Ellen Spiegel is president of Strategems Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specializing in workers’ comp claims services. She also is an assemblywoman representing Henderson, and will be serving on the Legislative Committee on Health Care, Nevada Task Force on Financial Security, Commission on Educational Technology, Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance and Nevada Commission on Aging. “My work on these committees will allow me to continue to make an impact even though the Legislature is not in session and will help me develop policy considerations for the next legislative session,” Spiegel said.
You’re a pioneer in online services. Tell us about that and how it helped shape your career.
In the late 1980s, I was hired as a product developer by a joint venture of IBM and Sears called Prodigy, which was the first online service with graphics. Because no one had any relevant work experience, Prodigy hired bright, creative people with subject matter experience. We learned the power of teamwork, innovation and communication. I also learned that tremendous results can be achieved by smart, hardworking and energetic people who do not have significant experience in their field and that there is value in being open to hiring non-traditional employees.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of public service?
I appreciate having the opportunity to effect change and make a difference in people’s lives.
I recently spoke with a woman who is expecting her first child. She’s an engineer, wants to feed her newborn breast milk, and expressed concern about pumping in the (mostly male) workplace. She also told me that her best friend (an attorney who also is pregnant) shares her concern. When I told her about my Assembly Bill 113, which requires employers to give nursing mothers breaks and a clean place to pump, she was visibly relieved. That’s one less thing they have to worry about.
It’s gratifying to make such a profound impact on so many lives.
Do you ever face disadvantages or conflicts of interest being both a small-business owner and a member of the Legislature?
Because my firm has only two employees — me and my husband, Bill — doing business with any entity that comes before the Legislature can pose an ethical challenge. Accordingly, I have sought legal counsel, and in one case, sought an opinion from the Nevada Commission on Ethics before pursuing some business. While we love our Nevada clients, partly because of these challenges and partly because of my business’s target market, we focus marketing efforts outside of Nevada.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
When I started working at the Weather Channel, I moved from New York to Atlanta and had to adapt culturally. As a New Yorker, I was blunt and forthright in offering my thoughts, and my Southern colleagues were much more circumspect. My boss suggested I listen for what’s not being said and use that as the basis for my questions. This was great advice, as people are more likely to omit things than lie about them, and asking about things that were not said leads to uncovering answers that need to be heard to make solid decisions.
What’s the biggest issue facing Southern Nevada?
Access to health care. We continue to have a provider shortage, and as our population ages and continues to grow, we must increase the number of medical professionals we have in all fields. We also must find ways to make health care more affordable. For example, over the past decade, my premiums have more than doubled, while coverage has been vastly reduced. My firm (and other companies) cannot raise prices enough to cover the rampant medical inflation, and I am concerned that people will increasingly forgo medical care until they are at a crisis point.
What’s your favorite place to have fun in Las Vegas?
I love getting outside to take walks and enjoy Henderson’s many walking paths and trails, particularly those adjacent to the Pittman Wash. I also am quickly becoming an avid Golden Knights fan and enjoy going to see games, whether at the T-Mobile Arena or at a team-organized viewing party.
What is your dream job outside of your current field?
For years, I’ve said I would like to be a contestant on the Food Network’s show “Chopped,” but deep down, I’d really like to have my own television show. It would involve traveling throughout the world, learning how to make various cultures’ comfort foods and showing how so many of our comfort foods are similar. There’s little difference between Italian tortellini, Asian dumplings and Jewish kreplach. We can use food to show our similarities, build bridges between communities and improve relationships.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
Manhattan, but only if I could live as well as I live here. One of the reasons I love living in the Las Vegas area is that we have many of the advantages of living in a major city — world-class restaurants, wonderful theater and entertainment, top-flight shopping, plentiful flights (and convenient travel options) — without the congestion and major urban ills of larger cities. I am delighted we have so many livable neighborhoods and amenities for residents, and I especially love how we’ve pulled together as a community.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who complain but are unwilling to take positive action to improve outcomes. My parents would not allow me to complain about something unless I could propose a solution. I was not allowed to propose a solution that I was unwilling to act upon. That upbringing and the values that were instilled in me have made it imperative for me to do what I can to help, even if it only requires a little effort. That’s why instead of complaining about litter in public places, I often pick it up and dispose of it.
What is something that people might not know about you?
I love to cook, and I’m known for my brisket. During the legislative session, I make brisket for a community-wide Passover Seder in Carson City. Everyone is invited regardless of faith, and this year, there were about 80 attendees.