On this episode of FNO: InsureTech, hosts Lee Boyd and David Prejeant sit down with Wayne Slavin, CEO and Co-Founder of Sure, for a conversation about embedded insurance, digital distribution, AI, and the future of insurance technology. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Sure helps carriers and major consumer brands launch and operate digital insurance programs. 

Wayne's path into insurance is anything but conventional. Coming from a technology and product development background, he shares the story of how a simple observation during a turbulent flight sparked an idea that would eventually lead to the creation of Sure.

Along the way, the discussion explores what it means to build insurance experiences around the customer, why embedded insurance continues to attract attention across the industry, and how technology is changing the way insurance reaches consumers. 

A Founder Story Unlike Most in Insurance

Wayne did not start his career in insurance.

His background spans technology, e-commerce, consumer behavior, and product development. Before founding Sure, he spent years building digital experiences focused on helping consumers complete transactions more easily and efficiently. 

That experience ultimately shaped the way he would later think about insurance.

And it all started with a simple question asked during a flight.

Building a Different Type of Insurance Company

As the conversation unfolds, Wayne explains how Sure evolved from an early idea into a company working with some of the largest brands in the world. Rather than approaching insurance through traditional channels, Sure focuses on helping organizations bring insurance directly into existing customer journeys, creating new opportunities for distribution and engagement.

The discussion provides valuable insight into how the company thinks about growth, partnerships, and the changing relationship between brands, customers, and insurance.

The Rise of Embedded Insurance

Embedded insurance has become one of the most talked-about concepts in the industry.

Wayne shares his perspective on why it continues to gain momentum and what must happen for embedded experiences to become more widely adopted

The conversation also explores how consumer expectations have changed and why convenience increasingly plays a role in how insurance products are discovered and purchased.

AI Before It Became Mainstream

Years before AI became today's most discussed technology trend, Wayne was already studying and researching the topic. In this episode, he reflects on that journey and shares his perspective on where AI is creating meaningful opportunities across insurance today. 

The discussion moves beyond the headlines and explores how technology leaders are thinking about implementation, adoption, and real-world business impact. 

Innovation, Leadership, and Change

Technology is only one piece of the puzzle.

Wayne and the hosts also discuss innovation, organizational change, and the challenges that companies face when attempting to modernize existing processes.

It's a thoughtful conversation that looks beyond products and platforms to examine the people, decisions, and leadership required to drive transformation.

Looking Ahead

As the insurance ecosystem continues to evolve, companies across the industry are searching for new ways to improve customer experiences, accelerate innovation, and create more connected digital journeys. 

Episode 311 offers a compelling look at how one InsureTech founder approaches those opportunities and how Sure is helping shape conversations around embedded insurance, AI, and the future of insurance distribution. 

Whether you're interested in technology, entrepreneurship, customer experience, or the next wave of insurance innovation, this is an episode worth listening to.