Meet Kayla Shawn | CEO & President of The Healthcare Navigator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Shawn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Pain doesn’t tell you when you ought to stop. Pain is the little voice in your head that tries to hold you back because it knows if you continue, you will change.” – Kobe Bryant

Those who know me know that I love listening to motivational speakers and videos. A few years after Kobe’s death I started listening to his motivational videos and reflecting on his quotes. This one in particular stuck with me because pain is one of those things that I have a mixed relationship with. When I work out and feel pain, I always see that as a good sign, as if the workout is working. But then there are other types of pain that make you never want to experience it again, so much so that you avoid whatever it is that caused it. When it comes to pain in business, there’s the pain of not seeing the results you want and the pain of working towards a goal you have.

With underperformance, the pain felt is valid and good in Kobe’s eyes. Because that means you know something is off, and you need to make adjustments. What I’ve learned and will continue to learn is that I’d rather have the pain of underperformance than the bliss of denial. People do this all the time when they refuse to acknowledge that something has to change and they need to be the ones to change it. People like to point the finger, blame circumstances, and refuse to take ownership of the things that aren’t going right.

You can’t do that if you want to be successful. If you want to be the best and do what’s right for your business or life, you have to be honest with yourself and change things that need to be changed. Whether that’s embracing innovation or looking to new ways of doing a process, the pain in that discomfort is good because, although it’s uncomfortable, it’s the key to being closer to achieving your goals.

If you refuse to make necessary changes because it’s painful or uncomfortable, your comfort zone will kill your progress and wreck your future. Everything you want is on the other side of change and discipline.

You have to get out of your own way and welcome that “pain” to get what you want. If you want to be successful, you have to be okay with being uncomfortable because there’s nothing nice about change, but there’s good that comes after.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Healthcare Navigator exists to change the way people interact with the healthcare system—permanently. We envision a world where, for the first time, patients are in control, empowered to make informed decisions about their care without the usual barriers of cost, complexity, and confusion. Employers and their employees deserve a healthcare system that works for them, not against them. That’s why we’re here, building solutions that not only save money but also restore power to the people who need it most.

What makes The Healthcare Navigator truly unique is our comprehensive employee steerage program, designed to resolve every major patient pain point through innovative navigation. We equip our users with the tools they need to choose hospitals and doctors based on both quality and cost—just as they would when shopping for clothes or electronics. Why should healthcare be any different? Instead of overpaying for medical procedures, we help analyze bills to uncover errors and overcharges, potentially saving thousands. For prescriptions and lab services, we guide users to affordable alternatives, often providing the exact same medications and labs at dramatically lower prices. These are not just conveniences—they’re powerful solutions that put patients back in control of their healthcare decisions.

But this mission hasn’t been easy. Changing an entrenched and antiquated system requires persistence and vision. We’ve faced skepticism, resistance, and the challenge of earning trust in an industry ripe with complexity. Yet, the results are undeniable. Employers and families who have memberships with The Healthcare Navigator are seeing significant savings and, more importantly, empowering employees who feel supported, confident, and in control of their healthcare choices.

People grow accustomed to problems, resigning to the idea that nothing can change—until the moment an opportunity arises to reclaim their power. The right solution doesn’t just restore hope and strength; it makes the problem tremble, knowing its time is up. The Healthcare Navigator is that solution, transforming how people take control of their healthcare for good. As I always say, a problem hates to see me coming.

The Healthcare Navigator is more than a solution—it’s a sign of America evolving. We’re here to redefine healthcare, creating a world where patients—not systems—hold the power. For benefits consultants and employers ready to be part of this transformation, The Healthcare Navigator is your trusted partner. Together, we’re not just solving today’s problems; we’re building a future where patients and employers thrive in a system designed around their needs.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ll take them near River Oaks or Bellaire. I love books, so I’m always at Barnes and Noble. After that, I’d probably take them wot White House Black Market to shop for clothes. Then we’d probably get Chinese food in Rice Village. I feel like Chinese is always a safe bet, even with picky eaters.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shout out the incredible benefits consultants who partner with us at The Healthcare Navigator. Your dedication to helping employers navigate the complexities of rising healthcare costs is nothing short of inspiring. They help all sorts of employers, from self-funded employers to reduce their claims costs, guide high-deductible health plan clients to empower their employees with smarter decisions and support health-sharing organizations in finding better ways to manage risk while improving employee satisfaction. By integrating The Healthcare Navigator into their strategies, they’ve proven just how impactful an employee steerage program can be in transforming healthcare benefits and bringing our innovative service to solve a long-standing problem of high healthcare costs.

The results speak for themselves—thousands of dollars saved, employees who feel supported, and clients who are better equipped to retain and attract top talent. It’s the consultants who have a future-focused mindset and commitment to doing what’s best for their clients that truly set them apart in a crowded market.

Employers are searching for partners like them who bring innovative, effective solutions to the table, and we’re honored to work alongside them in driving this change. For consultants looking to make the same impact, there’s no better time to start exploring how The Healthcare Navigator can help you deliver unmatched value and results.

Website: https://www.thehealthcarenav.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-shawn-051b2b212/

Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-healthcare-navigator-llc/

Image Credits
The Healthcare Navigator