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May 29
Sand Technologies
Throughout the conference, it was clear that the insurance industry is in the midst of a powerful wave of innovation powered by AI. Insurance leaders shared how this technology is helping them cut through complexity, accelerate decision-making and drive real business impact.
In addition, they acknowledge AI’s unique ability to connect the dots across teams by analyzing data holistically, revealing patterns and gaps that are often hidden in siloed systems. For example, when deployed in customer experiences, AI can sift through customer data to identify common friction points, service inconsistencies or unmet needs. It can also flag missing data so teams know where they’re flying blind. These insights have led to faster decision-making, better coordination and stronger business results.
The growing influence of Agentic AI was also quite evident in multiple conversations and presentations. Many companies are exploring Agentic AI’s potential to automate complex tasks, streamline decision-making and unlock new levels of efficiency across their operations.
Amid the excitement around Agentic AI, leaders pointed out that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its actual value emerges when it’s tailored to specific business needs. As such, companies looking to implement Agentic AI should begin by identifying high-impact use cases, aligning cross-functional teams and ensuring the correct data and infrastructure are in place to support scalable outcomes. Not every business challenge necessitates the significant cost and complexity of an enterprise-wide Agentic AI implementation; many other effective AI solutions remain readily available and highly beneficial.
There was also a strong focus on what it takes to truly harness the power of Agentic AI. Leaders emphasized the importance of strong governance and ongoing oversight. They also called for careful consideration of ethical implications to ensure that implementation is effective, responsible and sustainable.
Data has always played a central role in the insurance industry, but its nature is evolving, especially as more AI innovations are adopted. As many conversations revealed, for insurers, it’s no longer just about having more data, but about having the right data and using it in the right way to drive critical business insight and action. Navigating this shift requires moving beyond volume toward strategy. Insurers must be intentional about how data is stored, accessed and applied across the organization, focusing clearly on quality and relevance over quantity.
While the importance of data is widely recognized, it was also clear from discussions that consistency remains a major hurdle for many insurers. Most organizations have teams that are far ahead on the data maturity curve, while others are still catching up. Without enterprise-wide standards and alignment, data’s full potential remains untapped. Closing these internal gaps will not only help organizations improve operational efficiency but also open doors to entirely new business models and customer experiences.
The need for more advanced and flexible infrastructure was also emphasized as essential for smooth AI adoption. Open and flexible IT systems, such as APIs, were shared as examples of tools that unlock cross-industry innovations. Although these systems present challenges like security risks, how an organization designs and governs its IT architecture will determine how successfully it can harness these innovations.
Beyond the buzz of new tools and platforms, conversations at the conference consistently returned to a deeper theme: the need for a mindset shift. Lasting transformation, particularly in a more traditional industry like insurance, goes beyond adopting the latest technologies. It demands a change in how organizations think: embracing uncertainty, challenging outdated processes and replacing siloed thinking with a more connected, enterprise-wide perspective.
This mindset shift is what makes pragmatic innovation possible. Rather than chasing the next ‘magic bullet,’ insurers are being called to reimagine the value they deliver by simplifying core business processes and aligning AI investments with strategic objectives.
The goal isn’t just automation for efficiency’s sake, but purposeful transformation that unlocks better customer experiences and more agile business models. To lead in this new era, insurers need to think bigger than the tech and build with clarity, adaptability and long-term value in mind.
Lastly, a key theme from the sessions was the workforce revolution transforming the insurance industry from within. With over half the global workforce under 30, the insurance industry is witnessing a similar shift in its workforce. This fundamental shift is impacting how work is approached. The new crop of talent – Gen Zs – seek more than just a paycheck. They demand flexibility that allows them to balance life and work on their terms, seek authentic, meaningful collaboration and want to feel a clear sense of purpose in what they do daily.
For insurers today, this isn’t just a cultural shift; it’s a call to action. To attract and keep this new generation of talent, companies need to rethink how they lead, the policies they set, how they communicate and how they support career growth. The same old ways used to manage talent in the industry won’t cut it moving forward. Those who make these changes will build stronger teams and stay ahead in an industry that is quickly changing what work looks like.
Beyond the cultural shift, AI is also reshaping job functions, retiring some roles while creating others, especially those centered on managing and collaborating with AI systems. Leaders must cultivate environments where human and machine capabilities complement each other, especially for the new generation. AI should not just be adopted to replace tasks, but to streamline complexity and open new business avenues tied to real enterprise goals like efficiency, growth, and customer engagement. This approach ensures AI delivers practical, measurable outcomes, not just flashy demos.
Our work in AI and insurtech has shown us that advanced technologies are highly adaptable to different user needs and use cases. However, to unlock their full value, they must be aligned with an organization’s existing technical infrastructure and be supported by leaders who can drive adoption and guide integration across the business.
Ultimately, as the insurance industry continues to evolve, the true challenge lies not in the technology it adopts but in how organizations envision the future they want to create. Tools like AI and advanced analytics are only as powerful as the vision guiding their use. Therefore, the decisions insurers make today about culture, governance, infrastructure and workforce will ripple far beyond immediate gains. They can redefine what insurance means in a world shaped by AI, data and shifting expectations.
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