We’re proud to have a global community of female healthcare leaders and industry partners to learn from and grow alongside. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting a few women in our network whose hard work and perseverance inspires us. This year’s IWD theme is focused on #EachforEqual – the notion that gender equality is essential for building thriving communities, industries and economies.
Below, you’ll hear stories that celebrate achievements of women, provide advice for women just starting out in their careers and highlight the importance of men and women working together to learn and grow through mentorship. When we come together, collectively – regardless of our gender – we’re able to create the most positive impact on society.
Sheryl Moran, Sr. VP Customer Success at RLDatix
Who is a female role model in the healthcare space that you look up to? What have you learnt from them? How have they left a lasting impact on your life?
I don’t have any one specific role model, but I have been very fortunate to have had wonderful role models through each stage of my career, both female and male. With each, I have tried to watch, listen and learn from their actions on what to do, or in some cases, what not to do. I have learned that role models don’t need to be supervisors or people in senior positions–– a role model can be a peer who is great at communication and handling difficult situations. You can learn from them by simply observing and listening to how they handle situations on a daily basis.
You can find role models outside of a professional setting, too. Maybe your role model is your coach from a team sport, who is great at motivating the team to work together. Maybe you look up to a friend who has weathered adversity in their life, and how they respond to those situations teaches you tactics for coping with stress and life changes. I think it’s important to look at every situation and identify what you can learn from it, and how you would apply what you have learned to your own personal and professional life.
“I think it’s important to look at every situation and identify what you can learn from it, and how you would apply what you have learned to your own personal and professional life.”
What advice do you have for young females who are just starting out in their careers, whether in the healthcare industry or otherwise?
First, learn to network. It’s important to build a network and keep connected to that network because you never know where opportunities will come from or when/how your network can help support you as you encounter different challenges throughout your career. Second, a great mentor, female or male, can help you grow both professionally and personally, help you navigate your career and serve as a wonderful resource.
You may have different mentors throughout different stages of your career, so don’t be shy in making this type of connection–– your network can help you find great mentors. Lastly, if you want to be viewed as a professional, you need to put your best professional self forward in how you engage with others, how you communicate and how you present yourself. Even in very casual workplaces, there is a degree of professionalism that should always be maintained.”
“It’s important to build a network and keep connected to that network because you never know where opportunities will come from or when/how your network can help support you as you encounter different challenges throughout your career.”
Chris Power, CEO, Canadian Patient Safety Institute
Who is a female role model in the healthcare space that you look up to? What have you learnt from them? How have they left a lasting impact on your life?
I don’t really have a role model per se, but I have admired the leadership of many women in health care. I have learned from many people that I have met from all walks of life. They have helped me understand what to do and what not to do, and how to apply that to my own leadership. My greatest learnings have still come from my mother who taught me to surround myself with good people. She taught me to not be afraid of people nipping at your heels–– they will make you stronger and better. It has always served me well.
“I have learned from many people that I have met from all walks of life. They have helped me understand what to do and what not to do, and how to apply that to my own leadership.”
What advice do you have for young females who are just starting out in their careers, whether in the healthcare industry or otherwise?
Be courageous. Don’t doubt yourself and don’t try to act like a man, if you’re in a male-dominated business. Use the wonderful gifts you’ve been given such as empathy, loyalty, compassion and your innate ability multitask to move forward. Always be one day ahead of everyone else – outstrip your yesterdays with your todays. Make a difference!
Jennifer Zelmer, President and CEO, Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement
Who is a female role model in the healthcare space that you look up to? What have you learnt from them? How have they left a lasting impact on your life? Sister Elizabeth Davis has a great range of expertise and life experience, including serving as the President and CEO of the Healthcare Corporation of St. John's and as a Board member of several pan-Canadian health organizations. A strong proponent of values-based leadership, she always encouraged us to integrate our values into our work and to reflect those values not just in what we say but in where we invest time and resources.
“A strong proponent of values-based leadership, [Sister Elizabeth Davis] always encouraged us to integrate our values into our work and to reflect those values not just in what we say but in where we invest time and resources.”
What advice do you have for young females who are just starting out in their careers, whether in the healthcare industry or otherwise?
Many of the roles that you will have over the course of your career do not exist today - and those are some of the most interesting and rewarding opportunities that you will ever have.
Cheryl Kirchner, CEO and Senior Consultant, WillowTree Healthcare, LLC
Who is a female role model in the healthcare space that you look up to? What have you learnt from them? How have they left a lasting impact on your life? Carla Harris, who is the Vice Chairman, Managing Director and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley. I learned that perceptions, risk taking, authenticity and relationships are just as important as performance. You also have to expect that you will do well. She is a model for women leaders and provides practical advice in her books and TED talks. Carla was a keynote speaker at the November 2018 National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) Conference. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was about to experience a transformation in my career. Her words of wisdom were a source of resilience and were one of the prompts to launch a new company in 2019.
“Unexpected changes that impact our lives may slow you down but responding with flexibility leads to peace and productivity. Let go of the drama, stiff expectations of yourself and others, and embrace the potential of a new outlook.”
What advice do you have for young females who are just starting out in their careers, whether in the healthcare industry or otherwise?
Long term thinkers are not distracted with current circumstances; they are looking ahead to the next milestone and are preparing for the next phase in life and career so that they will not be blown by the winds of change. My dad said, “Education provides options. Some you may never use, but it is always good to have choices.” I made an investment in choosing to become a Malcolm Baldrige Examiner and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. Both have boosted my confidence and helped me land positions in leadership. Unexpected changes that impact our lives may slow you down but responding with flexibility leads to peace and productivity. Let go of the drama, stiff expectations of yourself and others, and embrace the potential of a new outlook.
Claire Aldred, Commercial Director, UK & Europe at RLDatix
How can we mentor the next generation?
“We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” — Whoopi Goldberg
I don't know for sure if we're here for a reason, but I do know that without my mentor throwing me a torch every now and then, I wouldn't be where I am today. I think often, women subconsciously or otherwise find themselves compelled to compete with other women in and out of the workplace. Coaching and mentoring the next generation of female leaders should have a focus on supporting and championing each other. Boosting confidence, empowerment and self-worth can only have a positive impact on our colleagues - and that can't be bad for business!
My favourite mentor (other than my mum of course) is a previous boss of mine. He has supported me with words of wisdom, shared his experience and really made me (and still makes me) believe in my own ability. He still mentors me today, ten years on. One of the best pieces of advice he gave me, and it sounds so obvious now, was to always have an offer of a solution when taking a problem to a manager. This approach certainly made life easier for my always busy boss but more importantly made me realize that I did have the tools to solve the issue. It made me think as a leader.
“Coaching and mentoring the next generation of female leaders should have a focus on supporting and championing each other. Boosting confidence, empowerment and self-worth can only have a positive impact on our colleagues - and that can't be bad for business! ”
When I was reflecting on this question, I initially thought I had only had male mentors in my life (other than my mum - see above). I think this is largely a generational thing as there weren’t many senior female leaders that I was exposed to early in my career. Today, thankfully, there are more women in leadership roles which is a very positive thing. Then I looked around the office and realized that my mentors were dotted all around in my colleagues and friends, meaning I have had many female mentors. Mentors don't have to be in senior positions to yourself, peer-to-peer mentoring should be encouraged so we can learn from each other.
