Neural Networks to Insurtech with Krishnan Ethirajan, Chief Digital & AI Officer at Mosaic Insurance

In this episode of Beyond the Desk, Mark Thomas is joined by Krishnan Ethirajan, Chief Digital & AI Officer at Mosaic Insurance. Krishnan shares his fascinating journey from studying neural networks in the 1980s to leading cutting-edge AI initiatives in the global insurance sector. With a background that spans academia, consulting, and executive leadership, Krishnan's career is anything but linear. Together, they explore pivotal moments in his personal and professional life, how early exposure to neuroscience shaped his thinking on AI, and why staying uncomfortable is often the best place to grow.

Key Topics Covered:

• Growing up in India and pursuing engineering
• Studying AI and brain cognition in the 1980s
• Building a PhD from scratch at University of Houston
• Early neural networks and NASA-funded research
• Selling his first company at 26 and choosing not to retire
• Transition from academia to John Deere to Allstate
• Moving into consulting with Gartner and PwC
• Becoming CEO of Ironshore after being their consultant
• Founding Mosaic Insurance in the middle of the pandemic
• Driving value through AI, tech and strategic innovation
• How to build differentiated, future-facing AI in insurance

From brain plasticity and robotics to insurance operations and AI-led underwriting, this is an episode filled with thoughtful reflection, practical advice, and inspiring insights. Whether you're a tech leader, aspiring executive, or someone curious about where AI and insurance intersect, this is not one to miss

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• Krishnan on LinkedIn: Connect Here

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New episodes drop every Tuesday. Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of insurance and InsureTech. Thanks for tuning in - see you next time on Beyond the Desk! 🎧

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Invecta Search, the brand new leadership search product from Invecta Group, which leads the insurance industry in building best-in-class technology and transformation leadership teams. Find out more: www.invectagroup.com