In this time of quarantine and social distancing, I’ve been fortunate to get time with some heavy hitters in the Diabetes space, and perhaps the best example is this interview with Tracey Brown, CEO of the American Diabetes Association. While you can follow Tracey on Instagram (@Type2CEO) the bulk of our conversation takes place behind the scenes of the work she and her staff have been doing with the direction of ADA since 2018.

First of all we cover the impact of COVID-19 on Diabetes populations and what ADA is doing to help. For those who don’t know ADA sent letters to all 50 governors calling on them to eliminate the copay for insulin for commercial healthcare plans and to ensure continuous healthcare coverage for those living with Diabetes who are suddenly unemployed. Tracey also publicly applauded Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s call last week for zero copays for seniors on Medicare.

Then we talk about the importance of being a person with Diabetes leading the ADA, and how Tracey feels being the first person with Type 2 Diabetes to lead the organization. We also talk about representation in the Diabetes community, and the impact of a Female, Black CEO and the importance of diverse teams, boards and committees. Tracey’s comments on “Diversity by design” are particularly impactful, and are something I have also worked to implement in my businesses.

I also put Tracey on the spot to talk about the Insulin Crisis in the United States, and the work that she and the ADA are doing behind the scenes to enact change for people with Diabetes to not have to choose between things like paying rent or buying insulin. You can learn more about the ADA’s work and learn how you can get involved to drive change at: diabetes.org/engagement

Tracey is an incredible leader, and I’m so impressed by her leadership and understanding of the complex needs of people with Diabetes across the board.

I hope you enjoy!

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