Loren Ridinger, Co-Founder & Senior Executive Vice President of Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM, Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2022 Profile

Amy Stephen
Vice President of Marketing at HMP Global


Loren Ridinger, Co-Founder & Senior Executive Vice President of Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM, Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders of 2022

It’s not just about keeping up—it’s about setting the pace!

HMP Global is the omnichannel market leader in healthcare events, education, and insight — with a mission to improve patient care. For 40 years, the company has built trusted brands including Psych Congress, the premier source for mental health education, and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), the largest wound care meeting in the world. HMP Global partners with leading experts around the world to deliver more than 450 annual events, medical strategy, and marketing for pharmaceutical and medical device customers through HMP Collective, and pharmaceutical market insight, engaging a global community of healthcare stakeholders that includes nearly 2 million clinicians across 600 medical specialties as well as managed care, behavioral health, senior living, emergency medical, and pharmaceutical commercialization professionals.

As the Vice President of Marketing at HMP Global, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to an organization that not only leads the healthcare industry but also changes lives. Over the past five years, marked by multiple promotions and an ever-evolving role, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a mission-driven company dedicated to improving patient care. What fuels my passion is knowing that the work we do directly impacts patient outcomes. Every event, every campaign, and every insight generated, empowers healthcare professionals to deliver better care, innovate their practices, and, ultimately, save lives. It’s humbling to be part of a team that leads with purpose and builds trusted brands that define industries. For me, it’s more than just marketing; it’s about being a catalyst for meaningful change in a space where it matters most.

What is your greatest accomplishment until now?

My greatest accomplishment is a blend of professional and personal fulfillment. I’ve had the privilege of helping solidify our position as a leader in healthcare education and insights while developing high-performing teams. I thrive on managing, mentoring, and coaching passionate individuals, helping them grow and reach their full potential. Building a culture of excellence and purpose has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Beyond my work at HMP Global, my greatest pride and joy are my two beautiful daughters, Norah (11) and Blaire (6). They are my ultimate inspiration, reminding me every day why the work I do matters. Balancing a thriving career while raising my daughters, with an incredibly supportive partner, has been my most meaningful accomplishment.

What are some ways your company or team can improve this year?

Every company, regardless of its size or success, can benefit from continuous improvement. One of our defining strengths is our speed. While others are still analyzing their next move, we’ve already built the infrastructure to solve the problem and deliver results. This agility is what keeps us ahead of the competition and allows us to seize opportunities in real time. However, we recognize that there’s value in the art of slowing down—taking the time to strategize with intention and refine long-term plans. Balancing our fast-paced approach with thoughtful, deliberate planning is an area where we can grow, ensuring that our solutions are not only quick but also holistically aligned with our broader goals. It’s this dual capability—speed and strategy—that will further solidify our position as a leader in the industry.

As a leader, what difficulties do you encounter?

As a leader, one of the key challenges I encounter is ensuring we stay ahead of the curve with advancements like AI and automation. These technologies hold incredible potential to revolutionize how we work—streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation. However, integrating them thoughtfully is critical. It’s not just about adopting the latest tools; it’s about ensuring they align with our core values, enhance rather than replace human creativity, and ultimately support our mission. AI and automation can do a lot, but they can’t replace the trust, empathy, and ingenuity that come from people working together with purpose. By staying grounded in our values and fostering a culture of thoughtful innovation, we can use these technologies as a tool for progress, not a replacement for what makes us great.

How do you enhance the working environment for your team?

Collaboration and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. I encourage open communication and create a space where everyone feels heard and truly valued. I prioritize personal and professional growth, providing opportunities for training, mentorship, and skill-building to help my team excel not only in their current roles but also as they prepare for their future. While we all thrive in a fast-paced environment, I make sure there is space for thoughtful reflection and strategic planning. Above all, I believe in leading with empathy and authenticity. By recognizing everyone’s unique strengths, challenges, and goals, I hope to foster confidence in their ability to deliver exceptional work.

Would you elaborate on your leadership philosophy and how you put it into practice?

My leadership philosophy is all about purpose, creativity, and a deep passion for managing and mentoring people who share my drive for success. I live for building strong, connected teams and creating an environment where individuals feel inspired, empowered, and ready to deliver their best work. Throughout my career, I have been profoundly shaped by the guidance, wisdom, and generosity of extraordinary mentors and coaches. I am endlessly grateful for their impact and strive to empower and champion my team with the same unwavering support and dedication they so graciously extended to me. I’d say, at the core, my leadership style is 45% understanding, 55% competitiveness, and 100% committed to keeping things real and direct. (Yes, that’s 200%).

I also take pride in being the “bulldog at the gate” for my team—taking on the tough conversations, handling challenges, and clearing obstacles so they can focus on what truly matters: their work, their growth, and their success. Knowing they can count on me to protect their time, and energy is something I take very seriously. At the same time, I’m always looking forward—embracing innovation, adapting to change, and continually learning so that my team and I stay ahead of the curve. Leadership, for me, is about serving others, amplifying their voices, and driving a shared vision that creates a lasting impact. And if we can laugh, collaborate, and enjoy the bad with the good, that’s the ultimate reward.

What are the main components of your digital transformation goal, and how will you overcome it?

One of the biggest obstacles in digital transformation is the fear of change and the potential disruption it can bring if you’re not ready for it. While managing change can be challenging, our digital transformation goal centers on leveraging innovation to enhance efficiency, personalization, and team empowerment. By adopting advanced technologies like AI and automation, we aim to streamline processes, gather meaningful data, and deliver more personalized, impactful experiences. Utilizing data collection and affinity insights allows us to better understand our audience, tailoring content and strategies to resonate deeply and stay ahead of the curve. Ultimately, this transformation isn’t just about adopting technology; it’s about building a smarter, more connected future where personalization and innovation drive meaningful, lasting impact---and we’re ready for it!

What does it mean for an organization as a whole to develop a strong sense of collaboration?

It’s simple really, developing a strong sense of collaboration means creating a workplace where teams achieve more together than they ever could alone—that’s the secret sauce. It’s about fostering open communication, trust, and alignment so that ideas flow freely, and diverse perspectives drive innovation. When collaboration is at the core, teams are empowered to solve challenges, adapt to change, and achieve shared goals with greater impact.

How can we develop new advantages over the competition?

Staying ahead of the competition is all about being bold, innovative, and intentional. To create new advantages, we need to tap into cutting-edge tools and deliver personalized experiences that others can’t match. It’s not just about keeping up—it’s about setting the pace. Innovation flourishes when we create a space for experimentation and big-picture thinking. And let’s not forget, staying true to our mission is what keeps us authentic and relatable. Purpose-driven work doesn’t just resonate—it builds loyalty and trust, which are the ultimate competitive advantages in a crowded market. It’s about delivering what others can’t, in a way only we can.

Share some upcoming initiatives, projects, or solutions in the near future?

I’m excited for 2025 and all the opportunities ahead. One of the initiatives I’m most looking forward to is the roll out of Viia™, our revolutionary affinity data technology. Viia will completely transform how we connect with and engage healthcare professionals (HCPs), capturing and analyzing their preferences and behaviors across the trusted HMP channels they rely on for medical education. I can’t wait to see how our work today will shape tomorrow and deliver lasting impact in the healthcare space. Together, we’re building something truly special, and it’s completely unmatched in this market.


Company

HMP Global

Management

Amy Stephen
Vice President of Marketing
HMP Global

Description

HMP Global is the omnichannel market leader in healthcare events, education, and insight — with a mission to improve patient care. For 40 years, the company has built trusted brands including Psych Congress, the premier source for mental health education, and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), the largest wound care meeting in the world.


Inspiring Women Leaders Magazine