Author: Nikki Wood, VP, Advisory Services and Client Experience │ Patra │ NetVU Silver Partner
The times of treating AI as an experiment are over. Pilot deployment or chatbots are no longer sufficient; AI is becoming the backbone of insurance distribution, and those who successfully scale AI outperform their peers 3 – 5x across productivity, expense ratio, and speed-to-market metrics.
Yet only 30% of AI initiatives reach deployment. For NetVU members, the question is now: how to move from strategy to operational execution.
The answer isn’t more tech. It’s rethinking how AI integrates into workflows. Here’s how to bridge the strategy-execution gap:
Address the data challenge
AI depends on clean, structured data, but insurance data is often messy and siloed. Strong data governance is required as a business priority. Secure, accessible, and organized data is essential for scalable AI deployment.
Task automation leads to process orchestration
Many view AI as a tool for automating tasks. While this is a good place to start, it only scratches the surface. Meaningful efficiency gains lie in process orchestration, deploying multi-step Agentic AI workflows. For example:
• Underwriting: AI triages data, flags risks, and presents decision-ready packages.
• Distribution: Predictive analytics identify cross-sell opportunities and alert brokers with the right product at the right time.
Human-in-the-loop
AI doesn’t replace professionals; it enhances their expertise to create a more intelligent enterprise. When Al is a part of the core fabric of thebusiness, it allows people to act on real-time strategic intelligence. This “bionic” approach combines efficiency with human touch.
Bridging the gap to operational AI
• Start with value, not technology. Select use cases based on business impact and feasibility to gain momentum.
• Build sequentially. Skipping phases leads to unreliable results and organizational frustration.
• Measure relentlessly. Identify and track clear metrics for each deployment to create evidence of value.
• Iterate continuously. AI deployment is not a one-time project.
• Maintain human accountability. AI augments and accelerates, it does not replace judgement and accountability.
The window for competitive differentiation through AI execution is open now. It will not remain open indefinitely. Ready to prepare for the future? Download Patra's comprehensive 2026 Trend Report.
About the Author
Nikki Wood, VP, Advisory Services and Client Experience │ Patra │ NetVU Silver Partner
Nikki Wood is Vice President of Advisory Services and Client Experience at Patra, where she plays a pivotal role in developing the company's advisory services strategy and building frameworks for comprehensive program management that supports the customer experience. She partners with strategic clients to deliver operational excellence, innovation, and customer-centric solutions that extend beyond traditional cost savings. With over 17 years of experience in operations strategy and business transformation within the insurance industry, Nikki has a distinguished track record of helping insurance organizations navigate industry trends and execute strategic initiatives through large-scale transformation programs.