Linda Ruschau
Chief client officer, PatientPoint
What would you do if you didn’t work in healthcare?
Be a talk show host. I love to get to know people. My teammates laugh at me because I interview every Uber and cab driver. People have such interesting life stories if you take the time to listen.
Talk about the last time you experienced a fist-pumping victory moment.
We’ve been in a really competitive industry, and for the past three years I’ve been coaching my team — almost preaching — to just keep doing what’s right and good things will come. There has been a lot of good coming our way in 2018, so I’m pumping my fist.
When was the last time you endured an “agony of defeat” moment? What did you learn from it?
I was helping one of my sales executives work an account we had never done business with, and it ultimately decided to go with a competitor. I was devastated not only because I don’t like to lose — ever — but because I knew we were the best solution for the brand. For two years I spent time trying to understand its decision-making process, asking questions and talking to every influencer I could find. It was tough, but we finally secured that business. Losses are opportunities to be better and continue to become the best version of ourselves.
How long ago was the last time you recharged your batteries?
I recharge by spending time with my family. My younger son is in the process of looking at colleges, so we just did a road trip to North Carolina to tour a few campuses. I loved seeing him get excited and cracking up with me in the car. I can be pretty silly with my boys.
What do you find frustrating about working in healthcare marketing?
The negative misperception about pharma. This industry does so much good: People are living longer, healthier lives with cures for almost every disease that would have been life-threatening 50 years ago. Finding these cures takes time and money, and the general population and our government need to support and appreciate these incredible efforts.
To ensure pay parity and career advancement for women, I will…
Continue to give my time to mentor and coach women, help them advance their careers wherever I can, and celebrate others’ success. We have to be supportive of one another.
What are your words to live by?
Spread goodness in every way you can. Give that compliment to the stranger, tell the people you love that you love them, and appreciate all the good in your life.
Favorite drink?
Wine — particularly a nice Oregon pinot noir. For something special, a Veuve Clicquot champagne. Doesn’t bubbly make every occasion special?
What three people, alive or dead, would you like to host at a dinner party and why?
Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, and Aretha Franklin. It would be an amazing jam and dance session.
