Zara Hassan Naqvi
Zara Naqvi, MBA, MHSA is an adaptable C-suite healthcare operations executive with nearly 24 years of experience in operations and over 17 years dedicated to healthcare, specializing in revenue cycle management, patient access, and large-scale contact center operations. She has led complex, matrixed organizations across Fortune 100, Fortune 500, and Inc. 5000 companies, consistently driving financial performance while elevating patient and client experience. Zara is known for building and scaling high-performing inbound and outbound contact centers, structuring revenue cycle and patient access programs, and aligning operational strategy with organizational objectives. Her leadership style is people-centered and purpose-driven, grounded in emotional intelligence, empathy, and clear communication. She excels at translating complex systems into accessible, efficient experiences for both patients and teams. She began her career at age 17 in the insurance industry, progressing through customer service, retention, district leadership, and business operations before transitioning into healthcare. Over the course of her career, she has worn many hats—each shaping her ability to lead with adaptability, accountability, and impact. At Mayo Clinic, Zara provided enterprise leadership across multiple locations, overseeing hundreds of billions of dollars in annual collections, implementing advanced access technologies, and earning recognition through the organization’s Valor Committee. Zara holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Health Services Administration and has been recognized as an Influential Woman for her contributions to healthcare leadership. She is passionate about mentorship, purposeful leadership, and empowering women to build financially informed, values-driven careers. For Zara, success is measured not only by results, but by the positive and lasting impact she leaves on people, teams, and the healthcare system as a whole.
• Epic
• Health Services Administrator
• Salesforce Certified CRM Cloud Consultant
• HIPAA Compliance Certification
• MediSoft Billing & Coding
• Insurance Agent (Health, Property, Casualty)
• QNXT
• CollabMD
• Microsoft Office
• RCM
• Sugar CRM
• Five9
• Cisco
• Keiser University - Bachelor of Arts - BA, Health Services Administration
• Florida International University - Bachelor of Arts - BA, Biology Pre Medicine
• Keiser University - Master of Arts & Master of Business Administration MA & MBA , Health Services Administration
• The Impact Center's Women's Executive Leadership Nominee
• 2020 Valor Award
• FL Leadership Delegation Award
• Award of Excellence
• Bright Future Scholar
• STRIVE Leadership Award
• Top Ranking Leadership Performance Contact Center
• National Honor Society
• HFMA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents who invested in my upbringing, my education and helped me become the woman I am today! They shaped me to carry strong values and morals that are evident in my personality. They have been my role models and true cheerleaders. I have strong emotional intelligence, along with clear and effective communication skills. I also owe my mentors and Senior leaders throughout my career credit. Being purpose-led allows me to stay grounded in why I do the work I do, while my ability to put myself in others’ shoes helps me build trust, foster collaboration, and lead with empathy across teams and organizations.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t chase titles. Chase skills, impact, and people who will stretch you.”
Titles change. Skills compound. The skills you build (leadership, problem-solving, communication, strategy) travel with you everywhere.
Impact gets noticed. When you solve real problems and make others’ lives easier, opportunities find you.
The right people accelerate growth. A strong manager or mentor can shape your entire trajectory more than a prestigious role ever could.
Careers aren’t ladders—they’re portfolios. Each role adds tools, perspective, and credibility.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn yourself before you try to prove yourself. Be curious and take the time to understand what truly motivates you and the kind of impact you want to make. When your work aligns with your values and purpose, success becomes more meaningful and sustainable. Prioritize financial literacy early in your career—your independence is powerful and gives you options. Most importantly, define success on your own terms. Let it be measured not just by titles or achievements, but by the peace, fulfillment, impact and balance you create in your life.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in the field right now is the rapid growth of AI. While automation has replaced some functions that were traditionally handled by people, it also presents an opportunity to redesign workflows, improve efficiency, and allow teams to focus on higher-value, human-centered work. The key is adopting AI thoughtfully—balancing innovation with empathy, maintaining service quality, and ensuring technology enhances rather than replaces the human experience in healthcare.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are empathy, kindness, and caring enough to leave a positive impression on people. I believe how we make others feel matters just as much as the outcomes we achieve, and I strive to lead and live with compassion and intention.
On a personal level, I value curiosity, creativity, and balance. I love to travel—especially flying to scenic and international destinations—exploring new cultures and perspectives. I enjoy reading romance novels and other genres that capture my interest, along with creative outlets such as dancing, painting, and spending time in nature, all of which help me stay grounded and inspired.
Locations
Mayo Clinic | Independent Contractor | Healthcare
Miami, FL 33016