We are learning about Graham Young, Director – Employee Benefits at CAPCORP Financial, Chair of the Board at Benefits Alliance and Board Member of SHBA.
1. Where in Canada are you based?
Ottawa, Ontario
2. Please introduce yourself in a few sentences.
I’ve been in the benefits industry for over 20 years. Originally from the East Coast of Canada, I can often be found sailing on the Ottawa River and spending many of my holidays exploring new waters with my family. I am also actively involved in the community and can be seen regularly behind the bench for my son’s hockey team.
Earned my Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.
3. What is your favourite part of your role?
Helping employers support their employees total health journey.
4. What motivated you to join the Smart Health Benefits Association?
A desire to make sure that critical health policy discussions don’t leave out one of the largest positive impacts on Canadians health – employers!
5. What advocacy or policy issue impacting plan sponsors or plan members matters most to you right now?
The lack of a thoughtful intersection of public and private resources – and to go a step further – a broad discussion about how to make it all more sustainable and proactive.
6. From your perspective, why is it important that plan sponsors and plan members have a direct voice in policy and industry discussions?
So many Canadians are relying on programs and plans that aren’t a public plan, so policy makers should be open to learn to take the wins from this side and work together to make it all fit.
7. How do you define success?
Having a voice at the table. Remember, if “you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu!”.
8. Tell us how you manage work/life balance.
Its important to set boundaries and allow yourself to disconnect and be with family. We try to travel a lot as a family and leave the work email home!
9. What books/resources do you recommend that every industry advisor should check out?
I don’t think there are any specific books – just be curious and understand that its important to hear all perspectives, whether you agree or not. I connect with those on all sides, government, insurers, pharmaceutical companies, patient focused organizations. Its important to always learn!
10. If your friends/family/colleagues were to give you an award… What would it be for?
I’m lost on this one!
11. If someone were to make a documentary about you… What would be the title?
“Eat an elephant one bite at a time!“
SHBA Member Spotlights are a Get-to-Know Profile that features the passionate industry advisors that are contributing their expertise, shaping priorities, and playing a direct role in advancing meaningful change.