Signature Reads 2025: All It Takes Is a Goal
Building A Greater Tomorrow: Signature Performance Receives Business of the Month Honors
Continuing the Conversation: Mental Health Summit
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Our Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Signature Colleagues:
2025 has started with a bang. As we enter our 22nd year in business, we find ourselves on the brink of exciting possibilities and a few uncertainties. At Signature, we aspire to be the leading force in healthcare administration, committed to lowering administrative costs and burdens in the United States. As we continue to innovate, grow, and excel, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of the most vital elements of our journey: the company we keep.
In both business and life, our relationships have the power to shape who we become and what we achieve. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who share our values, ambitions, and vision for the future empowers us to reach new heights. These connections go beyond transactional; they are partnerships and mentorships founded on trust, respect, and collaboration. A few years ago, we had the honor of welcoming decorated Navy SEAL Alden Mills to our campus. He introduced the concept of “swim buddies” to us —trusted partners who support you in tough times, help you maintain perspective, have your back, and demand to be the best version of yourself.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to build many impactful relationships, or “swim buddies.” I think of individuals like Mark Weber,
Mark Weber and Allen Fredrickson – 2025
All It Takes Is a Goal SIGNATURE READS 2025
For the past three years, the Signature Reads program has inspired personal development, fostered connections among Associates, and sparked fresh ideas across every department. Signature Associates have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of this year’s title and it’s finally here!
What is Signature Reads?
Signature Reads is a company-wide professional development program. Signature provides copies of that year’s book and creates several related opportunities to learn and connect. Our goal for this program is to create a space for Associates to connect over common learning and ideas, understand how professional development connects to Signature’s mission, vision, values, and the Signature Way, and recognize and celebrate leadership in the firm.
This is our second time reading a book written by Jon Acuff. In 2023, Signature Reads participants read Soundtracks and learned how to reframe their thoughts and harness overthinking so it could become a superpower, instead of a super problem.
“What’s your soundtrack?” became a common question at Signature, and the insights gained from that book are now woven into the fabric of our company culture.
Now, it’s time to use our positive thinking to pursue the goals that matter; the ones that help us unlock our massive potential. This book has the power to help Associates reach goals they didn’t think were
possible. These goals can be about anything; Jon suggests career, finances, relationships, health, and fun as the main categories for goals.
Associates who register will receive a copy of the book and Signature’s uniquely crafted materials to help them set and reach Guaranteed Goals.
First, participants will create and categorize a Best Moments List.
Your Best Moments List is a collection of evidence about your massive potential. It’s a way to capture your most valuable and memorable life experiences thus far.
There are four types of Best Moments:
• Experiences, which often come from times when you were pursuing a craft.
• Accomplishments, which are the moments that demonstrate how you impact the world.
• Relationships, which are moments made best by another person.
• Objects, which are physical items that represent an important story.
“If you create and categorize a Best Moments List,” Jon says, “You’ll have more than just a piece of paper full of memories. You’ll have a foundation that will help you build on your potential for years to come.”
Next, readers will escape the Comfort Zone with some Easy Goals.
Every Guaranteed Goal starts with an Easy Goal that gets you out of your Comfort Zone. Easy Goals have short timeframes. They aren’t expensive and they’re easy to do within your current schedule. Easy Goals feel like they’re not enough. But the wins from Easy Goals stack up and propel you forward.
“I have learned that if I can’t quite be consistent with what I am trying to do, to make it smaller and try again,” Jeannie
stock of whether or not the goals and objectives I am setting are working for me and taught me to meet myself where I am. It is really rewarding to watch yourself begin to gain momentum in taking charge of your life. It makes me feel powerful.”
Easy Goals are the necessary first step. They’re especially powerful when you identify a great reward for completing the goal. When you know what you win by playing the game, you’ll be more motivated to get out of your Comfort Zone and get started.
“You’re always one decision away from tapping into the person you secretly always knew you could be,” Jon says.
Then we’ll learn how to avoid the Chaos Zone with some Middle Goals.
After getting out of our Comfort Zone with an Easy Goal, high performers often find themselves going from 0 to 100 right into the Chaos Zone. The Chaos Zone is where overcommitting, overpromising, and overestimating happens.
Instead, Middle Goals help us find the Potential Zone by focusing on consistency, instead of perfection.
This step is essential for long-term success. Before we attempt Guaranteed Goals, we need to test out some Middle Goals and identify ways we can consistently make progress on those goals. While working on Middle Goals, participants will build a goal toolbox and learn how to make or steal time to dedicate to their goals.
“I really think setting goals for yourself can help you reach your full potential,” CAEC Customer Representative Ashtyn Hebert, said. “A lot of people, much like myself, feel stuck and don’t know all the tools to get out. This book has helped me in so many ways.”
Finally, we’ll understand what it’s like to live in the Potential Zone with Guaranteed Goals.
Guaranteed Goals help you live in the Potential Zone and make steady, joyful progress on the handful of goals that you care about. Guaranteed Goals are where the efforts ensure the results: if you put in the work, it’s impossible for you to lose. If you lean into the process, the product always follows. If you give it time, the reward always happens.
“Potential is about sustained performance over time,” Jon says. “A Guaranteed Goal doesn’t help you visit the Potential Zone, it helps you live there.”
Ultimately, success on Guaranteed Goals will help create more moments that matter; more evidence that can be added to a Best Moments List.
“I think the biggest thing is determining goals that are not out of reach,” Ashtyn said. “When I graduated
Emerging Leaders, it felt so good to know I had accomplished that goal. Now I ask myself, ‘What can you overcome next?’”
And the whole time, we’ll build connections.
In addition to setting and reaching Easy Goals, Middle Goals, and Guaranteed Goals, this program is intended to foster connections among Signature Associates. There are several ways to connect over this year’s book, including discussion boards and new live classes on Signature YOU.
Associates are also encouraged to share their goals with their Managers, best friends at work, and any other support system they already have at Signature.
“My biggest supporter of my goals is my manager, Rachael Lewis and my mentor Jessica Higgins,” Ashtyn said. “When I share my goals with them, I know there will never be any judgement. They will tell me if I am being realistic or if the goal is too small and I can do better. It is a good feeling to have two people who are constantly rooting for me and who want the best for me in all aspects of life.”
We look forward to seeing Associates use these tools to set and achieve their goals, enhance their connections at work, and reach their massive potential.
“I think Associates who participate just might reach their maximum potential and surprise themselves with how much they can truly achieve,” Jeannie said. “As a result, it will only improve their lives, the lives of those that they work with, and Signature’s overall relationship with our clients.”
If you’re a Signature Associate and haven’t signed up yet, contact Morgan Sammons, Learning & Development Supervisor, to get involved!
BUILDING A GREATER TOMORROW
Signature Performance Receives Business of the Month Honors
We entered 2025 with a renewed passion for our mission to improve the health of our clients’ business and make the lives of the people we work with better. A passion that touches the lives of our Associates, elevates the communities in which we work, and makes a difference for patients, clients, and partners.
And it’s evident our passion is felt by many both in healthcare and beyond.
Signature Performance was honored to be named the January Business of the Month by the Greater Omaha Chamber. Recipient businesses excel in more areas than one – pride in their business, top-notch customer service, and an enviable work culture, to name a few.
“Business of the Month recipients exemplify a deep commitment to ethical business practices, community stewardship, and continuous improvement for a greater tomorrow,” Mark Mathia, Chief Experience Officer, said. “This distinction acknowledges our valuable contributions to the Omaha business community, and we are especially grateful for the support of the Greater Omaha Chamber as we work to reduce administrative
costs and burdens in healthcare.”
At the heart of our success are our Associates, whose dedication and talent are essential to the important work we accomplish every day. Their passion drives innovation, excellence, and a shared commitment to our mission.
As a Greater Omaha Chamber member, Signature is proud to contribute to their aspirations of making Omaha a vibrant place for every individual to do business, work, and live. Looking forward, we are as committed as ever to elevating the communities we’re part of.
It’s a true privilege to be in the company of so many thriving Omaha businesses that have received Business of the Month accolades. This honor fuels our purpose, reminding us that the work we do extends beyond business.
Together, we are not just transforming healthcare administration; we are building a greater tomorrow that will transform the lives of the people we work with.
ASSOCIATE STATE SPOTLIGHT:
Iowa
In the neighboring state to our headquarters in Nebraska, nearly 50 of our Associates are living and working in the “Hawkeye State” of Iowa. With three in-state universities, an iconic State Fair, and a deep-rooted history in agriculture and innovation, Iowa is a hub of activity and culture.
As our team continues to grow across state lines, we recognize the importance of fostering meaningful connections—whether through virtual collaboration, in-person gatherings, or shared experiences that bring us closer together. Strengthening these bonds not only enhances teamwork but also reinforces our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter where they call home.
So, we asked our Iowa neighbors what makes their state so special and how they foster connections with team members across the nation.
Beth Anderson MEDICAL CODER
I love living in Iowa because of the people of the midwest; it’s truly a unique culture. There really is such a thing as “Iowa Nice”, especially in the small towns. There are no strangers, and you will never be stranded on the side of the road because someone will stop. Nature is abundant including rivers and trails all over Iowa for those who want to visit. Teams is a great way to keep connected with my SP coworkers! And when I find those that I seem to really connect with, I ask if they would like to connect outside of work on social media, such as Facebook. I have kept friends from different companies from all over the U.S. over the years by doing this.
Betty Velasquez
PROVIDER EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVE
My favorite part about Iowa is the community; everyone is so friendly and helpful. I live in Glenwood, IA, which is a small town compared to Omaha, and I love the small-town lifestyle. My favorite places to visit in Iowa are West Okoboji Lake and the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa. They are great places for family vacations but also fun for a weekend getaway as they boast lots of activities to do for all ages. I navigate working remotely and staying connected with Signature by communicating mostly through Teams. In addition to joining in on convos in Team chats, I am helping with sideby-sides and the Spark program.
Brandon Moore
IDENTITY & ACCESS MANAGEMENT
ANALYST
Although I’m originally from Missouri, I’ve now lived in Iowa longer. Iowa and Missouri share a lot of similarities, but each area in Iowa offers something unique. From Council Bluffs to Cedar Rapids to Des Moines, the state’s rural history and diverse landscapes make it worth exploring beyond the obvious spots. What I notice most is that midwestern areas like this get overlooked because “it’s the midwest” and as a result, areas like Iowa truly push the boundaries to provide entertainment for people. I love working from home because it breaks down accessibility and accommodation barriers. It’s shifted how we communicate and recognize human connection. To make new connections, I suggest joining larger meetings and engaging with others. If you prefer to stay low-key, listen and take notes on what others say, then follow up with specific outreach based on those observations.
Katie Laudon
PROVIDER EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVE
My favorite part about Iowa is having the best of both worlds close by. Being in the middle of the country and corn fields is usually just a short drive from a busier city. One thing everyone should do is visit the Iowa State Fair! There is really something for everyone at the fair - concerts, carnival rides, farm animals, and more. It’s always the best ten days of the summer! Staying connected remotely can be difficult, but to build relationships with my teammates I make the extra effort to get to know people. Speaking up and actively involving myself in team meetings and training or sending a side message to teammates has helped me make connections that can be missed by not being in person.
Kimberly Elstun
PROVIDER EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVE
Iowa has much to offer, but I really love the rolling hills and scenery. We are also home to amazing farmland. One thing that someone should do while visiting Iowa is attend the Iowa State Fair. There’s none like it in my opinion! I navigate my remote work setup by having three monitors to help me stay organized, and I stay connected with teammates mostly through Teams chats. Regularly scheduled meet-ups are another great way to make connections!
Steph Shepard REVENUE CYCLE SPECIALIST
I have always lived in the country, and my favorite part about Iowa is the peaceful surroundings. I like to sit outside (when it’s not 20 below) and listen to the birds. I love that we have all four seasons. If you are visiting at the end of summer, I would recommend going to the Iowa State Fair. There are several National Parks all over Iowa as well that are just beautiful. I use Teams quite a bit throughout the day to connect with everyone and there are a handful of people I see outside of work. I try to attend as many in-person events in Omaha as I can. I also recommend building connections by sending birthday wishes and work anniversary congratulations via our Intranet Pat On The Back system. I appreciate those messages from people. I also recommend attending Signature LIVE on Wednesdays to meet new faces.
Tim Murdock
IT SYSTEMS - DESKTOP SUPPORT
My favorite part about living in Iowa is growing up in a small town. I moved to Glenwood, Iowa in 1997, and the friends I made on the first day of school are still my best friends. We’ve been each other’s Best Men and they are like brothers to me. I have a hybrid schedule that allows me to work in the office three days a week and from home the other two. When I work from home I can focus on larger, more time-consuming projects and when I’m in the office it’s more daily tasks as needed. To make new connections you must be open to meeting new people. From messaging a Teams chat to heating up food in the breakroom, try to say “Hello” to someone new. Small talk isn’t for everyone but put yourself out there and be friendly, and people will reciprocate!
CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION
Mental Health Summit
In December, Signature Performance hosted our inaugural Mental Health Summit designed to explore practical tools and tips to nurture mental health at work. The outcomes were inspiring, and the resources shared were plentiful. Most importantly, the impactful conversation continued well beyond the one-hour event.
“Our Mental Health Summit was the culmination of Associate input, expert care, and uncommon benefits, demonstrating our commitment to supporting Associates in resolving personal and professional issues that impact their health and well-being,” Mark Mathia, Chief Experience Officer, said.
Conversations around mental health in the workplace are necessary but uncommon at most organizations.
Scott Anderson, a licensed mental health practitioner and certified executive and life coach, joined Mark and nearly 200 Associates in the virtual session. He reiterated the importance and rarity of such an event.
“I can’t think of any other company - and I work with a lot - that has a Mental Health Summit,” Scott said. “You are doing something very special. It’s incredibly powerful just to say the words ‘mental health’ out loud and acknowledge that we all have very challenging days. Being able to talk about it is the key.”
Focusing on Prevention
This session was designed to inspire proactive selfcare and wellness. At Signature, we want to lift each other up and care for ourselves and each other with kindness and respect.
“It’s all about preparing ourselves to attack the day so we can rock our work and love our life,” Mark said. “If you wait too long, it’s hard to recover what was lost. It’s one of those things that we have to get ahead of. I like to think of it as putting deposits in the bank for when a bad day happens. Because bad things happen to all of us.”
Many of the preventative measures shared during the session require minimal time, resources, or experience. They’re actions we can all practice regularly to have a lasting impact on our well-being.
“We can’t postpone or store up all of our feelings of discomfort and feel as though we can get rid of all of them during a vacation, a weekend, or even a good night’s sleep,” Scott said. “What really works is taking mini vacations. We must notice that we’re stressed and release that stress in real-time.”
Scott emphasized that one of the most powerful things we can do for our mental health is to practice checking in with ourselves and noticing how we feel. He says we don’t have to figure it out or solve it—just notice it.
“This is especially important for high-performance people who are too busy to stop,” Scott said. “If you can take five seconds to do this five times daily, you’ll feel the impact almost immediately.”
Associates also shared prevention strategies including establishing intentional morning routines and taking small actions that support your well-being.
“These techniques sound so simple, and they are,” Scott said. “But most of us don’t want to look at how we’re feeling or doing right now. But if you can break that habit, not only can you prevent burnout, but if you get into burnout, there is a way out.”
Using Your Strengths
Another way we like to promote well-being at Signature is through our Strengths programming. According to Gallup, people who use their Strengths are three times as likely to report having an excellent quality of life.
Many Associates benefit from learning more about using their Strengths through coaching sessions with
Signature’s team of certified in-house coaches. These coaches help Associates dive deeper into how they can best do their jobs using their unique patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
However, it’s important to recognize that coaches aren’t trained to diagnose or address serious mental health concerns. As a certified coach and counselor, Scott provided valuable insights about which resources might be best for different situations.
“The assumption I make when I’m coaching is that the person I’m talking to is already creative, resourceful, and whole. In fact, they are superstars,” Scott said. “If it’s a mood situation that has been going on for a while and has physical attributes like exhaustion, then I might talk to a therapist or counselor.”
Scott and Mark both emphasized the importance of getting support, even if it’s not the perfect kind the first time.
“It’s really important for everyone to talk to somebody,” Scott said. “Even if you’re not sure if it is a counseling or a coaching issue, start by talking to somebody, and then we can sort it out from there.”
It usually doesn’t hurt to have the contact information of both a counselor and a coach as part of your mental health first aid kit.
“I’m not a counselor, but I think everyone needs one,” Mark said. “You’re not alone. You have people in the arena with you. And together, we are always better.”
Our problems, when we don’t share them, seem insurmountable,” Scott said. “But if we can share them with one person, they tend to shrink down to real size pretty fast. That’s the main message I would leave with anyone not feeling too good today - there are resources galore, specifically at Signature Performance. There is just no reason why anybody should have to suffer in silence. You really can break through.”
Continuing the Conversation
Even before the Mental Health Summit, several Signature Associates created channels for their teams and best friends at work to have ongoing conversations about well-being and mental health.
For example, DeShawn Giger and Rachel Lykins, CAEC Leads, send Monday Mental Health emails to their teammates in the CAEC department.
“A big part of it is to bring awareness and break the stigma that talking about mental health is a bad thing,” DeShawn said. “We should care for our mental health just as much as our physical bodies.”
The emails cover various topics and are meant to help Associates understand what they or their loved ones may be experiencing. They also include direct links to the resources available for Signature Associates.
“Our goal is to help people struggling to know they’re not alone,” Rachel said. “In the last year, it has become an essential thing DeShawn and I look forward to doing every week.”
CAEC Customer Representative Beonca Ortega is grateful for these ongoing conversations.
“It makes us feel like we’re not just a number and we are all not alone,” Beonca said. “Those emails really help to know that we have someone to talk to.”
Operations Manager Jessica McDaniel offered similar resources for her team during the holiday season.
“In November, I started self-care calendars for my team,” Jessica said. “Each week has a different theme. A recent theme was self-talk week and the week’s reminder was to make sure your self-talk is positive self-talk. Do it every day!”
Other Associates have created communities of support through programs like Emerging Leaders, ALOHA, and Signature Reads.
“This company saved my life,” Tiffany Washington, CAEC Lead, said. “I feel safe and comfortable sharing who I am without judgment. Signature makes it so easy to know it’s ok not to be ok and we have a whole family behind us.”
We Are What We Believe
Annette Meraz | Operations Manager
We are what we believe about ourselves, so negative thoughts can impact our mood, wellbeing, and mindset. If you’re making a negative statement about yourself, it’s important to pause and say three good things about yourself aloud. They can be unique things or a repeatable phrase, such as “I am capable. I am strong. I am enough.”
Actionable tip: Ask yourself, “If I wouldn’t say this to a friend, why am I speaking it about myself?”
This practice can help us acknowledge negative behavior, remind us to be kind to ourselves, and lend us grace when we have forgotten we are what we believe.
Opposite Action
Jessica Higgins | Operations Manager
Opposite Action is a coping strategy to implement when your feelings don’t fit the facts or when acting on them isn’t necessarily effective. Opposite Action helps manage your emotions and encourages you to act the opposite of what your emotions are telling you.
Actionable tip: An Emotions Wheel can help you identify and name complex feelings.
When an emotion is identified, it’s the opposite time. The first step is focusing on the behavior we find ourselves doing. The next step is to determine the opposite action. For example, if you find yourself isolating, the opposite action is being in a group or public setting. Even something very simple, like going to the grocery store, can make a big impact.
Actionable tip: When thoughts and emotions get loud, pause to understand your feelings, notice your tendencies, and then take deliberate action.
9X Best Place to Work
We’re honored to be named a Best Place to Work in Omaha for the ninth time!
Milestone Anniversaries
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Our mission is to “Improve the health of our clients’ business and make the lives of the people we work with better.” This type of mission takes a village. A village of dedicated, inventive minds working collectively toward a common goal.
Our Associates’ stories are personal, dedicated, filled with passion, and always inspired. It’s an honor to amplify the voices of our diverse workforce through a powerful quarterly professional magazine. Moments is your inside look at the hearts behind our screens, the stories that inspire us, and what calls us to do more.