Each year, CLM Magazine recognizes 10 of the brightest young stars within the CLM community in its “Phenoms Under 40” feature. As part of the CLM 2025 Annual Conference session, “Celebrate the CLM Community,” the 2025 Phenoms Under 40 took the stage and had the opportunity to ask several of CLM’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients career and industry questions (see article here). In the conference show dailies distributed to attendees, the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients returned the favor and asked the Phenoms questions about career success, progression, and leadership.
Lifetime Achievement Award winner questioners included: Caryn Siebert (2024), Larry Beemer (2023), Vic Marmo (2022), Steve Hunckler (2020-2021), and Julie Fortune (2019)
Marmo: How do you define career success (money, title, recognition, etc.)?
Brian Wilsher, Director, Claims Program Business, Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company: I think career success has to be viewed in the context of the individual. For me personally, there are short-term goals that I want to achieve each year or within a fixed period. These might be achieving a certain compensation level, getting a promotion, or earning a designation. Over the long term, I want to continue to grow professionally, support my family, and maintain work-life balance. As long as those things continue to happen, I believe that translates to success, no matter what short-term goals may or may not be achieved along the way.
Hunckler: What do you believe is the most important trait of a leader?
Angela Cabado, Director, Risk Management, Marriott Vacations Worldwide: It's challenging to pinpoint a single trait as the most important for a leader, given the many qualities they should possess. However, one trait I believe is particularly impactful is adaptability.
A great leader understands that each team member is unique, with their own strengths and motivations. By tailoring their approach to these individual qualities, a leader can bring out the best in their team, fostering an environment of mutual trust and respect. This adaptability not only enhances performance but also builds genuine influence.
Beyond their team, adaptability helps leaders handle unexpected challenges, embrace new opportunities, and keep their organization moving forward. This trait empowers leaders to remain resilient and forward thinking.
Siebert: Defense practice has continued to evolve over the years. As a young lawyer, how do you show creativity and being more than a billable hour to your clients?
Sitar Bhatt, Managing Partner, Tyson & Mendes LLP: My goal in all of my cases is to be able to tell my client’s story in a more compelling way than the plaintiff so I can get a winning result for my client and achieve justice. I creatively do this by applying the Core Four principles in all of my cases, which are: 1) Accepting responsibility; 2) Personalizing the defendant; 3) Arguing pain and suffering; and 4) Giving a number. We can no longer just poke holes in the plaintiff’s arguments. To best represent our clients, we need to be creative, caring, and tell the better story.
Hunckler: What have you observed in your career so far that has really resonated with you, and you wish to emulate?
Catherine Deter, Partner, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP: The most inspiring moments of my career were in the presence of welcoming community members and mentors. I've observed members of the CLM community give freely and generously of their own time to help others learn, grow, and network. I've also witnessed colleagues at my firm provide valuable opportunities for professional development to associates. I strive to be a selfless and dedicated member of the CLM and legal communities and to embrace every opportunity to help guide the next generation. I sincerely hope to emulate being an impactful mentor because it means having the privilege to positively influence the career path of deserving young professionals.
Fortune: What strategies do you use to communicate bad news to a customer?
Alexandra Santo, Claims Consultant, Golden Bear Insurance Company: Unfortunately, sometimes in claims handling, I need to deliver bad news. When communicating bad news to a policyholder, I focus on being clear, empathetic, and solution oriented. First, I make sure to deliver the message honestly and as soon as possible I always express empathy and acknowledge their frustration, making it clear that I understand the impact the issue may have on them. Most importantly, I offer solutions or next steps wherever possible, so the policyholder knows we are actively working to make things right. I also follow up afterward to ensure their concerns are resolved and to rebuild trust.
Marmo: Being a phenom, you have accomplished so much in a short time; what is your magic formula?
Christa Johnson, Team Lead – Cyber, Gallagher Bassett: My “magic formula” would have to be a mixture of hard work, community, and support throughout my life. I have always worked so hard to get what I want, but hard work isn’t enough. Knowing I have people I can ask any question to, and knowing I have people who always want to see me win—that is what has felt like magic throughout my career and life. Hard work, community, and support are what make success for me, and I am so passionate about being a part of that community and supporting others. I want everyone to win!
Siebert: Many companies view the claims department as a necessary expense. How can we demonstrate the value we bring to reducing the total cost of risk and to educating underwriting?
Caitlin McPhillips, Senior Claims Professional, Berkley Construction Solutions: The claims department is often the face of the insurance company. Many insureds do not have contact with their insurer until a claim is filed. Claims professionals are uniquely situated to provide an exceptional consumer experience that bolsters the reputation of the entire organization. Claim professionals can also demonstrate the value of the claims department by remaining engaged with company leadership and external departments. Claims professionals should be knowledgeable about legal trends and developments that may impact business in the future. Further, claims professionals should present potential large losses to other departments as a learning opportunity. There are lessons that can be learned from large losses that can aid in making well informed underwriting decisions and be helpful to all departments in understanding risk.
Fortune: How do you interpret “THINK BIG” in the context of claims or litigation management?
Caitlin Modlin, Claims & Risk Administrator, Tesla: To me, “THINK BIG” means refusing to settle for reactive problem-solving in claims—it means anticipating the future of risk and building forward-thinking, tech-enabled strategies today. It’s about embedding innovation into the way we approach data, coverage, litigation trends, and partnerships, with the end goal of improving outcomes not just for our organizations, but for the industry as a whole.”
Siebert: In this hybrid, virtual world, how are you prospecting for new clients for the firm and to build your book as a young lawyer?
Chelsea Novelli, Partner, Callahan & Fusco, LLC: Personally, and to my benefit, I have only practiced in the private sector in a hybrid/virtual setting. In 2020, I joined Callahan & Fusco, LLC, learned a new area of law, and quickly adapted to the “new” industry approach to marketing and engaging clients, across both digital and in-person spaces. I utilize digital platforms, join virtual discussion groups, and share valuable updates in the legal community on social media, while also hosting webinars and virtual meetings to provide easy access for clients. Ultimately, my goal is to offer flexible solutions that cater to both remote and in-person needs, helping clients feel connected no matter where they are.
Fortune: What questions do you wish all claims or legal customers would prioritize?
Brittney Aquino, Senior Attorney, Kahana Feld, LLP: As lawyers, our goals for claims professionals will align with the goals of our insureds or other clients. However, our needs from the insurer differ from those of the insured party. I find that the common needs I have with claims are based on approval of higher-level strategy moves as they pertain to case valuation, which can fluctuate during the pendency of a case. Perhaps the most important information I need when strategizing and preparing my cases is the carrier’s objective for that specific case and their roadmap for the longevity of the case. Knowing this information certainly impacts our approach with fact discovery, testimonial discovery, and use of experts.
Beemer: How can CLM best serve you in your career progression?
Johnson: This year, I have been honored as a Phenom Under 40, which has set me up as a Young Professional of the Year finalist; joined an executive committee for the Claims College School of Cyber; and was even published in the magazine. I think what CLM can do to best serve me in my career progression is to continue being a resource where people early in their career can gain visibility and access to the strong network CLM has fostered.
Aquino: CLM provides not only a platform for networking, but also ample opportunities to meet with other members to network, share ideas, and pursue continuing education across multiple fields. However, the most impactful component of CLM for me has been leadership opportunities and training, which has developed my decision-making, communication skills, and risk management proficiency, which are highly valued for senior roles.
Novelli: As a Phenom Under 40, I have met industry friends that I intend to develop into lifelong relationships. Being a member of CLM has played a crucial role in the establishment of these connections. That being said, I think it is important to remember that CLM does not solely serve as a network for business development, but also provides for mentorship, individual skill development, and continued education.
McPhillips: CLM can best serve my career progression by continuing to offer outstanding programming, networking, and development opportunities. It has been very helpful to obtain continuing education credits at conferences while also networking. Participating as a panelist at various conferences has also been rewarding. It has been invaluable to delve into topics and collaborate with other professionals in developing various panel presentations.
Modlin: CLM has played a meaningful role in my career by providing access to practical education, thought leadership, and a strong peer network. I find value in the cross-functional programming and industry insights that help me grow both strategically and technically.
Wilsher: CLM events have been great catalysts for learning and networking. I find that the growth that comes from attending an event has been helpful in advancing my career. My first exposure to CLM was through a local chapter event followed soon after by Claims College. As a younger adjuster, it was helpful to meet others in the industry outside of our interactions on individual cases. As my career progressed, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend a few different CLM conferences and make connections outside of my typical area.
Santo: CLM has served as a key resource in my career progression by providing ongoing education, professional development, and meaningful networking opportunities. Through CLM’s training programs and industry certifications, I have continued to build my expertise, stay current with evolving best practices, and enhance my ability to deliver value to my organization. Additionally, CLM’s conferences and events have offered me the chance to connect with experienced professionals across the insurance and legal industries, allowing me to broaden my perspective, exchange ideas, and learn from peers and thought leaders.
Deter: The CLM community has been integral to my growth as a litigator, mentor, and thought leader in the insurance defense industry. In the future, I know I will continue to reap the benefits of the hard work and dedication that CLM community members have devoted to conferences and local chapter events. CLM will best serve my own career progression and the career progression of my peers by continuing to hold open a creative, inclusive, diverse, and welcoming space for industry professionals to join together to drive the future of claims and litigation management.
Bhatt: As a young attorney, I appreciate CLM for bringing us all together to collaborate and exchange ideas. It is this concept that best serves me in my career progression. The ability to hear from someone else how they might handle a situation is a learning point which I can apply when a similar scenario arises. It is nice to know that I am not alone in the battle that we face from the plaintiff bar, and there is a strong community willing to work together to make sure there is justice for all.
Cabado: CLM has played a significant role in my career by expanding my network and helping me build valuable relationships within the industry. The insights I've gained from various CLM events have been helpful in addressing my professional challenges. To further support my growth, I would appreciate more risk management and corporate professional-focused events and networking opportunities in my local area. Additionally, I would love to hear about the experiences and challenges faced by others in risk management. There is so much to learn about insurance and claims from this perspective, not to mention the unique insights from the various industries that risk management professionals are part of within their companies.