While some of you may have previously heard from Melody Healy — VSP Vision Care's Chief Strategy & Integration Officer — on the topic of leadership, we're diving a bit deeper today to reintroduce you to Melody, her career journey, and what she has to say to those exploring a career in the optical industry.
What was your first job within the optical industry, and what skill set or learning did you take away from it that you still apply today?
VSP Vision Care was my first job in the optical industry — my background is in employee benefits and insurance. I was hired to create a program to serve our strategic customers such as Fortune 500 companies, large government agencies, and labor unions. The best learning that I had from that experience was the importance of creating the most inclusive environment possible, which includes bringing diverse experience, talent, and knowledge together for developing creative solutions focused on customers.
What do you think was the driving force in the upward movement of your career?
Creating a network of mentors and advocates throughout the organization and putting the organizational objectives ahead of my own.
Is there a memory that stands out as pivotal moment in time for your career?
Through a re-organization ten years ago, a significant part of my responsibility was shifted to another area of the organization, and it was tough personally, but being a leader and leading others through the change was more important. That moment created the opportunity for new doors to open, which have led me to where I am today.
What women leaders have inspired your journey?
So many women have believed in me along the way . . . from my high school accounting teacher — Jo Bliss — who recommended me for my first internship at 16, to great leaders I have worked with prior to VSP like Maribeth Tennison — who helped bring the first Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO) to California years ago, to Kate Renwick-Espinosa, President of VSP Vision Care. All of these women inspired me to want to be better and gave me courage to take on new challenges.
What is something you are working on right now that is exciting or that is challenging you in new ways?
I'm bringing some of my strategic planning skills to a local non-profit organization who is experiencing change and helping to guide them through some difficult times. Without the skills I have learned at work, I wouldn't be able to do this effectively.
Now more than ever there are so many careers paths for those interested in the field of vision care. What would you say to those exploring a future in this arena?
Find your passion, understand what gets you up in the morning, and pursue doing more of that. What I do is a passion — people have a hard time getting me to take a vacation day. Even during tough times I have extreme gratitude for the gifts I have been given and the opportunity to impact the lives of others.