Emily Sheahan, Group Publisher, HCPro, Inc., Danvers, Mass.
What was your first job out of college and how did you get into this business?
My first job out of college was as a marketing assistant for Addison Wesley Longman Publishing. I was at Ithaca (N.Y.) College and wanted to come back to Boston, my hometown, to work and live. Addison Wesley Longman was this huge building you could see from the highway and all I wanted to do was work there. About four months later, one of the account executives in the group left the company so I went into the marketing and sales director’s office and told him he should hire me for the job. I told him I already knew how to do the job and I would save him time and money by not having to train someone else. He agreed to give me a shot and promoted me.
Has there been a defining moment in your career? Perhaps when you knew you were on the right road.
When I made the transition from executive editor to group publisher at HCPro, I knew I was on the right path. I loved my job as executive editor but I knew I was ready to take on more responsibility and accountability. It definitely was the right move for me.
In brief, describe your business/company?
HCPro is a provider of integrated information, education, training and consulting products and services in the vital areas of healthcare regulation and compliance. The company’s mission is to meet the specialized informational, advisory and educational needs of the healthcare industry. HCPro provides this specialized information in a variety of products, including magazines, newsletters, books, videos, audio conferences, training handbooks, e-mail newsletters and online courses.
What are two or three important concepts or rules that have helped you to succeed in business?
– Be fair: There’s nothing wrong with expecting a lot from those who work for you and those you work with, but it’s important to be fair. It’s the best way to gain others’ respect. Most of the time you will need these people to get your tasks done and no one goes out of their way to help the jerk!
– Don’t be afraid to try something new: Have confidence in yourself to take risks. There will be plenty of risks that won’t pan out but those then become mistakes to learn from and not repeat. The few times the risks do pay off make up for it.
What is the single-most successful thing that your company is doing now?
HCPro has great success with our Boot Camp courses. We offer them as open registration classes throughout the country, onsite education programs and most recently in an online format. Each course is taught by top-notch industry experts.
Do you see a trend or path that you have to lock onto for 2011?
Continue to pay attention to our customers’ needs and publish customer-driven products. That doesn’t mean we need to discontinue core-business strategies that have been successful for years, but we do need to pay attention and deliver content in the new ways our customers expect it. This often is as simple as offering the same basic content but reformatted to be appropriate in various platforms.
What are the key benefits of SIPA membership for you and your team?
Of course, the annual conference provides great insight and ideas and a powerful networking opportunity, but the willingness of the SIPA members to share their thoughts and ideas all year is a huge benefit.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Danvers, Mass. HCPro just relocated corporate headquarters from Marblehead to Danvers so I find myself back in my old stomping ground.
What college did you attend? Is there a moment from that time that stands out?
I attended Ithaca College for my undergraduate degree and Emerson College for my Master’s degree. I was in grad school studying journalism when the Columbine tragedy occurred. I will never forget “covering” that story.
Are you married? Do you have children?
I’ve been married to my husband Kevin for nine years and we have two beautiful children. Our son Sam is seven and obsessed with everything football [he was rooting for Green Bay]; our daughter Lexie is 3 (or she would tell you 3 1/2) and is obsessed with everything princess.
What is your favorite hobby and how did it develop in your life?
I love to read. I think my Kindle has changed my life. I don’t miss the “feel” of the book like many e-reader opponents do…I will never look back! I also enjoy exercising and started competing in triathlons a few years back.
Is there a book you recently read or movie you saw that you would recommend?
“The King’s Speech” is a must see or read for everyone. It’s not only entertaining but inspiring.
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SIPA is very fortunate to have Emily as a track chair
for the June Annual Conference on the subject of
New Revenue Streams: From Products to Media to Markets.
(Jim Sinkinson of Infocom Group is the co-chair in this category.)
As you can tell, she is well-qualified and should bring both
tested and innovative ideas to Washington, D.C. with her.
SIPA 2011: Cashing in on Content –
Models for a New Decade.
June 5-7, Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C.
Check out the tracks now
and register early to get best rate.
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