Heidi Bedgar, Senior Vice President of Product Strategies at FastTrack, a leading provider of claims technology solutions & services for the Life & Disability Insurance industry, stands as a testament to dedication and adaptability. Molded by more than three decades of hands-on experience, her journey from a Registered Nurse to a distinguished leader in insurance showcases her passion for innovation and serving people with care.
Heidi Bedgar | Senior Vice President of Product Strategies | FastTrack
Throughout her career, Heidi has honed her expertise in various insurance domains, including claims & clinical leadership and disability product management. Her early tenure at FastTrack, which began in 2017, saw her playing pivotal roles in client service delivery and operational leadership. Now, as Senior Vice President of Product Strategies, Heidi leverages her extensive background to forge initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency through the integration of first-class customer service and innovative automation technology. We, at EliteX, are honored to introduce Heidi Bedgar as one of the Influential Women Leaders in Insurance, 2024.
Empowering Women Leaders: Insights from Heidi Bedgar
“Innovation and perseverance are the cornerstones of shaping the future of insurance.” – Heidi Bedgar
Heidi’s leadership ethos, characterized by problem-solving, transformational thinking, and collaboration, underpins her remarkable success. Her ability to foster diversity and seek varied perspectives has been instrumental in driving growth and building a culture of continuous improvement.
In an ever-evolving landscape, Heidi stays on the pulse of industry trends and innovations through a multifaceted approach. While platforms like LinkedIn, podcasts, and TED Talks offer valuable insights, she finds unparalleled value in direct client interactions and networking opportunities at industry conferences. FastTrack’s investment as leading sponsors of such events further enhances her engagement with industry dynamics.
For aspiring women leaders in the insurance field, Heidi Bedgar offers invaluable advice drawn from her own journey of growth and success. She encourages them not to shy away from stepping outside their comfort zones, emphasizing the vast array of opportunities within insurance. “Aspiring leaders shouldn’t avoid seeking advancement opportunities beyond their direct experience or they risk missing out on professional growth that may be transformational,” states Heidi. She suggests drawing on skills and knowledge acquired from different experiences, urging leaders to seek mentorship opportunities. Drawing from her own experiences, she highlights the importance of informal mentorship relationships, which has played a pivotal role in her professional development.
“Aspiring leaders shouldn’t avoid seeking advancement opportunities beyond their direct experience or they risk missing out on professional growth that may be transformational.” – Heidi Bedgar
Navigating The Complexities Of Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and personal life commitments has been a journey of trial and error for Heidi. She reflects on the challenges she faced, including missed family events and overwhelming work demands. Over time, Heidi has learned to set boundaries and prioritize personal time, recognizing the importance of disconnecting from work obligations. She emphasizes the need for self-care and acknowledges the importance of grace in navigating the complexities of work-life balance.
Embrace Change…Or Get Left Behind!
As a leading Insurtech vendor, Heidi’s employer, FastTrack, champions claims journey experiences through transformational technology. Founded in 2012, the company’s mission is to revolutionize claim handling through digitization and intelligent automation. Couple its technology prowess with amazing people (like Heidi), and it’s no wonder FastTrack boasts a growing portfolio of the top Life & Disability Insurance Carriers across North America as client partners.
“In the age of automation and AI, insurance companies unwilling to invest in innovation as a way to advance their products and improve their customer service posture are at risk of being replaced and forgotten.” – Heidi Bedgar
Heidi believes that individuals and organizations unwilling to embrace cutting-edge advancements like FastTrack has, risk becoming obsolete in today’s digital age. Further, she underscores the importance of listening to customers and understanding their needs as a guidestone for delivering tailored solutions that add value to their business.
Heidi Bedgar’s journey is a testimony for aspiring women in insurance who might be looking for guidance on where to turn to next in their own personal career paths. Her success as a leading influence in the insurance industry is grounded in experience, perseverance, and forward-thinking leadership.
Like Heidi, embrace these valuable qualities and reap the benefits!
