There is no shortage of remarkable leaders in Pensacola. We are blessed to work alongside and serve alongside visionary leaders who are putting our region on the map and working every day to make this a community that can thrive.
Recently I had the honor of interviewing one exceptional woman whose story reflects the spirit and determination that define our city’s female trailblazers. Her journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that strong leaders have on shaping our society and inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.
Leadership Journey and Inspiration: A Conversation with Florida Blue’s Market Leader, Hong Potomski
In an insightful interview, Hong Potomski, the Market Leader for Florida Blue in Northwest Florida shared her inspiring journey from a local healthcare system to her current role and what motivated her. Her path reflects a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact on health, wellness and her community.
A Path of Growth and Impact
Starting her career in an analytics role, Hong gradually transitioned into operations and strategy which is where she really began to grow a passion for the industry. Her passion for leadership grew as she realized her potential to make a difference in the community. “It’s about supporting my team and improving care for our members, patients and community,” she emphasized. As her responsibilities expanded beyond Pensacola, she found herself connecting with leaders across the Panhandle, bringing back invaluable insights to enhance local health care.
Roots of Inspiration
Family plays a crucial role in Hong’s motivation. The journey of her parents, who escaped Vietnam and built a life in America, instilled in her the values of resilience and hard work. “My parent’s journey, from random jobs to running their own businesses, embodies the American Dream,” she reflected. This personal history drives her to honor her family’s struggles and successes through her work.
Advice from Mentors
When asked about the most valuable piece of advice from a mentor, she stressed the importance of confidence. “If there’s something you want, go for it,” she stated. Women often hesitate to ask for opportunities, fearing rejection. Her advice? “The worst response you can get is a no, but you’ll never know if you don’t ask.”
Aspirations at Florida Blue
In recent months, Hong’s responsibilities at Florida Blue have grown – another achievement in just a few years with the organization. She now serves as the market leader of an even larger geography of the state. By being named market leader for the Northwest, to include both the Pensacola and Tallahassee regions, she now leads Florida Blue’s impactful work and team members throughout 19 Florida counties.
In her role, she aims to influence the narrative around health care. “We need all stakeholders at the table to drive change,” she said, emphasizing that improving community health is a collective responsibility. Her vision includes fostering partnerships beyond the insurance or health sector to reshape how the community perceives and engages in their own health and wellness and how we can all come together to change our community’s wellbeing for the better.
Leadership Philosophy
Integrity is a cornerstone of her leadership style. She believes that trust is built through consistency in words and actions. “Transparency is critical,” she added, admitting that she often over-communicates to ensure everyone on her team is informed. Following through on commitments is another principle she values, as it reflects her integrity and reliability.
Navigating Challenges
Throughout her career, she has faced unique challenges as a woman in leadership. What she has not forgotten is the importance of resilience and learning from less-than-ideal experiences. “Poor leadership can be a learning moment for what not to do,” she noted, reinforcing the idea that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth.
Celebrating Individuality at Florida Blue
Florida Blue celebrates individuality and promotes a culture that values and respects the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. She expressed pride in being part of an organization where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, thrive and share their unique perspectives and ideas. “I am motivated and honored to work for a company where we can all feel valued and empowered to succeed,” she shared. “Our mission is to help people and communities achieve better health, and we’re dedicated to doing so in a way that appreciates the unique experiences and perspectives of every individual,” she said.
Advice for Future Leaders
To young women aspiring to leadership roles, her message is clear: “Apply for the position and leverage your network.” She highlighted that women often underestimate their qualifications and advised them to confidently pursue opportunities. Building a strong network is essential, as it can provide support and open doors to leadership roles.
Personal Reflections on Leadership
Reflecting on her leadership journey, she acknowledged the importance of resilience. “There have been moments where I’ve had to reset,” she admitted, emphasizing the necessity of self-advocacy and pivoting when situations become untenable. To manage stress, she enjoys massages and time on the water. “Being out on the water is calming for me,” she shared, highlighting the significance of self-care. “Also, don’t forget to celebrate your wins,” she shared. At Florida Blue, celebrating achievements is vital. In leadership Hong prefers leaving her team personal touches, such as handwritten thank-you cards or gift cards to their favorite restaurant to express appreciation. “Little things matter,” she concluded, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual and team contributions to foster a positive work environment.
Recognizing Pensacola’s wonderful, impactful leaders is a great reminder and motivator to step outside of your own comfort zone and reach for your own personal goals — whether that be in your career, health or other area in your life. “I have been really into podcasts lately and one of my favorites is ‘How I Built This,’” Hong shared. “This podcast shares different stories of entrepreneurs — whether you’re an entrepreneur or intrapreneur these stories have really helped me understand people’sjourneys. You don’t realize how many times the most successful people have failed on their journey to get to where they’re at today.”
