Lainey Haynes: Creating Space, Leading with Heart, and Rewriting the Rules for Employers in Workers’ Comp 

In the world of workers' compensation, it is easy to get lost in the numbers, the policies, and the paperwork. And then you meet someone like Lainey Haynes—and it all comes to life. Human. Purposeful. Personal. With every word she writes, every relationship she builds, and every room she walks into, Lainey brings the kind of brave, bold energy that doesn't just change the conversation—it changes the culture. 

So when we talk about women of influence—especially during Women's History Month—Lainey is exactly who we mean. She is not just a woman in the industry; she's a woman reshaping it. From the employer side of workers' compensation, Lainey forges a fresh, fierce path rooted in empathy and action. And she's not waiting for permission to make her mark—she's creating space, building community, and bringing others along for the journey. 

A Path with Purpose (Even When It Didn’t Feel Like It at First) 

Thank goodness Lainey did not take a straight road into workers' comp. With a degree in Sociology and Psychology, her original plan was slightly detoured when she entered the oilfield industry. What followed was an unexpected pivot into property and casualty insurance after a major downturn in the oilfield world. 

And here’s where her magic kicked in: what could’ve felt like a setback became a launchpad. The analytical mindset she honed in insurance paired beautifully with her deep understanding of human behavior. Workers' comp, with all its complexities and emotions, became her sweet spot. She could blend business strategy with a truly human approach in this space. The role was meant for her, even if the route was winding. 

“I discovered that workers’ compensation perfectly blends my background in human behavior with my analytical and problem-solving skills,” she shares. And just like that, the spark was lit. 

Grounded in Loss, Fueled by Love 

Lainey's brilliance comes from purpose. From one of life's most heartbreaking experiences: losing her mother to pancreatic cancer when she was only 26. 

That loss could have broken her spirit. Instead, it became her anchor. “I knew I had a choice to sink into that pain or use it for a purpose,” she says. And use it she did. Her mom’s memory fuels the way she lives, the way she leads, and the way she shows up—for herself, for her son, and for this industry. 

It is this lens—of gratitude, perspective, and celebrating life because not everyone gets the chance to grow old—that makes Lainey's leadership so special. Her influence is rooted in authenticity and emotional strength. 

Claiming Her Space—and Helping Others Do the Same 

As a woman in traditionally male-dominated industries like oil, gas, and insurance, Lainey knows what it means to question your voice, feel small, and hesitate. And she also knows the power of claiming your space and wants other women to know it, too. 

"I sometimes hesitated to speak up," she reflects. "But staying quiet doesn't serve me, my team, or the injured workers and employers I advocate for." So, she stopped holding back. She trusted her expertise. She used her voice. And now, she leads with intention, clarity, and confidence. 

Lainey is proof that you don't have to be loud to be powerful—you have to be you. And you have to believe that your insight matters. She is showing up, shining bright, and creating space for others to do the same. 

Workers’ Comp Isn’t Just About Claims. It’s About People. 

If you have ever read one of Lainey's blogs (and if you haven't, you need to), you know her heart beats loudly for the injured worker. She is proudest of her ability to bring empathy into even the most challenging conversations, deliver tough news in a way that leaves people feeling respected and valued, and lead with compassion, not just compliance. 

Because to her, this isn’t just a job. “Workers’ comp isn’t just about claims,” she says. “It’s about people.” 

The claims experience is about making sure that injured workers are not forgotten and helping employers engage proactively by building bridges across all stakeholders to create better outcomes and impact lives. 

Dream It. Build It. Lainey Did Both. 

One of Lainey's proudest achievements is creating a community when she couldn't find one that met her needs. 

After transitioning into employer-side workers' compensation, Lainey searched for a collaborative space where risk professionals could learn, share, and grow. But she quickly discovered there was a gap, and like the boss she is, she filled it. 

Enter: Workers’ Comp Collaborative—a blog, a roundtable, a budding professional network, and a future movement. It's still in its early days, but the vision is crystal clear: an inclusive, forward-thinking space built for employers by an employer. 

Her dream is to see it grow into a powerful virtual (and eventually in-person) community where ideas flow, innovation flourishes, and employer-side pros feel empowered, seen, and heard. 

She said, “If I can dream it, I can do it.” 

Her Lessons Are Gold 

Lainey has walked through fire, navigated change, and emerged as a true leader in every sense of the word. Along the way, she’s picked up some wisdom we all need to hear: 

• Hard conversations don’t have to be harsh ones. Delivering tough news with empathy changes everything. 

• Your network is everything. Build real relationships, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who make you better. 

• Leadership is collaboration, not control. Lainey defines leadership as "inspiring, empowering, and uplifting"—and it shows in the way she works and leads. 

• Employers belong at the head of the table. She is a passionate advocate for employer involvement. She is on the road to shifting the narrative from reactive to proactive. 

Sparkles, Strength, and So Much More 

Lainey Haynes is not just another name in workers' comp—she is a movement, a mindset, a mentor. Lainey is the woman who walks into the room and lifts the entire energy, who builds what does not exist yet, who transforms her pain into purpose, and who uses her platform to light the way for others. 

She is fierce. She is brilliant. She is not waiting for a seat at the table—she is building the damn table, inviting others to sit down, and passing the mic around. 

Lainey is leading with grace, guts, and glitter in a space that can feel heavy, complicated, and transactional. And we are all better because of it. 

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