#131 AI and Risk Management With The Institutes' Peter Miller
Release Date: 02/25/2025
#151 Unleashing AI for Optimal Personal Branding and B2B Marketing
Let's Get Surety
Curious how AI can supercharge your LinkedIn profile or website? In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, marketing pro Andy Crestodina joins Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum to share hands-on AI prompts and tips for optimizing personal branding and B2B marketing on LinkedIn and beyond. Discover tactical, real-world ways to make your online presence work harder for you—no marketing background required. With special guest: Andy Crestodina, Co-Founder / Chief Marketing Officer, Orbit Media Studios, Inc. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum,...
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#150 Smart Dispute Solutions in Construction
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What happens when construction projects go wrong? In this episode, dispute resolution expert Steve Nelson of Markel Surety shares proactive strategies to avoid, manage, and resolve conflicts before they derail a job or result in costly claims, from structuring stronger contracts to deploying standing neutrals before tensions boil over. Discover how surety professionals can spot trouble early, drive better outcomes for clients, and help clients prevent disputes from jeopardizing projects. Glean information with the aim of protecting profitability, preserving relationships, and staying ahead of...
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#149 Bridging Contractor–Subcontractor Risk: Practical Insights on Prequalification, SDI, and Surety Value
Let's Get Surety
In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we sit down with Brad Robinson of Ward & Robinson, a CPA who has served on the financial leadership teams of both general contractors and subcontractors. Brad brings a unique, dual-perspective lens to today’s most pressing risk-management challenges. Brad shares hard-won lessons from the field, including where prequalification processes often break down, how subs can better position themselves, how General Contractors evaluate risk, and why a strong surety relationship is one of the most valuable differentiators in today’s market. Smart,...
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#148 The Corner Office: A Conversation With Chubb's Stephen Haney
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a leader in the surety industry? NASBP is excited to continue the series of episodes exploring that question, titled “The Corner Office: Conversations with Surety Leaders.” In this episode, we are joined by Stephen Haney, Vice President, Chubb Group, and President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety with Chubb. Steve shares his journey and insights on industry trends. Tune in as we dive into AI, labor challenges, and the future of surety. With special guest: Stephen Haney, Vice President, Chubb Group, and President and Chief Underwriting...
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#147 Federal Bid Protests and the Unexpected Twists of AI
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Curious how AI is shaking up federal bid protests? In this episode hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum talk with attorney David Timm about GAO Federal Bid protests, and AI pitfalls like hallucinated citations. Tune in for expert insight, real-world examples, and strategies to stay compliant and credible. Check out the Surety Bond quarterly articles mentioned during this episode, and . Its important to note that when this episode was recorded, there hadn't been any sanctions, but that changed on September 25th, 2025, when the . With special guest: David Timm, Associate,...
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#146 Industry Trends and Insights With SFAA’s Ryan Work
Let's Get Surety
Curious about the state of the surety industry? Ryan Work, President and CEO of The Surety & Fidelity Association of America, joins the hosts of Let's Get Surety to break down key trends, legislative priorities, and how data is aiding surety industry advocacy efforts. Additionally, he discusses the recent surge in private bonding, 2025 Q2’s surprising loss ratio drop, and how invests in future talent. Don’t miss this timely overview of the numbers and insights driving surety interests forward today. Get more info on the or listen to the . With special guest: Ryan Work, President...
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#145 Advocacy Impact: Influencing Legislation and Safeguarding the Surety Industry
Let's Get Surety
Curious how a surety professional can influence the laws that protect our industry? Join us as our guests, Larry LeClair of NASBP, Alan Starks of Christensen Group Insurance, and Matt Cocco of Smith Brothers Insurance, as they discuss why advocacy is vital to the surety industry, how easy and rewarding the Federal Legislative Fly-in is, and how you can make a real impact in Washington. Get more information on attending the ! Don't miss it! Also check out the Surety Bond Quarterly article titled, "" mentioned during this episode! With special guests: Larry LeClair, Director, Government...
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#144 A South American Surety’s Journey Into the U.S. Market
Let's Get Surety
How does a surety company with South American roots break into the U.S. market? In this episode of “Let’s Get Surety,” Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum talk with Andrés Álamos and Sharyl Markovits of Avla US about entering the Texas surety market, facing challenges, and serving small and mid-size contractors using tech-driven solutions. Hear how they feel their global experience can lead to local successes in the US. With special guests: Andrés Álamos, CEO, Avla US and Sharyl Markovits, Head of Contract Surety, Avla US Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional...
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#143 Navigating Change: An Update on Progress With CARM
Let's Get Surety
How are importers adapting to major changes in Canada’s importing process? In this episode of “Let’s Get Surety,” we chat with Sheila Thompson of Rosenberg & Parker of Canada and Cristina Hagivreta, Commercial Surety Manager at Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company, who return to share insights on the rollout of the Canada Border Services Agency’s CARM system and its financial security requirements. Hear what has worked, what bumps have occurred along the way, and what importers need to know now to stay compliant and avoid delays in importing goods into Canada. You can also check...
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#142 Surety Ties: Building Communities, Careers, and Connections
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Are you curious about a dynamic and rewarding career you may not have heard of? Join us for a conversation with Darrel Lamb, Senior Vice President at Old Republic Surety. We discuss the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of relationship-building, and the real-world impact of careers in surety. Discover why surety professionals find their jobs so fulfilling and how they contribute to community development, solve problems, and thrive in this specialized industry! With special guest: Darrel Lamb, Senior Vice President – Business Development, Old Republic Surety Company Hosted by: Kat...
info_outlineHow is AI transforming our world and specifically the insurance industry? In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum sit down with Peter Miller, President and CEO of The Institutes, to explore AI's expanding role in risk management, fraud detection, underwriting, and more. Discover how AI enhances efficiency, predicts and prevents losses, and reshapes workforce dynamics. Plus, learn about regulations shaping its future. Don’t miss this insightful conversation! You might also want to check out these other tech-focused episodes and Virtual Seminars.
With special guest:
Peter Miller, President/CEO, The Institutes
Hosted by:
Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP