I've spent the better part of the last decade covering theinsurance industry, and in that time, I've seen a lot of change.From the downturn of 2008 to the battle over PPACA to threats posedby robo-advice and cloud-based HR software, disruption has been the nameof the game.

This ongoing tumult has created a steady stream of storylinesand breaking news—never a dull moment. My favorite part, though,has been getting to know the people.

A few years ago, I met John Nichols, a disability benefitsconsultant who embodies the spirit of resilience. In 1993, he was apartner at one of the largest providers of disability insurance.One weekend, while waterskiing with friends, he suffered a brokenneck and was paralyzed from the chin down.

Over the next six years, he learned firsthand the value of theproducts he sold, as his disability insurance enabled him to continue rehablong after his medical benefits had run out. Eventually, he wasable to achieve a level of recovery attained by less than 1 percentof people with spinal cord injuries.

Nichols' experience provided him with a new appreciation for theindustry, and he has become an advocate for the importance ofpersonal health and the role advisors and brokers play in educatingconsumers about the control provided by products and planning. Henow runs marathons to raise money for others who have sufferedspinal cord injuries.

Nichols' story is an extreme example, but I speak with peopleevery day who display courage and persistence in other ways. It'sthese personal stories—of overcoming odds or starting abusiness—that make covering this industry so compelling. Manydecided to help others after seeing a family member suffer due to alack of coverage or bad financial advice.

I view the relationship with our readers as a two-way street,and look forward to sharing more of your stories, along with thebreaking news and other in-depth content you've come to rely on.But I will also count on your knowledge and expertise to betterunderstand the industry's most pressing topics. I look forward tohearing from you.

Recent months have brought King v. Burwell, the same-sexmarriage ruling and the Aetna-Humana merger. As I write this,Anthem looks to be nearing a deal to buy Cigna and, oh yeah, we'reheading into an election year. The winds of change are unlikely toslow. And while some may buckle under the pressure of constantadaptation, I have no doubt that many of you will analyze theshifting landscape, find your opportunity and grab it.

An advisor recently told me, “I find that when we embracechange, we become stronger.” That sounds about right.