What a Head of Transformation at Optum Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Healthcare Industry
Zach, Head of Transformation at Optum, learned that while technical skills are "table stakes," the ability to "influence people's thinking" and navigate "human politics" are crucial for success in leadership roles, particularly those involving ambiguous challenges like the West transformation effort. This involves mastering communication and consensus-building, as "managing human emotions" becomes a significant aspect of the job.
Leadership, Communication, Problem-Solving, Influencing, Human Dynamics
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zach Goldman
Head of Transformation
Optum
USC, 2007
UCLA Anderson MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Strategic Management and Executive
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. The technical skills are only a small part of the job; the ability to manage people, build consensus, and navigate organizational politics are equally important.
2. Effective communication and storytelling are critical for building a business case and influencing decision-making.
3. Ambiguity is inherent in leadership roles, so the ability to influence people's thinking and navigate complex situations is essential.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I've learned a lot about population health in my various roles here at Optum. My current role involves leading the West transformation effort.
The technical problems are usually the easiest part of what you're trying to solve. As you move along in your career, so much of what you do becomes managing human emotions, human politics, and building consensus.
The hard skills you develop earlier in your career are table stakes. The ability to tell an effective story and build a business case is essential.
Particularly in roles like mine, which are a bit ambiguous to describe, the ability to influence people's thinking is incredibly important. You will spend a lot of time navigating human politics.