NWA C-Suite: Tammy Sun

What’s the top challenge you have faced as a leader, and how did you overcome it? When Carrot was first founded, there were very few employers offering fertility benefits, and the topics of fertility and family-building were taboo in the workplace. A lot has changed since then … We continue to see more companies understanding the importance of offering inclusive fertility benefits, but there’s still more work to be done, especially when it comes to journeys impacting our older workforce, like menopause and low testosterone. 

How significant is developing a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) culture within your organization to you? Diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in our culture at Carrot. As a company whose mission is to make fertility health care accessible and affordable to everyone who wants or needs it regardless of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and geography, we know that we can only serve our members and customers effectively if we internally reflect and live that mission.

What is the best business advice someone has ever given you? The right time to start a business is now. There will always be a reason for waiting — you have a great job, or the economy is bad. Just know there’s no right time to start a business, and if you keep waiting, you may miss your chance.

What are some aspects of leadership you are still working to improve? I need to take a long overdue vacation soon. Earlier this year, I promised my team I would do this, and it’s an important part of leading by example.

How do you relax? Going on walks with my dogs. I also love animals, so I volunteer locally with Best Friends Animal Society whenever I can as well as other groups that support refugees as well as education.  

What advice would you give someone wanting to be a leader in your industry? You don’t need to be a health care expert to make a positive impact in the industry, but you need to be curious about the problem you’re trying to solve if you want to be a leader. Unending curiosity and empathy, especially in health care, will help you to keep innovating for years to come. 

How do you stay current with industry trends and changes? I read a lot from a lot of different types of publications: everything from medical journals to national and international newspapers and magazines along with industry reports. I also spend a lot of time talking with customers and partners in health care and technology.