Cheyenne Suarez

Leading with care: Building a people-first workplace

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p style="line-height:1">Healthcare is evolving beyond treatment as companies place focus on quality, innovation, and a people-first approach. At the center of this shift is talent empowered to deliver better outcomes for both patients and professionals.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Global capability centers (GCCs) such as Optum Philippines, part of the UnitedHealth Group, are helping drive this transformation. By combining Filipino healthcare expertise with advanced technologies and AI, Optum is strengthening the US healthcare ecosystem while creating meaningful career pathways for local talent. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">About a year after stepping into his role as Managing Director, Samarth Mathur has helped build on the momentum of an organization already recognized as one of the leading healthcare GCCs in the Philippines. The leadership transition reflects more than a structural change; it signals a deep commitment to delivering purposeful and value-oriented healthcare services, benefiting both the employees and the communities they serve.</p><div style="line-height:1"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17824459033071782445899494.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Samarth Mathur, Managing Director of Optum Philippines, shares with ANC how the organization is staying ahead of new technologies and advancements in the industry by placing innovation at the core of their work. Screenshot source: <em>ANC Beyond The Exchange </em></span></span></span></div><p style="line-height:1">Mathur also touched on the current challenges of the global healthcare industry, mainly those of affordability, accessibility, and the quality of care. One way that Optum is addressing these challenges is by strengthening value-oriented roles that enable more effective healthcare delivery in the future.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The company is looking into further developing complex and specialized roles, to foster a workforce equipped with the necessary skills for the future. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;I see huge potential in the Filipino talent that we have, as they already possess great domain skills that exist in the healthcare ecosystem; now the journey is on deepening the impact,&quot; shared Mathur. With the current advancements in AI and its integration in the company&#x27;s operations, Optum has designed skills development programs based on how their roles engage with AI. Mathur reports that in the last 12 to 18 months, employees have responded positively to the deployment of AI across the organization’s operations, citing instances of increased proactiveness and excitement to learn.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">As one of the leading healthcare GCCs in the country, Mathur also acknowledges Optum&#x27;s responsibility in contributing to the local healthcare sector. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">&quot;We have very strong partnerships with the local government and industry partners such as the IT &amp; Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMAP), where we are actively leading discussions on the talent of the future, and how to better support Filipino healthcare professionals, and employee wellness,&quot; he shared. &quot;I recently met with Director-General (Tereso) Panga of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Managing Head (Ceferino) Rodolfo of the Board of Investments (BOI) on how we can build Filipino talent  where AI is concerned.&quot;</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Outside the office, the lifestyle associated with working at Optum Philippines reflects modern professional aspirations. Employees are supported by a culture that acknowledges the importance of rest, family, and community. Wellness programs, flexible opportunities for development, and a supportive environment contribute to a sense of sustainability in both career and life.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">Life at Optum Philippines reflects a balance of performance and empathy, values that are also evident in its leadership. “Embrace the change and get into that lifelong learning mindset. Keep growing, keep learning, and that is the only way to have deep impact,&quot; advised Mathur. Professional growth intersects with personal wellbeing at Optum, creating an environment where individuals may build meaningful careers without losing sight of what matters beyond work. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The appointment of Mathur adds another layer to this evolving culture. As a leader who values connection, he aims to build relationships that go beyond hierarchy. His hands-on approach fosters stronger engagement across teams and supports Optum Philippines&#x27; continued growth and credibility. In this context, leadership becomes a lived experience rather than a distant concept.</p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">On how Mathur sees the organization charging forward in the next few years, he shares his personal leadership philosophy, &quot;Know your people, and know your craft. If you know your people and you know what you are supposed to be doing, everything else falls into place.&quot; </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><p style="line-height:1">The company&#x27;s story is not only about healthcare solutions or industry leadership; it is also about people navigating their own journeys, supported by a culture that encourages them to grow, connect, and care together. </p><div style="line-height:1"> </div><div style="line-height:1"><br/></div>

<p>Healthcare is evolving beyond treatment, placing focus on quality, innovation, and a people-first approach that help improve outcomes for both patients and professionals.</p>

Healthcare is evolving beyond treatment, placing focus on quality, innovation, and a people-first approach that help improve outcomes for both patients and professionals.

Leading with care: Building a people-first workplace

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Leading with care: Building a people-first workplace

Optum Philippines

Published June 29, 2026 10:59 AM PHT

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Updated June 29, 2026 11:05 AM PHT

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