In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Sheila Savageau, the dynamic head of Benefits and Compensation at General Motors

February 2022, Sheila Savageau received a package on her doorstep for the 2022 Helen Darling Award, one of the most prestigious awards in health care, recently awarded to our company and health care team. But for Sheila, our company’s global health and well-being leader, it was much more than an accolade. 

“When I opened that box and looked at the award, I saw my daughter’s reflection,” she said. “And when I think about our journey as a family, I can’t help but to be emotional.” 

Five years ago, Sheila’s healthy 15-year-old daughter became chronically affected with seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. That life-changing moment made Sheila’s work in health care even more personal. 

“I am deeply passionate about people and all aspects of their well-being,” Savageau continued. “And that passion is lit by the fire of my daughter’s health care journey. I refer to it as ‘Jenna’s Journey.’” 

While advocating for her daughter’s health care, Sheila found her purpose. She was inspired to think about how she would do things differently. On many days, Sheila would sit in doctors’ offices or hospitals, pen and paper in hand, journaling about her experience and what she would change to deliver a health care option that could better support patients and their family members — their care advocates. 

Nearly seven years later, in partnership with GM’s Global Business Solution People Services, legal, finance and purchasing groups, our health care benefits team introduced ConnectedCare, a health care option that offers value-based medical care through a connected network of local providers who work together to deliver high-quality care, at the right time and place. 

Join us as we delve into Sheila's fascinating story, exploring her challenges, triumphs, and the invaluable insights she's gained along the way.

Chapters:

0:00 - Cold open

0:40 - Introducing Sheila Savageau to the show

1:36 - Sheila's Story from Her Perspective

5:06 - Partnerships and How To Navigate Them

15:20 - Patient Choice of Healthcare

22:43 - Providers and Employers

30:00 - The Importance of Trust

33:32 - Data to Spot Areas of Concern

38:44 - Where Changes Will Come From

43:29 - Ways to Build Trust

48:10 - Product Side Enrollment

52:12 - How to get in touch with Sheila to learn more

52:37 - Closing remarks

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