“As AI transforms insurance, empathy remains the most important quality we bring to the work.”
That message shaped the conversation at our Women in Insurance Reception at Connections 2026, where C-suite carrier panelists joined Guidewire Chief Evangelist Laura Drabik to explore The Human Edge: Leading Insurance in the Age of AI. With 400 registered and raffle prizes adding to the excitement, there was plenty to celebrate.
A room full of connection
The reception, filled with industry leaders, colleagues, and allies, was a chance to connect with peers and have candid conversations about where insurance is headed. This evening was a reminder that the future of insurance is being shaped by the voices in that room. Technology will keep advancing, but it is people who decide where to apply it, how to use it responsibly, and how to make sure it serves customers well.
It was clear the theme resonated. In a moment when so much of the AI conversation centers on technology, people were glad to spend an evening talking about what makes us human.
What becomes more valuable as AI becomes more capable?
That was the heart of the evening. Laura invited three accomplished leaders to share their perspectives in a series of rapid-fire conversations:
- Gianna Aimola, Head of Claims, Allstate Canada
- Elaine Basque, COO, Zurich North America / RCIS
- Rima Safari, US Data, Analytics and AI Practice Leader, PwC
A common theme from all our speakers explored the human qualities that will matter most as AI reshapes the industry: judgment, perspective, and leadership. Claims is a good example. AI can speed up processes and surface insights, but a policyholder on the worst day of their year needs more than efficiency. They need someone who understands, and that is where empathy becomes the differentiator.
The role women can play in what comes next
The conversation also looked at how women can help lead the industry through this transition. Technology will keep advancing, but the people guiding it, deciding where to apply it, and ensuring it serves customers well will shape what insurance looks like in the years ahead. Having diverse voices at that table is essential.
Carrying the torch
Every community begins with someone who decides not to wait. Many years ago, a former Guidewire colleague, Sandia Ren, did exactly that when she started GROW: Guidewire’s Recognition of Women, a program built to help women feel seen, heard, and valued. It is our privilege to co-lead GROW today and carry that torch forward.
With gratitude
Our heartfelt thanks to Gianna, Elaine, and Rima for their candor and insight, to Laura for facilitating such a thoughtful discussion, to PwC for their generous sponsorship, and to everyone who joined us. Congratulations to our raffle winners, and thank you for helping make the reception such a memorable part of Connections.
What’s next
We are already looking ahead and hoping to make next year’s event even bigger and better. If you were with us, thank you for being part of it. If you couldn’t make it, we hope you’ll join us next time.