Last week, I shared how my own definition of success changed over the course of a career in workers' compensation. Like many claims professionals, I began by measuring success through closed files, favorable outcomes, and cost savings. Over time, I came to realize that behind every claim number is a person with fears, responsibilities, and a life that has been unexpectedly interrupted. I also discussed how the demands of our…
Over the next two weeks, I'd like to share a reflection that has shaped the way I view workers' compensation. In Part 1, I share my own journey from measuring success by closed claims to understanding that every claim represents a human life. Next week, in Part 2, I'll explore what research tells us about recovery and how a Worker Recovery mindset can improve outcomes for everyone involved. "I am…
“Workers' compensation professionals are often measured by compliance, claim outcomes, and operational performance. While those metrics matter, the greatest impact we make is often felt in the lives of the injured workers we serve.” Danielle Thompson, City of Corpus Christi The Workers' Recovery Professional (WRP) certification was created to help industry professionals look beyond the claim and focus on the whole person. Through education, collaboration, and a recovery-centered philosophy, WRP…
When injured employees feel unheard, distrust begins to grow. When they feel supported, recovery has a stronger foundation. Every workers' compensation claim begins with a disruption. One moment, someone is at work doing their job. The next, they are facing pain, uncertainty, and questions they never expected to ask. Will I recover? Will I be able to support my family? Will my employer still want me back? How we respond…
If your organization feels a little stretched lately, you're not imagining it. Across the workers' compensation system, experienced professionals are retiring at a pace that is beginning to reshape the industry. Claims professionals, nurse case managers, risk managers, safety professionals, attorneys, regulators, medical providers, and administrators are leaving behind careers built on decades of experience, judgment, and institutional knowledge. When we talk about workforce shortages, we often focus on the…
Professional brand is not a LinkedIn summary. It is what people say about your work when you are not in the room. In workers’ compensation, that conversation may determine who gets trusted with the industry’s future. A white paper published by Risk & Insurance and Optum Workers' Compensation in May 2026 highlights that the workers’ compensation industry is confronting a growing talent crisis as a significant portion of its experienced…
Originally Published 4/6/26. Those of you who have seen me present on stage know that I always find a way to incorporate my horses into the mix. In my mind, the horsemanship lessons are directly parallel to what we as leaders, managers, and teammates encounter daily. My hope is this approach helps the message stick. Today is not a good day as I’m preparing to say goodbye to my biggest…
Originally Published 11/4/25. Wow, it’s been six months since my last update on my continued failure at retirement! Spoiler alert: time doesn’t slow down just because you hit that milestone. I’ll let you decide if I truly qualify as “retired.” As I write this update, exactly one year ago today, I was on a plane to Hawaii with family and my dearest friends to celebrate my retirement. I can still…
Originally Published 4/23/25. I have to say, returning to work again after retirement feels different. Maybe it’s the four-month breather I gave myself, or maybe it’s the simple truth that this time, I’m working because I want to, not because I must. That probably sounds a little harsh, so let me back up. I truly loved my time working at the University of Texas System. It felt safe, meaningful, and…
Originally Published 3/19/25. Yep, that’s me! I retired in September 2024, and less than six months later, I was back at work. Whoops? Like many, I had long imagined stepping away from the daily grind, the stress, the deadlines, and that little voice in my head always asking, Am I doing enough? I was fortunate to have a career I loved; one I had set my sights on early. Leading…
