In this episode of Beyond Policy, host Leah Popple sits down with Angela Cabado, Director of Insurance Risk and Claims at MVW, to discuss her career journey from workers' compensation adjuster to risk management leader. Angela provides an inside look at what risk management professionals actually do day to day, explaining how they collaborate with carriers, TPAs, defense attorneys, brokers, safety teams, HR, legal departments, and executive leadership to strengthen organizational resilience. She shares practical advice for adjusters and early-career professionals who aspire to move into leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of patience, continuous learning, networking, and professional designations. The conversation also explores the critical partnership between risk managers and defense attorneys, the realities of managing large claim inventories, and the evolving role of technology and AI in claims handling. Angela closes with a deeply personal story about how the loss of her father shaped her perspective on insurance and why she remains passionate about helping individuals and organizations understand and manage risk. Together, they explore: What a Director of Risk Management does on a daily basis The career path from adjuster to risk management leadership How adjusters and defense attorneys work together effectively The importance of communication, documentation, and claim strategy Why insurance plays a critical role in protecting families and businesses Whether you're an adjuster, attorney, risk professional, or someone considering a career in insurance, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, professional growth, and the human impact of risk management. Key Takeaways No two days in risk management are the same. Risk professionals work across departments and disciplines, balancing claims management, safety initiatives, training, litigation strategy, insurance programs, and organizational resilience. Career growth requires patience and continuous learning. Angela emphasizes mastering foundational skills, seeking exposure to different lines of business, and building expertise before pursuing leadership opportunities. Strong partnerships drive better claim outcomes. Risk managers value defense attorneys who communicate openly, provide timely updates, and explain legal strategy in a practical and collaborative way. Adjusters manage complex workloads that require strategic thinking. Successful adjusters balance large caseloads while making informed decisions that impact claim outcomes, reserve management, and business operations. Insurance has a profound human impact. Beyond policies and claims, insurance helps protect families, businesses, livelihoods, and communities during some of life's most difficult moments. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 3 00:19 – Introducing Angela Cabado and her role at MVW 00:36 – What does a Director of Risk Management do? 01:15 – Collaborating with carriers, brokers, attorneys, and internal teams 02:00 – The mission of risk management and organizational resilience 03:08 – Angela's experience as a workers' compensation adjuster 04:30 – Learning difficult conversations and communication skills 06:08 – How Angela advanced from adjuster to director 08:47 – Building industry relationships and pursuing professional designations 10:17 – What risk managers value most in defense counsel 12:28 – Why detailed claim summaries matter 14:34 – Understanding adjuster caseloads and workloads 16:58 – The role of AI and technology in claims handling 18:49 – Managing priorities and avoiding overwhelm 20:30 – Why claim reports are so important 22:00 – Advice for students considering insurance careers 24:21 – The broader purpose and value of insurance 25:05 – Angela's personal story and why insurance matters 27:21 – Closing thoughts Notable Quotes "The ultimate goal of risk management is to improve the resiliency of the organization." "There's no way I'm going to do it all today. I am just going to do what I can and that's it." "Helping people understand what's coming, what their risks are, and how they can best manage it—that's what keeps me in this profession." "Insurance is incredibly important for people's livelihoods." Featured Guests Leah Popple – Associate Attorney, Callahan & Fusco Angela Cabado – Director of Insurance Risk & Claims, MVW Listen & Subscribe Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Beyond Policy for more conversations about insurance, claims, litigation, risk management, career development, and the people working behind the scenes to protect businesses and communities every day.