Her Story
About Leah
Leah Carman has spent 20 years building a career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, starting on the phones and steadily working her way up through a series of client-facing roles. From provider representative to hospital representative, and now serving as Vendor Manager, she has built her career on direct relationships with the people and organizations that make healthcare work — providers, hospitals, and vendors alike. That ground-level start shapes how she leads today: she never lost sight of the fact that every claim, every contract, and every escalation represents a real person on the other end.
At the center of Leah's approach to leadership is a servant leadership philosophy — she finds genuine joy in helping others succeed, whether that's a provider group navigating a new process, a vendor working through a performance issue, or a colleague looking for guidance. This people-first mindset extends beyond her day-to-day vendor management work and into her role as liaison for the NEXT networking group, an initiative built around Networking, Education, Experience, and Talent/Training for professionals looking to grow in their careers. Through NEXT, she helps create space for others to build the same kind of relationships and skills that carried her from an entry-level phone role to a leadership position.
What stands out most in Leah's career is the throughline of growth through service. Rather than climbing the ladder by stepping over others, she's built her path by lifting people up along the way — training providers, mentoring peers, and now guiding vendors toward better performance and accountability. Her 20-year tenure at one organization, paired with her ongoing investment in NEXT, reflects a leader who believes that career growth and helping others grow aren't separate goals, but the same goal pursued together.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Leah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic and a deep sense of purpose. Becoming a young single mother strengthened my determination to build a better future for my son and motivated me to give my best every day. That drive was also instilled in me by my family, especially my father, whose dedication and work ethic continue to inspire me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to build a personal "board of directors"—a trusted group of people who will give honest feedback, challenge my thinking, and support my professional growth. I’ve also learned that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find your voice and have confidence in advocating for yourself, even in challenging or unfamiliar situations. Don’t be afraid to make career changes or pivot when opportunities arise—doing so doesn’t mean you’ve failed. The skills you develop throughout your career are transferable, and with strong leadership and a willingness to learn, they can open doors across industries and roles.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The health insurance industry is constantly evolving, with changes in regulations, policies, and organizational priorities. Success requires adaptability and resilience, recognizing that the industry experiences periods of change and stability. Being prepared to evolve with those changes is essential for long-term success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Humility and integrity are the values that guide me most. I never lose sight of the fact that every decision I make impacts a real person. In health insurance, every claim represents someone’s health, financial well-being, or livelihood, and I believe those responsibilities should always be handled with fairness, empathy, and care.
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