As the chief executive officer of First Stop Health, Teira Gunlock takes an unconventional approach to motivating her team. “I love music, and as a result, it’s a big part of how I connect with and motivate my team,” she said. “I often share curated playlists before big meetings or use songs to set a creative tone before a brainstorming session. Music is so energizing, and I’ve been known to write fun new lyrics to familiar tunes or choreograph a group dance to get everyone up and moving – it brings an infectious energy that promotes a sense of unity and fun.”
This sense of fun helps to motivate Gunlock, too, as she has led the healthcare firm to remain laser-focused on value-based, no-cost care that delivers significant healthcare savings while prioritizing exceptional patient experiences. Gunlock has played a pivotal role in the organization’s growth and innovation.
Over the past few years, First Stop Health has launched new products, including Enhanced Primary Care and the upcoming Whole Mental Health initiative. These offerings expand the company’s reach, incorporating features such as advanced care navigation, long-term therapy and medication management. Furthermore, in 2023, Gunlock successfully led the company through its first acquisition of an AI-driven care management platform.
The success of First Stop Health under Gunlock’s stewardship is reflected in its accolades: seven consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and three years on Inc.’s list of best workplaces.
“I aim to lead by example by promoting a culture of continuous growth and collaboration and empowering others to embrace new ideas,” she said. “Encouraging my team to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning helps them not only to grow individually but also contributes to the overall success of our business.”
In response, she has spearheaded initiatives to upskill her senior leadership team, emphasizing executive coaching, 360-degree assessments, and fostering a culture of curiosity and resilience.
“Our current people-focused initiatives include encouraging a growth mindset and fostering an environment of psychological safety where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas without fear of judgment,” she said. “We promote trust and transparency (two of our core values), where open feedback is not only welcome, but expected, and mistakes are opportunities to learn and develop.”
A two-time Titan 100, this recognition holds personal significance for Gunlock. “This acknowledgment not only validates my own journey but also hopefully inspires other women to pursue their own growth and development goals and challenge the longstanding status quo in the hopes of achieving a more diverse and inclusive business environment,” she said.