I believe loving what you do is a gift. And if your work allows you to do well while doing good, that’s even better. Teachers, police officers, nurses, and civil servants often hold a special place in society because of their dedication, even in the face of demanding roles and modest compensation. Despite common misconceptions, during my 40 years in the DC area I've seen a plethora of hardworking government employees who serve with integrity. I began my career as a special education teacher, cherishing my students but feeling financially insecure compared to my wealth-focused peers. So I fled teaching and became a health care policy nerd, which, while impactful, still didn’t align with my ambition and financial goals.
At 35, I discovered entrepreneurship and thrived. I advanced, earned more, and found fulfillment in creating positive change. But this isn’t just about my journey—it’s about the people drawn to healthcare startups, especially those at Healthrageous.
Early in my journey, business expert Larry Butler shared three simple yet powerful rules for entrepreneurial success:
The third rule is crucial—it highlights the importance of teamwork. Great teams don’t just have talent; they have chemistry, self-awareness, and shared purpose. Every year, the Super Bowl reminds us that championship teams thrive on collaboration. At Healthrageous, we are fortunate to have a group of high-performing, self-aware, and self-motivated individuals who work together seamlessly as a team.
Healthrageous delivers immense value to health plan clients. Often, healthcare executives—especially in non-profit organizations like Blue Cross—tend to be risk-averse. Their priority is avoiding controversy rather than driving innovation. In such environments, fear of failure can stifle creativity leading to the road less traveled never being considered.
Working for a large enterprise does offer benefits—comprehensive health insurance, generous leave policies, and performance bonuses that startups often lack. However, in my humble opinion, the biggest difference between personnel a startup and a large non-profit healthcare organization isn’t compensation—it’s mindset. Passion for helping others, serving without expecting immediate rewards, and finding purpose in work bring an unmatched sense of fulfillment.
Healthrageous thrives because of our selfless, mission-driven employees. Our team is united by a common goal: extending care and compassion to seniors. Each of our 17 team members is dedicated to making a difference. One standout example is Jess, our Operations and Logistics Manager. She skillfully resolves issues, traffic snarls, shipment errors and potential grievances with sleight of hand and a small potion of love. Her commitment to seniors is deeply personal, shaped by her recent experience of caring for her mother in her final year. It was time-consuming and selfless. If pressed, she would respond with something like "It is simply my job. She's my Mom and I'm here for her at the end, just like she was there for my beginning."
Jess’s resilience has been tested in ways few can imagine. After the unexpected passing of her sister-in-law, she stepped up to raise an infant left without parents. That young infant has no idea of how problematic her life would have been without Jess’ timely substitute parenting. And Jess packed a decade of other traumatic events into the past calendar year of life. Despite the emotional toll, she never wavered in her dedication to Healthrageous. She reads every customer review, follows up on complaints, and refuses to accept "no" as an answer when solving problems. She brings passion and service to work every day. She operates with a purpose and it’s that ingrained mentality that touches every lucky person who encounters her.
At Healthrageous, we are fortunate to have a team of tireless, passionate individuals striving for excellence. Their commitment to serving seniors has not gone unnoticed by our clients. They push boundaries, take risks, and stay engaged even beyond work hours. Their compassion includes their colleagues, fostering a culture of support and innovation.
This drive is why I’m still in the startup world at 74. After all, where else can you be challenged by out-of-the-box ideas, break norms, and build something meaningful? Startups have nourished my soul. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Join Us at Healthrageous
If you share our passion for making a difference and believe in doing well by doing good, we’d love to connect. Let’s impact healthcare—together.
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