Beyond Policy

CLM (Claims and Litigation Management Alliance)

Whether you're an experienced insurance professional, just beginning your career, or simply curious about the industry, Beyond Policy offers conversations that go beyond claims and coverage to explore the people, careers, and ideas shaping insurance today. Join our hosts and industry guests as they share real-world experiences, practical insights, and lessons learned from across claims, litigation, and risk management. Subscribe to stay informed, grow your professional network, and discover new perspectives from leaders across the insurance industry.

Episodes

  1. 4h ago

    Beyond the Job Title – Authenticity, Mentorship, and Confidence in Your Career

    In this episode of Beyond Policy, hosts Leah Popple and Angela Cabado welcome Edoardo (Eddy) Maffia, Partner at Barry McTiernan & Moore, to discuss his unconventional career journey, the importance of mentorship, and what it means to stay authentic while advancing professionally. Eddy shares how his experience as a claims adjuster shaped his approach to practicing law, giving him a unique understanding of the challenges faced by both attorneys and insurance professionals. The conversation explores how empathy, communication, and lessons learned from previous roles can strengthen professional relationships and create better leaders. Together, they explore: How experience as a claims adjuster can shape a successful legal career The importance of mentorship and supporting the next generation of professionals Balancing professionalism with authenticity in the workplace Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome Why empathy, communication, and respect matter at every career level Eddy also reflects on his journey from associate attorney to partner, sharing personal experiences, career challenges, and lessons about embracing uncomfortable situations. Whether you're entering the insurance industry, advancing in your legal career, or stepping into a leadership role, this episode offers practical advice on building confidence, embracing your strengths, and finding success without losing sight of who you are. Key Takeaways 1. Your past experiences can become your greatest professional strengths. Eddy's background as a claims adjuster helped him better understand the needs of his clients and approach litigation with a broader perspective. 2. Mentorship is essential to professional growth. Great leaders remember the challenges they faced early in their careers and use those experiences to support and guide others. 3. Authenticity and professionalism can coexist. Being professional doesn't mean changing your personality. It means approaching others with respect, empathy, accountability, and effective communication. 4. Confidence develops through experience and preparation. Overcoming imposter syndrome requires recognizing that no one knows everything, embracing your strengths, and continuing to learn. 5. Leadership is about people, not titles. Regardless of seniority, treating colleagues with kindness and respect creates stronger teams and more supportive workplaces. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 4 and introducing Eddy Maffia 00:28 – Eddy's journey from claims adjuster to attorney 02:27 – How adjusting experience shaped his legal career 05:20 – Learning from past frustrations and becoming a better mentor 06:44 – Communication and supporting younger attorneys 09:28 – What does professionalism really mean? 12:26 – Why practicing law is also about customer service 14:39 – Staying authentic while advancing into leadership 16:21 – Leaving ego behind and empowering others 17:40 – The importance of mentorship and professional relationships 20:49 – Finding your own professional style 23:28 – Embracing your strengths and building confidence 24:44 – Overcoming imposter syndrome in the legal profession 26:08 – Turning uncomfortable experiences into opportunities for growth 27:46 – Final advice on confidence and career development 28:21 – Eddy's practice areas and closing remarks Notable Quotes "I learned the most on how to mentor from what I didn't have." — Eddy Maffia "We are ultimately human beings who do jobs." — Eddy Maffia "Being yourself is the best way for people to see you." — Eddy Maffia "If they're more experienced, be more prepared." — Eddy Maffia Featured Speakers Leah Popple – Co-Host Angela Cabado – Co-Host, Director of Risk Management Edoardo (Eddy) Maffia – Guest, Partner at Barry McTiernan & Moore Listen & Subscribe Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Beyond Policy, the official podcast of CLM, for more discussions with professionals across insurance, claims, litigation, and risk management. Discover career advice, leadership insights, and real-world experiences from the people shaping the industry.

  2. Oct 1

    From Adjuster to Director – Building a Career in Risk Management

    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.

  3. Sep 1

    Inside Insurance Defense – A Day in the Life of a Defense Attorney

    In this episode of Beyond Policy, host Angela Cabado, Director of Risk Management, sits down with Amanda Ashworth-Patrick, Associate Attorney at Tyson & Mendes, to explore what life as an insurance defense attorney really looks like beyond the courtroom. Amanda shares an inside look at her day-to-day responsibilities, from managing litigation and attending depositions to coordinating with carriers, evaluating claims, and ensuring cases continue moving efficiently toward resolution. She discusses the importance of communication, organization, and relationship management in an industry where collaboration between attorneys, adjusters, and risk professionals is critical. The conversation also highlights the realities of handling a large volume of cases, the value of proactive case evaluation, and how effective communication can prevent claims from stagnating. Amanda offers practical insights for professionals considering a career in insurance defense and explains why success often depends as much on people skills as legal expertise. Together, they explore: What an insurance defense attorney does on a daily basis The importance of communication between attorneys and carriers How effective claim evaluation drives better outcomes Managing large caseloads and competing priorities Why organization and proactive communication are essential skills Whether you're interested in insurance defense, claims management, litigation strategy, or career development within the industry, this conversation provides valuable perspective from someone working on the front lines every day. Key Takeaways Insurance defense involves far more than courtroom appearances. Much of the work centers on evaluating claims, drafting reports, conducting depositions, and coordinating with stakeholders throughout the litigation process. Communication is critical to claim resolution. Attorneys and carriers must stay aligned to ensure claims continue moving forward and don't become unnecessarily prolonged. Preparation leads to more productive conversations. Amanda emphasizes reviewing facts and developing recommendations before speaking with carriers to maximize efficiency and decision-making. Organization and self-management are essential. A successful litigation practice requires balancing court appearances, depositions, reporting obligations, and client communication. Insurance professionals operate in a fast-paced environment. Both attorneys and carriers manage significant caseloads, making collaboration and responsiveness key to achieving positive outcomes. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 2 00:15 – Introducing the topic and Amanda's career journey 00:45 – Angela's perspective working with defense attorneys 01:01 – What does an insurance defense attorney do every day? 01:15 – Litigation, depositions, court appearances, and case management 01:45 – Evaluating claims and communicating with carriers 02:20 – The challenge of managing large caseloads 02:45 – Why communication keeps claims moving forward 03:00 – Working across multiple time zones 03:15 – Amanda's approach to structuring her workday 03:30 – Early-morning productivity and collaboration strategies Notable Quotes "The work is always coming. So if you're not effectively communicating with one another, the cases just live forever." "I really try to focus on doing what I need to do in order to make communication down the line much more effective and productive." "I want to get somebody on the phone and tell them, 'I've already looked through X, Y, and Z. This is what I think.'" Featured Guests Angela Cabado – Director of Risk Management Amanda Ashworth-Patrick – Associate Attorney, Tyson & Mendes Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond Policy for more conversations exploring the people, careers, claims, litigation, and industry insights that shape the world of insurance and risk management beyond the policy.

  4. Aug 5

    Meet the Hosts – How We Found Our Way Into Insurance

    In the inaugural episode of Beyond Policy, hosts Angela Cabado, Amanda Ashworth-Patrick, and Leah Popple introduce themselves, share their unique career journeys, and discuss how they unexpectedly found rewarding careers in the insurance and risk management industry. From criminal prosecution and plaintiff-side practice to workers' compensation, risk management, and insurance defense, each host reflects on the twists and turns that led them to where they are today. They explore why insurance remains one of the most misunderstood industries, the importance of educating young people about financial literacy and insurance, and the many career opportunities available across the field. The conversation also highlights the value of mentorship, professional community, and the diverse expertise that insurance professionals bring to solving complex problems. To wrap up the episode, the hosts share personal hobbies and interests, giving listeners a glimpse of who they are beyond their professional roles. Together, they explore: Their unconventional paths into insurance and risk management Why insurance should be taught earlier in life The wide variety of careers available within the industry How insurance impacts everyday people and businesses Personal passions and hobbies outside of work Whether you're new to insurance, considering a career change, or simply curious about the people behind the industry, this conversation offers valuable insights and a warm introduction to the voices behind the podcast. Key Takeaways Most professionals don't plan to enter insurance—it often finds them. Each host shared a unique and unexpected path into the industry, demonstrating the diverse backgrounds that contribute to insurance and risk management. Insurance education is a major gap in traditional schooling. The hosts discussed how topics like insurance, taxes, and financial literacy could better prepare young adults for real-world responsibilities. The industry offers opportunities for professionals from many disciplines. From engineering and medicine to law and finance, insurance provides numerous specialty areas where expertise is highly valued. Insurance is ultimately about people. Behind every claim, policy, and legal matter are individuals, families, and businesses seeking protection and support. Community and mentorship make a difference. The hosts emphasized the supportive nature of the insurance community and the opportunities it provides for professional growth and collaboration. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the first episode of Beyond Policy 01:11 – Meet Amanda Ashworth-Patrick 02:05 – Meet Leah Popple 02:50 – Meet Angela Cabado 03:26 – Where the hosts are located and their backgrounds 05:16 – How Amanda found her way into insurance defense 06:49 – Angela's journey from biomedical studies to risk management 09:15 – Why insurance is often misunderstood 10:35 – Should insurance be taught in schools? 13:03 – Career opportunities and niche specialties in insurance 15:01 – Introducing insurance to the next generation 17:08 – Dispelling myths about insurance defense 20:32 – Wrapping up the industry discussion 21:14 – Personal hobbies and interests outside of work 25:17 – Final thoughts and what's ahead for the podcast Notable Quotes "It's not just about insurance policies, but we're also talking about litigation and claims and talking about ourselves as well in the industry." "No one teaches you this unless you are in the industry or you learn the hard way." "Insurance is for everyone." "It's more than just those papers. Everyone needs insurance." Featured Hosts Angela Cabado – Director of Risk Management Amanda Ashworth-Patrick – Associate Attorney, Tyson & Mendes Leah Popple – Associate Attorney, Callahan & Fusco Listen & Subscribe Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe to Beyond Policy and join us as we explore the people, careers, claims, litigation, and industry insights that go far beyond the policy itself.

  5. Trailer

    Beyond Policy Podcast Trailer: Where Claims, Litigation & Careers Connect

    Welcome to Beyond Policy, the official podcast of CLM. Whether you're an emerging professional, seasoned industry leader, or simply looking to grow your career in claims, litigation, or risk management, this podcast brings you inside the conversations shaping the future of the industry. Each episode features candid discussions with insurance professionals, attorneys, risk managers, claims leaders, and industry experts who share practical insights, career advice, leadership lessons, and the trends impacting the profession. Beyond Policy is designed to help you expand your knowledge, strengthen your professional network, and discover new opportunities for growth. If you're looking for real conversations that go beyond policies and explore the people, ideas, and experiences driving the industry forward, you've come to the right place. Together, we'll explore: Career development and leadership in claims and litigation Industry trends and emerging challenges Real-world experiences from professionals across the industry Practical advice you can apply in your own career The value of networking, mentorship, and professional community Whether you're just getting started or looking to take the next step in your career, Beyond Policy delivers conversations that will help you learn, connect, and grow. Key Takeaways Beyond Policy is designed for insurance, claims, litigation, and risk management professionals. Each episode features authentic conversations with industry leaders and rising professionals. Listeners will gain practical career advice, leadership insights, and fresh perspectives on the industry. The podcast emphasizes the importance of networking, collaboration, and continuous learning. CLM brings together a community dedicated to advancing careers through education and connection. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Beyond Policy 00:08 – Why conversations create career opportunities 00:22 – Who the podcast is for 00:33 – What listeners can expect from each episode 00:53 – Practical insights, leadership, and career growth 01:07 – Subscribe and join the CLM community Notable Quotes "The fastest way to grow in this industry isn't just experience, it's access." "You'll walk away with practical takeaways, new ways of thinking, and connections that can accelerate your career." "This is where our community plugs in." Listen & Subscribe Subscribe to Beyond Policy and join a growing community of claims, litigation, insurance, and risk management professionals. Every episode brings you meaningful conversations, actionable insights, and the connections you need to grow your career beyond the policy.

Trailer

About

Whether you're an experienced insurance professional, just beginning your career, or simply curious about the industry, Beyond Policy offers conversations that go beyond claims and coverage to explore the people, careers, and ideas shaping insurance today. Join our hosts and industry guests as they share real-world experiences, practical insights, and lessons learned from across claims, litigation, and risk management. Subscribe to stay informed, grow your professional network, and discover new perspectives from leaders across the insurance industry.