On this episode of Champions and Challengers, host Greg Lestini, Public Finance Attorney at Bricker Graydon, sits down with Megan Garza, Communications Manager at Varonis, to explore the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity—especially at the intersection of FinTech, data protection, and AI.

From the risks posed by social media to the necessity of robust incident response plans, Megan shares insights drawn from her own podcast, Speed Data, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Varonis helps organizations understand and reduce their data risk. Together, they unpack what it means to take a truly data-centric approach to security and why it’s more important than ever in today’s regulatory and digital climate.

Listeners will also hear about Varonis' presence at industry events like RSA, the value of free data risk assessments, and the personal challenges that shape professional grit.

Key Topics:

Data-centric cybersecurity in FinTech

AI's dual role in innovation and risk

The growing importance of data privacy

Why “you need to have a game plan”

What makes Varonis a leader in the space

In this episode of Champions and Challengers, host Greg Lestini explores the rapidly evolving world of InsurTech and insurance innovation. He is joined by the CEO of Scout InsurTech, Chris Luiz, who shares insights on how technology is reshaping the industry, from underwriting and claims automation to regulatory challenges and emerging AI applications.

The discussion highlights how Scout serves as an ecosystem partner, helping startups connect with established carriers to drive innovation and create new opportunities. The conversation also delves into the regulatory landscape, examining how compliance requirements can serve as both obstacles and catalysts for better model development. AI’s increasing role in insurance is explored, with a focus on how it presents both opportunities for efficiency and challenges related to implementation and oversight.

Another key topic is the growing need for technology partnerships and how mid-size mutuals can leverage innovation to stay competitive. The episode also touches on the current state of life insurance, an area that lags behind in modernization and could benefit from greater investment in digital transformation.

Beyond the technical aspects, the guest reflects on the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of personal support systems in navigating the challenges of building and scaling a company in the InsurTech space. The conversation ultimately underscores the value of collaboration, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking approaches in driving meaningful change in the insurance industry.

As spring approaches, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners kicked off the year with their Spring meeting in Indianapolis, March 22 through the 26. This meeting marks the beginning of North Dakota Commissioner Jon Godfread’s term as President of the multi-jurisdictional group. In honor of Commissioner Godfread’s time at the helm of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), we are re-releasing the previously recorded Champions & Challengers episode with Commissioner Godfread and Greg Lestini, recorded in 2023 at the NAIC spring national meeting in Louisville.

Commissioner Godfread kicked off his term as president with a stirring speech at the opening session in Indianapolis. His comments focused on accessibility for consumers, the importance of state-based regulation, and the importance of America acting as an example of regulatory efficiency and compliance for the rest of the world. We congratulate Commissioner Godfread on his elevation to President and are thrilled to share our episode discussing so many important topics in insurance and insurance regulation.

The conversation covers:

• The balance between innovation and consumer protection in the insurance industry
• The impact of emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain on regulation
• The importance of data management and adaptable regulatory frameworks
• The role of governance in fostering both market growth and consumer safety
• The need for collaboration between regulators and industry leaders

With Commissioner Godfread now leading NAIC, his insights into state-based regulation and America’s role in global regulatory efficiency are more important than ever. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the future of insurance and what lies ahead under his leadership.