AI in Insurance Isn't the Future—It's Right Now, with Steve Anderson
This episode of Connected Conversations in Insurance features Steve Anderson, co-founder of Catalyit and author of The Bezos Letters, joining host Ray Huang for a candid conversation about AI, agency culture, and why playing it safe might be the riskiest move of all.
Drawing from decades of experience helping agencies adopt new technology, starting with the shift from paper files to digital systems in the '90s, Steve makes a compelling case for why the agencies that hesitate today will struggle tomorrow.
The Biggest Risk Is Playing It Safe
Steve opens with a provocative reframe that sets the tone for the entire conversation.
"The biggest risk agencies face is actually not taking enough risk."
It's a counterintuitive idea in an industry built around managing risk, but Steve's point lands hard. Technology has always disrupted insurance and the agencies that waited too long to adapt have consistently paid the price.
His own story makes the case. When his agency moved to digital files in the early '90s, the reaction from peers was skepticism.
"In the early days, we moved from paper files to digital. People thought we were crazy."
Sound familiar? The pattern repeats with every wave of technology, and AI is no different.
AI Isn't Replacing Anyone—Yet
Steve is careful to ground the AI conversation in reality. For most agencies, the practical wins aren't about transformation. They're about time.
Tasks like policy checking, document review, and client follow-up are exactly the kind of repetitive, time-consuming work where AI can deliver immediate value, without replacing the people doing it.
"Identifying time-consuming tasks and finding AI solutions to streamline them can demonstrate how AI supports rather than replaces existing talent."
The message isn't "AI will do your job." It's "AI will give you time to do your job better."
Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome
Not all AI tools are created equal, and Steve is direct about the importance of due diligence. The market is flooded with solutions making big promises, and agencies that jump too fast risk wasting time, money, and staff trust.
His advice: evaluate carefully, implement intentionally, and don't let excitement outpace judgment. The credibility of any AI tool needs to be continuously assessed, not just at the point of purchase.
Where to Start
For agency owners who feel behind, Steve offers a practical, low-barrier entry point.
"Open a paid account on a platform like ChatGPT or Gemini. Start experimenting."
A paid account matters. It keeps your data out of the training pool and gives you a safer environment to explore. From there, the move is simple: bring your team in, identify the repetitive work that's eating up hours, and start testing.
The goal isn't perfection. It's momentum.
Tech That Supports People
Like the best conversations in this series, the episode comes back to the human element. AI is not a shortcut around relationships. It's a tool that, when used well, frees up space for them.
"AI is the next natural evolution of tech for businesses. Understanding its role is the key to thriving in the future."
For agency owners willing to lean in, that future is closer than it might feel.
Connect with Steve Anderson on LinkedIn or pick up a copy of The Bezos Letters for more on embracing risk and technology in business.