As someone who used to work in a learning and development department, Joseph Giordano knows what it looks like when a company is actually committed to helping its employees grow in their careers. And in his professional opinion, Giordano’s current employer, Health-E Commerce, excels in just that.
“I’ve had more development opportunities at Health-E Commerce than any other organization I’ve ever been a part of,” says Giordano, who is a compliance manager at the direct-to-consumer health and wellness online retailer.
In the four years he’s been at the company, Giordano has become an expert in the complex field of flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) compliance. And he credits his success to Health-E Commerce’s learning and development benefits, including professional coaching and management training programs as well as mentorship from his manager.
Here, Giordano talks about what inspired him to work in healthcare compliance, why his role requires advocating to Congress, and his podcast recommendation for movie lovers like himself.
Tell us about your career journey, and what inspired you to pursue a career in compliance in the health benefits industry?
Early in my career, when I worked in learning and development, I was tasked with leading a compliance-related project. I assumed it would be a bore, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, and it completely changed the course of my career.
Additionally, I worked as a certified health coach and personal trainer for a few years and have a passion for helping people live healthier lives. I realized that pursuing a career in healthcare compliance would allow me to naturally combine these two interests. My first compliance role was at a major orthopedic hospital, which then led me to Health-E Commerce. And the rest is history!
What initially attracted you to work at Health-E Commerce? How did you know the company would be a good fit?
I was growing tired of encountering rigid hierarchies in my career, so I was immediately attracted to the culture at Health-E Commerce. I knew I could thrive here because it was clear to me how much they value their employees. There is also a spirit of camaraderie that permeates the whole company. We all support each other as we work together toward a common goal, and everyone’s opinion counts.
We also like to have fun! For example, my second week at HEC included a team-building scavenger hunt through the streets of New York City that I’ll never forget.
What are you responsible for as a compliance manager?
In a nutshell, I work to ensure that the company adheres to the regulatory requirements. Because our business involves both healthcare and e-commerce, there’s a unique mix of compliance requirements. For example, we partner with many benefits administrators, and I’m responsible for making sure our communications and educational materials about FSA and HSAs are compliant and accurate. I also help implement our compliance program, oversee our trainings, and continuously perform internal audits of all aspects of the business.
We are very active as a company in advocating for consumer-directed healthcare accounts. I support these efforts by helping educate members of the United States Congress on the importance of benefits like FSAs and HSAs, staying up to date on any legislation or regulation that may affect these benefits, and advocating for their expansion in ways that would help American healthcare consumers.
What have been the keys to your success as you’ve worked your way up to a leadership role at Health-E Commerce?
Subject-matter expertise is extremely important in compliance, especially within the consumer-directed healthcare industry. I’ve been blessed to have the mentorship of my manager, who has almost 15 years of experience in the FSA and HSA space. Having the opportunity to work alongside her and learn the ins and outs of the industry over the last four years has been invaluable. I’m also always trying to learn and grow by listening to those around me who may have a different perspective. In compliance, what you know is vital, but so is what you don’t know.
What types of learning and development opportunities have you benefited from while at Health-E Commerce?
Aside from informal mentorship from my manager and other leaders, I’ve had access to professional coaching sessions, management training programs, and online courses such as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I’ve also received reimbursements for several professional certifications. Health-E Commerce is definitely a company committed to employee growth.
How does the work you’re doing at Health-E Commerce excite and inspire you?
It’s no secret that healthcare costs are getting out of control, and I love that HEC is simplifying people’s tax-free health benefits so they can stay healthy while keeping their costs down. Many people are unaware of how to use their FSA or HSA, or even of the wide variety of products and services that are eligible with these accounts. Part of my job is to ultimately bring that education to the consumer so they can optimize their healthcare spending.
What do you look for in candidates who want to work in compliance?
While subject-matter expertise is important, you need to operate with integrity to be a successful compliance professional. I’m a big believer that you have to model the kind of behavior you want to see in an organization.
What’s one thing most people would be surprised to find out about you?
In my college years I was a rapper—I even won a contest or two. (Maybe this will be my backup career.)
Name one thing you’re currently reading, watching, or listening to and why.
I love podcasts and just discovered one called The Rewatchables, a show of roundtable discussions about movies people love to watch over and over. Celebrity guest hosts join, so I just listened to Jennifer Lawrence break down every aspect of Dumb and Dumber, which was a lot of fun!