Her Story
About Rocky
Rocky Childs is a healthcare product and operations professional with extensive experience in Medicare, product strategy, business process analysis, compliance, and customer service. She currently serves as a Product Manager at Independence Blue Cross, a role she has held for approximately one year after joining in 2023. Previously, she held product strategy and Medicare Advantage roles at The Cigna Group. Rocky entered the insurance industry in 2012 when she became a licensed health insurance producer and has a background that includes business analytical work, serving as a lead analyst, and collaborating with product advisors on Medicare products. She holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Capella University, obtained in 2021, and an MBA from Drexel University, completed in 2024. Her career path was driven by an interest in understanding how products are formed through cross-functional coordination with marketing and clinical teams, leading her from analytical roles to product management.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rocky
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received is to be receptive to feedback. I used to be a perfectionist and found it hard to receive feedback early in my career, but once I became more open to it, I realized it's not criticism or correction but a way to see things from someone else's point of view. Being willing to learn from colleagues who have been in similar situations helps you advance, whether aiming for a leadership role or director position. I now proactively ask for feedback from my counterparts to identify areas for improvement like interpersonal skills.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For young women entering the health insurance industry, first get licensed, especially if going into sales. Focus on educating yourself on laws and regulations and soak up as much information as possible. Take feedback from managers into consideration and always communicate your desires and next moves to them. Have a plan and set goals so your intentions are known rather than just going with the flow and hoping for a promotion. Make your aspirations clear from the start, like wanting to be a manager, and work with your manager on a plan to get there.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Within health insurance, the market is very competitive. There are many laws and regulations that restrict creativity with products, especially with Medicare products where plans are standardized across companies. Big competitors like UnitedHealthcare and Cigna have strong provider and pharmacy relationships and extra incentives, making it tricky to compete. The challenge is being creative and innovative despite restrictions and constant yearly changes.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Accountability is at the top of my list - owning up to actions and teaching that to my kids. Growth is important, continuing to learn and improve rather than staying stagnant. Respect for others is key, as I was raised to be respectful and honest. Honesty matters regardless of the outcome, and I strive to be honest with people.
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