Ed Cha

What was your favorite class in high school?

Physics. We did all kinds of experiments in class that showed how the concepts applied to the real world—like calculating the speed of a car or figuring out how fast you’d need to go to break through the atmosphere and reach outer space.

Tell me about starting college as a premed student.

During my first two years, I took biology, chemistry, and all the typical premed courses. But I realized it wasn’t something I truly loved. So, I took a big risk and, in my junior year, decided to switch concentrations to mathematics and chemistry. I was actually planning to become a math professor and go to graduate school to get my Ph.D. But somewhere along that path, I decided to pivot and go into business instead.

You were recently named chair of the International Working Group at The Council. Do you have particular goals for the group?

I’m truly thrilled and honored to take on this role. For me, a key goal is to bring greater visibility to what is happening politically in the U.S. and how those developments impact the rest of the world. It is increasingly important to have an unbiased forum—a space where people from around the globe can come together, have open conversations, and gain a clearer understanding of what is happening in the United States. That kind of dialogue is absolutely critical.

You have a great interest in artificial intelligence. How do you see AI influencing the industry?

Artificial intelligence is a great advancement. Some people are worried that it might replace jobs—and it’s true that certain jobs will be affected—but I believe AI has the potential to significantly improve life for humankind. Take healthcare, for example: if a radiologist needs to review 20 MRI scans, and each one takes 30 minutes to an hour, their capacity is limited. But if AI can process those scans in seconds, and the radiologist simply reviews and signs off on them, imagine how many more patients they could help. I truly believe AI is the future.

What is something your co-workers would be surprised to learn about you?

That I trained in Brazilian jiujitsu on and off for 10 years. Another might be that I’m into cryptocurrencies. I wouldn’t call myself a daily trader—more of a monthly trader— but I enjoy trading stocks and crypto.

What does a perfect weekend look like for you?

Having no set plans—just spending time with my two boys, James and A.J., and my wife, Jamie. I love the freedom to do whatever we feel like, whether it’s playing tennis or going for a hike. For me, everything also revolves around food because I love it so much. Sharing a meal with friends and family brings me a lot of happiness.

What three words would your co-workers use to describe your management style?

I’d like to think one of them would be macromanagement. Another would be supportive. I’ll stop at those two—I think they really capture my style.

If you could change one thing about the insurance industry, what would it be?

The adoption of blockchain technology holds immense promise for the insurance industry. Imagine being able to file a claim and have it verified and paid within seconds. This kind of speed and automation has the potential to profoundly transform the industry, accelerating business processes and revolutionizing the way we operate overall.

What gives you your leader’s edge?

My philosophy has always been to be both a technical expert and a strategic consultant. Ultimately, my job is to ensure I’m adding accretive value for our clients. If a client has a problem or an issue, I have to solve it or know someone who can. Being dependable and resourceful are simple qualities, yet not so common to find these days.