Featured TRUST Member

Kristy Buesgens
Manager, Network Data, Anthem, Inc.

Kristy Buesgens works as a Manager of Network Data serving dental providers throughout the United States and internationally. She and her team are responsible for the retention of Anthem’s dental networks. The team intakes new provider contracts and assists with questions and changes needed for the dental offices.

When and why did you join the TRUST?

I joined the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST in 2019. My company offered me a membership. I was hooked on the TRUST after I attended my first TRUST Forum. It was incredibly motivating and heartwarming to hear from all of the amazing and supportive women health care leaders.

Do you have a favorite TRUST memory so far?

It was from this year (2021). I am honored to be a part of the TRUST TRUST’s Mentorship Program and was placed with the most amazing mentor. She has made such a huge difference in my life in the few short months I have known her. I am grateful to have been given this opportunity to learn from such an inspirational leader.

How have mentors helped you?

My mentor, through the TRUST, helped me with her honest and thoughtful advice. She has given me ideas to think outside the box when working to motivate my team. The person who placed me with her this year could not have picked a better mentor for me. She has been able to offer so many great ideas I have already implemented successfully with my team.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

There has been so much, but the advice that sticks out to me is “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” To me, this means more than the clothes I wear. It’s also about how I present myself in all aspects of the job, whether in meetings, interactions through email, etc.

What support do you need now to evolve your development as a leader?

I would love to continue to network and pass on the knowledge I have obtained while learning about others’ ideas on developing themselves and their teams.

How do you support other women in their leadership journeys?

I enjoy working with a team and strive to make everyone feel important—because they all are important!

How do you cope with the demanding aspects of your career?

Beyond spending time with my family, I listen to uplifting music and try to work out at least five times a week to keep up with self-care.

What is something not many people know about you?

I wanted to be an opera singer. I went to college for Vocal Performance. I still sing all the time, and that is most definitely a happy place for me.

Words of wisdom to live by?

Since I first heard it in college, I’ve been inspired by this Margaret Mead quote and, in fact, still carry it with me in my wallet:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

– Maya Angelou