Leading Voices: Three Questions with Juan Chaluja, SVP Market Leadership, Florida Blue
We sat down with Florida Chamber Board of Director Member Juan Chaluja, SVP Market Leadership with Florida Blue to answer three important questions:
What is one piece of advice you would share with your peers?
Always seek feedback. Many people appreciate the value of a mentor, it is crucial for personal and professional growth. These important advisers offer valuable insights, knowledge, and advice that can significantly impact your life. Mentors provide a unique perspective, helping you navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and learn from other experiences. Their guidance fosters skill development, boosts confidence, and accelerates your learning curve. A mentor’s constructive feedback facilitates self-improvement, allowing you to refine your strengths and address weaknesses. I have had experience as a mentor as well as a mentee; the mentor-mentee relationship creates a supportive environment, promoting accountability and motivation. Overall, having mentors enriches your life by offering a roadmap to success, fostering personal development, and building a network of meaningful connections. I am excited to be part of the Florida Chamber and continue expanding my network of peers and potential opportunities to seek additional guidance enhancing my growth as a professional.
What keeps you up at night?
Affordability in the Healthcare industry. Lingering inflation exerts a considerable strain on various segments of the healthcare ecosystem. The rising costs of medical services, pharmaceuticals, and other costs impact patients, leading to increased financial burdens. Patients, are experiencing higher out-of-pocket costs for medical services and prescription medications, limiting accessibility to essential healthcare. Additionally, inflationary pressures influence healthcare insurance premiums, affecting affordability and coverage for individuals and employers alike.
Florida Blue is not just a health insurance company; we are a health solutions company, and we are working to protect every member and help them along their healthcare journey. My current role allows me to spend considerable time in our markets and regions across Florida. When you meet with a community-based nonprofit or hear the challenges that underserved communities are facing, you understand how important our mission is. I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can to ensure the work we are doing helps support, protect, and serve the health and well-being of people in our communities.
How has the Florida Chamber impacted your organization?
Florida Blue has been serving the state for 80 years, we have been committed to the communities we serve in all 67 counties across the state. The Florida Chamber profoundly impacts our business by providing a supportive network, fostering collaboration, and offering valuable information. Engaging with the Florida Chamber opens doors to networking opportunities, connecting businesses with potential partners, and vendors. The Chamber serves as an advocate, representing the interests of Florida Blue within our communities, influencing policies that affect the local economic landscape. The Chamber, its staff and board are champions for the well-being of our state including the Florida Chamber Foundation, which is a catalyst for making sure we understand the challenges and opportunities facing our state and each county. In essence, active involvement with the Florida Chamber significantly enhances our overall standing in the community.