Building a Future-Ready Insurer with Michael New, ClearView
Release Date: 03/12/2025
Standardizing Life Insurance for the Digital Age with Yolanda Austin
Life Accelerated
In this episode, host sits down with , Senior Director of the Life & Annuity Program at , to talk about the organization’s role in building smarter, standardized systems for life insurance. Yolanda breaks down how ACORD is addressing inefficiencies in medical underwriting by creating digital formats for electronic health records. She also walks through the work behind ACORD’s standardized life insurance application, which was developed with input from distributors, carriers, and the Interstate Insurance Compact. And now, it is being adopted across the industry. As the conversation...
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Inside MetLife’s New Strategy for Tech and Operations with Bill Pappas
Life Accelerated
In this episode, host speaks with , EVP and Head of Global Technology and Operations at MetLife, about how MetLife is operationalizing transformation at scale, and what that means for the future of the life insurance sector. Bill outlines the pillars of MetLife’s new enterprise strategy, New Frontier, and walks through the company’s investment in simplifying infrastructure, reengineering customer journeys, and implementing their own AI platform that combines generative, agentic, and classical AI. Bill also discusses how MetLife is approaching data readiness, from governance and...
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Modernizing Annuity Distribution with Joe Maringer, MassMutual Ascend
Life Accelerated
In this episode of Life Accelerated, host welcomes , SVP and National Sales Manager at MassMutual Ascend to explore how annuity distribution is being reshaped by digital transformation and shifting market dynamics. Joe discusses how MassMutual Ascend is adapting to today's market by investing in technology to streamline advisor workflows, simplify purchases, and enhance in-force management. He shares insights from overcoming operational challenges during a rebrand and improving customer experience. Joe also highlights the role of AI and predictive analytics in enabling faster customer...
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Leading Change in Underwriting with Andrew Kramer, M Financial Group
Life Accelerated
In this episode of Life Accelerated, host sits down with , VP and Head of Underwriting Risk & Innovation of M Financial Group, to discuss how innovation is reshaping underwriting and risk management in life insurance. Andrew breaks down the innovative steps M Financial Group is taking to streamline underwriting processes, from embracing electronic health records to championing industry-wide data standardization. He shares how the company is tackling the challenges of high-net-worth insurance, balancing risk-sharing with the need for personalized service. This conversation provides...
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Building a Future-Ready Insurer with Michael New, ClearView
Life Accelerated
In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Olivier LaFontaine sits down with , Chief Technology Officer at ClearView, to explore the realities of large-scale digital transformation in life insurance. Michael shares his experiences leading ClearView’s migration to a modern policy admin platform, tackling legacy system challenges, and ensuring data readiness for a seamless transition. As an ultra-marathon runner, he draws compelling parallels between endurance sports and the long, strategic journey of digital modernization. From navigating data complexities to redefining the advisor...
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Meet the New Host of Life Accelerated, Olivier Lafontaine
Life Accelerated
In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Anthony O’Donnell introduces , Equisoft’s Chief Product Officer, as the new host of the podcast. Olivier shares his perspective on the unique challenges facing life insurance carriers, from navigating 20-year transformation timelines to achieving vendor independence and embracing generative AI. He highlights how low-code/no-code solutions and modernizing legacy systems play a pivotal role in helping carriers adapt to market shifts and regulatory changes while maintaining long-term operational stability. Listeners will hear Olivier’s vision...
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AI, CX, and the Insurance Revolution: Insights from Industry Leaders with Anthony O’Donnell
Life Accelerated
In this special episode of Life Accelerated, host Anthony O'Donnell revisits thought-provoking conversations with some of the most influential leaders in the life insurance industry during 2024. These discussions delve into the accelerating pace of technological change and its profound impact on customer expectations, operational efficiency, and employee engagement. Through these dialogues, the episode examines how insurers are redefining traditional practices to address the shifting demands of the industry while staying true to their core mission of supporting policyholders and their...
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Revolutionizing Insurance Operations with AI with Karen Leggett, Manulife
Life Accelerated
In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Anthony O’Donnell sits down with Global Chief Marketing Officer at Manulife, for an insightful look into how AI and digital transformation are reshaping the insurance landscape. With a rich background spanning top leadership roles in banking and insurance, Karen shares how she’s leading a customer-centric revolution, integrating AI, advanced analytics, and innovative technology to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Karen discusses Manulife's strategic approach to AI, sharing transformative projects like their internal AI...
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Unlocking the Potential of AI for Life Insurance Leaders with Richard Wiedenbeck, Ameritas
Life Accelerated
In this episode of Life Accelerated, host Anthony O’Donnell brings you an illuminating conversation with , Chief AI Officer at Ameritas. With a wealth of experience in the life insurance and technology sectors, Richard has seamlessly transitioned from his role as CIO to his pioneering position as Chief AI Officer. This title alone signifies Ameritas's progressive strides in adopting artificial intelligence. Richard's background makes him an authoritative voice in discussing the digital transformation landscape within the life insurance industry. This episode offers a deep dive into how...
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Promoting Long, Healthy Lives Through Digital Transformation with Jean Olive, John Hancock
Life Accelerated
Host Anthony O'Donnell sits down with , CIO of , to discuss the company's impressive journey towards digital transformation and its focus on enhancing customer experience. Jean shares her engineering background and diverse industry experience, discussing John Hancock’s mission to promote long, healthy lives through innovative initiatives like vitality behavioral insurance. The discussion covers the significant role of AI and data-driven strategies in revolutionizing underwriting, sales applications, and overall customer satisfaction. In this episode, listen to how John Hancock is...
info_outlineIn this episode of Life Accelerated, host Olivier LaFontaine sits down with Michael New, Chief Technology Officer at ClearView, to explore the realities of large-scale digital transformation in life insurance.
Michael shares his experiences leading ClearView’s migration to a modern policy admin platform, tackling legacy system challenges, and ensuring data readiness for a seamless transition. As an ultra-marathon runner, he draws compelling parallels between endurance sports and the long, strategic journey of digital modernization. From navigating data complexities to redefining the advisor experience, this conversation highlights the patience, precision, and leadership required to build a future-ready insurer.
Key Takeaways:
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Rushing into transformation without a solid data foundation creates unnecessary roadblocks.
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A realistic, milestone-driven roadmap is essential for managing expectations and delivering long-term impact.
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Digital innovation isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about enhancing customer and advisor experiences meaningfully.
Jump Into the Conversation:
(00:00) The marathon mindset: How endurance running parallels digital transformation
(03:59) Navigating ClearView’s large-scale platform migration and its challenges
(07:41) Addressing legacy data complexities and the role of SMEs in data integrity
(12:52) Lessons learned from previous migrations: Why data baseline matters
(16:57) ClearView’s strategic shift: Simplifying operations to become a dynamic challenger
(24:00) Balancing technology expectations and business realities in digital transformation
(27:49) Future focus: Enhancing advisor experience with a stronger digital presence
Resources:
- Connect with Michael New: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-new-1959381/
- Check out ClearView: https://www.clearview.com.au/
- Connect with Olivier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlafontaine/