Podcast
Data First, AI Second: Stan Smith, Founder & CEO of Gradient AI
Gradient AI CEO Stan Smith recently sat down with host Dan Briselden on the latest episode of the Leadership in Insurance Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on data, decisioning, and what it actually takes to build something that sticks in this market.
In this episode, Stan and Dan explore:
- The real ROI numbers, from single-digit millions on smaller books to 10x returns confirmed by clients' own internal data science teams, and why Stan measures success by value delivered, not just revenue earned
- How Gradient navigated the journey from MGA-focused startup to large carrier partner, and why the warmest first carrier deals came through MGAs using their paper
- Where AI is genuinely replacing human effort in insurance and where Stan believes human judgement will always be the differentiator, from complex claims to nuanced underwriting calls
- The governance and bias challenge in AI-powered underwriting, and why Stan thinks regulators will increasingly focus on what data models are fed, not just how they work
Stan also shares his vision for where Gradient is heading next — from individual healthcare lines like Medicare Advantage and MedSupp through to disability and life — and why he believes there has never been a better time to be building AI in insurance.