One of the most pressing challenges confronting our industry today is the shortage of skilled talent. This concern echoes consistently—from conference discussions and industry articles to the alarming statistics we see. The challenge goes beyond recruiting workers; it involves developing talent within the industry today so they can become tomorrow’s leaders. While the industry broadly recognizes this issue, the question remains: How can the industry address it?
CLM’s new program, Leadership Accelerator, aims to tackle this issue head-on. Per CLM President Susan Wisbey-Smith, “We hear frequently about the need to recruit, retain, and develop talent. We specifically hear about the need to upskill current staff so they are able to advance to the next level of their careers. Our new Leadership Accelerator helps develop skills in those new to leadership. I love the combination of a personal assessment, individual reading, cohort conversations, and hearing from experienced leaders. The cherry on the top is the in-person experience at our Annual Conference where the participants will meet with each other and their faculty mentorship in person.”
CLM’s Leadership Accelerator empowers claims and litigation professionals with the essential tools, mindset, and support to lead with clarity, confidence, and resilience. Aimed at the industry’s emerging leaders, this dynamic, cohort-based experience develops practical leadership skills through executive insights, peer collaboration, and hands-on learning.
According to Nicole Riegl, Leadership Accelerator program facilitator, "Leadership is no longer defined solely by technical knowledge—it’s also about the power skills that enable you to think strategically, inspire others, and navigate change. That’s why Leadership Accelerator focuses on cultivating these skills: because they are the true differentiator of great leaders in the risk and insurance space."
About Leadership Accelerator
Over five months, from Nov. 11, 2025, to March 31, 2026, emerging leaders will participate in virtual fireside chats, peer learning circles, and focused skill development, which will culminate in an in-person capstone event at CLM’s 2026 Annual Conference, being held at Disney’s Coronado Spring Resort, March 25-27. Emerging leaders will have opportunities to connect with powerhouse leaders in claims and litigation; develop core leadership power skills; and share experiences, ideas, and challenges with their peers.
Who Should Attend – Those who have 0-3 years of leadership experience and are ready to take the initiative in their career; strengthen their leadership foundation; and learn collaboratively in a high-accountability environment.
Why This Program Stands Out – The hybrid format allows for flexible virtual sessions where every session focuses on putting leadership into action. Participants will grow alongside peers in a supportive cohort and earn the official CLM Leadership Accelerator certificate and badge.
Leadership Experts – This program will be presented by experts who are leaders in their field and have knowledge and expertise to share. One of this program’s leadership experts, Rob Bowers, chief claims officer at Westfield Insurance, states, “CLM’s Leadership Accelerator program is the right program at the right time. In our industry, and here at Westfield, we are promoting more new leaders to lead ever more complex teams, tools, and processes. This presents both great opportunity and increased risk. Investing in and accelerating in leader development is not only smart, it’s also essential to a successful claims operation.”
Are you ready to accelerate? Find more information on the schedule, presenters, and pricing here.