Originally published on LinkedIn. Humana ranked No. 13 on The Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2021.
While we celebrate our associates year-round, Humana recognizes February is a month to honor and acknowledge Black History, the significant contributions of Black and African Americans and the progress toward the pursuit of racial justice and equality. This African American Heritage Month, we are honoring the contributions of our Black and African American associates through a series of leadership features spotlighting associates who are also members of our Black and African American Network Resource Group (NRG), IMPACT.
Meet Angela Fielding, Director, Provider Experience and Network Transformation and IMPACT NRG Co-President
What is your ‘why’? (i.e., what motivates you?)
My desire to leave the world a bit better and to uplift and inspire is my why. I am deeply motivated to inspire, encourage and serve. I seek opportunities to create positive change and to make a difference in the lives of others.
I cannot recall a time in my life’s work, where I have not been involved with serving others, particularly through community engagement and my professional endeavors. At my core, I am a servant leader who is passionate about doing work that aligns my purpose and my passion… Work that I like to call heart and head work.
As we embark upon Black History Month and not only celebrate the significant contributions of Black and African Americans; but also, reflect upon the tribulations and triumphs of our story, I am reminded of what should be our collective mission — to serve the “least of these” among us.
We must continue to work on behalf of the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged to provide a more just and equitable society for all to live and thrive.
What advice would you give to young Black and African American professionals?
My advice to young Black and African American professionals is to continue to show up believing in yourself and believing the success that you envision for yourself is possible. It’s easy to become discouraged when our careers are not progressing as fast as we might like.
I advise a shift in thinking or perhaps a different mindset. Instead of focusing on getting to the next level, focus more on growing and developing yourself. Spend time in preparation by staying curious and learning from peers or mentors, honing your skills and taking stock of your strengths and opportunities for improvement. Simply stated, try to become the best version of yourself that you can be. When you are prepared, you become a magnet for opportunity.
Do you think your cultural identity impacts your leadership style? If yes, how?
Cultural identity is the underpinning of who we are based on various historical social constructs. This identity can inform our sense of belonging.
My cultural identity absolutely impacts my leadership style. It allows me to be a more authentic leader. At the nexus of my cultural identity is my authenticity. When one feels comfortable bringing one’s whole self to work, a deeper sense of belonging is gained.
Being an authentic leader affords me the platform to take up space, to amplify my voice; and when needed, to be a voice for others and for change.
Through my leadership style, I aspire to be an agent of change and an inspiration to those that I have the privilege to lead.
