By Sivan Philo

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HealthSherpa strongly believes in creating inclusive, equitable areas, which construct belief, respect and a way of belonging which might be important to our tradition and work. We’re excited to characteristic our colleagues and listen to extra about their experiences at HealthSherpa, from their first touchpoints all the way in which as much as their tenure and progress. On this publish, hear from Vice President of Product Administration Patricia Pichardo, who opens up about why she stated sure to HealthSherpa, her private journey to mission-driven work, and what her day-to-day seems to be like.

I’ve been at HealthSherpa for nearly 2 months now. There was an acquisition at my final firm, and it led to plenty of change; it opened my eyes to exterior alternatives. I began getting pinged loads by recruiters and there have been fascinating jobs opening up. I’d labored in liquor immediately earlier than HealthSherpa; however earlier than that, I’d labored in a mission-driven setting, and I actually missed that mission connectivity. 

So after I began exploring new alternatives, what actually made HealthSherpa stand out was the mission, and the chance to do what I do professionally to usher some good into the world.

Personally, when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, I discovered myself advocating for Puerto Ricans within the diaspora – it actually wakened one thing within me. With buddies and different volunteers, we had been in a position to take action a lot – we helped individuals get out of the Island, helped feed youngsters who had been going with out meals, helped individuals get entry to fundamental wants. 

After this expertise, I began eager about different points that weren’t essentially immediately impacting one thing that I used to be near. So when Sarah (Ahn, Senior Recruiter) reached out to me about this position at HealthSherpa, it felt like a complete match for me. How would I get higher if I bought sick, and I didn’t have sufficient insurance coverage? That may be a actual concern, an actual downside. And HealthSherpa is fixing it – and it’s a worthwhile firm, with a dedication to variety, fairness and inclusion. It was a complete no-brainer to say sure to speak about this position.

There have been a number of issues that stood out to me:

• The human contact. I’d labored with good recruiters earlier than, however at HealthSherpa, it wasn’t simply the recruiter. Sarah launched me to the subsequent particular person, who introduced the identical nice contact and humanity to the method. It was clear that the recruiter and the hiring supervisor shared the identical values, and that there was clear intention informing the method. 
• The candor. Sarah and all the individuals on the interview group had been very candid with me about what the actual issues had been, the actual wants had been, and what the precise actuality at HealthSherpa regarded like.
• The belief. The group trusted one another in a really implicit method. Later within the course of, I bought to fulfill a few of my teammates, friends and direct experiences. The conversations felt natural and real with the group as nicely. It didn’t really feel just like the group was being refrained from the method; they requested questions (and vice versa), and it confirmed me that the recruiter and hiring supervisor positioned plenty of belief within the group, too – and from the conversations, it felt clear that the belief existed in each instructions.

So, not solely are they human, and candid, however they belief one another. They really feel actually comfy about one another’s positions. Once I spoke to George (Chief Govt Officer), he stated that he didn’t have to assess whether or not I’d be a superb product chief – that was Cat’s (Chief Product Officer) job. He simply wished to determine whether or not I’d be a superb match for the corporate generally, and to supply the chance to ask questions of one other co-founder who wasn’t managing this position.

I get up within the morning and work out a minimum of 3x/week earlier than beginning the day. After this, I sit down and have some quiet time. I spend time planning my day, establishing my conferences, and making certain that I’m arrange for achievement for the remainder of the day. I often have conferences after that – roughly 2-4hrs of conferences per day, and 2-4 hrs of quiet time, whether or not pre-planned or ad-hoc. 

It’s an excellent combination of collaboration, listening in, and asking the fitting questions and ensuring that we’re ready to make the fitting choices. Normally my day ends with a gathering – a 1:1 with my supervisor or a direct report, or a company-wide assembly. I’d thought that this is able to really feel odd as a result of I used to spend time on the finish of the day by myself, however I’ve discovered this actually energizing. There’s additionally a lot to be taught – I go away the day virtually day-after-day feeling energized and like I’m studying. I go away the times very glad.

I’ve discovered that there are issues that we take with no consideration, that aren’t as easy as they appear. Everybody is aware of about healthcare; no one goes by way of life while not having it, with out taking part on this system indirectly. There may be a lot to be taught as a client – and it’s unusual to consider this, as a result of it’s one thing fundamental, regular, wanted, and important. You will get sick in some unspecified time in the future, and also you will inevitably want healthcare. 

So, studying the complexities of the area is de facto essential. There are issues that you simply would possibly suppose are easy and you discover out that they’re truly very sophisticated. I’ve been approaching plenty of this with humility, and counting on the those that I’ve been working with to assist me get on board. I 100% must depend on my teammates to arrange me and maintain me up after I make errors.

I might say two issues:

• For those who’re eager about working right here, don’t suppose twice. It’s best to positively discover alternatives with us, and apply whenever you see one thing that might be a superb match for you.
• For somebody who isn’t so positive about HealthSherpa, for no matter cause – think about the place you’re and the affect you’re making the place you’re, after which think about the potential affect you can make engaged on one thing that can assist clear up such an enormous downside. There’s nothing that feels higher than doing a job you get pleasure from, and understanding the way it will profit individuals in an enormous method.

Wish to work with Patricia and the remainder of our phenomenal group? Click on right here to discover present openings and listen to from extra teammates at HealthSherpa!