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Poolside Podcast

Listen. Learn. Lead.

About PoolSide

PoolSide unpacks expert insights, transformative strategies, and captivating stories to connect and empower the public entity pooling community. Presented in partnership with GEM,  PoolSide is hosted by Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates—a leader with over 30 years of expertise in pooling, strategic planning, and brand strategy. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out,  PoolSide delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to thrive and excel. Tune in to explore ideas that matter, gain actionable insights, meet industry experts, and stay ahead in the world of pooling. 

  • Episode #11: Transcending the Transaction

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    What does it really take to earn loyalty when speed and automation dominate nearly every industry? In Episode #11 of PoolSide, we welcome Jay Baer, Hall of Fame keynote speaker, customer experience and marketing expert, and author of Human.Kind. and Ignite a Word-of-Mouth Wave. As public entity pools gain efficiency through innovation, the real question becomes: What are we doing with the capacity we get back?  In relationship-driven industries like pooling, our differentiator has never been speed alone. It’s trust, proximity, and personal connection. Jay shares how intentional moments spark loyalty, why advocacy is earned through experiences, and how leaders can ignite a wave, one meaningful interaction at a time. 

  • Episode #10: The Productivity Paradox: Tech, Time, and the Forces Reshaping Modern Pooling

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    We’ve never had more tools, data, or technology at our fingertips—yet many leaders feel more stretched than ever. In this milestone one-year anniversary episode of PoolSide, we unpack a question facing public entity risk pools everywhere: Are we actually becoming more productive—or just busier? In Episode #10, host Michelle Bechamps is joined by Ann Gergen, Executive Director of AGRiP, to explore the real forces reshaping productivity in pooling today, including: How AI and pooled intelligence are changing expertise, judgment, and decision-making The impact of shifting demographics and career longevity on innovation and advancement Why knowledge loss from board and staff turnover quietly erodes productivity How cognitive and organizational bias slows progress—even in data-rich environments This isn’t a conversation about chasing efficiency or adopting the next shiny tool. It’s about designing productivity—intentionally, strategically, and human-centered. The leaders who thrive won’t be the fastest movers. They’ll be the ones asking better questions, building smarter systems, and creating space for thinking—not just doing.

  • Episode #9: Leading Across Generations (Without The Stereotypes)

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    As 2026 approaches, leadership looks different from just a few years ago. Gen Z is now stepping into management, Millennials are running teams, and Gen X and Boomers are guiding organizations through transitions shaped by hybrid work, fast-moving tech, and bigger questions about meaning and motivation. In this episode of PoolSide, we’re joined by Kim Lear, founder of Inlay Insights, to talk about what actually works when leading across generations—plus practical ways to communicate better, build trust faster, and get the best from multi-generational teams (without the stereotypes).

  • Episode #8: Protecting the Badge — Legal Trends and Leadership in Modern Policing

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    In this episode, Michelle Bechamps sits down with Jack Ryan, Attorney & Co-Director at Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute (LLRMI) — one of the nation’s leading voices in law enforcement risk management and liability — to talk about how agencies can lead with accountability and stay ahead of emerging legal trends. We discuss: • The most common litigation trends facing law enforcement agencies today • How agencies can rebuild public trust and social capital after years of scrutiny • What it really means to “take care of your own house” — and how to stay proactive before problems become lawsuits • Practical steps for chiefs, sheriffs, and risk managers to strengthen policy, training, and documentation
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    Episode #7: Behind the Firewall: A Public Entity Pool’s Role in Cyber Resilience

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    As cyber threats grow more complex, public entities face mounting pressure to safeguard systems, data, and community trust. In this episode of PoolSide, with special guest 𝗥𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀, 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗹, we explore how risk pools are adapting—not just by offering cyber coverage, but by actively partnering with members to strengthen defenses. From evolving claims trends and coverage strategies to the frontlines of cyber hygiene, we discuss how shared responsibility, education, and proactive support are shaping the future of public sector cyber resilience.
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    Episode #6: Mid-Year Check-In: Risk, Renewal & the State of Insurance

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    With the passing of July 1 renewals, the insurance landscape continues to shift. In this PoolSide episode, we explore the mid-year state of the market—from CAT-exposed property to increasingly complex cyber threats, and from liability pressures to shifting underwriting behavior, we ask: how are risk leaders navigating renewals in 2025? Tune in for an insightful conversation with our guests Doug Wozniak, SVP, Public Entity Group and Justin Swarbrick, SVP, Public Entity Group at Alliant. We discuss pricing trends, underwriting behavior, and what to expect as we head toward January 1, 2026. Whether you’re brokering deals, managing risk, or guiding strategy, this episode delivers a clear-eyed look at what’s shaping insurance today.
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    Episode #5: Controlling Risk – In A Dangerous World

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    In this episode of PoolSide, Michelle sits down with Jim Wetherbee, the only American to command five space missions and author of Controlling Risk—In a Dangerous World. Drawing on decades of experience in high-risk environments—from the cockpit of a Navy jet to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere—Jim shares his powerful framework for Operational Excellence and explains some of the Ten Adverse Characteristics that are commonly in place in organizations just prior to experiencing a major disaster or several minor accidents. Whether you lead a loss control team, are an executive director of a pool, or are looking for ways to train your members in accident prevention, this conversation will reshape how you can help any organization operate safer, smarter, and more effectively.
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    Episode #4: Capital Adequacy Integration: The Moneyball Moment for Risk Pools

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    Michelle and Chris McKenna, Founder/CEO and Actuary of Three Lions LLC, explore the ‘Moneyball Moment’ risk pools can have with the holistic integration of capital modeling studies into their business. Learn how capital modeling is now designed to go beyond just solvency testing to reshaping risk management and informing more robust strategic decisions for pools.
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    Episode #3: Rewriting the Narrative: Storytelling’s Role in Public Entity Pooling

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    In this episode, we sit down for a conversation with Ken Giffin, Strategic Advisor to Béchamps & Associates, for guidance in refreshing and regenerating a powerful pooling story that will engage longstanding and new members alike. We explore how storytelling can make public entity pooling more engaging, relatable, and effective.
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    Episode #2: Investing for Pools: Nothing But Net (Position)

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    In this episode, join us as we dive into the biggest influences on net position with Dan Smereck, Managing Director of Strategic Asset Alliance, and what tools pools are using in their creative strategies—navigating regulatory investment constraints, captive formation, and liquidity management—to strengthen their financial position for the future.
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    Episode#1: Exploring How AI is Shaping the Future of Pooling

    hosted by  Michelle Béchamps of Béchamps & Associates

    In this episode, join us as we chat with Ann Gergen, Executive Director of AGRiP, about how AI is transforming risk pooling. From smarter decision-making to predictive analytics, Ann shares insights on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into pooling strategies.

What Does GEM Provide?

For GEM, our success is rooted in the strength of collaboration. By pooling coverage, resources, and expertise, members gain tailored risk financing solutions, stability, and protection from disruptions in the marketplace.