Leadership and lasting relationships

We’re excited to share our conversation with Brenda Koenig, who recently joined Bold Penguin as Chief Partnership and Solutions Officer. Brenda shares insights on strategic partnerships, driving growth, and how to make a relationship last.

1. How do you see Bold Penguin transforming commercial insurance in the next few years?

Expanding on our existing strong foundation and strategic partnerships, Bold Penguin is well-positioned to move beyond the seamless quoting of small commercial insurance to driving growth by providing solutions that optimize the placement of more commercial risk and addressing larger pain points in the industry. This could include: 

• Digitizing specialty and complex risks.
• The ongoing development of market solutions.
• Full-automation of book rolls.
• Creating more intelligent experiences.
• Enabling real-time appetite management for carriers. 

It’s our strong foundation that serves as the springboard for these innovative solutions in an evolving industry.

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2. How do you think Bold Penguin is uniquely positioned to drive growth through strategic partnerships in our industry — and how does your team play a role in that?

Bold Penguin is seated in a strategic position in the marketplace. We serve the distribution needs of some of the most significant players in the commercial space, from traditional exclusive agent carriers to direct-to-consumer, carrier-led, and large broker/consolidators. This positions us well to enable efficient and profitable growth opportunities for our carrier partners, and in turn provide them with the incentive to meet the needs of these significant top-of-funnel opportunities. At the same time, our team’s primary focus is on how to create strategic partnerships that help these distribution players maximize their success through our robust solutions, including bespoke tech enablement, data and AI, and placement options.

3. You have a range of experience in the insurance industry. How has your diverse experience formed a foundation for you in your new role?

I have had the unique opportunity to work in a variety of areas across the insurance landscape, including commercial pricing and product, technology and innovation, operations and underwriting, transformation and partner management, as well as broker and agency distribution. As noted, the diversity of these experiences has really helped in many ways. In my role focused on strategic partnerships, I draw heavily on my experience for better understanding of our client needs, because I’ve often been in their shoes. It’s also given me a strong appreciation for the objectives of both sides of our ecosystem—carrier and distribution— and how to optimize success for both. Together, I think all my experiences combined have bolstered my passion and optimism for the innovative ways to win in the commercial space.

BONUS QUESTION: You married your high school sweetheart. Do you have any tips to share on being a part of a lasting marriage (or any relationship)?

After 30 years together, you’d think it’d be easy, but honestly, it takes a bit of effort and a lot of communication to learn and grow through different stages and navigate together as partners. My best advice is to make time for yourself to keep your mind and self healthy, make time for date nights to keep your relationship healthy, and to tell each other every day that you love each other.  And, generally, don’t sweat the small stuff! The same basic principle applies whether in a strategic partnership professionally or an interpersonal partnership – and that is to connect and communicate often!

The bottom line on our chat about strategic partnerships and driving growth with Brenda Koenig
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1. Transforming commercial insurance: Moving beyond the small commercial space to provide solutions that address larger pain points in the industry.
2. Driving growth through strategic partnerships: Helping distribution players maximize their success through our robust solutions.
3. The power of diverse experience: Better understanding of client needs, appreciation for the objectives of both carriers and distribution, and a real passion for the multi-faceted ways to win in the commercial space.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn or contact us to learn more.