Longer days, warmer breezes, and the smell of sunscreen just around the corner... summer is on its way, and we can almost taste the popsicles.
As we coast through May, there's a buzz in the air like something fun is about to happen. (Spoiler: it is.) Whether you're planning your OOO message, eyeing a beach getaway, or just vibing with the shift in seasons, this is the perfect moment to reset, recharge, and get excited for what’s ahead.
This issue of the Wysh newsletter is packed with fresh highlights, team shoutouts, and plenty of feel-good energy to kickstart the countdown to summer.
Let the good times roll.
A note from our CEO
As headlines swirl with talk of economic slowdown, uncertainty, and shifting markets, we see something different: opportunity. Not because we’re ignoring the realities high interest rates, consumer anxiety, and industry-wide belt-tightening but because this is exactly the moment we were built for.
As a digital-first insurance company, our purpose is to empower every person to live life to the fullest with the confidence of financial protection. We equip financial institutions with the tools they need to protect their customers and enhance the credibility of their core offerings. In uncertain times, protection becomes more than a nice-to-have; it becomes essential.
That’s why this isn’t just a tough time it’s our time to shine. Startups are built for moments like this. Moments filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and constant change. But that’s exactly why we chose this path. It’s challenging, yes but the fun kind of challenge. The kind that pushes us to build smarter, move faster, and think deeper about what really matters.
That’s why our focus must remain on sustainable innovation: on bringing forward adaptable solutions that deliver real impact. That means revenue growth for our partners, retention for their customers, and peace of mind for families and communities.
With summer (and summer Fridays) approaching, I hope everyone finds time to recharge and enjoy the season. I have no doubt that even with a little more sunshine in the mix, we’ll continue to perform at the highest level because that’s what this team does.
To our team thank you for your continued hard work, your focus, and for living our values every day.
Be Optimistic. Embrace Ambiguity. Use Judgment. Be Courageous. Collaborate. Take Ownership.
These aren’t just words on a wall they’re the reason we’re ready for this moment.
Conference Highlights
Financial Brand Forum:
Alex, Edwin, and Peter took on Vegas this time and gathered over 65 leads. They also hosted 15 people on the High Roller ferris wheel, which lost power in the process and everyone was stuck over an hour. Peter literally gave the shirt off his back to someone who was cold.
KY Bankers Spring Conference:
Tyler played a round of golf under tsunami-like weather and gathered 6 leads at the conference who are interested in the product.
Texas Bankers Conference: sponsored this large state conference with fun swag (of which we have many leftover if you’re a fan of pins), and golf! Alex and Jonathan gathered approximately 30 leads in total.
Employee Spotlight: Evan Baranowski
From backend builds to bedtime books, one of our engineers is balancing life and work with humor, heart, and some heavy rock.
�� On Fatherhood:
"It's awesome! My wife and I are just absolutely obsessed with the little guy... he even loves reading Game of Thrones with me even if it’s just gibberish!"
�� On His Role:
As a backend engineer, his days are a mix of code reviews, server upgrades, and blasting playlists featuring Five Finger Death Punch and Papa Roach. His recent upgrade to Ruby and Rails was “immensely intense,” but worth it.
�� Productivity Hack:
"I'll play the same song on repeat for two weeks straight once I’m in the zone, I just do it."
�� Can’t-Live-Without Desk Item:
His Das mechanical keyboard with built-in music controls is the star of his workspace.
Evan at the Chiefs vs Dolphins Playoff game in 2023 in -4 degrees.
�� Go-To Meal:
Anything grilled especially mushroom Swiss burgers. Even his dad says their taco nights beat mom’s.
�� Looking Ahead:
"We're so excited to raise our son. Honestly, sometimes we don't even want each other to hold him we just want him all to ourselves."
�� Fun Fact:
He's a Tichu card game master and claims his sibling duo team "rarely ever loses." (His sister and wife might have something to say about that!)
�� Staying Motivated:
"Life changes constantly. I try to be just a bit better than I was yesterday."
�� Mantra:
"Have fun if you can. And take advantage of the job. Find what you enjoy in your 8 hours."
IT Updates
A couple quick reminders:
Booking Meetings? If your meeting doesn’t require a conference room, please use your Wysh email to book it. If your meeting does require a conference room, you can use your SK email for now.
Also, if you’ve been added to a Slack migration channel or messaged directly by IT with a task please take a few minutes to complete it. We know everyone’s busy, and we’d love to avoid booking 1:1s just to walk through simple steps. A little effort now helps us all stay up and running!
Thanks for your support!
SUMMER FRIDAYS
A R E B A C K !
We’re bringing back one of our favorite warm-weather traditions Summer Fridays start Friday, May 30th!
That means you can log off at 2:00 PM every Friday through Labor Day and soak up some well-deserved sunshine, relaxation, or whatever summer joy looks like for you. ��
To make the most of it, be sure to coordinate with your direct manager and team. Prioritize projects, plan ahead, and communicate early so everyone can enjoy a smooth wrap-up to the week and a head start on the weekend. ����
Here’s to breezier Fridays ahead!
To celebrate, we asked a few team members what they’re most excited about this summer. Here’s what they shared:
This summer, I’m hoping to wrench on my cars a bit more and dial in the specs just giving the driving experience a personal touch. I’m also planning a bucket-list drive along the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee. After an early Friday log-off, you’ll probably find me playing soccer in the park… or hanging out with my new pup!
Luther, Service and Support
A great way to unwind involves picking up my son, Hank, from daycare and heading to our local park. It has amazing walking paths along the river and he really enjoys it (one of the paths passes by a brewery, so 5 stars to the city planning there). My wife and I both work, so getting extra time on a Friday with him is really a treat.
Bill, Quality Assurance
One of the things I'm looking forward to this summer is having more time to decorate my new house and make it a home.
I’m also looking forward to a long awaited trip to Greece this June. Bucket list item!
Lina, Finance
The D.E.I-gest
The Spirit of Aloha
This May, as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re taking a moment to honor and explore a powerful concept from Native Hawaiian culture: Aloha.
You’ve probably heard it as a greeting, but aloha is much more than “hello” or “goodbye.” Pronounced ə-LOH-hah, it reflects a deeper philosophy one rooted in love, compassion, mutual respect, and connection. In Hawaiian tradition, aloha is considered a guiding force, a way of being that invites us to live with intention and treat others (and ourselves) with care.
So what does that mean for us at Wysh?
Maybe it’s slowing down enough to genuinely ask a teammate how they’re doing. Maybe it’s choosing empathy in moments of challenge, or creating space for everyone to feel seen and heard. Aloha invites us to lead with heart, collaborate with openness, and celebrate the diversity that connects us all.
In the spirit of aloha, we’re reminded that our words and actions matter that empathy, kindness, and shared humanity are at the heart of a strong community. Whether in the workplace or beyond, embodying aloha means showing up for one another in meaningful ways.
Let’s continue learning from and honoring the diverse cultures that make up our community and carry a little aloha with us in everything we do. ��
Mental Health: It Looks Different for Everyone
Let’s be real: in a world of hustle culture, endless notifications, and more streaming options than time to watch them, slowing down to take care of yourself can feel… rebellious. But as we roll through Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to remind you: even superheroes need a nap and a snack. ��
Mental health doesn’t come in a one-size-fits-all package. For some, it’s therapy. For others, it’s playing cozy games, sketching in silence, hitting a pickleball around, or taking a walk near water (science backs us up blue spaces like oceans, lakes, and rivers have been shown to reduce stress and boost mood ����). Movement matters, too: whether you’re lifting weights, dancing in your kitchen, or just stretching between Zoom calls, getting active supports both body and mind.
In a digital world chasing quick dopamine hits, it’s easy to lose hours to social media, doom scrolling, and impulse buys. (Looking at you, 2 a.m. online shopping spree.) It’s not about cutting it all out it’s about balance. Try a tech timeout. Swap one scroll session for a walk, a conversation, or even a moment of quiet.
A Few Feel-Good Ideas to Try This Month:
Take a mental health day (yes, really!).
Go for a walk bonus points if you can see trees, water, or both.
Try a new workout class yoga, spin, pilates, pickleball, you name it.
Play a game that brings you joy (cozy or competitive, your call).
Start a DIY project or doodle something weird and wonderful.
Book a therapy session or journal like no one’s watching.
Try breathwork, yoga, or just take a few deep inhales during your next calendar reminder.
And hey, if your body or brain is telling you it needs a break listen. We know taking time off can feel uncomfortable when we celebrate productivity so much, but your well-being is part of the job too. Don’t forget that unlimited PTO means just that you can take a day to reset, recharge, or simply breathe. And if you’ve been eyeing a new wellness class, remember we offer a $50 wellness reimbursement to help you try something new. Speak up, take care, and make the healthy choice you’ve earned it.
