5 Questions with Joe Gould, Sales Director, Property & Casualty, Gradient AI
Joe Gould serves as Sales Director, Property and Casualty at Gradient AI. He’s spent nearly two decades consulting with leaders at insurance and financial services companies as they seek to leverage data and analytics to achieve their business objectives. Joe is passionate about the centrality of insurance to our society and has firsthand experience helping carriers and MGAs leverage artificial intelligence to improve claim outcomes, decrease operating expenses, and profitably expand into new markets.
A native of Maine, Joe graduated from Boston University prior to moving to the New York City area where he remains today with his family. When not working with Gradient’s clients and prospective clients, Joe likes to spend his time outdoors and with his family.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of your role as Sales Director?
I make sure as many firms as possible can realize the positive impact of Gradient AI’s solutions for P&C insurance. More simply, I’m in Sales and collaborate with prospective clients to determine if our software can help them solve a pressing business challenge or achieve a strategic objective.
Question 2: How does AI impact the Underwriting and Claims process?
The impact varies depending on the line of business, as needs differ wildly between small business, middle market, and specialty lines for example. Broadly speaking, AI can make you more effective (think using machine learning to more accurately predict losses on a policy application for an underwriter) or more efficient (think using generative AI to save an adjuster hours by reviewing medical records). Then things get exciting when you start to stack solutions like we do at Gradient AI to make insurers both more effective and more efficient.
Question 3: What are common misconceptions insurers may have about AI and Machine Learning?
I see a concerning combination of a) underestimating the extent to which their early adopter peers and competitors already leverage AI/machine learning and b) not realizing how rapidly the underlying technology is advancing. What was cutting edge technology 12-18 months ago is now table stakes in many cases.
Question 4: What do you like most about your job?
Every day is interesting. I sometimes describe my job as having interesting conversations, about interesting technology, with interesting people. Every meeting I have with a client or prospective client puts me right in the mix of tackling important insurance issues with cutting edge technology alongside the best talent in the industry. I can’t ask for much more than that!
Question 5: What do you like to do in your free time?
These days my 9-, 7-, and 2-year-old children are the focus of any “free” time I have. We’re happy anytime we can get outside – whether it be camping, a hike, or just a trip to the park.
Bonus Question: Where is your favorite summer activity and why?
The beach! I grew up near the coast in Maine and still live in the northeast, so the beach has always played a big part of a short season for me. These days it is an easy environment for me to put my phone & laptop away for a bit and enjoy the moment.
Thank you, Joe! Be sure to check back on our blog as we ask 5 questions to different members of our talented staff across Gradient AI, to learn how they support the success of our clients.