The Productivity Paradox: Tech, Time, and the Forces Reshaping Modern Pooling

We’ve never had more tools, data, or technology at our fingertips—yet many leaders feel more stretched than ever.In this milestone one-year anniversary episode of PoolSide, we unpack a question facing public entity risk pools everywhere: Are we actually becoming more productive—or just busier?In Episode #10, host Michelle Bechamps is joined by Ann Gergen, Executive Director of AGRiP, to explore the real forces reshaping productivity in pooling today, including:How AI and pooled intelligence are changing expertise, judgment, and decision-makingThe impact of shifting demographics and career longevity on innovation and advancementWhy knowledge loss from board and staff turnover quietly erodes productivityHow cognitive and organizational bias slows progress—even in data-rich environmentsThis isn’t a conversation about chasing efficiency or adopting the next shiny tool. It’s about designing productivity—intentionally, strategically, and human-centered.The leaders who thrive won’t be the fastest movers. They’ll be the ones asking better questions, building smarter systems, and creating space for thinking—not just doing.