Laura Weiglein, Director of Product Solutions, Medica

What is your current role?

In my role as Director of Product Solutions, I focus on product strategy and development for Medica’s employer-sponsored health plans in Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Why did you join the TRUST?

I joined the TRUST in 2018 when I was promoted into a people leadership role and my two kids were very young. I had been a very self-confident and successful individual contributor, but after I had been promoted, I instantly had self-doubt about my ability to rise as a leader. I hadn’t heard the term “imposter syndrome” at that point in my career (later learning about it through the TRUST), but looking back I had a severe case of it. I stumbled across the TRUST when searching for professional development and a support system that could help me be more successful in that transition into a leadership role.

At my first TRUST event, I realized that each woman I met that night had been in my shoes in one way or another. I instantly knew this was an organization where I belonged and was exactly what I needed to help me grow professionally.

What is your role within the TRUST?

Currently, I am ending my second year on the Associate Board of Directors and have been serving on the Strategic Growth and Marketing Committee since 2020. Additionally, I co-lead the monthly New Member Coffees with my fellow Associate Board member, Tara Florek. In 2024, I am moving into the Incoming Vice-Chair role for the Associate Board.

What has been your favorite part of being a TRUST member?

By far my favorite part of being a member of the TRUST is welcoming new members and helping them navigate our organization. Helping those new members find a sense of belonging in the TRUST by building their own network and gaining new professional skills gives me so much joy – especially for those emerging leaders just transitioning into a leadership role for the first time. It allows me to give back to others what the TRUST gave to me when I first joined.

What one word would you use to summarize what the TRUST means to you?

Belonging.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

My best mentoring experience was my mentorship relationship through the TRUST in 2020. The relationship with my mentor was invaluable to me professionally and personally – and she’s still in my life today. I highly recommend every member participate in the mentor program as a mentor or mentee!

How do you support other women in their leadership journey?

In addition to my work supporting new members in their leadership journey, I love when I get the chance to meet one-on-one with other members of the TRUST. If I haven’t met you yet, let’s connect! 

What do you love the most about the health care industry?

I started my first role with a health plan back in 2012. After more than a decade, I can say I truly love working for non-profit, mission-driven health plans. Every day I get to collaborate with amazing people who care about doing the right thing for the people we serve. Health care is broken in our country – and I am making a difference by building solutions and solving problems to help improve the health of our members, increasing access to high-quality health care, and striving to make that care affordable.

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

Running is a big part of my physical, emotional and mental well-being. I have run five marathons, countless half marathons and one ultramarathon – but more importantly running gives me the space to clear my head.

What is something that not many people know about you?

I’ve been happily married to my high-school sweetheart, Tad, for almost 17 years.

Who inspires you?

My kids – my “why” is raising kind humans.  They’re only 9 and 6, but we’re off to a pretty great start.