FinTech & InsurTech: Industries at the Intersection Series

In this episode of TechSurge: The Deep Tech Podcast, host Nicholas Brathwaite of Celesta Capital speaks with Christian Mitchell, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Northwestern Mutual, about the profound digital transformation happening in the financial services and insurance sectors. The discussion covers how legacy systems are being modernized, the role of AI in enhancing underwriting and customer experiences, and the increasing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding sensitive data. Christian also shares insights on the evolution of FinTech startups and Northwestern Mutual’s approach to investing in and partnering with innovative tech companies, providing a deep dive into how technology is reshaping long-established industries while balancing innovation with regulatory and customer needs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tech Surge and Industry Transformation 02:46 Legacy Technology vs. Digital Transformation in Financial Services 05:55 The Evolution of FinTech: From 1.0 to Current Trends 09:08 Leveraging Startups and Deep Tech for Innovation 11:58 Navigating Challenges in Digital Transformation 15:06 Talent Acquisition and Company Culture in Tech 18:01 The Role of the Innovation Lab in Driving Change 20:54 AI's Impact on Business Operations and Customer Experience 24:02 Addressing Privacy, Bias, and Ethical AI Implementation 26:58 Data Management Strategies: Cloud vs. On-Premise 29:47 Cybersecurity as a Collective Responsibility Links https://www.northwesternmutual.com/ https://fintechbreakthrough.com/2022-winners

Om Podcasten

The TechSurge: Deep Tech VC Podcast explores the frontiers of emerging tech, venture capital, and business. For entrepreneurs, investors, tech professionals, or anyone interested in where technology is headed next. Presented by Celesta Capital, and hosted by Founding Partners Nic Brathwaite, Michael Marks, and Sriram Viswanathan. Email feedback and show ideas to techsurge@celesta.vc. Join us as we examine the next major tech cycle, uncover emerging global tech hubs, and analyze where VC investment dollars are headed. Tune in to hear directly from Silicon Valley leaders, daring new founders, and visionary thinkers. Past guests on the podcast and TechSurge Live summits include Kara Swisher, Vinod Khosla, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, and others. Each discussion delves into the intersection of technology advancement, market dynamics, and the founder journey, offering insights into the vast opportunities and complex challenges ahead. Episode topics include AI, data center transformation, blockchain, cyber security, healthcare innovation, VC investment trends, tips for first-time founders, and more. New episodes release every two weeks. Visit techsurgepodcast.com for more details and to sign up for our newsletter and other content!