Jean Bisio
Posted On: Dec. 5, 2010 12:00 AM CST
President, Humana Cares
Humana Inc.
St. Petersburg, Fla.
Age: 50
A former emergency room nurse, Jean Bisio has launched operations for Humana Cares, a new division of Humana Inc. that reaches out to chronically ill Medicare Advantage and commercial members, as well as low-income, disabled and Medicare/Medicaid “dual-eligibles” experiencing multiple health conditions and everyday living challenges. Ms. Bisio, now president, remains committed to her original profession, serving as a mentor and advocate for nurses. She has been active as a thought leader in the community and in the insurance industry with published articles in Business Insurance and other publications and as a speaker at industry events. Ms. Bisio is a member of the Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation, has served as president of the board of the American Diabetes Assn. of Greater Tampa Bay, and was chairman of the 2007 American Diabetes Assn. Greater Tampa Bay Diabetes Walk.
WHAT'S THE BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE YOU RECEIVED?
When I first started at another company, a director who worked for me gave me a quote that she had heard from her mother: "People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care." The business of disease management is really is about gaining the trust of your member so they believe in you as a valuable resource and as a source of pertinent information.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN ENTERING THIS FIELD?
Take the initiative and lead the way. Go after what you believe in. Don't wait for it to come to you.
OUTSIDE OF WORK AND FAMILY, WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE MOST?
Someone like a Nancy Brinker who started the Susan G. Komen (Breast Cancer Foundation). She has created a network that has motivated and educated thousands of people across the world to know what breast cancer is and how to treat it, how to get quality care.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I was a middle child of seven. I always wanted to be a politician. I had to balance the older part of the family with the younger children. The skills of a politician are needed every day in business.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
"Gone With the Wind." Growing up in the South, I could relate to the message: Tomorrow is another day.
WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU'VE BEEN?
Washington. The monuments and the museums are a true statement of how great this country is and why we need to protect it and preserve it for our children. It's mind-blowing to feel the electricity in D.C.
WHAT DO YOU PREFER AND WHY: PHONE OR E-MAIL?
I'm definitely an e-mail person because it gives me more control over my time.