Celebrating Women Leaders at TeleVox: Navigating a Career in Healthcare Technology

By: Daphne Harper, Head of Business Development and Lead Generation at TeleVox

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, the role of women in leadership positions, particularly in healthcare technology focused companies like TeleVox, is more critical than ever.  

For the next feature in our Women in Healthcare Tech blog series, we sat down with Daphne Harper, Head of Business Development and Lead Generation Teams at TeleVox, to talk about her career path, what she sees as the impact of her work and TeleVox’s solutions, and advice to other women looking to break into the industry. 

 

How did you get started in the healthcare tech industry? What was your path to TeleVox?  

Over the years, I managed retirement plans for municipalities as a registered investment advisor. During that time, I noticed a significant gap in how organizations, including municipalities, were communicating sensitive information. Many were using unsecured methods and had inefficient processes to connect with customers, stakeholders, and constituents. This led me to transition into technology and digital workflow platforms for corporations. 

As I’ve delved deeper into this space, I’ve found similar inefficiencies in healthcare organizations. Health systems often lack streamlined processes and systems, particularly when it comes to patient communication. Televox solutions have shown that there’s so much we can do to improve this area, which can ultimately enhance patient care, boost revenue retention, and strengthen an organization’s reputation. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to apply my experience to such a universal and important challenge. 

 

Describe your role and how you are working to expand the impact of TeleVox’s solutions. 

As head of business development and lead generation, I lead a team of professionals who serve as the frontline representation of our company. My primary focus is finding innovative and creative ways to connect with new customers, ensuring our sales teams have meaningful interactions with the right prospects.  

Ultimately, my role is about driving growth through innovation and collaboration. I love the challenge of constantly refining our strategies and discovering new opportunities for business expansion. Seeing the direct impact my team’s efforts have on the company’s success—and knowing that our work helps fuel the pipeline for new customer acquisition—is what keeps me energized and passionate about what I do. 

 

What trends and challenges are you currently seeing in your work? 

Prospective customers consistently face challenges with manual processes and overburdened staff. Many “old school” methods such as reminder phone calls and one-way text communication are outdated and in need of an overhaul. The risk of patient care gaps and missed revenue is too great. The trend is definitely moving toward more digital patient experiences.  

I find that prospects are looking to enhance the overall patient journey starting from the very first interactions, aiming for a frictionless experience with features like self-scheduling that allow patients to book appointments at their convenience without all the back and forth of traditional scheduling methods. These healthcare leaders are seeking more personalized and prescriptive experiences. They want solutions that not only streamline processes but also cater to individual patient needs, driving greater engagement and adherence.  

 

How do you successfully foster relationships and collaboration with potential clients? 

Successfully fostering relationships and collaboration with potential clients involves a strategic and personalized approach. To build strong, productive partnerships, the first step is to deeply understand the prospect’s specific needs, challenges, and goals and expectations. This involves active listening and thorough research to ensure that any solutions we propose are tailored to their unique situation.  

 

How would you describe your colleagues and the culture of innovation at TeleVox? 

At Televox, our colleagues are incredibly dedicated and passionate about improving the patient care journey. Our culture is a blend of enthusiasm, adaptability, and collaboration. It’s a place where innovation is not just encouraged but celebrated, and where every team member is committed to making a meaningful impact on patient care. 

 

What are the key qualities that help someone thrive in healthcare IT/in a leadership role? 

I would say adaptable first, because the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and regulations emerging regularly. Being adaptable and open to change is crucial for navigating these shifts and implementing innovative solutions effectively. It’s also important to have clear and effective communication skills, both in technical discussions and in interactions with non-technical stakeholders. Being able to explain complex concepts in simple terms and listen actively to others’ needs and concerns helps in building strong relationships and ensuring successful project outcomes.  

Success in healthcare IT often relies on working closely with cross-functional teams. Being a team player and fostering a collaborative atmosphere helps in achieving common goals. Understanding and prioritizing the needs of our customers, including their patients and/or members is also essential. An empathetic approach helps in designing solutions that genuinely address user needs and enhance the overall patient experience. Most importantly, in a leadership role, having a clear vision for the future and the ability to inspire and guide a team towards that vision is crucial. This includes setting strategic goals, motivating team members, and fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. 

 

What would your advice be to other women looking to break into the healthcare technology industry? 

First off, I’d say go for it with enthusiasm! If you’re passionate about healthcare and technology, let that be your driving force. Let your interest in healthcare and tech guide you. Passion will keep you motivated and help you push through challenges. Get hands-on experience and learn as much as you can about both healthcare and technology. Courses, certifications, and practical experience are all great ways to build your knowledge. Keep an eye on the latest trends and technologies in healthcare tech. Being in the know will help you stay relevant and ahead of the curve.  

Look for someone who can offer guidance and advice. A mentor can help you navigate your career path and open up opportunities. Connect with other women in the field by attending events, joining groups, and participating in online communities. Building a supportive community can be really helpful and empowering, and networking can lead to new opportunities and collaborations. 

Don’t be afraid to dive into tough projects or roles. They’re great for learning and proving what you can do. Make sure to highlight your achievements and what you’re looking for in your career. Don’t hesitate to negotiate or ask for what you need. It might not always be easy, but keep pushing forward even if things get tough. Persistence pays off. Last, but certainly not least, bring your unique perspective and strengths to the table. Diversity of thought and experience enriches the field and can drive innovation. Your individuality is an asset in making a meaningful impact. And remember, you’ve got what it takes to make a big impact. Go for it and enjoy the journey! 

As healthcare organizations increasingly rely on digital solutions to enhance patient engagement and improve outcomes, women leaders bring invaluable perspectives and a human-centric approach that drives innovation. Elevating women to leadership roles across our entire company not only supports gender equity but also enhances our ability to deliver innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of modern healthcare.