Educational institutions are increasingly exposed to an array of interrelated risks driven by their unique vulnerabilities that school administrators and financial officers must proactively manage. Their decisions, ranging from ensuring the protection of students and staff to managing financial assets, play a pivotal role in maintaining the institution’s well-being. Unison Risk Advisor’s sixth-annual benchmark reports offer valuable insights into current risk management practices and insurance purchasing decisions in both K-12 independent schools and higher education institutions.

Update

The referenced Illinois law (HB5258), effective January 1, 2026, expands dependent eligibility to include an employee’s parent or stepparent. However, this only applies to fully insured group health insurance policies issued in Illinois that offer dependent coverage. It does not apply to self-funded plans or out-of-state policies.

In this episode of The Edge, host Alex Rodriguez sits down with Mike Renaud, President & CEO of Valle del Sol, a 50-year-old nonprofit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. Mike shares his journey from healthcare professional to leading one of the Southwest's first Latino nonprofits, discussing the power of upstream thinking, building passionate teams, and creating lasting community change. They explore Mike's edge in connecting with people, the importance of family values in leadership, and how Valle's work goes beyond healthcare to address root causes of community challenges. 

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn. Learn more about Valle del Sol. 

On this episode of The Edge, host Tim Leman sits down with Robert (Bob) Klonk, Chairman & CEO of Unison Risk Advisors (URA) and Oswald Companies. 

Bob shares his 40-year journey in the insurance industry, from building Oswald's benefits practice from scratch to co-founding URA with Bob Cawley. They explore the vision behind creating a "forever independent firm." Bob opens up about his leadership philosophy, the importance of mutual respect in partnerships, and his commitment to giving others the same opportunities he had to build equity and create wealth. 

In Memory of Jim Spuller
We’re saddened to share that Jim Spuller, a long-time insurance industry leader and former Gibson sales coach, passed away on July 16, 2025. Jim had more than 40 years of experience in sales, leadership, and coaching—and he brought that expertise to Gibson in a meaningful way after retiring from Marsh. He had an unmatched ability to see potential in others and push them to grow. Many on our team benefited from his mentorship, and his legacy continues to shape the way we lead and serve.

In honor of Jim, we’re republishing this post written by Tim Leman in 2013—a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable mentor and friend.

Are you a good mentee?

Maintaining Your Network

Having good mentors and a strong network can make or break you. But have you ever taken the time to consider whether or not you are a good mentee?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been disappointed on a number of occasions when someone I’m trying to help never follows up to let me know how things turned out. Or, they asked for my assistance, and I willingly gave it, only to find they never took advantage of what I did for them.

In this episode of The Edge, Tim Leman sits down with Ryan Rans, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Great Lakes Capital, a real estate development firm. Ryan shares insights on leading strategy for a billion-dollar portfolio, the unique advantages of building a business in the Midwest, and how relationships drive opportunities in real estate development. They discuss the value of peer groups for entrepreneurs, the passion behind team building, and Ryan's journey working alongside his wife in business. Ryan also opens up about his boxing experience at Notre Dame and reveals how fly fishing helps him disconnect from the constant demands of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of The Edge, Tim Leman sits down with Steve Canty, Agent/Owner of Steve Canty Insurance Agency, to discuss his journey from marketing professional to insurance entrepreneur. Steve shares how a chance meeting in 2016 sparked a major career change in his 50s, proving it's never too late to pursue entrepreneurial aspirations. They explore the power of mentorship, the importance of diverse perspectives in the insurance industry, and how transferable skills from corporate America prepared him for business ownership. Steve also reflects on his time at Indiana State University and the influential relationships that shaped his career path.

In this episode of The Edge, host Alex Rodriguez sits down with Orus Guerra, CEO of Southwest Labs based in Albuquerque, to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of recognizing opportunities. Orus shares his journey from sales and marketing to founding multiple successful businesses, highlighting how his natural curiosity and willingness to take calculated risks have shaped his career. They explore the importance of building strong teams, fostering open communication, and creating a culture where ideas are valued and welcomed from all levels of the organization.

In this episode of The Edge, Tim Leman sits down with Jeff Shuck, Founder & Principal of Plenty, a consulting firm that helps conscious leaders and organizations grow. Jeff discusses learning to love what you do, the importance of eliminating ego, and how purpose often "finds you" rather than the other way around. Jeff also offers insights on creating abundance in your organization and reveals his personal leadership philosophy that has guided his journey.