by Sarah Gunter
Emma Fox, creator of the YOU Powered Symposium, began with a vision of more equitable educational offerings for professionals in the benefits world. While attending a conference some years ago, she remembers talking to the head of a notable organization in the field that claimed to provide all the tools and resources a consultant would need to start thinking and working outside the box. A motivated consultant herself, she was intrigued, and asked what it took to be a part of their exclusive organization. The head answered: “A “C” in your title and check book.”
In a time where information and know-how have never been more crucial in fixing the healthcare system, Fox is determined to expand the playing field, making the ‘secrets of success’ available to anyone interested in fighting the good fight. She realized that in conferences she’d attended in the past, it was really the people that she connected with from whom she’d learn the most. That’s why YOU Powered strives be inclusive, connecting as many people as it can. Fox explains, “We don’t care if you’re a commissioned broker, or if you write mostly small group, fully insured business. We don’t care if you don’t know a lick about self-funded or if you’re just entering the insurance space this year. We care about your intentions, your ethics, and your passion to drive change. As long as those things align, you’re welcome in our world and we’ll do everything we can to meet you where you’re at and walk with you the rest of the way from there – no “C” or check needed…”
YOU Powered’s inaugural Symposium went off with great success earlier this month. From February 6-9, a mixture of employers, prospective clients, consultants, collaborators, clinicians, and some of the industry’s most notable thought leaders lent their expertise to three days of solid education and collaboration. Some also attended the inaugural Value Based Consultant Course, the first certified health value advisor course by the Validation Institute, a credentialed course for those wanting to take their knowledge to the next level.
Attendees left the symposium feeling inspired and energized. Kimberlee Langford, Director of Business Development and Specialty Care Management, describes feeling moved by the event. “I think we all felt it – there was palpable, powerfully positive energy at the YOU Powered Symposium in Arizona last week. I believe the reason why it was moving, energizing, edifying, educational, fun and inspiring is because this really is self-selected group who are all tuned to the same frequency if you will. The Next Gen folks, the Health Rosetta Advisors, and the Coffee Break family – we are all passionate about integrity, transparency, and doing the right things to heal healthcare. It’s a group who are not all about the show – we are a group who is all about doing the work.”
Joel Daniels, Chief Advocate at Revolution Benefits Group felt a similar sense of satisfaction. The symposium exceeded his expectations, particularly in terms of the keynote speakers’ insights and experience in the industry. He enjoyed speaking in person with people that he had previously only connected with online, over LinkedIn or via email. He was struck by the “spirit of collaboration rather than competition,” which felt like a breath of fresh air in an industry he has often found to be cutthroat. The conference ended with another highlight—Daniels was named an Emerging Leader in the industry Awards ceremony.
YOU Powered’s inaugural event this month marks an exciting first in the healthcare industry. Leaders like Fox are making waves by sharing their expertise and empowering others—wherever they are in their careers—through education and collaboration.
