In last year's August cover story, "Long Hard Road," we spoke with various members of the industry about what they were seeing and their hopes and expectations for the future. We recently checked back in with Felipe Barganier and Desiree Coleman to get their perspectives on where things currently stand.

Despite making enormous leaps and bounds in recent years around technology, the benefits industry is still, at its core, all about people.

Evolution is a gradual process, says Risk Strategies' Robyn Tikia.

COVID-19 has changed our lives in countless ways, both subtle and earth-shattering, personal and societal.

Heather Bowers is president of Lone Star Benefits, brings a servant's heart to the benefits industry.

The many lessons we've learned about resilience and sacrifice in the last year will remain key as we push forward into a new normal.

Alex Dampf, president of Oakmont Benefits Group, believes in constant communication and collaboration with his peers.

Every crystal ball is cloudy, at best. But there's reason to be optimistic about the coming year.