We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tavelyn James . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tavelyn below.
Tavelyn , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Before entering into corporate America, I was a professional basketball player. I remember when deciding to retire from basketball what would I do next. I was so nervous and unaware of how I would provide for myself after basketball. The day I retire I was a little overwhelmed but knew that God had something bigger for me in store. After two years of applying for jobs in Atlanta I was finally offered a position with the Department of Human Services, but the pay was horrible. I really enjoyed the job and within a year I was promoted. Not too long after COVID took over and I was like pretty much working from home so I decided to apply to different companies. I received an interview with United Healthcare and that changed the trajectory of my career. I knew at that moment things were only going to be positive after this. Healthcare is my field of expertise and I love working with patients and families to make sure they are receiving the best care possible. After a year with United Healthcare I found out I was pregnant but also received a job offer from my current job. I remember hiding my pregnancy because I really wanted the position and something’s places won’t hire you knowing you’ll be leaving for maternity leave in a few months. But I’ve learn after so many stumbles, what God has for you will be for you and I got the position as Practice Manager at The Family Health Center or Georgia. I now feel like my career is on the rise as my end goal is to become CEO of a hospital or facility or start my own healthcare clinic.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I got into the industry that I’m in because when I was younger my oldest sister was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and never had any help from medical professionals. It always seemed as if no one had answers for her or could help her. I realized something was missing from the healthcare industry which were Healthcare Administrators. I quickly changed my major from Occupational Therapy to Healthcare Administration. We serve as the hub of the wheel that keeps the healthcare industry rolling. We make sure that doctors, insurance companies, patients and other providers have access to information needed to ensure proper care. I am most proud of my growth in the healthcare industry and making patient happy when they come into our center at The Family Health Centers of Georgia Inc. We service the underserved community and it is such a joy to help out our community.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I had to back, I would choose the same profession over and over again. Healthcare Administrators have many titles and roles in the healthcare system. I love being able to create work environments that treat patients in the most effective and financially responsible way possible. Being able to build trust with subordinates and motivate employees to give patients the best experience when they come into our center is the best feeling in the world and also allows me to excel in my job.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Things that are most helpful for succeeding in my field is being able to lead effectively, building relationships, ethical judgement, adaptability, quick and critical thinking and just have overall industry knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: tavy_j24
- Facebook: Tavelyn James
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavelyn-tillman-2083a8155
Image Credits
Kardiak Films