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Ever wondered what it takes to transform an entire industry's culture? Amy Cooper, founder and CEO of RISE (Rising Insurance Star Executives), joins the Art of Adjusting podcast to reveal exactly how she's making it happen in the insurance world.

"I wanted this and it didn't exist for me, so I just said, ok, I'm going to build it," Amy explains, describing the origin of RISE. What began as a personal need has evolved into a comprehensive professional development ecosystem supporting insurance professionals at every career stage - from students entering the industry to executives climbing the leadership ladder.

At the heart of RISE's offerings is their innovative three-month mentorship program designed for busy professionals. Unlike traditional year-long commitments, this focused approach delivers maximum value through six structured meetings that emphasize developing crucial "human skills" rather than technical expertise. By intentionally pairing mentors and mentees across different segments of insurance, participants gain broader industry perspectives while building connections beyond their immediate work environment. For adjusters and claims professionals working remotely, this cross-functional exposure proves invaluable in combating isolation and expanding their professional network.

The annual RISE Leadership Summit embodies the organization's fresh approach to professional development. Taking place in Fort Lauderdale this June, the event deliberately breaks from traditional "stuffy conference" formats while delivering substantial educational content through TED-style talks from industry leaders. With separate tracks for individual contributors and management-level professionals, participants receive targeted development regardless of career stage. Beyond these flagship programs, RISE offers year-round engagement through their Innovators Lab, Wisdom Wednesdays, local events, and a newly launched community app.

Ready to level up your insurance career? Visit riseprofessionals.com to join for free and connect with this growing community of forward-thinking insurance professionals who are reshaping the industry's future together.

For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

Promotions:

• Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
• The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

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The hard and soft market cycle remains one of the insurance industry's most powerful yet least understood forces. In this eye-opening conversation with industry veteran Chris Burand, we peel back the curtain on what's really happening within carrier boardrooms during the current market hardening.

Most insurance professionals under 40 have never experienced a genuine hard market until now. With remarkable clarity, Burand explains how we're potentially facing "the hardest market since the mid-80s" despite carriers posting record profits last year. This seeming contradiction points to the fundamental truth that hard markets stem from balance sheet weaknesses, not income statement problems.

The roots of our current crisis trace back to 2018 when carriers made a fateful decision to reduce reinsurance purchases, effectively doubling their growth rate while increasing catastrophic exposure. When devastating Midwest storms struck and investment losses mounted, the industry's surplus position deteriorated dramatically. What's particularly troubling is Burand's revelation that some major carriers have borrowed significant portions of their surplus or invested heavily in junk bonds, creating serious quality concerns beyond mere quantity issues.

For claims professionals, these market dynamics directly impact daily operations through staffing reductions, heightened scrutiny of settlements, and increased pressure to control costs. Understanding the "why" behind these changes provides valuable context for navigating today's challenging environment.

We also explore how third-party litigation funding, excessive verdicts, and problematic risk assessment models are creating scenarios where certain risks simply can't be priced at any level. These structural challenges suggest the current hard market may persist much longer than historical patterns would indicate.

Whether you're an insurance adjuster trying to understand why your job just got harder, a broker explaining premium increases to clients, or simply someone curious about the forces shaping the insurance landscape, this conversation provides essential insights into the trillion-dollar tightrope the industry is currently walking.

Ready to deepen your insurance industry knowledge? Subscribe now and join our community of claims professionals committed to mastering the art of adjusting.

For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

Promotions:

• Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
• The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

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What keeps insurance adjusters up at night? From catastrophic losses that inspire genuine nightmares to the frustration of policy limitations that leave families vulnerable, our latest episode delves into the claims that haunt adjusters long after they're closed.

Bill and Chantel share their most memorable cases, including the heart-wrenching story of a truck driver whose family went without heat or electricity during winter holidays because of payment delays, and homes insured for a fraction of their replacement cost. These situations highlight the emotional reality of claims work - when adjusters recognize injustice but face constraints beyond their control.

The conversation takes a lighter turn with Chantel's account of perhaps the strangest claim ever filed: a truck driver who insisted aliens abducted him, took his 18-wheeler for a joyride, and abandoned it in the Nevada desert. Despite the obvious Ambien-induced explanation, the claim was actually covered - creating the surreal situation of documenting extraterrestrial vehicle theft.

We also address serious safety concerns adjusters face in the field - from confrontational policyholders to having ladders removed while on roofs. Our hosts offer valuable advice for new adjusters on de-escalation techniques and maintaining professionalism when being recorded by hostile parties.

Beyond the technical aspects of policies, adjusting is fundamentally about people navigating difficult situations. Whether you're an experienced adjuster or considering entering the field, this candid conversation reveals the human stories behind the paperwork and the emotional intelligence required to handle them effectively.

For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

Promotions:

• Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
• The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.