Name: Jamil Welch
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 43
Title/Company: Associate Director, Customer Experience at Medvantx
Hometown: Originally from Newark, NJ, but I have lived in Charlotte, NC for over 20 years.
Education: BA from NC State University, MS from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
Current personal or leadership goals:
My current leadership goal is to continue to advance my career in the healthcare space to be a conduit for patients to access life changing medication in and beyond the Charlotte area. As a leader whose primary focus is on patient support services and affordability, it is imperative that I take into account all aspects of the patient journey from diagnosis to medication access to ongoing treatment adherence. This includes understanding the patient and caregiver (if applicable) barriers and facilitating the moments that matter to alleviate challenges.
What’s your best advice for Leadership Charlotte participants about making the most of the experience?
My advice for current Leadership Charlotte participants is to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and know that you are sharing with your cohort in a safe space. In doing so, you are able to unlock so much more of your talent and purpose while forging a close bond with other leaders in the community. Also, go out and engage with other Leadership Charlotte classes. The connections, camaraderie, wisdom and knowledge you have the ability to tap into is immeasurable.
What’s one lesson or moment from your Leadership Charlotte experience that still sticks with you today, and why?
A lesson I learned through Leadership Charlotte is Charlotte has a lot to offer and equally I have a lot to offer Charlotte. As a leader in the area, it is a must that you get and stay connected. We all have our inhibitions about venturing outside of our comfort zone, but I have learned that is where growth happens. Leadership Charlotte gave me the push I needed to explore in a meaningful way.
In what ways do you stay engaged in the Charlotte community, and how could fellow alumni join you?
Leadership Charlotte and alumni do a phenomenal job in being involved in the community in so many ways. I would suggest people stay connected to their cohort and engage with other alumni. This has personally allowed me the opportunity to attend and be a part of various initiatives I would not have otherwise been privileged to. Lastly, I would suggest getting involved in more diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. As leaders with influence in various businesses sectors, it would be great to see additional involvement in this area as a means to help close the disparity gap in Charlotte.
What’s your favorite way to recharge or connect with Charlotte on the weekend?
On the weekend I love to try new things in Charlotte and surrounding areas with my family. Some of the things we enjoy are restaurants, anything involving the arts, festivals, and exhibits that are in Charlotte. When you get out and explore Charlotte, you find there are plenty of hidden gems.
Shout out a local nonprofit or initiative making a difference — what do they do, and why does their mission speak to you?
My favorite nonprofit is Care Ring. The work they are doing by providing healthcare to those in need in the community is extremely important and lifesaving. They are a major cornerstone in Charlotte.
I support Leadership Charlotte …
They are action driven. Many organizations speak to their capabilities, but many do not execute on those offerings. I can truly say Leadership Charlotte does the work to engage leaders and make a difference in the community.
What’s one book, quote, or podcast that’s inspired your leadership lately?
I have been enjoying both the Mel Robbins and The Diary of a CEO podcasts lately.