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CELEBRATING SUCCESS | THE FCCI 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Podcast Series Features Practical Conversations about All Things Risk
FCCI’s Risk Control team is in the business of staying ahead of potential risks and mitigating them for its policyholders. To help bring the focus on risk control directly to policyholders, agents, business owners and anyone interested in safety, a dedicated team of Risk Control experts worked with the FCCI Corporate Communications team to launch its first podcast in May 2023.
Now with 11 recorded episodes available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts as well as FCCI’s website, LinkedIn and Facebook, Talking Risk podcasts have been downloaded nearly 1,000 times. Each episode delves into the complexities of risk management, offering listeners valuable insights and actionable strategies to protect their businesses.
The Team Behind the Mic
The Risk Control team behind the Talking Risk podcast are two professionals with diverse backgrounds in insurance, engineering, safety and business continuity. Led by Brian Harris, CPCU, ARM, CFPS, Director of Risk Control, and Ralph Hines, Risk Control Specialist, the podcast has tackled topics ranging from fall prevention to fleet safety to fire prevention, and many others. Their goal is to contribute unique perspectives and case studies, ensuring the podcast is both engaging and educational to the listeners.
“Risk Control professionals have a passion for safety. We see the areas where business owners can protect their people, their customers, their businesses and their bottom lines by making changes to the way they work, by adding or upgrading systems like sprinklers and fire protection, or sometimes by making simple changes,” said Brian. “We’re not trying to cost anyone money; we’re trying to help them save in the long run by reducing risk. The number one misconception about Risk Control is that we are inspectors. We want to be viewed as consultative partners – and that’s where the idea for the podcast came in.”
Both Brian and Ralph have decades of experience in Risk Control and make it a point to stay up to date on the latest techniques, trends, and what the FCCI Risk Control team hears and sees when they visit policyholders.
“I never envisioned being part of a podcast,” said Ralph. “But I enjoy sharing safety and practical ways to help others. I consider it a privilege to participate in Talking Risk. I’ve always believed that we can help our policyholders best when they see that we care.”
Crafting Compelling Content
The process of creating each episode begins with extensive research and collaboration. The team identifies current trends and emerging threats in the commercial insurance landscape, from keeping manufacturing workplaces safe to trenching for contractors. They also gather real-world examples and success stories to illustrate best practices in risk mitigation.
Brian, who serves as the podcast host, starts each episode with a brief overview of the topic before diving into discussions with his colleagues and guest experts. Episodes feature interviews with industry leaders, in-depth analysis of recent incidents, and practical advice for business owners and risk managers. The conversational style and average length of around 30 minutes ensures that complex concepts are broken down into easily digestible segments, making the content accessible to listeners at all levels of expertise.
For example, an episode recorded in the latter part of 2024 featured Brian discussing fire sprinkler systems and emerging trends in fire suppression systems ultimately protecting properties and lives with Shane Ray, President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association.
Building a Community
One of the key goals of the Talking Risk podcast was to build a community of like-minded professionals and business owners who are enthusiastic about risk management. Since its launch in 2023, the Talking Risk podcast has gained a loyal following of listeners from various industries, including manufacturing, contracting and wholesale distributing.
“I really enjoy hosting the podcast because I love to learn, I love to teach, and I love to talk about both,” said Ralph. “We hoped we’d reach others who were interested in improving workplace safety, but it’s really been exciting to see the podcast episodes downloaded in 14 countries and 5 continents.”
The podcast's practical insights and real-life examples resonate with business leaders who are keen to safeguard their operations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Brand Impact
FCCI has also seen a positive impact on its brand reputation and customer relationships. By taking a proactive approach to risk management and adding value, the podcast episodes have strengthened FCCI’s position as a thought leader in the field, enhancing the company’s market position and deepening the connections with existing and potential clients.
The Road Ahead
As the Talking Risk podcast episodes continue to grow, the team remains committed to delivering timely and relevant content that empowers businesses to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of commercial insurance risks. With a clear vision and a passion for education, they are poised to make a lasting impact for the policyholders, one podcast episode at a time.