After losing both her sister and a close friend to cancer in the same year, Carissa Rollins knew she couldn’t stay where she was. As CIO of UnitedHealthcare, she had scale and power, but not proximity to the technology that might have changed those outcomes. So when the call came from Illumina, a company pioneering genomic sequencing, she listened. And then she leapt.

In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Carissa shares how grief reshaped her career and how purpose—not title—has always been her compass. She talks candidly about what it means to walk away from the “biggest job of your life” to chase deeper impact, and how she’s now using her insider knowledge of the payer system to open doors for patients who would otherwise be left out of the genomic revolution.

Carissa also reflects on the turning points that built her leadership style—from writing a three-page letter to fight for a promotion, to insisting on coaching even when her boss said she didn’t need it. She’s quick to credit the mentors who pulled her forward—but equally passionate about pulling others up behind her. “Why are you sitting in the back?” she recalls asking one young woman. “Your voice is important.”

Now at Illumina, she’s helping her teams think critically about how AI can reduce burnout—not by cutting jobs, but by removing outdated, burdensome processes and freeing people to do more meaningful work. It’s a nuanced, systems-based view that resists the hype and centers on impact.

You’ll also hear Carissa speak on:

Why she sees restlessness as a sign it’s time to grow

The alarming drop in women in tech—and what we can do about it

How the Grand Canyon Conservancy helps her stay grounded (and where she thinks tech could help the parks)

What it really takes to make space at the table—and why women can’t afford to close the door behind them

This conversation is full of hard-earned wisdom, honest reflections, and a fierce belief in using every ounce of power to move others forward.

Chapters

03:52 Overcoming Restlessness & Seeking New Challenges

10:05 Impact, Market Access & Personal Fulfillment

14:59 AI’s Role in Operations & Efficiency

15:53 Inspiring Young Women in Technology

17:38 Challenges & Setbacks for Women in Tech

19:52 Empowering Advice for Future Leaders

Guest & Host Links

Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn

Connect with Carissa Rollins on LinkedIn

About Illumina

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This episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring.

WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.