyber to the long-tail risks the industry still avoids.
In today’s conversation, we’ll unpack her journey to Lloyd’s, explore the institution’s evolving role in a risk-saturated world, and dig deep into the bold ideas behind her latest work.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Every day, people should focus on their specifica...
2025-07-2459 min
Scouting for GrowthThe CamCom x ERGO Story: Scaling AI from Vision to ValueOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Geetha Sham, MD and President of CamCom in Europe, and Sathes Singam, innovation scout and programme manager at ERGO Group.
In this episode, we will explore how ERGO’s Venture Client model turned a promising pilot into a production-grade capability, then we will investigate what it really takes to deploy AI in regulated multi-market environments, and how governance – if used right – can become a growth accelerator, not a roadblock.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
During initial discussions with our first insurance customer, we realis...
2025-07-1755 min
Scouting for GrowthJoel Agard: Driving into Zurich Insurance’s Venture Client EngineOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Joel Agard, Group Head of Innovation at Zurich Insurance, who has been driving bold, transformative startup collaborations across 40+ markets.
His work has reshaped the way a global insurance giant works with startups, proving that innovation isn’t just about flashy tech – it’s about building real, meaningful partnerships that deliver results.
From navigating the early days of Zurich’s Innovation Championship back in 2018 to scaling the program during a global pandemic – and now leading the charge into the future – Joel brings passion, strategy, an...
2025-07-1052 min
Scouting for GrowthGregor Gimmy: Pioneer of the Venture Client ModelOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Gregor Gimmy, founder of 27pilots, a company dedicated to helping companies build and scale Venture Client units, and allows them to benefit from startup innovations faster at a large scale and significantly lower cost and risk than traditional corporate venturing methods.
On this episode we will explore how this Venture Client model is shaping corporate innovation, the strategic benefits it offers, and how companies can adopt this game-changing approach to stay ahead in a competitive world.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When I...
2025-07-031h 10
Scouting for GrowthLet’s Kickoff The Venture Client SeriesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL discusses the launch of a new series exploring the Venture Client Model, which is turning corporate innovation on its head.
Instead of merely investing in startups and crossing fingers, big companies buy from startups to drive innovation – today, not years from now.
Imagine a world where a major Fortune 500, an automotive manufacturer, an insurance giant, or a bank can plug in a cutting-edge startup solution as easily as adding a new app to your phone.
The questions Sabine tackles include: What if yo...
2025-06-2651 min
Scouting for GrowthLou Smith: Transforming Insurance with Neuron by WTWSabine VdL talks to Lou Smith, a true trailblazer in financial services and insurance.
In today’s episode, we’ll dive into Lou’s incredible journey, explore the vision behind Neuron, and discuss the key takeaways from the latest report that insurance providers need to consider.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
We all have moments in life where the last thing we want to look at is our credit rating and history, but those things can affect how you access financial services in the future.
Lou was part of the team that delivered the first end-to-end mortgage renewal...
2025-06-2454 min
Scouting for GrowthSara Simeone: NoCodeLab Vibe Coding or Launching AI Startups with No-CodeOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sara Simeone, an award-winning entrepreneur behind NoCodeLab.ai, the First Vibe Coding Launchpad that helps non-technical dreamers ship AI-powered products in just five weeks—no keyboard sorcery required.
Whether you’re a Gen Z founder sketching ideas on a dorm whiteboard, an investor scouting the next scalable platform, or a corporate leader hunting for fresh growth engines, Sara’s story is your front-row seat to how Vibe Coding is about to change the way we build.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Vibe coding is define...
2025-05-011h 04
Scouting for GrowthIvan and Olha Pylypchuk: Unlocking the Power of Agentic AIOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ivan Pylypchuk, the CEO of Softblues, and Olha Pylypchuk, the company’s COO.
In today’s discussion, we’ll explore: What Agentic AI is and why it’s poised to disrupt traditional business processes, how Ivan and Olha are leveraging multi-agent systems to solve domain-specific challenges and deliver business transformation, and the future of AI agents and their role in shaping the workplace of tomorrow.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
If you talk about traditional AI systems, they can handle one simple, specific task, such as...
2025-04-2453 min
Scouting for GrowthAreiel Wolanow On Unleashing AI, Quantum, and Emerging TechOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine meets Areiel Wolanow, the managing director of Finserv Experts, who discusses his journey from IBM to founding FinServ Experts, emphasising the importance of focusing on business models enabled by technology rather than the technology itself.
Areiel delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, responsible AI practices, and the implications of quantum computing for data security, highlighting the need for organisations to adapt their approaches to digital transformation, advocating for a migration strategy over traditional transformation methods
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Emerging tech...
2025-04-1749 min
Scouting for GrowthScott Gunther: Corporate Venture Capital, the Venture Client Model, and Driving Innovation in 2025On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Scott Gunther, who is not only a corporate venture capitalist and start-up enthusiast—he’s also the secret ingredient that helps big businesses think like nimble innovators!
In this episode, we’ll hear how Scott’s unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution has set him apart in both blue-chip boardrooms and early-stage tech circles. We’ll dive into the venture client model, explore the evolving CVC (Corporate Venture Capital) landscape through the lens of 2025, and uncover the do’s and don’ts for insurance...
2025-02-1338 min
Scouting for GrowthState of the Nation in Insurance VenturingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to a panel of global experts to explore the bold new frontiers shaping insurance technology in 2025 and beyond, including microinsurance in Africa, digital disruption in Latin America, the evolving tech scene in the US, Asia, Europe and the UK.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI cannot just be something we add on top of existing infrastructure, there needs to be some re-work to integrate it into existing infrastructure. Foundation for AI scalability and security (not as a bolt-on) will be a big trend. The second thing is...
2025-01-301h 05
Scouting for GrowthCarolina Klint: Unveiling Key 2025 WEF Risk InsightsOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Carolina Klint, Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer for Continental Europe at Marsh McLennan, who shares her views on the latest WEF report and its implications for businesses and insurers worldwide.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
My goal in speaking about and promoting the Report is to place the topics of risk and resilience on the agenda of world leaders, decision-makers, executives, and board members. The business world is so complex and difficult to navigate, and we have an environment now where risks are not only...
2025-01-2344 min
Scouting for GrowthDenise Garth: Key Trends and Strategies for 2025 Shaping The Future of InsuranceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Denise Garth, a globally recognized InsurTech thought leader and Chief Strategy Officer at Majesco.
In our talk today, we dive into the top trends shaping insurance and InsurTech as we head toward 2025—from next-gen technology enablers to constantly evolving customer expectations. Denise will share her insights on where the industry is headed, how to stay ahead, and why a collaborative mindset is crucial.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What was happening in the resilience market in 2024, from both economic and risk standpoints, has ha...
2025-01-091h 03
Scouting for GrowthTop 2025 Technology Trends That You Need To KnowOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks about the technology trends shaping the future of insurance and finance in 2025, the big shifts, from AI wizardry to climate tech disruptors, that are revolutionizing how we manage risk, measure reward, and generally conduct business in these fast-changing industries.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
AI in insurance alone is predicted to jump from just over $8 billion in 2024 to potentially over $140 billion in 2034. With generative AI tools creating on-the-fly risk assessments and personalized product recommendations, the old “one-size-fits-all” insurance model is heading out the door. Soon, underwriting or c...
2025-01-0419 min
Scouting for GrowthZaid Ammari: From Banking to Becoming a Digital PPC PioneerOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Zaid Ammari. What sets Zaid apart is his ability to transform complex data into actionable insights, empowering businesses to make smarter marketing decisions. His mantra, 'work smarter, not harder,' is reflected in his approach to managing PPC campaigns and optimising SEO strategies.
In today's episode, Zaid will share his insights on how businesses can leverage paid media, navigate recent changes in Google's SEO and Ads platform, and utilise data for maximum impact.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
While I was working at...
2024-12-2658 min
Scouting for GrowthPaul Austin: How Psychedelics and Microdosing Are Revolutionising BusinessOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Paul Austin, a pioneer in the world of psychedelics and a leading voice in leveraging these substances for intentional personal growth and enhanced leadership.
Today, Paul joins us to delve into how psychedelics are revolutionizing personal transformation and professional success. We'll explore how these tools can be harnessed to navigate the complexities of leadership, spur innovation, and drive growth in both personal and entrepreneurial realms. We will delve into the implications for insurers and pharmaceutical companies.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I grew...
2024-12-1957 min
Scouting for GrowthBeate Chelette: Scaling Secrets from The Growth ArchitectOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Beate Chelette, known as the Growth Architect, about her journey from being a broke single mom immigrant with $135,000 in debt to selling her business to Bill Gates for millions.
In this episode, Beate shares her hard-won wisdom on what it really takes to pressure-test your idea, build a solid foundation, and scale your business sustainably. She reveals the most common pitfalls she sees founders making at each stage and how to avoid them.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I trained to be a...
2024-12-1256 min
Scouting for GrowthMarcy Axelrod: Deciding On How We Choose To Show UpOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Marcy Axelrod, a bestselling and award-winning author, TV contributor, two-time TEDx speaker, and renowned management consultant. Her latest book, "How We Choose to Show Up," has recently been honoured with the prestigious Hayakawa Book Prize.
In today's conversation, we'll dive deep into the concepts from her book: The idea of "Showing Up"—the invisible system connecting us to our society, our situations, ourselves, and each other, how understanding and embracing the way we choose to show up can lead to a happier, more effective, an...
2024-11-2154 min
Scouting for GrowthTheo Lau: Unlocking Fintech Innovation and InclusivityOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Theodora (Theo) Lau, the founder of Unconventional Ventures, where she spearheads efforts to create an ecosystem that brings financial institutions, startups, and venture capitalists to meet the diverse needs of consumers, particularly older adults and gig economy workers.
In today's conversation, we'll delve into the evolving landscape of fintech, exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Theo will share her insights on fostering corporate-startup collaborations, now called Venture Clienting, leveraging technology for social good, and building a more inclusive financial ecosystem. We'll also...
2024-11-1434 min
Scouting for GrowthAmrit Santhirasenan: Delivering Dynamic Pricing Decision IntelligenceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Amrit Santhirasenan, Co-founder and CEO of hyperexponential (hx). With a unique blend of actuarial expertise and software engineering, Amrit has spent over a decade in the Lloyd’s of London market, shaping the future of insurance analytics.
We'll delve into the world of insurance pricing for complex risk decisions and explore the transformative potential of decision intelligence.
Amrit will share insights on how hx Renew is revolutionising how pricing models are built and deployed, offering an unparalleled user experience.
KEY TAK...
2024-10-0336 min
Scouting for GrowthMagda Ramada: From Blockchain to Revolutionising Insurance with the Right TechOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Magda Ramada, Senior Director and InsurTech Innovation Leader at WTW's Insurance Consulting and Technology, where she spearheads the company's engagement with InsurTech startups and blockchain initiatives worldwide. With over two decades of experience, she has become a prominent voice in digital transformation, advanced analytics, and emerging risks within the insurance industry.
Today, we'll be exploring Magdalena's journey in InsurTech, her views on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, and her vision for the future of insurance technology.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I...
2024-09-1252 min
Scouting for GrowthRichard Gunn: On Hyperexponential… The Pricing Nerds!On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Richard Gunn, Chief Revenue Officer at hyperexponential, who is at the forefront of revolutionising the insurance industry through advanced pricing decision intelligence and driving the adoption of hx Renew, a cutting-edge Pricing Decision Intelligence platform designed specifically for commercial insurers in Europe and beyond.
On this episode we'll explore how hyperexponential is changing the pricing paradigm for insurers, the importance of advanced pricing decision intelligence in today's rapidly evolving market, and Richard's vision for the future of the insurance industry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
2024-08-1543 min
Scouting for GrowthKarrie Sullivan: Hacking the Change Curve by Adopting AI in the WorkplaceIn this episode, Sabine talks to Karrie Sullivan, a change management expert with a keen interest in psychology and the development and leveraging of AI. Karrie talks in depth about why AI is disrupting the world of change management and the innovation it is creating, including her work with AI personality assessment. They also discuss the broader adoption of new technology and how to recognise resilience and innovation among leaders and individuals.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Self-knowledge and introspection are both key components to personal development, which is essential when trying to promote change within and outside of...
2024-08-0838 min
Scouting for GrowthSean Languedoc: Outsourcing 2.0 to Access a Global Talent Pool (Outsourcing 2.0)On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sean Languedoc, a seasoned tech entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building & scaling companies across borders. Sean shares lessons from scaling five companies, how Outforce.ai is transforming outsourcing, when startups should consider leveraging external teams, and his thoughts on how emerging technologies like generative AI and quantum computing are accelerating development cycles. He also offers advice for non-technical founders looking to build MVPs in a capital-efficient way.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Each business started not because of a technology that I wanted to build...
2024-08-0152 min
Scouting for GrowthEdward Brawer: Revolutionising Content Creation With AI-Powered PodcastingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Edward Brawer, co-founder and CEO of PodcastAI, a groundbreaking SaaS platform that's revolutionising the podcasting industry.
In this episode, we'll explore: Edward's entrepreneurial journey and the origin of PodcastAI, how AI is transforming the podcasting landscape, the future of content creation and distribution in the digital age, strategies for entrepreneurs looking to leverage podcasting for growth, & the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving podcasting market.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Our previous startup was with a video platform, and we looked at what...
2024-07-2546 min
Scouting for GrowthBessem Ayari: Scaling up with Ergo ScaleHub ProgramOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Bessem Ayari, Head of Innovation Strategy & Scouting at ERGO Group AG, where he leads transformative initiatives that shape the future of the insurance industry. With a dynamic career dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration, Bessem is a pivotal force in the InsurTech landscape.
Bessem shares insights on how the Ergo ScaleHub is redefining the innovation ecosystem & helping bold entrepreneurs scale new heights in the insurance sector.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In these times of rapid change & digital transformation, the insurance industry is compared to any other industry, everyone expects the same service & speed as Amazon, Netflix, etc. That’s what drive...
2024-07-1150 min
Scouting for GrowthNick Pester: Mastering The Art of Scaling Legal Strategies for ExpansionOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Nick Pester, founder of Beyond Legal, who is on a mission to revolutionise the way startups access legal support. But Nick's impact goes far beyond just providing legal advice.
Throughout his career, Nick has been a trusted mentor and advisor to countless early-stage businesses. From navigating the challenges of international expansion to securing major funding rounds, he has been in the trenches with founders, helping them scale their ventures to new heights.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
You have to balance the need of...
2024-06-2751 min
Scouting for GrowthColin Sanburg: From Financial House of Cards to Thriving EnterpriseOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Colin Sanburg, a seasoned entrepreneur & the Founder of FinElevate, an innovative strategic finance firm that is changing the game for small businesses.
On this episode, we dive into Colin's entrepreneurial journey, explore the challenges faced by small business owners, & learn how FinElevate is revolutionising small business finance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
If there were 10 things that could kill a company, the very first business I got involved with was doing 9 of them! It was in really rough shape. But from the hardships of...
2024-06-2035 min
Scouting for GrowthBrian Childress: The Fractional CEOOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Brian Childress, a seasoned technology executive & fractional CTO with over 15 years of experience helping businesses in healthcare, finance, education & more develop and scale their technology solutions.
In this episode, we dive into Brian's journey to becoming a fractional CTO, the most common technology challenges businesses face, his advice for non-technical founders, and his predictions for the game-changing technologies of the future. We'll also explore topics such as mitigating the risks of outsourcing development work, best practices for application security & scalability, strategies for closing the...
2024-06-1337 min
Scouting for GrowthOliver Wyman Series: Steve Abel – Unlocking Legacy & Transforming Tech in InsuranceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Steve Abel, Partner at Oliver Wyman. In this episode, they dive into the challenges & solutions related to legacy debt & system modernization for incumbent insurers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
A few decades ago, there weren’t as many or as complex systems in the insurance landscape. Generally, there was 1 or several admin systems that did everything. The cost & complexity of IT were relatively low compared to now. The proliferation of systems that solve business problems, the complexity of those systems has increased exponentially in part because of...
2024-05-0941 min
Scouting for GrowthOliver Wyman Series: Unlocking Value by Leveraging Commoditised TechOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL introduces the a series of podcasts featuring Steve Abel, Partner at Oliver Wyman, Brian McDermott, Chief Technology Officer at Victor Insurance and Esther Becker, Partner and Captive Actuarial Leader at Oliver Wyman.
The objectives of the following four episodes are to:
create an all-rounded viewpoint of what is happening in insurance
demonstrate how an insurance managing general agent has grown its business to over 3 billion dollars in Direct Written Premiums (DWP)
and how the world of captive insurance is evolving when emerging risks are so p...
2024-05-0219 min
Scouting for GrowthRomaney O’Malley: Disrupting Financial Strategy in InsurTechOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Romaney O’Malley, Group CTO at bolttech, an InsurTech unicorn that is quite literally electrifying the InsurTech space, now spearheading solutions in 35 markets across three continents.
In today’s episode, we explore a multitude of topics, including: The Journey to the Top: What were the critical turning points in Romaney's impressive career? Master Strategist: How does Romany approach challenging strategic decisions at bolttech? Industry Titans: What's the inner fabric of companies like Bolltech, as well as traditional companies such as AIG, Swiss Re, and GE I...
2024-04-2353 min
Beyond Tech FrontiersLeadership evolution and insights from Layla Janna, Indran Nuyi, and Arianna HuffingtonSabine explores the future of leadership post-COVID-19, highlighting revolutionary business agents like Layla Janna and Indran Nuyi. Discusses Arianna Huffington's fight against burnout, resilience in leadership, and trends in adaptive leadership, concluding with ways to foster it in organizations.
(0:00) Introduction by Sabine VanderLinden
(0:42) The future of leadership post-COVID-19
(4:01) Agents of revolution in business
(5:34) Layla Janna and social justice through business
(7:47) Indran Nuyi and diversity at PepsiCo
(9:25) Arianna Huffington and combating burnout
(11:47) Resilience in leadership
(13:55) Trends in adaptive leadership
(15:47) Encouraging adaptive leadership within organizations
(16:27) Conclusion and sign-off
2024-04-2216 min
Scouting for GrowthAnika Jackson: Amplifying Your Brand PowerOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Anika Jackson, who wears many hats with enviable finesse. Currently, Anika is professor, a VP of operations for Full Capacity Marketing, a full-service agency dedicated to uplifting workforce development and educational institutions.
Today, Anika will share with us her insights about growth, drawing from her multi-faceted experiences and achievements.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Everything changes every day with digital. AI has been around for 20 years, but only last year its popularity rose for everyone to understand what the technology is & start utilising it for marke...
2024-04-1846 min
Scouting for GrowthYannick Even: A GenAI Visionary and the Future of WorkOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Yannick Even, a visionary at the intersection of AI, analytics and Generative AI. With over two decades of experience in transforming global organizations into data-driven powerhouses, Yannick's journey has taken him from the corridors of management consulting across Europe and Asia to pioneering roles at Swiss Re, where he led the charge in integrating innovative tech and data insurance products into the market.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Insurance is very traditional. Even 15 years ago there were a lot of forms, paper, very siloed. Nobody could...
2024-03-281h 09
Scouting for GrowthChris Miles: Why I Call Myself The Anti-Financial AdvisorOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Chris Miles, an unconventional financial advisor who has an incredible backstory; he left the industry disillusioned in his 20s to become a passive real estate investor, achieving financial independence and retiring by age 28.
Since then, he has taught hundreds of entrepreneurs his formula for generating enough passive income to be "work optional" and then positioned to work by choice not necessity. During this conversation, Chris shares his incredible personal story, lessons learned, overcoming major financial setbacks during the Great Recession when he found himself...
2024-02-2939 min
Scouting for GrowthSteve Selengut: Creating Income FreedomOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Steve Selengut, who has over 40 years of direct investment management experience & is one of the few investing book authors who has actually managed client money for decades.
Steve is here to share the fundamental principles behind "income-focused investing" laid out in his book “Retirement Money Secrets.” His approach can help investors confidently replace their paycheques with portfolio income streams that grow regardless of market conditions or interest rates.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
25% of my money was always in the bond market, which included clos...
2024-02-1548 min
Scouting for GrowthInsight: Building an Authentic Identity in 2024On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks about the world of authentic personal & corporate/business branding and their synergies to drive authenticity.
In this episode, she discusses the importance of authenticity in personal branding & how it can make or break your reputation, the role of storytelling in crafting a compelling personal brand narrative, the power of emotional intelligence in shaping your personal brand & fostering meaningful connections, the impact of digital presence on your personal brand & how to manage it effectively, and the art of reinvention & how to evolve your personal brand as...
2024-02-0139 min
Scouting for GrowthLeandro DalleMulle: Trailblazing AI in Commercial Insurance UnderwritingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Leandro DalleMule, who brings a dynamic perspective shaped by nearly 30 years of driving growth through data and AI. Today, Global Head of AI and Data at Deloitte(but at the time at Planck), Leandro, spearheads the most sophisticated generative AI platform serving commercial insurers across four continents.
Through the "Scouting for Growth" podcast, Leandro will unveil his playbook for activating cross-industry partnerships and investments to future-proof success. His globetrotting career stands as a testament to the power of bridging geographic and sector divides to...
2024-01-2549 min
Scouting for GrowthAlex Taylor: A CVC Lens on 2024On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Alex Taylor, Global Head of Emerging Technology, QBE Ventures at QBE Insurance, who firmly believes that the next decade will expose the insurance industry to the greatest upheaval it has seen since the establishment of Lloyd's of London.
In this episode, topics discussed include: the key trends in Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) for 2024, QBE Ventures' approach to scouting for growth, the role of technology in QBE Ventures' growth strategy, & the challenges and opportunities in the insurtech space.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I've always...
2024-01-1850 min
Scouting for GrowthAntony Elliott: The Zurich Innovation ChampionshipOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Antony Elliott, Global Lead for Digital R&D at Zurich Insurance, who is pivotal in driving the exploration, exploitation, analysis, & early-stage adoption of disruptive technologies, shaping Zurich's digital transformation journey.
In this episode, they talk about his role at Zurich, the company’s strategic themes for 2024, the future of InsurTech, the challenges of adopting disruptive technologies, & his advice for young ventures looking to collaborate with Zurich or break into the InsurTech space.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I fell into the insurance industry in 1999 & I...
2024-01-1133 min
Scouting for GrowthTop Trends To Watch For In 2024On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL dives into her top trends to watch for in 2024. Staying ahead of the curve necessitates a keen understanding of these anticipated trends & Identifying them early will enable us all to strategically plan the year, maximise opportunities for growth & business value.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
As we approach 2024, I'm noticing specific technologies gaining traction that have the potential to revolutionize industries & create new opportunities for growth. For example, advancements in generative AI, new paradigms in cloud computing, cybersecurity in the age of AI, & sustainability tech trends, these trends...
2024-01-0426 min
Scouting for GrowthTom Kereszti: 2024 C-Suite and BeyondOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Tom Kereszti, a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in starting and scaling companies. Tom has been instrumental in numerous M&A activities, helping startups structure their operations for successful exits.
He has also navigated the unique challenges of starting a company independently, as well as within large organizations. His insights will be invaluable for YOU, whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or corporate leader.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Any individual should be able to answer these 3 questions: Who are you? What are...
2023-12-2843 min
Scouting for GrowthAri Katz: Shaping BEA VenturesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ari Katz, Managing Partner at BEA Ventures and Co-Founder of bolt, now known as bolttech, which metamorphosed into the powerhouse bolttech.
On this episode, they discuss strategic vision and market positioning, startup acceleration and value creation, data and technology, future outlook and collaborations, and much more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The unique angles we provide include identifying the companies we want to look at and validating the market acceptance of their ideas/solutions. We have hundreds of customers/prospects/partners that we can...
2023-12-2133 min
Scouting for GrowthFranklin Manchester: Essential Strategies to Protect Your Data in 2024On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Franklin Manchester, Global Insurance Strategic Advisor at SAS, who empowers and inspires insurers in 75 countries, including 90% of the Fortune 500 insurers, to make data-driven decisions.
On this episode, they discuss insurance trends for 2024, the role of technology, particularly generative AI, in shaping the future of the insurance industry, and how to navigate the talent gap.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I see the enormous potential for SAS and other technology providers, curators of AI, to remake, reimagine, reinvent the insurance industry. Insurance exists because a...
2023-12-1451 min
Scouting for GrowthGeorge Morris: Scaling Up VenturesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to George Morris, a lifelong entrepreneur and business coach who has not only weathered the storms of the entrepreneurial journey but has emerged as a guiding light for others on their path to success.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
My biggest mistake was abdicating responsibility when I should have delegated responsibility. Towards the later stage of one of my companies I was going through a divorce. I thought that everything was good & didn’t see myself as integral in the company anymore, so I turned everything over to...
2023-12-0737 min
Scouting for GrowthKamran Hedjri: Revolutionizing Commoditized Payment ProcessingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Kamran Hedjri, CEO, Chairman, Advisory board member, Entrepreneur in FinTech and Payments at PXP Financial.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I started my journey in payments in 1994, I never wanted to be in this industry, it was just something that happened. I was working in IT and programming, was in a couple of startups at the start of ecommerce. There was a lot of new and cool technology being developed and it was the best 5-6 years of my career for learning.
AI is being used...
2023-11-3048 min
Scouting for GrowthMonica Eaton: Resilient Strategies & Ethical LeadershipOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Monica Eaton, who embodies resilience and strategic foresight.
This conversation covers: origin stories and multifaceted skills, tackling ecommerce pitfalls, business strategies and ethical practices, and predicting the future and human capital.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Part of being an entrepreneur is deciding who you want to be and who you want to affect, and it becomes a journey of constant trial and error, but the dots never connect in the way you anticipate. My vision with Chargebacks911 was to be the next eBay...
2023-11-2348 min
Scouting for GrowthTerence Bennett: Cracking The Cybersecurity CodeOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Terence Bennett, CEO of DreamFactory Software, who brings with him a decade's worth of insights into cybersecurity, adversarial simulations, and API advancements. He's a veteran, both in serving his country and in protecting digital domains.
Today, we're delving deep into Terence's illustrious career, the current cyber threat landscape, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping our digital future.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
If you spend enough time with computers I think you just figure out there’s a whole other world in th...
2023-11-1643 min
Scouting for GrowthRoi Agababa: Novidea, The Platform For The Insurance DistributorOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Roi Agababa, CEO of Novidea. From brokers and agents to MGAs and corporate risk management operations. Novidea is setting new standards in how insurance professionals leverage technology for growth, efficiency, and compliance.
On this episode, the pair digs deep into the workings of Novidea's platform to look at how it navigates the maze of challenges that insurance professionals encounter daily, what role it plays in enhancing the distribution journey and the customer experience, and how it adapts to various levels of digital readiness while...
2023-11-0930 min
Scouting for GrowthJohn Rossman: Building Leadership Skills The Amazon WayOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine talks to John Rossman, a pioneering force in the digital era and the mastermind behind Amazon's Marketplace. His time at Amazon has deeply ingrained in him a unique set of leadership principles that he now shares with the world through his best-selling book, "The Amazon Way”. John's mission is to empower others to make their own 'big bets' and achieve lasting impact in their respective fields. His work is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to understand and navigate the complexities of the digital era. So, get re...
2023-11-0234 min
Scouting for GrowthAlex Shevelenko: Elevating Digital Document ExperiencesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Alex Shevelenko, the CEO and Co-Founder of Relayto, who brings to the table a compelling narrative of how transforming mundane PDFs and presentations into interactive web experiences is not just an upgrade but a necessity.
Today, we will weave through Alex's entrepreneurial voyage, his insights on leadership, the genesis and trajectory of Relayto, and a glance into the future of digital content experiences. Alex’s perspectives on our dialogue will bring both foresight and actionable intelligence on harnessing interactive content management platforms like Relayto. We...
2023-10-2655 min
Scouting for GrowthPravina Ladva: The Economics of DigitalizationSabine VdL talks to Pravina Ladva, Group Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Swiss Re. Pravina’s career reads like a playbook for digital transformation, offering answers that could redefine how we view insurance economics.
This conversation is not just timely, it’s urgently needed in a world where data is the new oil and AI is the new electricity. Pravina tells us about why Swiss Re is taking the lead with its groundbreaking Sigma Research Report from the Swiss Re Institute, what we, as an industry, stand to gain or lose, uncovering the blueprints for the futu...
2023-10-1925 min
Scouting for GrowthJonathan Green: Using Chat GTP For ProfitOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Jonathan Green, an AI maven and the mastermind behind ChatGPT Profits. Jonathan Green's story is one of radical transformation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From once being fired during a blizzard to becoming a bestselling author with over 300 books under his belt, Jonathan has not only recovered but soared to new heights.
In this episode, we'll delve deep into the world of AI and business acceleration. Jonathan will share insights on how to leverage ChatGPT for immediate revenue generation, the role of...
2023-10-1257 min
Scouting for GrowthDr Andrée Bates: The World of AI in HealthcareOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Dr Andrée Bates, neuroscientist and founder of Eularis, an AI-centric company that serves as a catalyst for innovation in healthcare.
The pair delves into the pivot points that drive innovation, the ethical implications of widespread AI adoption, and the tangible ways in which artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare as we know it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Eularis was created to examine mathematics in commercial activities within the pharmaceutical industry.
Generative AI takes elements of real data, looks at the database on which it’s b...
2023-10-0546 min
Scouting for GrowthEmily Tsitrian: Bossing Up or Disrupting Fintech and Millennial ManagementOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Emily Tsitrian, a fintech powerhouse, seasoned leader, and the author of 'Make Me The Boss,' a transformative guide and toolkit for millennial managers navigating the new complexities of leadership in our current social climate. A world defined by Covid, #BLM, and #MeToo.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I think a lot of people in my generation have had an experience where, in their early 20s, they're interested in doing big political/social things, and the way to actually change things is to work in technology...
2023-09-2844 min
Scouting for GrowthMark Fidelman: Tokenizing IndustriesOn this episode, Sabine VdL talks to Mark Fidelman, founder of SmartBlocks.Agency, and a globally recognised thought leader with over two decades of tech-fuelled wisdom.
Whether you’re a CEO pondering your next strategic move, a CTO looking to harness emerging technologies, or a CDO keen on transformative solutions, buckle up! We’re about to deep-dive into a world where the token is mightier than the sword.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
It's always more fun to join up and coming companies before big businesses come in and take over, but I quickly realised I wasn't building anyt...
2023-09-2134 min
Scouting for GrowthJerry Fetta: Building Personal WealthOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Jerry Fetta, who is on a mission to demystify wealth management, making it accessible and relatable for everyone. As the brains behind Wealth DynamX, Jerry's fingerprints are on numerous success stories across the US, helping countless individuals lay the foundation for solid financial futures.
Beyond his role as a financial expert, Jerry has penned three books. In the latest, he lays bare the trials and tribulations he faced, both personally and professionally, and how he overcame these, showcasing a resilience that's nothing short of inspiring.
2023-09-1446 min
Scouting for GrowthMegan Bingham-Walker: Why Embedded Goods-in-Transit InsuranceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Megan Bingham-Walker, Co-founder and CEO of Anansi, a cutting-edge company on a mission to revolutionise the goods-in-transit insurance industry.
Today, we will dive deep into Megan's journey as an entrepreneur, her vision for the future of goods-in-transit insurance, and the unique approaches and strategies that have propelled Anansi to success.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I spent a few years working with the Government, 5 years in venture capital, specialising in CleanTech investing in early-stage startups.
I really wanted to found a business in the areas...
2023-09-0738 min
Scouting for GrowthJacqueline Legrand: The Pioneer of Weather InsuranceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Jacqueline Legrand, a name that resonates with transformative leadership in the global insurance industry. From orchestrating the radical transformation of Brokerslink to co-founding Maptycs, an InsurTech firm that is redefining how we perceive weather risk analysis and risk exposures, Jacqueline's legacy is nothing short of extraordinary.
With her finger firmly on the pulse of digital transformation, she advocates for a harmonious marriage between technology and insurance. We're about to delve into a narrative riddled with transformative milestones, insights into the potential of geospatial...
2023-08-3146 min
Scouting for GrowthMichele Cimmino: A Dive Into Agile TransformationSabine talks to Michele Cimmino, CEO of Lasting Dynamics, which, far from being a generic software firm, epitomises precision and coding tailored to partners' distinct needs to ensure an exclusive synergy for mutual growth.
Michael discusses visionary leadership at Lasting Dynamics, championing quality and innovation, ensuring diverse tech mastery, and building a global force in the startup ecosystem.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Lasting Dynamics was founded in 2013 to deliver quality to the IT market.
Large enterprises usually target a span of 12 months to deliver an MVP (minimum viable product), but by the time an MVP is delivered...
2023-08-241h 04
Scouting for GrowthClemens Behrend: Web3, Bitcoin and CryptocurrenciesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Clemens Behrend, an entrepreneur with a rich background in building customer-facing support solutions in Web3. Clemens spent over 5 years building Bitpanda's customer community department from scratch and scaling it from pre-seed to unicorn status. And it is important to understand that the power of Web3 is in building unique communities.
During their deep dive, Clemens and Sabine talk about his interest in Web3, Bitcoin, and Crypto, why he believes those 3 components are key to building unique communities, and Clemens shares a few tips for...
2023-06-2939 min
Scouting for GrowthNewsflash: IBM Partner Ecosystem Strategy 2023On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL shares some timely insights from the team at IBM. One of these findings relates to one of IBM’s 2023 strategic themes and to IBM’s new partner program.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Autonomous vehicles are expected to account for about 12% of car registrations, and global car sales of autonomous vehicles are expected to reach some 101 million units by 2030. Autonomous vehicles or companies that are working on self-driving technologies include perception, mapping, and localisation solutions, as well as cybersecurity risk prevention, testing, and fleet management solutions, are doing very...
2022-12-2221 min
Scouting for GrowthPaul Roetzer: The Marketing AI InstituteOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast. Sabine talks to Paul Roetzer. Paul Roetzer is the founder and CEO of Marketing AI Institute. He is the author of Marketing Artificial Intelligence, The Marketing Performance Blueprint, and The Marketing Agency Blueprint, and the creator of the Marketing AI Conference (MAICON).
In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine and Paul discuss how Artificial Intelligence will evolve marketing practices. Drawing comparisons to how we use AI in our daily lives through social media and marketing.
KEY MOMENTS
'What Does Paul Mean by Traditional...
2022-11-2946 min
Scouting for GrowthMark McLaughlin: What are Risk Experiences?In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL interviews Mark McLaughlin, a respected figure in IBM and its insurance division, to discuss the future of customer experience within a fast-evolving world. Today he is leading AI, hybrid cloud, and risk innovation engagements with insurance CxOs worldwide for IBM.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
You must improve how you engage with your customers, whether through distribution channels (e.g., brokers or affinity partnerships) or directly. Your customers are demanding digital frictionless engagements and experiences. They are seeking transparency and optimal convenience in how they access insurance products and services...
2022-11-0352 min
Scouting for GrowthKristian Feldborg: Building Versuvio LabsIn this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL interviews Kristian Feldborg, founder of Vesuvio Labs, a venture builder dedicated to FinTech startups and the InsurTech space in particular. Vesuvio Labs calls itself the digital rocket fuelling the insurance sector. In this episode, Sabine reviews Kristian’s journey as a FinTech venture builder and how he made the shift from the traditional tech world to the new world of tech.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I’ve always been interested in new things, startups, and tech. For most of my career, I’ve traveled, lived in different countries, and worked w...
2022-08-0448 min
Scouting for GrowthMinh Tran: Introducing Venture Capital as a ServiceIn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Minh Tran, founding partner of Mandalore Partners (and also her co-founder at Alchemy Crew) about the world of Venture Capital Funds. He has worked in the Corporate VC world for 30 years, most recently in financial services, and founded Mandalore Partners 10 years ago.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When you are a Corporate Venturer you have two models, one is to invest in VC outside – that’s not really a corporate venture, but you have that option, the second is to create your own team internally, for many reasons, this model hasn’t worked in the...
2022-04-1424 min
Scouting for GrowthElisa Vlerich: 9.5 Ventures the VC for corporate venturingOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Elisa Vlerick, a partner at Ninepointfive Ventures, the Venture Capitalist dedicated to Corporate Venturing. Elisa loves removing syntax complexity from the proverbial crap, applying creativity and execution to everything she does.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Corporate Venturing differs from traditional VC activity in that you have the power/leverage of a corporation to scale faster and gain what we call an unfair competitive advantage in the market. That really attracted me to Ninepointfive.
Often, there’s a lot of resistance within companies to cannibalize their own business or start new ventures that ar...
2022-04-0734 min
Scouting for GrowthDavid Kwon: A decade of societal changeOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews IBM’s David Kwon about how insurance companies have had to navigate a decade of societal change. From the financial crisis and the rise of digital technology to changing consumer expectations, insurers face challenges that are fundamentally altering the very core of our industry.
Does the question remain whether property and casualty insurers will be able to keep pace with societal changes over time? Are they focusing on the right priorities? And what about life insurance – is BigTech making any headway here to challenge established practices?
In this episode, they...
2022-03-3145 min
Scouting for GrowthSpiros Margaris: What does really matter in FinTech today?On this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Spiros Margaris, who discusses the pros and cons of working for a young venture, setting up a startup, as well as the best way to succeed in business. He shares insights on the future of FinTech and much more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
You build trust with founders by telling them what you think, honestly, but not always expecting them to do what you say. Trust is the basis of working together, and with trust, anyone can go far, even in difficult times.
You have to play to your strengths. If somebody...
2022-01-1346 min
Scouting for GrowthThe Four Types of InvestmentOn this episode, Sabine VdL reviews the four types of investment and who is winning the corporate venturing game as well as looking to the future to evaluate and imagine what is coming our way.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The four types of investment strategies: ‘Driving’ (strategic and tightly linked to operational capabilities), ‘Enabling’ (strategic and loosely liked to operational capabilities), ‘Emerging’ (tightly linked to metrics of financial importance), and ‘Passive’ (loosest connected to corporate capabilities and strategies).
Winners at corporate venturing during the ‘Startup Phase’ have been identified as having 3 core elements: A clear and defined vision that drives a clear...
2022-01-0611 min
Scouting for GrowthFlorian Graillot: Astorya.vc ... Europe’s Early-Stage InsurTech InvestorOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Florian Graillot, an investor and co-founder of Astorya.vc or Astorya. Astorya invests in Seed InsurTech startups across Europe. In this conversation, the pair covers topics including who he is, why he started Astorya, and how he sees the world of corporate venturing today and tomorrow.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
There is a trend emerging of direct competition between Tier 1 insurance players and reinsurance companies working directly with InsurTech startups, enabling them to bypass specific insurance providers across the value chain. The latter has a massive impact on how the market is...
2022-01-0148 min
Scouting for GrowthMatthew Jones: Some Investors Care About DiversityIn this episode, Sabine VdL is joined by Matthew Jones, Managing Director and venture capital investor in insurance and risk management-related technology for Anthemis in the UK, Europe, and North America.
Through his previous work with Swiss Re, Matthew sponsored Sabine’s first accelerator and was one of her most active mentors, engaged assessor, and investor. They both learned a great deal during the acceleration programme about what a sustainable business model meant.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
At the core of our investment thesis are banks, insurance companies, and FinTech companies. But in addition to those ki...
2022-01-0142 min
Scouting for GrowthLens on Venture ScoutingIn this episode, Sabine VdL defines venture scouting, also called technology scouting, and explains why companies and investors see it as so important. She also discusses what skillsets a technology scout needs to succeed as well as what should motivate them and how these strategies are delivered.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In recent months companies around the globe have seen new types of challenges affecting them all, including: changing customer needs (such as the "I want it now" generation demanding reduced engagement friction); rising competition (This does not only means the fast-moving dominance of BigTech, but also the...
2022-01-0128 min
Scouting for GrowthDefining The World of Corporate VenturingIn this episode, Sabine VdL describes what corporate venturing is and what it entails, how it can help startups and entrepreneurs, why there is an increased drive towards corporate venturing today and the best strategies to deploy VC programmes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
With corporate venturing, large companies develop, sponsor or invest in startup companies from the earliest stages of formation to later stages of growth to identify emerging technologies and develop cutting-edge customer-driven solutions that can resist the effects of time.
The central point is that a startup company is evaluated and then funded by the corporate ve...
2022-01-0120 min
Scouting for GrowthWhy Scouting For Growth I just thought I would explain… Why Scouting for Growth?
I have been fortunate to work with Tech ventures over the past six years that are changing the worlds of insurance, finance, health, and wealth, to name but a few.
And to accelerate great companies, one needs to understand a little bit about "business."
I have been fascinated with building growth ecosystems for the past six years. Getting my ventures to collaborate better and faster. At the same time, I have been driven by the potential of enabling my corporate partners to collaborate bet...
2022-01-0107 min
Scouting for GrowthAn Introduction to Scouting for Growth – with Sabine VdLHi, I am Sabine VanderLinden – Many of my friends call me Mrs VdL.
I have been in business for over 25 years. I worked for highly respected, well-known blue-chip companies. And 6 years ago, I decided to take the entrepreneurial and investor route and ran a very well-known acceleration program for early-stage startups in Europe and the United States, while also engaging with investors and corporations in Asia, Africa, and LATAM.
Yes. I know. Five continents in 5 years. 70 startups accelerated during that period. Lots of Airmiles. $100 million invested in accelerated portfolios. And certainly, lots of learning.
Si...
2021-12-2107 min