We continue our Meet the Team blog series with an introduction to Marian Wilson, a board member of Let’s Talk Interactive who spent more than 30 years working with Bank of America in the human resources division.
Our CEO, Art Cooksey, worked with Marian for several years prior to Let’s Talk Interactive. When asked about Marian’s valuable expertise, Art shared, “We are grateful to have Marian as one of our Board of Directors,” says Cooksey. “Marian is a true leader who is wired to coach leaders to achieve amazing results. Through my career with Marian at Bank of America Merchant Services, I had the opportunity to be mentored through emotional intelligence (EI) as part of my executive development. The value Marian adds to the organization as we are scaling the business for massive growth is going to help LTI achieve our human capital goals with a work-life integration philosophy.”
Q&A with Marian
How long have you been a Board member of LTI?
I have been a board member for about a year now, however, I have worked with Art, the CEO, for much longer. We met while we were working for Bank of America Merchant Services, where I served as CHRO.
Having spent more than 30 years as a human resources professional, my expertise lends itself to supporting the LTI team as they build infrastructure and fulfill human capital needs to support the company’s rapid growth.
Why do you believe in LTI's mission?
First, I believe in Art’s vision and his ability to lead.
One of the key factors that attracted me to LTI is my passion for mental health. After graduating college with a B.S. in psychology, I was a psychometrist for several therapeutic wilderness camps where I worked with adolescents to overcome emotional trauma. Today, there is a great need for quality mental healthcare. There are many, many Americans that do not have access to providers who can give them the care they need--whether it’s due to geographic location, resources, or funds. That is why the telehealth experience has intrigued me, especially what LTI is doing in schools to bring mental health support to students.
How has telehealth impacted you personally?
As for many, the last year has also been challenging for my family. Fortunately, we live close to a team of amazing health professionals who continue to support us through ongoing health care needs. Unfortunately, there are so many people in rural areas who are experiencing health emergencies and unable to get the help they need--whether it’s due to COVID, location, budget, etc. I believe there’s something to be said about telehealth; it gives everyone a chance for quality healthcare and enables people to stay connected to a doctor--there is nothing greater than leveraging telehealth to give everyone the care they need.
What has really shocked me about the industry is how it has blown up essentially overnight out of necessity due to COVID. Many people do not know that LTI has been around for more than two decades. They are the most equipped and experienced firm in telehealth. Before the pandemic hit, LTI was prepared for growth, making connections through health systems, the courts, educational institutions, nonprofit programs, jails, and more. These organizations and providers are confident in being able to turn to a company that gets it because LTI has a proven track record.
I’m excited to see how the technology continues to evolve, and ultimately seeing my family--especially my grandchildren --being able to leverage telehealth for a better future.
How is LTI shaping the future of healthcare?
While people are getting vaccinated, many are looking for life to return to “normal” (pre-COVID). However, it’s not going to be easy; businesses are going to have to redefine and communicate their post-COVID work environment.
I do expect the “new normal” to include a broader acceptance and use of telehealth. With increased high-speed internet access expanding throughout the country, people in rural and remote areas can go to their local church, school, or pharmacy to access a quality healthcare provider using telehealth. People are embracing the telehealth experience, not to mention the opportunity to remotely monitor patients using peripherals.
Lastly, the pandemic has surfaced how valuable this type of technology is. I visualize more and more industries being powered by LTI. With the courts, educational institutions, nonprofit programs and jails using this technology, it is only a matter of time before LTI expands into other markets via a secure and compliant connection.
I am excited about being a part of the LTI team. I look forward to what the future holds for telehealth and to see how LTI will continue to lead the industry and make the world a better place for all.