Featured TRUST Member

Gladys Ogunsegha, DBA, MBA

Strategic Product Director, Risk & Quality, Optum

Gladys Ogunsegha has worked with Optum for five years managing product development across Optum’s Payment Integrity and Risk & Quality businesses. There she leads the strategic direction of Optum’s Retrospective Risk Adjustment business. In her current role, Gladys focuses on helping health plans maximize their risk adjustment reimbursements/payments from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Gladys holds a doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and an MBA with a marketing emphasis, is a Certified Professional Project Manager (CPPM) and is Pragmatic Marketing Certified (PMC).

When and why did you join the TRUST?

I was nominated to join earlier this year as part of Optum’s group membership with the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST. I am truly honored to be among female leaders with years of knowledge and experience. I joined for the opportunity to be a sponge, to soak up as much knowledge as I can to help navigate my professional and personal journey.

Do you have a favorite TRUST memory so far?

My favorite TRUST memory so far is the better together networking session where we met other members virtually in three 15-min practice sessions and learned about both verbal and non-verbal cues in coaching conversations. I found it to be an essential skill to have and continue to develop.

How have mentors helped you?

My mentor has been instrumental throughout my career path in so many ways. She provides coaching and advice, support and a vote of confidence. My mentor also provides challenges that lead to growth and accountability of goals.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

Lean in. Take up space. Make some good noise. I’ve found these tips are important advice for a quiet or reserved person/woman to have in a professional space. Don’t shy away or shrink (sit at the back). That space at the “table” is for you.

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

As I evolve as a leader, I continue to seek the support of other leaders in the form of networking and sharing experiences, knowledge, vote of confidence and a cleared path.

How do you support other women in their leadership journey?

I support other women leaders by vocalizing my vote of confidence (in them) and being a sponsor of theirs. I also provide support and encouragement by being attentive to where the opportunities for representation and growth are and propelling them into those opportunities.

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

I am a planner, so I tend to project plan my day/work/career. I have found that having a plan helps reduce pressure, even if the plan may need to be tweaked and updated in real-time. Besides that, I leverage my mentor and my direct leader as a sounding board and guardians of my professional plans and path.