Nichols' experience provided him with a new appreciation for the industry and he has since become a leading advocate for the importance of personal health and the role advisors and brokers play in educating consumers about the choices and control provided through products and planning. He also runs marathons to raise money for others who have suffered spinal cord injuries. In 2012, he won the Daley "Golden Shoe" Award as the top fundraiser in the Bank of America Chicago marathon.

Nichols' story is an extreme example, but I speak with industry professionals every day who display courage and persistence in a number of ways. It's these personal stories—of overcoming odds or working to grow a business—that make covering this industry so compelling.

One of the first questions I ask during interviews is, "what drew you to this career?" Often, those I speak with say they were inspired to help others after seeing a family member suffer due to a lack 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 the breaking news and other in-depth content you've come to rely on. But I will also count on your knowledge and expertise to better understand the industry's most pressing topics. I look forward to hearing from you.

The past few months have brought the King v. Burwell ruling, the SCOTUS decision on same-sex marriage and, most recently, the Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna mergers. And, oh yeah, we're heading into an election year. There's no indication that the winds of change will slow. And while some may buckle under the pressure of constant adaptation, I have no doubt that many of you will analyze the shifting landscape, find your opportunity and grab it.

I spoke with an advisor recently who told me, "I find that when we embrace change, we become stronger." That sounds about right.