Home: Iowa! Age: 37. Birthplace: Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Organization: Emory Industrial; Drake University. Title: Chief Risk Officer; Professor. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: University of Iowa (BA); Drake University (MPA, EdS); Grand Canyon University (EdD).
Current project: The Orange Lab: an education, training, and development program for people in the workers’ compensation space. The Transitions: a mentoring program for the workers’ compensation industry. Recent recognition: Insurance Business America’s Hot 100 of 2022. Recent professional development: Inclusive & Ethical Leadership Certificate, University of South Florida; Associate in Customer Service (ACSR Designation), The Institutes. Latest accomplishment: Drake University 2020-2021 Adjunct Professor of the Year. Latest contribution to others: National Leadership Academy Counselor/Mentor. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving the workers’ compensation industry after almost two decades to move into risk management. Last book read: Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual, by Luvvie Ajayi Jones.
Personality profile: ENFJ – A (Assertive Protagonist: Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging). What is your greatest joy? Seeing my daughter smile and hearing her laugh. What is your greatest fear? Not achieving my full potential to move the needle forward and leave the world better than I experienced it, especially for women. What is your guilty pleasure? Law & Order SVU. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Traveling! How do you relieve stress? Kickboxing and running. What is your go-to workout? Dancing! What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? A sunny beach.
What was your first paying job? Barista at Panera Bread. What book have you repeatedly read? You Are a Badass, by Jen Sincero. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Shawshank Redemption. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Dreams & Goals in big bold letters with whatever is on my mind at the time listed under each category. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Mike Lex, former President of Continental Western Group. Rest in peace. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Most smiles are started by another smile. Be the smile! What is your go-to source of news and information? The Wall Street Journal.
What is your big idea?
To change the workers’ compensation system into an advocacy-based model built on empathy. A benefit delivery system where people are not trained on statute, rules, and regulations only, but rather, they are encouraged and developed through a heightened understanding of human nature.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? I co-created The Orange Lab to help insurance companies, third-party administrators, employers and claims professionals with their own programs to enhance the human elements needed in workers’ compensation. Next up: politics! What change would you like to see in the world? Women as equals. What message do you want to send out into the world? The world is changed by your example, not your opinion. What does your example look like? Does it make you proud?
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A family law attorney, so I could help children get adopted, like me! After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A teddy bear I have had with me since I was born, Perkins. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Eating almond croissants, drinking champagne, with my daughter on a beach in the warm sun! What advice would you give your younger self? You become unstoppable when you work on things that people are unable to take away from you, e.g., your mindset, character, personality, transparency, your entire being. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I officially became Doctor Claire Muselman. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My twenties.
Personal mission: To leave the world better than I found it, by going on more adventures, traveling the world, experiencing the beauty life has to offer, surrounding myself with good energy, connecting with people, learning new things, and continually growing. Personal motto: I am here to make good things happen! Favorite quote: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” (Maya Angelou). Personal oríkì: Claire Caitlin of House Muselman. First of Her Name. Changer of the World. Architect of Words. Shifter of Culture. Rocker of Fierce Shoes. Taker of Stages. Boss Lady of Brilliance. Impact Maker.
