Magazine

Implementing AI isn’t as simple as plug and play. It takes time to determine what AI can and should do for the agency—and which tools are the right ones for the job.

In April, the Big “I” Diversity Council hosted the Inclusive Agency Roundtable, which brought together independent agents, company partners and industry leaders to discuss actionable strategies for creating more inclusive agencies.

Vertical AI marries the power of AI with deep insurance expertise and insurance-specific data.

It’s not just about workflow speed—it’s about perception. A quick response signals professionalism, urgency and care.

Marianne Policastro-Wik is leading her agency, a 2025 Best Practices Agency, through thoughtful “modernization,” paying careful attention to embracing technology without losing the human touch.

Roth, executive vice president at Ahart, Frinzi & Smith, started her career on Capitol Hill. Born and raised a Jersey girl, Roth graduated from George Mason University with a major in political science and international affairs.

Angela Ripley, president of VW Brown Insurance in Columbia, Maryland, brings two decades of agency leadership, eight acquisitions and a passion for mentorship and inclusion to the role of Big “I” chair.

The leaders who excel in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) will be those who lean harder into the human touch when it matters most.

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions that may guide you in deciding if an agency alliance is right for your independent insurance agency.

Trying to use AI on top of disorganized, outdated or unreliable data doesn’t create efficiencies, it creates more work. However, AI isn’t the problem. The problem is that you skipped a step.