Ana Lujan’s father had a childhood dream of bringing healthcare to rural and indigenous communities in Mexico, where he grew up. “Although that’s not quite the route I took, that’s where my interest in healthcare started,” she says.
Lujan started her career as a nurse, which led her to work in healthcare data at a hospital. “That exposed me to the business side of running a hospital, and I was intrigued,” she says.
When she had an opportunity to join the healthtech company League and move into a sales role, she jumped at the chance. Today, she’s an account executive on the company’s Growth team.
Here, Lujan shares why League is the right place for her, how being a nurse prepared her for a job in sales, and the importance of finding a community of fellow Latinos at work.
What led to your job at League? How did you know the company would be a good fit?
I came to League because I wanted to get back into net-new client sales after being in account management for a bit. When I met the League team, I knew that I wanted to work with them. I could feel the positive energy radiating from the screen as I virtually met each person. I never felt like I was in the proverbial hot seat; rather, my interviews felt like I was just having a conversation with really friendly and intelligent people. What cemented my decision was the fact that I didn’t even have to ask much about their diversity initiatives—I had never been interviewed by such a diverse group.
What is the Growth team responsible for at League? What does the account executive role entail?
The Growth team is responsible for acquiring new business, thereby supporting the growth of the company. We have various teams within Growth that tackle different aspects of onboarding new customers, but we all work together with the common goal of expanding our market footprint. As an account executive, I’m responsible for drumming up interest in League by reaching out to prospects, meeting with potential customers to discuss their business goals and how we can help, and walking them through the sales process all the way through contracting.
As someone who was recently promoted, how did League help you move up in your career?
League leadership was extremely supportive, and their mentorship was key in allowing me to move into my current role. They knew what my career aspirations were and aligned me with work that would support my growth and success moving forward. Here, role models abound, so there are plenty of examples of excellence that I can try to emulate.
What does it take to succeed on the Growth team?
Perseverance and a positive attitude are essential for success in the Growth team. We hear a lot of no’s before we get to a yes so we have to keep ourselves motivated through the small wins. The ability to think strategically and build rapport with clients is also indispensable.
You’re a member of the Somos Leaguers ERG. How has this impacted your experience as a Latina at the company? Why are groups like Somos Leaguers so important?
The Somos Leaguers ERG has been a powerful way of experiencing community at League. It’s a space where Latinos can be present without feeling like they have to explain their background or certain cultural nuances. People in the group just understand. Because the Latino/Hispanic community is so diverse, it’s also been a great way to learn about different cultures that are similar to mine. For example, I recently learned that coquito and rompope are similar drinks from different countries. Groups like Somos Leaguers are so important because they offer a place for folks to feel immediately welcome and supported. They’re spaces where you can just be you, without thinking too much about it.
What skills from your time as a nurse do you still use in your current role?
When I was a nurse, I had to do a lot of observing and listening. We were constantly monitoring patients for signs of trouble and listening to get a complete picture of their overall health. Those are skills that translate well to my current role—monitoring deals for potential landmines, listening to clients, and thinking of the best way our product can solve their challenges.
If you had to “sell” working at League to a potential candidate, what would you say?
This is a company that has invested in its culture to a far greater extent than most. It’s evident in the way compensation and perks are structured, the way that our CEO sets the tone from the top down, how employees strive to live up to company values, and the caliber of the people who work here. Everyone is in it to win it, and that’s fun to be a part of.
What is your favorite employee benefit or perk at League and why? How have you taken advantage of it?
I’ll share two of my favorite benefits and perks: quarterly wellness days and a lifestyle spending account. Each quarter we get to take a wellness day (with no notice required!) to relax, recharge, and refuel. The lifestyle spending account is fun because we can use it on pretty much anything that makes us happy. I’ve used it to buy camping gear, have trees planted in my backyard, and buy myself clothes ahead of a trip!
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I am currently watching Glow Up on Netflix. I used to be really into makeup, so I love this show! My current read is A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende. Her novels take me to faraway places. They’re poetic and beautiful, and I love anything written by her.