Tamara Tillman: Unstoppable Resilience, Radiant Light 

17 Mar, 2025 Claire Muselman

                               

Suppose there is one word that defines Tamara Tillman. In that case, it has to be resilient—but even that seems too small to capture the sheer force of her energy, adaptability, and unbreakable spirit. Fondly known as "THEE TORCHLIGHT," she embodies warmth, guidance, and an infectious vibrancy that turns life's most unexpected curveballs into moments of growth and inspiration. 

Her 2024 was not just a year but a testament to strength, reinvention, and finding joy amidst the storm. Through triumphs and tragedies, she remained illuminated, choosing to shimmer through it all. 

A Year of Professional Triumphs: Elevating the Industry 

Tamara entered 2024 full of promise—and true to form, she made the most of every opportunity. She was selected for an elite auditing team. She took on the challenge with her signature curiosity and excellence, gaining invaluable insights into how claims are assessed. This experience expanded her perspective, deepened her understanding of her field, and set her up for unprecedented success in her internal audit. 

But Tamara doesn't just play the game—she changes it. She saved her company millions on medical bills through strategic vendor partnerships, proving that her expertise and connections drive real impact. In subrogation, she and her team took on uncharted territory, recovering millions more and reinforcing her ability to see potential where others see limits. 

Her work was far beyond crunching numbers—it was about shifting paradigms, breaking through comfort zones, and redefining what is possible in workers’ compensation. 

Heartbreak and Healing: Two Losses in Two Months 

Then, in a devastating turn, Tamara’s personal world was shaken to its core. In June, she received the heartbreaking news that her sister, Sherri, had passed away unexpectedly—just a week after celebrating her milestone 65th birthday. The loss was sudden, leaving an ache where laughter and celebration were meant to be. 

And just when she was beginning to find her footing again, grief struck once more. In the middle of a bustling conference, her phone rang. Another call. Another tragedy. Her brother’s panicked voice cut through the noise: “Tam, it’s happening again!” In disbelief, she learned that her second sister, Deborah, was taking her final breaths. 

Two sisters. Two months. A heartbreak beyond words. 

And yet—through tears, through mourning, through the weight of it all—Tamara chose life. She chose to keep showing up. To keep shining. To keep moving forward because that’s what her sisters would have wanted. 

Unshakeable Joy: Choosing to Rise 

The universe wasn't done testing her. As if grief wasn't enough, Tamara faced a series of physical setbacks—a sleep apnea diagnosis, followed by a brutal fall that tore her quadriceps muscle. The pain was real. The challenges were relentless. 

But so was she. 

Instead of crumbling under the weight of it all, she leaned into what she knew best: faith, joy, and gratitude. Even in recovery, she thrived. Even when things felt uncertain at work with mergers and leadership changes, she held her ground, unwavering in her worth. 

“You can let change break you,” she says, “or you can rise to the occasion. I choose to rise.” 

And rise she did. 

Crowned ‘Most Influential’ & A New Chapter of Growth 

Life has a way of rewarding those who persevere. As Tamara recovered from her injuries, she received an unexpected yet deeply affirming honor: being named “The Most Influential” through BLOOM. 

She couldn’t attend the gala, but the award found its way to her—a powerful reminder that her impact is undeniable, whether she’s in the room or not. 

But Tamara isn't just about the accolades. She is about the work. She took her challenges as an opportunity to evolve, embracing AI and ChatGPT tools like CoPilot to streamline claims work in unfamiliar jurisdictions. This was a game changer, proving that even after decades of experience, she remains a student of innovation and adaptability. 

The Artist Within: Singing, Speaking & Stepping into the Spotlight 

Beyond insurance and industry influence, Tamara’s soul thrives in performance. She’s long known her voice was meant for more, but 2024 made it undeniable. 

On a whim, she sang at a club in Harlem—and it sparked something big. A songwriter in the audience saw something in her and invited her to co-write a song. 

Yes, you read that right. Tamara is stepping into the music industry. 

Her voice is not just for the stage—it's for empowerment, inspiration, and storytelling. Whether singing or speaking, she commands the room, leaving people feeling seen, heard, and lifted. 

Oh, and this woman is not waiting for opportunities. She’s creating them. 

2025: The Year of Saying YES 

After a year like 2024, Tamara isn’t holding back anymore. 

✔ She’s saying YES to joy. 

✔ YES to adventure. 

✔ YES to the passions that make her feel alive. 

She's choosing to live fully because if this past year has taught her anything, tomorrow isn't promised. So why wait? 

She's going after her dreams, music, and purpose with unstoppable energy and a heart wide open. 

A Torch That Will Never Dim 

Tamara Tillman is not just a professional powerhouse. She is a force of nature. 

She has endured loss and still found laughter. She has faced setbacks and still pushed forward with grace. She has been tested, stretched, and challenged and emerged brighter than ever. 

If you ask her the secret, she’ll tell you this: Gratitude. Faith. Purpose. 

She believes her gifts, talents, and voice are not just for her—they are meant to light the way for others. And that is exactly what she is doing. 

In 2025, she’s not just existing—she is living out loud. 

And trust us, the world is brighter because of it. 

✨ SHIMMER AND SHINE, indeed. ✨ 


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    About The Author

    • Claire Muselman

      Meet Dr. Claire C. Muselman, the Chief Operating Officer at WorkersCompensation.com, where she blends her vast academic insight and professional innovation with a uniquely positive energy. As the President of DCM, Dr. Muselman is renowned for her dynamic approach that reshapes and energizes the workers' compensation industry. Dr. Muselman's academic credentials are as remarkable as her professional achievements. Holding a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, she specializes in employee engagement, human behavior, and the science of leadership. Her diverse background in educational leadership, public policy, political science, and dance epitomizes a multifaceted approach to leadership and learning. At Drake University, Dr. Muselman excels as an Assistant Professor of Practice and Co-Director of the Master of Science in Leadership Program. Her passion for teaching and commitment to innovative pedagogy demonstrate her dedication to cultivating future leaders in management, leadership, and business strategy. In the industry, Dr. Muselman actively contributes as an Ambassador for the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation and plays key roles in organizations such as Kids Chance of Iowa, WorkCompBlitz, and the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, underscoring her leadership and advocacy in workers’ compensation. A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Muselman inspires professionals with her engaging talks on leadership, self-development, and risk management. Her philosophy of empathetic and emotionally intelligent leadership is at the heart of her message, encouraging innovation and progressive change in the industry. "Empowerment is key to progress. By nurturing today's professionals with empathy and intelligence, we're crafting tomorrow's leaders." - Dr. Claire C. Muselman

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