Transitioning Industries and Making an Impact

Broken Benefits

In the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we are honored to welcome Elena Bueno-Gonzalez, the dynamic Vice President of Energy Marketing & Trading at Florida Power & Light. Elena's incredible journey from Venezuela to becoming a leading figure in the U.S. energy industry is nothing short of inspiring.

Arriving in the United States at the age of 21 and learning English as her second language, Elena's dedication and talent led her to excel in Mathematics. Her expertise and determination propelled her into the world of commodities trading, where she now oversees critical operations for one of the largest energy companies in the nation.

But Elena's accomplishments don't stop there. In a surprising career twist, she took on the challenge of managing Health and Welfare Benefits, achieving remarkable results in a short period. Her unique perspective and innovative approach brought significant improvements, showcasing her versatile leadership skills.

Join us as we delve into Elena'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 Elena Bueno-Gonzalez to the show

1:56 - The big transition in her career and moving into Health and Welfare Benefits

5:06 - The first challenges Elena wanted to tackle in her new role

11:10 - Convincing other leaders she was the right person for the job

15:43 - Leveraging her relationship with the TPA to empower her people

19:32 - Negotiating with the networks

26:52 - Advice to someone in similar shoes

32:54 - Designing a plan that made it easy for people to find quality care

38:19 - Identifying the risks associated with your strategic decisions

42:55 - Embracing the awkward nature of going back to the incumbent option

48:06 - How to get in touch with Elena to learn more

48:50 - Closing remarks

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