We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chantal Roberts a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chantal, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
In the face of negative comments and doubts, my determination was fueled by a profound belief in the message I had to share with the world through my first book, “The Art of Adjusting: Writing Down the Unwritten Rules of Claims Handling.” Despite not being picked up by a traditional publishing house, I took the bold step of starting my own publishing journey.
Yet, challenges persisted. The label of being a “self-published” author, while a badge of accomplishment for some, cast a shadow over my ability to participate in literary contests. This bias in the publishing industry became an additional hurdle. Undeterred by this limitation, I set my sights on fostering change not just for myself but for other authors under my imprint. It’s about more than just gaining credibility; it’s about amplifying voices and providing a platform for stories that deserve to be heard.
Amidst these struggles, I’ve found that gratitude and recognition of achievements are powerful tools for resilience. Every night, I diligently documented three things I was grateful for, fostering a mindset that allowed me to appreciate the journey. Equally, listing every achievement, no matter how small, painted a vivid picture of my progress. It’s this consistent practice of gratitude and self-acknowledgment that keeps me pushing forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am excited about the educational aspect of my work. As a claims handling expert witness and consultant, I relish the opportunity to guide clients through the intricacies of the claims process, offering insights on best practices and procedures. Witnessing their successful navigation through these complexities is truly rewarding.
Currently, I’m privileged to educate the future generation of insurance professionals at the Borough of Manhattan, City University of New York. It’s a gratifying experience to contribute to their understanding of risk management and insurance procedures, equipping them with valuable knowledge for their careers.
On top of these endeavors, I’ve recently completed my upcoming book, “Once Upon a Claim: Fairy Tales to Protect Your Ass(ets).” Through imaginative retellings of fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and fables, I aim to demystify insurance concepts and claims handling processes. This innovative approach serves to make these topics engaging and accessible to a wider audience. The book is set for release on May 11, 2024, and I’m excited to share this unique educational journey with readers.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that have been impactful are resilience, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt.
Resilience, the capacity to bounce back from setbacks, is crucial. Challenges will arise, but being reliant and pushing through obstacles has been key in my progress.
Continuous learning is an absolute necessity. The insurance industry is ever-evolving, so staying updated on the latest developments and trends is vital. Embrace lifelong learning, whether through formal education, reading, or networking.
Adaptability is paramount. The insurance and educational landscapes constantly shift, and being open to change, embracing new technologies, and adjusting strategies accordingly have been key to my growth.
For those embarking on their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities. Even if you are not in the insurance industry, these qualities are still necessary.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I firmly believe that striving for a well-rounded skill set is paramount. While honing our strengths is crucial, investing effort in areas we may not be as strong in offers numerous benefits.
Being well-rounded fosters adaptability and resilience as mentioned above. The ability to handle a variety of tasks and challenges makes us more versatile in navigating diverse situations. This adaptability has proven invaluable in my career. For instance, while my expertise lies in claims handling, having a solid grasp of insurance law and regulations has empowered me to offer comprehensive solutions to clients.
Moreover, being well-rounded enhances employability. In today’s dynamic job market, employers seek candidates who can wear multiple hats and contribute across various domains. By diversifying our skill set, we become assets capable of handling a broader spectrum of responsibilities.
This also nurtures a balanced life. Pursuing diverse interests outside of work not only enriches our lives but also fuels creativity and innovation. Drawing from my own experience, my passion for teaching insurance extends beyond my role as a claims expert. This multidimensional involvement enhances both my professional and personal fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theartofadjusting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.theartofadjusting.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069948321601
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-roberts-cmrconsulting
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUurD1GHlmziunplS5V3baw
- Other: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/the-art-of-adjusting
