March 8 is International Women’s Day! The World Health Organization estimates that women account for 70% of the global health and social care workforce, yet hold only about 25% of leadership roles in the industry. ACHE is happy to participate in the International Hospital Federation’s #BreaktheBias campaign, part of the IHF Women in Leadership Forum’s goal to support female leaders in achieving their highest potential by offering them practical solutions to overcome issues and challenges that women are facing in the workplace.
We asked faculty for five sessions from the ACHE Congress on Healthcare Leadership to share their advice for emerging women leaders, their personal mottos, what skills have been useful in furthering their careers and what gives them hope for the future of our field.
Deesha K. Brown, JD, COO, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
Ten years ago, I developed a personal mission statement that continues to shape who I am and has definitely served as a guiding compass. It reads: “To live a life holistic in character and in spirit. To learn with each new day a new concept that enlarges my professional, spiritual, emotional or physical well-being. To love with the heart of a child—courageously and unconditionally. And, to leave a legacy that speaks with a voice that gives life to others, reaches beyond my inner circle of influence and embodies the principles of strength, courage and wisdom.” This statement is a declaration of my personal values, a beacon as to the person I am and a declaration of what motivates and inspires me.
Fayola Edwards-Ojeba, MD, Founder/CEO, RechargedMD
The increasing diversity of the new generation of health leaders gives me hope for our future. Not only are women achieving a more representative voice in healthcare leadership, but this new group of leaders represent a diverse view of healthcare. They are expanding the definition of physician leadership from expertise solely in clinical medicine to innovation at the intersections of healthcare, social advocacy, technological advances and physician wellness. I am excited to see the different ways these future leaders will lead us back to joy within medicine.
Jamie Haeuser, Principal, Haeuser Health Strategies
Have the courage of your convictions, speak out and don't allow fear to paralyze your agency. At several points in my career, I should have spoken out or been more forceful in my opposition to plans that were not in the best interests of stakeholders. Mind you, I did plenty of that, but there were a few times when I should have put my job on the line. When you have kids and a mortgage, fear can immobilize you. Don't let that happen. Call their bluff, be courageous and true to yourself.
Sunaina Kumar-Giebel, Deputy Network Director/COO, VA Rocky Mountain Network
The true definition of success involves failure. Don’t be afraid of setbacks and challenges you may encounter. They have a place in your story, in OUR stories. One day you will look back and see that. Every day is an interview. Every opportunity that comes your way, big or small—you have the ability to do what you want with it. Work hard, play hard and be kind.
Beth E. Walker, FACHE, CEO, Ochsner Baptist Medical Center, Ochsner Health
Establishing trust is one of the most important elements in leadership. It may sound obvious or simple, but it takes mindful focus and effort. And while it can take significant time (sometimes years) to build, it can be broken in one single action or incident. Evaluate how you learn to trust others, and how you support others’ trust in you. The work that can be accomplished by a team with high trust is simply tremendous.