5 Questions with CorVel’s Sarah Scott

Movers & Shakers

When risk management solutions provider CorVel recently looked for an Executive Vice President of Product, it decided that the internal candidate best fit the bill. In doing so, CorVel promoted company vet Sarah Scott, who brings 25 years of insider experience to her new job.

We were lucky enough to catch up with Sarah on a recent video call, and here’s what we learned.

Q. Where did your journey in the workers’ compensation industry begin?

Sarah Scott: I have a background as a registered nurse, with a strong foundation in patient care and the recovery process. My mom was involved in the industry, and her company was looking for telephonic case managers, so I took the opportunity to join. They focused on early intervention, and their training was phenomenal. That experience opened my eyes to career paths for nurses beyond traditional hospital and clinical settings.

In that role, I connected with a CorVel employee who encouraged me to explore a case management position. I joined CorVel 25 years ago and quickly gained exposure to the broader landscape of workers’ compensation. Collaborating closely with adjusters allowed me to understand the full scope of claims management—not just return-to-work strategies, but all facets of a claim’s lifecycle.

From there, I became involved in a new early intervention program, which evolved into an account management role, where I spent 20 years. That experience deepened my expertise in case management and helped me develop innovative ways to support our clients. Over time, my role expanded to include leading network initiatives, working with pharmacy programs, and overseeing operations and product management. My journey has allowed me to integrate my clinical expertise into every aspect of the products and services we offer, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient care and claims management.

Q. What does a “typical” day look like for you?

SS: No two days are ever exactly the same. I’m responsible for shaping product strategy and delivering solutions, so strategy is an integral part of my daily work. I make sure to spend time every day defining our mission, analyzing the industry, and interpreting data and analytics to inform decision-making. Beyond that, there’s a lot of cross-team collaboration. I frequently engage with marketing, sales, operations, or my internal team to ensure alignment and drive initiatives forward. The other big part of my job is leadership and mentorship—supporting my team in their projects and guiding future leaders. I’ve had incredible mentors throughout my career, and I firmly believe that when someone recognizes your potential and encourages you, it shifts your perspective and fosters professional growth.

Q. What’s the biggest motivator for you at work?

SS: Having a meaningful impact for our clients and being able to demonstrate value with our business partners. We have to ask, “How can we add value? Where can we identify opportunities to make a difference?” I feed off the ability to deliver tangible benefits and my team inspires me. Working with people who are passionate and excited about what we do motivates me day in and day out.

Q. What are your best productivity tools?

SS: There are so many different tools for planning and analytics, but the best ones foster collaboration and open communication. I rely on Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, and similar platforms—nothing overly complex or cumbersome. In the past, we’ve used tools that were too complex to be useful, so now we prioritize simplicity and effectiveness in communication.

Q. What’s a lesson you’ve learned in your career that you wish you could share with your younger self?

SS: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that failure is not a setback—it’s a learning opportunity. Seek clarity over certainty. Early in my career, I might have had a client who had a specific need, and I wanted to be so quick to give a great response that I probably didn’t spend the time to fully understand their request or gain insight from others with knowledge and experience.

I was so focused on appearing confident that I sometimes missed the opportunity to deliver the best possible solution. I’ve learned that asking for input from others, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and seeking deeper clarity leads to better outcomes. The more we listen and ask the right questions, the more we learn. And ultimately, it’s through learning from failures that we build experience and grow.

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