Nicole Gainey: Account Manager at CorVel Corporation

We had the privilege of speaking with Nicole Gainey, Account Manager at CorVel Corporation. With a deep-rooted connection to the workers’ compensation industry, Nicole shares her journey, insights, and the motivation that drives her every day.

“I cut my teeth in the work comp industry,” Nicole explains. “My mom was a medical billing manager forever, and I started working in the mailroom at the Hartford at 16 years old.” This early exposure laid the foundation for her career, igniting a passion for the field that has flourished over the years.

Nicole's enthusiasm for her work is palpable. “I am one of those crazy people that loves what I do, so it is never hard for me to come to work every day,” she shares. Her typical work week involves running reports for clients, participating in conference calls, and analyzing data to drive positive outcomes. “I love making positive impacts,” she emphasizes, “from as big as making a financial impact on a client's program to as small as making an impact on an injured worker's outcome.”

Currently, Nicole is focusing on reviving an internal mentorship program designed to educate newer account managers at Corvel. “There used to be a program that I think we got too busy for, but I am trying to revive it,” she states. Her commitment to mentorship reflects her belief in the importance of networking. “My approach to networking is to absorb something from everyone I meet,” she explains. “Everyone has unique experiences and networks of their own that you never know if you will need someday.”

Admiring the trailblazing women in her field, Nicole lists several female leaders who inspire her, including Gina Jacobs and Dr. Claire Musleman. “Anyone who has forged their own path, I admire,” she affirms. “Women empowering other women and lifting each other up is imperative. We sit at a lot of tables where we are the minority, and in order to change that, we have to support each other's efforts.”

Though she initially had different aspirations, Nicole found her place in the industry. “I didn't want to work in this field when I was growing up, but once I got into it, I did not think about doing anything else,” she recalls. Her role as an Account Manager for the past two years allows her to flex important skills, including responsiveness, which she considers undervalued.

Balancing work and home life is another aspect Nicole values highly. “My CEO says he believes in work-life integration, which I love,” she says. “I am always able to be where I need to be at the appropriate time, whether it's work or personal.” This flexibility contributes to her productivity and overall job satisfaction.

A true advocate for helping others, Nicole states, “I don’t have specific causes that I like. I just like to help people in any way I can with no expectations.” This compassionate outlook extends to her family life, where she finds happiness when surrounded by loved ones. “I am happiest when I am with my family, and I have nowhere I need to be,” she reveals.

Reflecting on her journey, Nicole is proud of being invited to speak on multiple panels at industry events like WCI. “I am proud of being asked to speak on multiple panels,” she says. Her adventurous spirit is evident as well; she has ziplined through a forest in the Dominican Republic, and she dreams of traveling the world with her loved ones.

When asked about the best career advice she has received, Nicole shares a simple yet powerful mantra: “Never burn a bridge!” Her approach to challenges is steady and measured. “I am very even-keeled,” she states. “It takes a whole lot to get me out of my character or stressed.”

As Nicole continues to thrive in the workers' compensation field, she embraces her role as a leader and mentor, empowering others along the way. “That’s what makes me smile the most: watching my daughters grow up,” she concludes, highlighting the joy of nurturing future generations while forging her path in a dynamic industry.