Culture-First Approach with Brian Fielkow & David Weinstein

On the latest episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, Jason Reichl is joined by Brian Fielkow, Executive Vice President of Risk Resources, and David Weinstein, Head of Risk in Claims for the Western Region at Acrisure and Acrisure Risk Resources. Together, they explore how organizational culture shapes risk management outcomes and why a proactive approach to risk is crucial for business success.

To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.

The Hidden Risk: Understanding Cultural Impact

Culture isn't just about company values posted on walls—it's a fundamental driver of risk management outcomes. As Brian Fielkow emphasizes, while physical risks like missing machine guards are easily visible, cultural issues often lurk beneath the surface, significantly impacting a company's risk profile.

"Culture can be hidden, but when you look at a company's performance, for better or worse, generally it's rooted in culture," explains Fielkow. This insight challenges traditional approaches to risk management that focus solely on physical safeguards and insurance policies.

The impact of culture manifests in several key areas:

Leadership engagement and commitment
Hiring and training practices
Process clarity and accountability
Employee empowerment and safety reporting

Breaking Down Regional Dynamics

One of Acrisure's distinctive approaches is their recognition that risk management isn't one-size-fits-all. Different regions face unique challenges, from varying state regulations to distinct business cultures. David Weinstein highlights how this regional perspective enables more effective risk management:

"Each region has its culture. California is sometimes viewed as more laid back, but from a regulatory context, absolutely not the case. And frankly, from a business context, not accurate either. This is a hard-driving area."

This nuanced understanding allows organizations to:

Adapt risk strategies to local contexts
Leverage regional expertise effectively
Address specific regulatory requirements
Maintain consistent standards across diverse operations

Technology Integration: A Balanced Approach

The conversation takes an important turn when addressing the role of technology in modern risk management. While new tools offer powerful capabilities, successful implementation requires careful consideration of human factors.

Brian Fielkow shares a compelling example: "Technology has such ability to improve outcomes when it comes to risk management. I think the most classic example would be dual-facing cameras in trucks. It's a game changer." However, he emphasizes that technology adoption must be approached as change management, not just implementation.

Key considerations for technology adoption include:

Understanding and addressing user concerns
Balancing monitoring with positive reinforcement
Using data for coaching, not just punishment
Creating a culture of continuous improvement

The Evolution of Risk Management Partnerships

The traditional annual insurance renewal model is giving way to more dynamic, value-based partnerships. David Weinstein describes how modern risk management requires:

Consultative approaches to client relationships
Leveraging diverse expertise across teams
Regular engagement beyond insurance renewals
Focus on preventive measures and strategic planning

"You want that client advisor to be utilizing a consultative approach," Weinstein explains. "Then also, because it's not one or the other, they want to leverage all the capabilities around them."

Looking Ahead: The Future of Risk Management

As organizations face increasingly complex risks, several key trends emerge:

Integration of AI and traditional risk assessment methods
Greater emphasis on data-driven decision making
Focus on cultural transformation
Evolution of broker-client relationships
Enhanced focus on preventive measures

The future belongs to organizations that can effectively balance technological innovation with strong cultural foundations. As Brian Fielkow concludes, "There's no such thing as a high-risk business because risk can be managed. Your business is high consequence because the consequences are high if you don't manage risk."