What does it take to be an effective leader?
In this business—which is 100 percent about people—you have to love working with people and caring about them. It’s important to possess a passion for what you do, what you believe in and what’s important to you. Maintain a vision for the future while building and establishing that firm and lasting legacy today. Create a foundation with every decision, every interaction and conversation, bolstered by sound business practices. Surround yourself with good people—people with high integrity who are fully invested in you or in this work.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
To do everything I can to help those around me be successful, but recognize that I bear the responsibility if they fail.
The most difficult lesson?
Failure doesn’t have to be fatal. Turn those wounds into wisdom because, sooner or later, you will need it!
“Turn your wounds into wisdom because, sooner or later, you will need it.”
Describe yourself in three words.
According to my leadership team, I’m authentic, trustworthy and inspirational.
Is there a quote you live by, either personally or professionally? If so, what is it?
I have many, but I’ll share a quote from one of my favorite poets, Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I have also shared this one with many friends and coworkers: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Do you think women lead differently than men?
Perhaps I speak in reference only to the health care industry, but I believe we have evolved to a place in business where the lines have blurred between how men and women lead. Great leadership goes beyond gender. It lies in the heart of what makes that person, in that position, effective and successful: respect for those you lead, vision, communication, hard work, understanding what and who are important, being the first to listen, last to speak and first to act—then empowering and inspiring others to do the work! I am grateful for the amazing mentors on my journey, but I can look back and appreciate all the poor examples of leadership I have had as well, as it has helped define who I desire to be—and not be—as a leader.
