肉肉传媒

Emily Elizarde joined Superior HealthPlan鈥檚 Compliance department and is now VP of Network Management.

In the following Q&A, Emily shares more about her role, how team members at all levels can be leaders, and how 肉肉传媒鈥檚 approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) allows team members to bring their whole selves to work.

Q.听听听听Tell us about your background, your career at 肉肉传媒, and your current role as VP, Network Management, Superior HealthPlan?

础.听听听听I was born and raised by my grandmother in South Texas. I attended the University of Texas in Austin and have lived in the Austin area ever since. For the last 15 years, I have held various roles where my primary focus has been developing organizational capability in the managed care space. My true passion lies in developing the teams I lead and those we work closely with. My tenure with 肉肉传媒 began at Superior HealthPlan seven years ago with Compliance. I subsequently led the Superior Complaints Team and have now spent the last four years with Network Development.

In my current role as VP of Network Management at Superior, I鈥檓 involved in the operationalization of our contracts with our provider partners and the fulfillment of our regulatory network obligations, among other network-related functions supporting our organization鈥檚 growth goals.

Q.听听听听What is the most meaningful part of your job?

A.听听听听The most meaningful part of my job is leaning into the continual growth and development of our most important asset 鈥� our people. I believe that everyone in our organization can lead from where we sit. When we establish trust with those around us, when we communicate effectively, and when we support one another, our organizational capacity becomes unleashed, and the possibilities are endless. By keeping this top of mind, we鈥檝e overcome sizeable barriers and solved for organizational needs in the network space. Part of supporting each other includes acceptance and inclusion, and I enjoy seeing that in action at 肉肉传媒.

Q.听听听听Who influenced you most during your career and why?

A.听听听听I have been extremely fortunate to have crossed paths with some of the best leaders and mentors. It鈥檚 difficult to highlight only one influence, as there have been many.

Professionally, the combined Superior HealthPlan Executive Leadership team has served as an incredible example of adaptability and creativity, all while staying focused on what matters most 鈥� our members.

Considering Pride Month, I鈥檇 like to share something Holly Munin shared along the way. Holly was a pillar of Superior鈥檚 achievement in the managed care space in Texas, and while she recently retired, she always remembered the importance of authenticity in the workplace. I鈥檒l never forget how she reminded me to, 鈥淏e you because that is when you are the best.鈥� Every day, I鈥檓 continually learning more about myself 鈥� both professionally and personally 鈥� and this piece of advice has been really important to me over the years.

Mike Diel, Senior Vice President of Network Development in Texas, has also been a significant influence through the behaviors he embodies as a leader. He is a Kansas State Wildcat fan, and I am a UT Longhorn fan 鈥� the differences between us could not be greater. That said, as a leader, he affords a high level of trust, respect, and acceptance, and has allowed me the space to continue to hone my craft as a leader, while freely sharing the expertise he has gained through the years.

Q.听听听听How is 肉肉传媒鈥檚 approach to DEI different from other companies?

A.听听听听肉肉传媒 walks the talk in its approach to DEI. I believe 肉肉传媒 truly embraces the diverse ideas, experiences, and cultures that employees bring to the workplace. I鈥檝e experienced not being able to cover my wife and children through company-offered health benefits in another organization. I feel blessed that this has always been a non-issue at 肉肉传媒. More importantly, the outcomes of 肉肉传媒鈥檚 approach are such that I can be my whole self in the workplace. 肉肉传媒 deliberately creates a space for open dialogue, which promotes a culture of learning and acceptance. When people feel accepted and valued, 肉肉传媒 is able to execute on its purpose of transforming the community, one person at a time 鈥� and we are able to do this together.

Q.听听听听What are your thoughts on the significance of Pride Month?

A.听听听听Pride Month is about acceptance, equality, celebrating the work of LGBTQIA+ people, and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month is a time to honor those who have stood for acceptance. Pride is about being proud of who you are no matter who you love.