The Heartland of Risk and Innovation

On this episode of Champions and Challengers, host Greg Lestini sits down with Robert Bell, Executive Director of the Nebraska Insurance Federation, to explore why Nebraska has become a powerful hub for insurance and InsurTech innovation right in the heart of the country.

Robert shares how the Federation unites insurance companies across all sectors while helping lawmakers understand the intricate issues that shape effective regulation. That educational mission is key to ensuring policies support both consumer protection and industry growth, especially as technology continues to change the playing field.

The conversation highlights Nebraska’s rapidly expanding InsurTech ecosystem, anchored by the InsurTech on the Silicon Prairie conference, where startups, established insurers, and regulators come together to engage openly on new products, AI adoption, and evolving risk models. With a competitive premium tax rate and a workforce of more than 30,000 strong, Nebraska is positioning itself as a forward-looking leader in the future of insurance.

Listeners will gain insight into how innovation and advocacy intersect, why AI remains the hottest topic in risk management, and how collaboration is fueling bold new ideas from the Midwest.

Key Topics

Legislative education and industry advocacy
InsurTech momentum in the Silicon Prairie
AI’s growing impact on underwriting and risk management
Why collaboration with regulators encourages innovation
Nebraska’s strong insurance workforce and business climate