Beyond the changes due to the pandemic, what have been the biggest turning points in healthcare in recent years?
What hasn’t changed in healthcare from the pandemic? The pandemic has catapulted significant changes overnight out of necessity. What would have taken years in terms of telemedicine and access to online resources and online access to providers, happened within a few months in 2020. I can now chat with my daughters’ pediatrician, get consultations, a doctor’s note, etc.—in the evening at 6 p.m! This kind of access enables people to integrate self-care and address family medical needs easily throughout the day. The challenge is that the behaviors needed to improve medical and dental public health, and for residents to seek out the preventive care they need, remain the same despite the increased access and doesn’t necessarily increase utilization.

How do you maintain your own health/well-being?
I have always been a dancer and practice hula every week. I am working towards the next level in my halau as ho‘opa‘a (chanter), having completed the process as ‘olapa (dancer). I also try to work out with my three daughters, who all play basketball, as well as jump in the ocean as much as possible for swimming and water sports. That connection with the water is special, where the waves and salt water really do heal physically and spiritually. As the pandemic eases, gathering with family and friends regularly is essential for my kids, it is paramount for their future development into adults that value family, personal relationships, and supporting one another.

What is something people may not know about your company that you’d like to share?
This year, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary serving the people of Hawai‘i. In 1962, Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) was formed by just 15 pioneering dentists to fulfill a need in the community by creating one of the first prepaid dental coverage plans for Hawai‘i’s keiki. HDS has grown tremendously since then, having joined the Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA) in 1966. Our members have dental coverage and access to the largest dentist network across the United States.

What’s also special about HDS is our company culture—we are a modest, tight-knit team that treats each other like family. We ensure to support our employees, continue to provide training and ways to have fun together, even staying connected through the pandemic by creating a weekly newsletter called “SMILEWell in Solidarity.” The newsletter features the latest aggregated information on Covid-19, health and wellness features and tips, and weekly videos introduced by me and different employees sharing aspects of their family life. We are proud that our culture has retained so many of our long-time employees. About 25 employees have worked here for 20 years or longer, with the longest employee going on year 40!

What are the hardest lessons you’ve had to face in becoming a leading woman in power?
It is the invisibility factor. As a healthcare professional with a PhD and 20+ years of experience, there are still some moments I am seen as the assistant or supporting person. Until introduced or once the conversation starts, at times it feels like I’m nearly dismissed. I have learned to assert myself more, lead discussions, and make some hard decisions on how I want to be perceived. I found that I can still convey my expertise and leadership while being down-to-earth and exhibiting grace in a way that makes me feel seen.

What is your current daily routine?
Days start with getting the kids to three different schools (I’d advocate for better family planning or all at the same school), back-to-back meetings as I continue to become more involved in the daily operations at HDS, then preparing dinner if I am working from home that day. The pandemic changed our routines by allowing me more time in my day, rather than shuttling kids to different practices and coming home when it’s dark; but we’re slowly getting back in the flow with their afterschool activities. Saturdays are always reserved for family and Sundays are reserved for hula halau, which usually runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How do you overcome fear?
Trust in your na‘au (gut). Hawaiians feel that the emotions and conscience come from the center of your body, your core. When I follow my na‘au and seek some truth, I look to this “gut-check” and it never steers me astray. Assessing a difficult situation can add up financially or in my analytic head, but it’s always the na‘au that determines whether or not I can sleep at night.

What advice do you have for other women who may be struggling or may need a boost in their career?
Patience and timing are key aspects to leadership that don’t always get mentioned. Everyone wants faster and faster ROI, but perhaps things don’t always work because they are done immediately. There are strategic factors and relationships that need time to be cultivated—timing is everything. If I gave up after the first or second job application, I would be stuck. I was patient and learned what I could from the opportunities in front of me. When the opportunity came to lead Hawaii Dental Service, I wasn’t really seeking it. By being patient and letting the timing unfold, it was the only way I could have achieved this milestone.

On a more practical level, I am also a large proponent of mentorship. I had many different mentors everywhere along my path. Each of them helped me in different ways and I sincerely value the guidance and experiences I received. I also hope to be able to mentor other women in the same way, to share insights and knowledge gained. It’s this view I take with my daughters so they see themselves as a strong, capable and confident person—all of the values that have made their mom who she is today.