The Defense Never Rests

What would happen if your company's data was compromised? I know, like many things, we all think "oh well, that wont happen to us". Until it does. And then what… Do you have insurance coverage for that? This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Michael Cavanaugh, Chief Insurance Office of Fusion MGA who knows a thing or two about cyber security. Interestingly, Mike turned a background in computer science and has utilized it in claims with a specialty in start ups. So if there is anyone who understands the constraints of a smaller budget but also the importance of protection your data, it's him! Do not miss this discussion about the newest and latest scams and the importance of cyber coverage, regardless of how small your operation may be. Has your company experienced a data breach?

Where do you think trust comes into play during litigation? "Trust?!" you say "this is litigation, there is no trust!" But hang on a second, think about your last successful mediation. Trust was probably a key component, even if it did not occur to you at the time. You trust your attorney to adequately assess the facts and damages and formulate a defense plan. Plaintiff's counsel is putting trust in their clients to give an accurate representation of the facts. Everyone is putting their trust in the mediator to use his/her expertise to work toward resolution. You see, trust is actually integral to litigation. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Sam Ardery an accomplished lawyer, author, speaker and mediator who has successfully mediated over 3,000 cases. During that time he may have picked up a few tidbits as to how to resolve conflict. Integral to that equation – trust! But also, radically listening. With these key factors, resolution is not so difficult to reach. In this episode, Sam offers a look into the psychology that may be blocking us from reaching resolution in our cases. Pulling back the curtain on what may be unknowingly preventing resolution. Do you believe trust is integral to a successful resolution?

What have you learned during your career in claims? I am not just talking the mechanics of handling and defending a claim. But practical real life lessons. Let's face it – during our careers we learn a lot more than just how to do the job and do it well. There is so much more to it than that. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Derrick Mullen, AVP at Seneca Insurance Company who has over 30 years of life lessons in the claims industry. And he's not stopping now! He shares that while he has years of experience behind him, he still recognizes there is more to know and to do. In fact, he is the first to admit the biggest room is the room for improvement. But it is that attitude that has made him an exceptional leader and mentor in his organization and this profession. He is also a pretty exceptional role model for his kids too. What are some of the lessons you have picked up during your claims career?

In this episode replay of The Defense Never Rests podcast, hosts Meghan and Wendy are joined by Michael Siedlecki. Tune in to hear them discuss the challenges of a smaller carrier and how they are overcome.

What obstacles have you had to conquer to pave the way upwards in your career? This week on The Defense Never Rests, we are joined by @Tina Newsome-Lee and @Nicole Suisse – two fantastic career driven lawyers who seemingly have parallel career progressions. Both these ladies came from humble beginnings without any "headstart" to get them where they are today. They had to utilize their own grit and determination to earn their achievements. But of course not without some help from mentors, colleagues and role models. And they are not blind to those who helped them get to where they are today. And now are in positions that they are paying it forward. Mentoring. Guiding. Leading. I am so honored to be joined by these two ladies who have paved the way to their own success. Do you have a mentor who helped your career path? Give them a shout out in the comments!

Do you seize new opportunities when they are presented to you? Some of us can be skeptical when we are faced with an opportunity that may be too good to be true. Others jump on it. Story time… When I was looking for jobs during law school I was set on being a transactional attorney. I did not want to do litigation or anything like it. Why? Who knows, transactional work just seemed "cool". But when the market was dry and there was not a transactional job to be found, I took a position as a litigation associate. Fast forward to today…I frankly could not imagine NOT being a litigator. The story is not that different for our guest this week. This week on the Defense Never Rests Dale Diamond shares how he began his legal career as a coverage attorney with a little bit of being in the right place at the right time. Turns out, he found his passion! Since then his career has had a few twists and turns, but his passion for coverage is truly the cornerstone to his career. I am sure he is thankful for that first step he took that steered the ship. Do you imagine where you would be if you did not take a certain opportunity when it was presented to you?

What do you think is an emerging area of claims? If we said pet insurance, would that surprise you? Probably! Most of us grew up in a time where pet insurance probably did not even exist! And let's face, if the family dog fell ill and it was going to cost a lot of money, that treatment was probably not going to happen. But times have changed. Nowadays that does not need to be the case. This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Dylan Whitehead Director of Claims at Pumpkin and discuss how pets are not just pets, they are part of our family. So why shouldn't they have proper coverage – just like us. Do you have pet insurance for your furry friends at home?

What trends are you seeing in your workers' compensation claims? Are you seeing a rise in certain types of claims… Or maybe you are seeing a shift in how claimants seek treatment… Or just a rise (or fall) in claims in general? This week on the Defense Never Rests we return to our worker's compensation series and are joined by Andrea Emmett to dive into what is trending in WC right now. Spoiler – there are a lot of trends! And they keep evolving. We probably could make this a 5 part series. If you work in comp claims, this is a must listen. Even if you do not work in comp claims, these trends often spill over to GL, so tune in! What trends are you seeing come across your desk?

Do you immerse yourself into your claims? I mean, do you REALLY know your insured's business inside and out? This week on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by LaToya Lee who is the Director of Claims at Raising Canes and she talks about the value of understanding the business operations when defending claims. This is down to how to operate the cashier to frying the chickens. Think about it…It pays to know the ins and outs of the operation. To really understand how the day to day operations go is essential to assessing each claim. Not to mention, LaToya is a joy to speak with – her enthusiasm for this amazing company is infectious. It is not surprising, either, she has surrounded herself with a great team at a fantastic and growing company. Have you had Raising Canes yet?

Do you work for a start up insurance company? It seems these days there are A LOT of new insurance companies coming onto the market. Each with specific products and visions and new philosophies as to how to best serve their insureds. Very exciting times indeed. To be somewhere on the ground floor and help build the company, your team, the philosophy is invigorating. But this is not without challenges. Today on the Defense Never Rests we are joined by Corrie Hurm who can speak first hand of the challenges she's faced while heading the claims department of a start up. Nothing short of exciting, sure. But certainly there are some challenges that some of us may take for granted. Like – do we buy this claims software or pay the electricity bill. Okay, maybe not EXACTLY like that but you get the idea. Do you handle claims for a startup, how has your experience been different from other companies you have worked for?