Unlocking Access to Prescriptions: A Conversation with Scott Burgett
As Vice President of Software Engineering at CoverMyMeds, Scott Burgett is dedicated to helping people access their prescribed medications. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Scott has developed a unique perspective on leadership, recruiting, and retention.
The Mission Behind CoverMyMeds
CoverMyMeds is focused on increasing access to prescriptions, particularly for those who face financial barriers. The company partners with retail pharmacies and drug manufacturers to offer co-pay assistance programs. By analyzing claims data, CoverMyMeds identifies opportunities to reduce costs and make medications more affordable.
A Leader’s Journey
Scott’s career path has been marked by a series of promotions, from technical project manager to senior director and eventually, vice president. He attributes his success to a passion for helping others grow and a commitment to staying motivated. Scott believes that effective leaders prioritize their team members’ development and create opportunities for them to progress in their careers.
Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent
In a competitive job market, Scott emphasizes the importance of focusing on entry-level positions and identifying candidates with innate soft skills, such as drive and passion. He also stresses the value of staying in touch with team members and fostering open communication. Regular meetings and an open-door policy help build trust and encourage feedback.
Experimentation and Innovation
To increase work satisfaction and drive innovation, Scott’s team is given time to experiment with new tools, languages, and platforms. This approach allows team members to invest in themselves and share their learnings with the team. The idea originated from a manager’s concept of “investment days,” which has since been adopted company-wide.
Measuring Success
Scott tracks key metrics, including team capacity and utilization, to ensure that his team is not overwhelmed and has the resources needed to complete tasks. He also uses the run-grow-transform (RGT) model to categorize work and measure progress. By partnering with product management, Scott aims to refine this process and achieve consistency in how work is classified.
A Culture of Trust and Transparency
Scott’s leadership style is built on cultivating relationships and building trust. He prioritizes creating opportunities for team members to ask questions and provide feedback. By doing so, Scott fosters a culture of transparency and open communication, which is essential for driving innovation and growth.