Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1010702
32 Hartford Business Journal • August 6, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com M ahesh Puthenveetil is a senior direc- tor within the Enterprise Execution department at Anthem Inc., which is the second largest health insurer in the U.S. serving 40 million members. In his current role, Puthenveetil is leading the new product and ser- vice operations portfolios that support 30-plus enterprise transformative initiatives impact- ing Anthem's top-line and bottom-line growth across multiple commercial segments. Puthenveetil leads a 23-member team that consists of directors, senior managers and managers and works with leaders from various functional areas, including health-plan presi- dents to successfully execute various strategic initiatives. What's been the biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? When I joined Anthem, I was tasked with turning around a troubled enterprise trans- formation initiative to implement a few con- sumer transparency-related products. With tremendous support from multiple functional areas, I was able to deliver the initiative to meet market expectations within a short timeframe. Although this was not the largest initiative that I led, it had its own importance in my company's consumer-centric journey. How are you involved in the community? My community involvement is primarily through work-sponsored events, such as Relay for Life fundraising. I am volunteering as a kids' soccer coach at Avon Soccer Club. I recently took up a mentorship role at the Hartford InsurTech Hub. What do you hope Greater Hartford will be like in 10 years? I am hopeful that Hartford will leverage its strengths — geographical advantage of being closer to New York City and Boston, large concen- tration of insurance companies, etc., and continue to build supporting environments to create an ecosystem that will encourage companies to invest more in the region. I hope Hartford will be an invit- ing community for students, diverse populations and small businesses to thrive. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Coming from another country, with a mod- est and humble background 13 years ago, I am fortunate to have met awesome mentors, col- leagues and friends in the U.S. who helped me navigate my career path to a leadership role within one of the largest companies in the U.S. • Leading a highly motivated team of directors and senior managers tasked with driving enterprise initiatives. • Active involvement in initiatives promoted by organizations that are committed to improve Hartford's social and economic ecosystem — Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepre- neurs, InsurTech Hub. • Commitment to volunteerism. Fun Fact I learned to swim at age 35. Now I enjoy deep- sea fishing trips, kayaking and canoeing. Mahesh Puthenveetil Age: 36 Company: Anthem Inc. Title: Senior Director, Enterprise Execution No. of years with current company: 5 Town where I live: Avon Town where I work: Wallingford College: University of Connecticut Highest degree: MBA G uilaine Menefee is CEO of Menefee Associ- ates Consulting LLC, which helps small business owners develop business plans or start their own firms. In 2017, she founded her third company, Your Fitness Network (YFN), an online fitness platform where coaches provide personal training and nutrition live. Menefee is a professional bodybuilder with a lifelong passion for helping others make health and fitness a lifestyle. She is also a wife and mother of two girls and active volunteer within her commu- nity, in multiple organizations. She hopes her ex- ample will make a more social conscious, economi- cally sustainable and healthier community. What's been the biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Starting my company Your Fitness Network. The journey of transforming my hobby of fitness into a new and innovative business model has challenged me and tested my core competencies (and career) more than anything prior. How are you involved in the community? I'm president of the Connecticut National Black MBA Association and a proud member of the Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. I'm also the secretary for the Bloomfield Junior Soccer Association. What do you like to do outside of work? I love spending time with my girls. Outside of being a personal trainer, I'm a bit of a health nut, actively weight training and eating healthy. I'm an avid football fan. My favorite team is the New England Patriots. I love fine dining and traveling. Give an example of a people-skills habit you adhere to in your work and daily life. At Menefee, everyone's perspective is valid. I've learned to listen to everyone and anyone. By keep- ing myself open to others' opinions and thoughts regardless of experience, age or role, I've very quickly sharpened my own skill set and become better because I've learned even more. What must the Greater Hartford region do to attract more talented young professionals? Stay open past 5 p.m. Hartford must create a stronger, more vibrant 'happy hour' environ- ment downtown so young professionals can look forward to a night life after work hours. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Founded three companies by age 38. • Active volunteer in multiple organizations who constantly works to make the Greater Hartford community better. • My company's services, which help small business owners start up and stay in busi- ness, also helps the economic stimulation and sustainment of Connecticut, especially Hartford local businesses. • Recently became the interim executive direc- tor of the Black Business Alliance. Fun Fact In high school, I received the youth recipient award from the president. Guilaine Menefee Age: 39 Company: Menefee Associates Consulting LLC; Your Fitness Network Title: CEO; President No. of years with current company: 4 (MAC); 1 (YFN) Town where I live: Bloomfield Town where I work: Manchester College: NYU Stern School of Business Highest degree: MBA in strategy and corporate finance 40 UNDER FORTY 2018