Introducing The Incredible H… Heather Jones!

Today’s Employee Spotlight is on Director of Performance Improvement, Heather Jones. In her first few months at Tendo, Heather has made significant contributions to the Analytics & Quality team while also volunteering as a member of the Tendo Culture Club. Here’s your opportunity to get to know Heather better. (Maybe not as well as Chewie knows her, but…)

Heather gives Chewbacca—her favorite Star Wars character—a giant bear hug. (Wookiee hug?)

What’s your favorite part about your job?

I really enjoy strategically engaging with customers in a way that helps them identify gaps and take meaningful action in the care they provide.

Why did you decide to join Tendo?

I’ve worked in the healthcare industry for 25 years. Healthcare is complex and difficult to navigate. Often the relevant information needed to make informed decisions is siloed or unavailable. I joined Tendo to be a part of the solution that improves patient and caregiver experiences and eases the burden of clinicians.

What are your favorite Tendo values, and what do they mean to you?

Impact and Urgency—focus on what matters. Approach all things with a growth mindset and from the position of learning. Adapt and improve with every step.

If someone you know was thinking about applying to Tendo, what would you say to them?

Go for it! (And let me share a direct link). The motivation and commitment of this team are like nothing else I’ve experienced in my career.

What’s one thing I’ve learned since joining the Tendo team?

The five Tendo values (i.e., accountability, empathy, impact, openness, and urgency) are more than just buzzwords. They are embodied by all of #TeamTendo.

Are you affiliated with any professional organizations?

Yes. I am a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), and the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Neither! I’m more of a go-to-bed-early and sleep-in kind of girl.

What was your first job?

My parents started a landscaping company when I was a young teen. Weekends, after school, summer vacation, and even some holidays, I could be found with a rake in my hand or driving a John Deere lawn tractor.

Otto the Orange gets a hug from Heather on the Syracuse University campus.

What’s the first technology you remember using?

Simon (the handheld electronic game from Milton Bradley).

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert at something, what would it be?

Baking.

If you had 25 hours in a day, how would you spend that extra time?

Reading for fun. I spend so much time reading for professional purposes, I never seem to have time to read fun stuff.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

Orlando theme parks! Often this includes time with visiting friends or family members. Universal Studios Resort is my current favorite, and I’m eagerly awaiting the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe.

The Mad Hatter Tea Cups at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

What are your favorite books or podcasts?

Podcasts: Squiggly Careers, SmartLess, the Project Management Podcast.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

I played basketball in high school as a forward. (I’m only 5’4” but I’m scrappy!)

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?

A few moments of quiet solitude: sitting on the patio or by the pool.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A Private Investigator. (I was heavily influenced by 70’s-80’s TV series, including Hart to Hart, Simon and Simon, and Magnum PI.)

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Sandra Bullock.

What’s the one hobby you’d love to get into?

Beekeeping.

What’s the first concert you ever went to?

New Kids on the Block.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Heather, her daughter Abby, and The Incredible Hulk (LEGO-style).

What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?

Greece.

What’s your most used emoji?

I have two: 👍🏻 and 😊.

If you could only have three apps on your phone, which would you pick?

Spotify, Amazon, and Toy Blast.

If you could eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Breakfast. Specifically, eggs, bacon, and toast with jelly.

The Zombie apocalypse is coming. Who are the three people you want on your team?

(1) My hubby, James. In addition to being an electrical engineer, he makes me laugh, and I think he can do anything. (2) My daughter, Abby, who is a mechanical engineer. (3) Chef Gordon Ramsey.

If you’d like to vie for a spot on Heather’s Zombie apocalypse team or reminisce with her about NKOB in person, we’re hiring! Check out our list of open roles and apply today!