For April Husted, leadership is more than just a job title—it is a way of life. From her early days as a Pension Analyst at the PBGC (GEMS) to her current role as a trusted advisor and senior managing principal of OneDigital, April’s story is distinguished by resilience, consistency, and leading by example.
Her transition to OneDigital marked a significant milestone in her career. It provided her with a platform to showcase her leadership expertise, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and contribute to the development of innovative employee benefits solutions.
Balancing Creativity with Data-driven Decision-making
As a business leader, April uses data as a guide—not a constraint. She pairs data with curiosity and context to uncover deeper insights. April advocates for a test-and-learn approach, allowing creative ideas to be piloted and validated before scaling them. She believes intuition and experience are also important, as they help transform data into a meaningful strategic direction. April encourages diverse thinking and innovation while maintaining a focus on impact through key metrics, ensuring that decisions align with long-term goals, not just short-term gains.
Maintaining Growth and Motivation as a Leader
April stays motivated by embracing challenges, learning from diverse perspectives, and focusing on the positive impact her work can have on others. By remaining curious, seeking feedback, and continuously improving, she ensures personal growth and meaningful contributions to her team and the industry.
Key Priorities for OneDigital
OneDigital’s key priorities include driving sustainable growth, diversifying in complementary ways, fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture, and delivering exceptional value to clients through integrated, forward-thinking solutions. The company also aims to empower its employees to continuously develop and thrive, ensuring that OneDigital remains a trusted leader in the marketplace.
Nurturing a Culture of Collaboration and Innovation
April is dedicated to fostering an environment where open communication, diverse perspectives, and cross-functional teamwork flourish. By promoting healthy debate, valuing every team member’s input, and celebrating creative problem-solving, she creates a culture that is both collaborative and innovative.
April’s Experience as a Woman Leader
Being a woman in a leadership role has provided April with opportunities to inspire change, empower diverse voices, and break down barriers. While this perspective contributes to her experience, it is only one part of who she is as a leader. The challenges April has faced have made her more resilient and adaptive, driving her to pursue continuous growth.
Empowering Women in Leadership and Career Growth
OneDigital has played a significant role in April’s growth as a leader by providing the necessary resources, growth opportunities, and a supportive environment for her success. The company fosters a culture that values her contributions, respects her ideas, and encourages her professional growth at every step. This is how OneDigital promotes leadership and career growth for everyone, including women, demonstrating a genuine commitment to nurturing and developing all its employees.
Effective Strategies to Foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
April believes the most impactful strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion should be naturally integrated into business practices. It involves being intentional in the hiring process, questioning assumptions and biases, and maintaining open lines of communication. It is also crucial to hold each other accountable for these practices, ensure leadership reflects diverse perspectives, and establish clear goals. “By keeping these efforts authentic and embedded into our culture, we can ensure everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed”, informed April.
Overcoming the Hurdles Along the Way
April has faced various challenges throughout her career, some stemming from her identity as a woman and others arising from the nature of leadership itself. This role often requires making tough, deliberate decisions, and some of these have been particularly challenging. To overcome these obstacles, April focuses on being transparent, objective, and committed to both the market and the team’s well-being.
Words of Wisdom to Aspiring Woman Leaders
Take risks, speak up, and spend less time second-guessing yourself. Learn from your mistakes and use hindsight as a tool for continuous improvement. Additionally, listen to a diverse range of perspectives, especially those you might prefer to avoid—those are often the most valuable.
Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
April and her team are dedicated to cultivating and maintaining a culture that celebrates diversity and emphasizes equity and inclusion. They strive to create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, respected, and supported. One way April makes a difference is by empowering Employee Resource Groups to serve as spaces for fellowship and allyship, where individuals can come together, regardless of their locations, appearance, sexual orientation, or the unique obstacles (and opportunities) they face. Additionally, OneDigital adheres to five key pledges that serve as the foundations for strengthening their culture of allyship, belonging, and building a more diverse team. These pledges include: Inclusion & Belonging, Learning & Coaching, Assessment & Transparency, Growing its Team, and Social Responsibility & Giving.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Employee Benefits Strategies
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed employee benefits strategies by highlighting the need for flexibility, mental health support, and financial wellness. Organizations quickly adapted to remote work and reassessed how they could support employees beyond traditional health coverage. This shift has led to a lasting focus on holistic well-being programs, increased telehealth services, and benefits that cater to a broader range of needs while remaining mindful of the value these investments provide. Consequently, a long-term trend toward more personalized and adaptable benefits offerings enables employees to thrive in a post-pandemic workplace.
Benefits Packages and Employee Expectations
As workforce dynamics evolve, benefits packages become increasingly flexible and tailored to individual needs. Employees look for options, covering their diverse life stages, family structures, and personal priorities. This shift may result in a greater focus on mental health and well-being, expanded financial planning tools, improved access to telehealth services, and support for non-traditional family arrangements. Additionally, by eliminating waste in health plans wherever possible, companies can free up resources to invest in more impactful benefits that empower and value their employees.
Latest Trends in Healthcare Cost Management
Emerging trends in healthcare cost management include using advanced data analytics to identify inefficiencies, implementing value-based care models, and integrating high-performance provider networks. Employers are increasingly focusing on preventive care initiatives, expanding access to telehealth services, and encouraging greater employee engagement in their health decisions. These strategies help control costs while enhancing the overall quality of care and outcomes.
The Future of Employee Benefits Consulting: A Ten-Year Outlook
April believes, that in the coming decade, employee benefits consulting will evolve toward more personalized, data-driven solutions. Technology will empower consultants to tailor benefits offerings to meet the diverse needs of a changing workforce, fostering a more flexible and holistic approach. Additionally, consultants will take on a more significant role in assisting organizations with cost-containment strategies and compliance challenges. They will help integrate innovative benefits that prioritize employee well-being while ensuring financial sustainability. Consequently, benefits consulting will become more proactive and strategic, aligning with both business objectives and the goal of creating a more empowered and satisfied workforce.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, April plans to expand the market, supporting OneDigital’s continued development, and advancing her own professional and personal growth.