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As someone who used to work in the learning and development department, Joseph Giordano knows what it’s like when a company is truly committed to helping its employees grow in their careers. And in his professional opinion, Giordano’s current employer, Health-E Commerce, excels at just that.
“I’ve had more development opportunities at Health-E Commerce than any other organization I’ve been a part of,” says Giordano, director of compliance at the online health and wellness retailer.
In his four years with the company, Giordano has become an expert in the complex field of flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) compliance. He attributes his success to Health-E Commerce’s learning and development benefits, including apprenticeship and management training programs as well as mentorship from his manager.
Here, Giordano talks about what inspired him to work in healthcare compliance, why his role requires congressional advocacy, and his podcast recommendation for movie fans like himself.
Tell us about your career journey, and what inspired you to pursue a career aligned with the health benefits industry?
Early in my career, when working in learning and development, I was assigned to lead a compliance-related project. I assumed it would be boring, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it, and it completely changed the trajectory of my career.
In addition, I have worked as a certified health coach and personal trainer for a few years and have a passion for helping people live healthier lives. I realized that pursuing a career in healthcare compliance would naturally allow me to combine these two things. My first compliance role was at a major orthopedic hospital, which then led me to Health-E Commerce. And the rest is history!
What initially drew you to work at Health-E Commerce? How did you know the company would be a good fit?
I was tired of facing rigid hierarchies in my career, so I was immediately drawn to the culture at Health-E Commerce. I knew I could thrive here because it was clear to me how much they value their staff. There is also the spirit of camaraderie that pervades the entire company. We all support each other as we work together towards a common goal, and everyone’s opinion matters.
We also love to have fun! For example, my second week at HEC included a team-building hunt on the streets of New York City that I’ll never forget.
What is your responsibility as a compliance manager?
In short, I work to ensure that the company complies with regulatory requirements. Because our business includes both healthcare and e-commerce, there is a unique mix of compliance requirements. For example, we partner with many benefits administrators, and I’m responsible for making sure our communications and educational materials about FSAs and HSAs are consistent and accurate. I also help implement our compliance program, oversee our training, and continually conduct internal audits of all aspects of the business.
We as a company are very active in defending consumer healthcare accounts. I support these efforts by helping to educate members of the US Congress about the importance of benefits such as FSAs and HSAs, staying current on any legislation or regulation that may affect these benefits, and advocating for their expansion in ways that will help American Healthcare consumers.
What were the keys to your success as you worked your way up to a leadership role at Health-E Commerce?
Subject matter expertise is extremely important in compliance, particularly in the consumer-oriented healthcare industry. I’ve been fortunate to have mentorship from my boss, who has nearly 15 years of experience in the FSA and HSA space. Having the opportunity to work with her and learn the ins and outs of the industry over the past four years has been invaluable. I always try to learn and grow by listening to people around me who have a different perspective. In compliance, what you know is vital, but so is what you don’t.
What kinds of learning and development opportunities did you take advantage of while at Health-E Commerce?
Aside from informal mentoring from my managers and other leaders, I have access to professional coaching sessions, management coaching programs, and online courses such as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I have also received compensation for several professional certifications. Health-E Commerce is certainly a company committed to employee growth.
How does the work you do at Health-E Commerce excite and inspire you?
It’s no secret that healthcare costs are spiraling out of control, and I love that HEC is streamlining tax-deductible health benefits for people so they can stay healthy while keeping their costs down. Many people are unaware of how an FSA or HSA, or even the wide range of products and services that qualify, can be used with these accounts. Part of my job is to ultimately bring this education to the consumer so that they can improve their health care spending.
What do you look for in candidates who want to work in compliance?
While subject matter expertise is important, you need to operate with integrity to be a successful compliance professional. I am a firm believer in setting an example for the kind of behavior you want to see in an organization.
What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?
In my college years I was a rapper – I even won a contest or two. (Maybe this is my backup career.)
Name one thing you read, watch, or listen to and why.
I love podcasts and just discovered one called RewatchableShowcasing roundtable discussions about movies that people love to watch over and over again. Celebrity guest hosts get on board, so I just listened to Jennifer Lawrence break down every aspect of it Dumb and dumberwhich was very fun!
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