Kate Shields Stenzinger, VP of Client Success and Product Strategy, Lucina Analytics

What do you do in your current role?

I am responsible for integrating client priorities and developing strategies to achieve savings for clients and healthy outcomes for moms and babies. With primary accountability to health plan leaders, I am focused on reducing maternal disparities in care. Lucina’s predictive analytics platform is focused on maternity, using proprietary algorithms to identify pregnancies earlier and uncover more data about moms and babies at risk.

When and why did you join the TRUST?

I joined the TRUST in 2020 with the support of Prime Therapeutics and Rachel Metz. I was looking for a supportive professional community and searching for a way to connect with more female leaders. Rachel shared her experience with the welcoming women of the TRUST and encouraged me to join.

Do you have a favorite TRUST memory so far?

I joined the trust during the pandemic, so all my experiences have been virtual. I have many great memories of the TRUST; the top 3 would be my welcome breakfast, the Second Stork diaper packing event, and the book clubs – I LOVE the book clubs!

How has a mentor helped you the most?

I’ve had a few great mentors along the way. Early in my career, I remember a mentor sharing with me that sometimes when we are facing a difficult decision, task, or conversation, the anticipation of it is far worse than the experience. So, take a deep breath and get it done.

I also participated this year in the TRUST mentorship program, and I have the most generous, smart and caring mentor in Diane Nanstad. I could fill a book with the amazing guidance she has provided, from simple things about clarifying and shortening email messages to reminding me to use my voice to the wisdom of asking a good open-ended question.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

This may sound so simple but be your authentic, whole-hearted self. I learned this from one of my closest friends. She shared her experiences interviewing for a new role and how she would answer some of the questions. I was surprised by some of her responses because they were very honest and incredibly authentic. She noticed my look and laughed. She told me, ‘Hey, they need to know who they are working with. It is in everyone’s best interest that I’m authentically my whole-hearted self.’ It was one of those pieces of advice that hit me just the right way, on the right day and I think of it often.

How do you support other women in their leadership journey?

I gather groups of people together to focus on goal setting. Sometimes it’s just having that time on the calendar to stop and think about professional goals that can make all the difference. I love facilitating groups of women to be intentional about what they want to accomplish and where they need help. I have a background in coaching and enjoy using those tools to help others grow and succeed. 

How do you maintain or improve your health and well-being?

I live a block away from a lake and nature trails. I love to walk in the woods, notice the changing seasons, and smell all the smells – it calms me. I’m also a big fan of journaling, meditation, and yoga, but I’m not consistent with any of them – something I am working on.

Any words of wisdom you live by? Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes – Ruth Bader Ginsburg and/or Maggie Kuhn, as they are both credited with saying it. I love the quote because often, what keeps me quiet is anxiety and worry that my words won’t come out right or I’ll upset someone by sharing my thoughts. Its perfectionism tied together with imposter feelings, a stellar combination (ha). The quote reminds me great women, strong women, impactful women – sometimes their voice shakes too.