In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Maeghan Sulham, COO of DataSpring powered by CAQH, to explore what it's like to build culture at a healthcare data company operating behind the scenes of nearly every provider search and insurance claim in the country. Maeghan shares the unusual origin story behind DataSpring — a 25-year-old nonprofit collaboration among health plans now transforming into a shareholder-owned company — and how she was recruited right at that pivot point to help build the culture and talent strategy for what would become this new organization. The conversation dives into how her role has expanded from CHRO to COO, taking on facilities, project management, and marketing along the way, and how DataSpring's remote-first structure is paired with deeply intentional in-person gatherings. The episode also covers DataSpring's standout 401(k) match, its three-pillar approach to company-wide professional development, and an honest reflection on the tension between a legacy organization's earned trust and the urgency required to keep pace as it scales. What You'll Learn How DataSpring's data powers everyday healthcare experiences, from provider directories to claims processingWhy DataSpring transitioned from a 25-year-old nonprofit into a shareholder-owned companyHow a Chief People Officer role evolved into a broader COO role encompassing facilities, marketing, and project managementWhat makes DataSpring's annual company-wide retreat function as a genuine engagement strategy, not just a perkHow the company built a three-pillar professional development approach, including SBI feedback training for all people leadersWhy candidates should focus on demonstrating impact and thinking, not just reciting past experienceCompany Highlights Industry: Healthcare data and technology (provider/member data management)Customer Base: Health plans and healthcare providers relying on accurate credentialing, directory, and roster dataCompany Stage: Rooted in a 25-year-old organization (CAQH), now transforming into DataSpring; ~150 employees, fully remote with hubs in Washington, DC and Louisville, KYCulture: Mission-driven, highly collaborative, and increasingly ambitious as it scalesFocus Areas: Data quality and product innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and intentional in-person connectionUnique Perks & Programs Generous 401(k) Match: A 3% safe harbor contribution plus up to a 6% match — up to 9% total, fully vested immediatelyAnnual Company-Wide Retreat: A multi-day, all-employee offsite (most recently in New Orleans) featuring cross-functional collaboration, a product expo, and a professionally hired comedian emceeTuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 toward degree or certification programs after six months of tenureFlexible Development Allowance: A cash stipend employees can use toward professional development of their choosing, with People and Culture support in identifying the right fitCompany-Wide DISC and SBI Training: Shared assessments and feedback frameworks rolled out to improve communication and performance managementTwo Physical Hub Offices: Intentional spaces in DC and Louisville supporting in-person collaboration within a remote-first modelTo learn more about DataSpring: Careers Page (They're hiring!) LinkedIn Page Maeghan's LinkedIn Additional Links: New Orleans Event Planners New Orleans Event Comedian Emcee
