JudyGaman ChiefExecutiveOfficer ExecutiveMedicineofTexas
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The presence of women in healthcare leadership not only inspires the next generation but also ensures that policies reect the realities of half the population.
E t ’ s N o t e
Pearl Shaw
Pearl Shaw
She Heals, She Leads
Leading demands more than official roles; it requires
people to create meaningful change while inspiring others to follow their lead. Leaders who want to make changes actively shape new possibilities instead of passively watching for possibilities to arise. Healthcare leadership adopts deeper significance because all decisions directly influence the lives of patients. Leadership necessitates strong resilience together with visionary approaches and a devoted dedication to frontline healthcare professionals' empowerment and patient care enhancement.
Throughout history, women within healthcare have successively broken-down barriers, which demonstrate that leading has no boundary restrictions. These professionals redefine leadership by combining their authority with empathy and intelligence, along with continuous determination. Medical research and healthcare policy advancement combined with leadership positions define these women who continuously transform the healthcare system beyond their role as healthcare providers. Through their transformative leadership style, these women create a path to success that unites both creative innovation and compassionate care.
Illuminating leaders embark upon an expedition that extends beyond individual achievement since they dedicate themselves to helping others thrive. In healthcare, women executive leaders both demolish gender barriers and construct pathways through which aspiring future leaders can advance. These stories empower young professionals to achieve larger goals by encouraging them to work intensively with the goal of bringing change into the world. Leadership in healthcare exists to heal both patients and the system while building up its strength through inclusion and readiness for the future.
In this special edition, ‘Women's Day Special Edition: The 5 Most Influential Women Leaders in Healthcare 2025,’ Insights Care celebrates the extraordinary women who are transforming the industry. Their vision, dedication, and groundbreaking contributions are shaping the future of healthcare, proving that when women lead, the world moves forward. This issue is a tribute to their passion, perseverance, and power—because strong leaders build a healthier tomorrow
Hope you have an inspiring read ahead!
t e n t s
Cover Story
Judy Gaman
Crea ng a New Standard for Preven ve, Personalized, and High-Touch Healthcare
WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL EDITION:
THE 5 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN LEADERS IN HEALTHCARE, 2025
Dr. Kristen Poe
Founder & Lead Prac oner
Iman Abuzeid CEO & Co-founder
Judy Gaman
CEO Kit Kline
Founder
Toyin Ajayi
CEO & Co-founder
Poe Holis c Health poeholis chealth.com
Poe Holis c Health poeholis chealth.com
Execu ve Medicine of Texas emtexas.com
Nature Based Therapy naturebasedtherapy.com.au
Cityblock Health cityblock.com
Dr. Kristen's unique path to healthcare leadership blends pharmaceu cal experience, an MBA, and personal transforma on. Overcoming challenges, she now champions holis c wellness with empathy
Iman is a visionary leader driving innova on in healthcare staffing, empowering nurses with career opportuni es through a transforma ve pla orm.
Judy has revolu onized healthcare with her unique approach to concierge medicine, blending luxury care with cu ng-edge technology to deliver personalized, proac ve health solu ons focused on preven on.
A bold, innova ve leader, Kit blends nature therapy with modern prac ces, transforming mental health and addic on care through passion, resilience, and a vision for holis c healing.
Toyin is a passionate advocate revolu onizing community healthcare, delivering compassionate, equitable solu ons for underserved popula ons.
Brief
Featuring Person
Organiza on
Cover Story
Judy Gaman
Creating a New Standard for Preventive, Personalized, and High-Touch Healthcare
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As the child of a nurse, I was constantly surrounded by healthcare. It made me realize that many diseases don’t need to happen if we take action early enough.
JudyGaman ChiefExecutiveOfficer
ExecutiveMedicineofTexas
JUDY GAMAN
Women’s Day Special Edition: The 5 Most Inuential Women Leaders in Healthcare, 2025
Thehealthcareindustryhaswitnessednumerous
advancements,yetitsmostrevolutionarychange camefromtheguidingvisionofhealthcare leadershipcommittedtodiseasepreventionandpatientspecificapproaches. ,aforward-thinking JudyGaman CEO,hasnotonlypioneeredanewmodelofpatientcare buthasredefinedwhatitmeanstoliveahealthylife.Asa leaderinconciergemedicine,shehasmeldedluxury healthcarewithprogressivetechnologytoprovidepatients withacomprehensive,proactive,andcustomizedapproach totheirhealth.Herreputationhassolidifiedherpositionas atrustedleaderknownforassemblingandleadinga dynamicteamdedicatedtothetransformationof preventativemedicine.
Judy’scompany, ,standsat ExecutiveMedicineofTexas theforefrontofpersonalizedhealthandpreventive medicine.Focusingonexecutivephysicals,genetic assessments,advanceddiagnostics,andcognitivehealth initiatives,thepracticeprovidesauniqueexperienceaimed atenablingpatientstomanagetheirhealthproactively beforeillnessdevelops.Thenovelstrategyofmerging upscalehealthcarewithearlydiagnosisandinterventionisa definingfeatureofthepractice’sdistinctivevalue proposition.Herleadership,vision,andcommitmentto prioritizingthepatienthaveestablishedExecutiveMedicine ofTexasasoneofthemostreliablenamesinhealthand wellness.
InJudy’sperspective,healthcarehasalwaysmeant somethingpersonal.Herpatient-centeredpathtoleadership inhealthcarestemsfromathoroughknowledgeofmedical administrationaswellasclinicalprocedures.Drawingfrom herexperienceinclinicalresearch,alongwithher dedicationtohealthscienceadvancementandyearsof observinghealthcaresystembreakdowns,sheandthe foundersbuiltamodelthatfocusesonsustainablehealth outcomes.Underherguidance,thecompanyhasgrown exponentially,successfullyservingclientswitha philosophythatvaluespatientrelationships,education, advanceddiagnostics,andresults.
Let’s learn how Judy is transforming healthcare through personalized, preventive, and patient-centered concierge medicine!
TheGenesisofaHealthcareVisionary
Judy’scareerhasbeendefinedbyacommitmentto reimaginingwhathealthcarecanlooklike.Growingupina healthcareenvironment,shewitnessedfirsthandhowthe
systemoftenprioritizesreactivecareratherthanproactive, preventivemeasures.“Asthechildofanurse,Iwas constantlysurroundedbyhealthcare,”sheshared.“Itmade merealizethatmanydiseasesdon’tneedtohappenifwe takeactionearlyenough.”Afterworkinginvariousroles withinhealthcare—clinicalresearch,administration,and spendingsignificantbackofficetimeinaprimarycare setting—sherecognizedapattern:thetraditionalmodelof healthcarewasn’tsustainable.Patientsoftenfeltneglected orfrustratedwiththelackoftimeandattentiongivento theiruniquehealthneeds.Doctors,too,wereoverwhelmed byadministrativeburdensandhighpatientvolume.
In2005,thefoundersofExecutiveMedicinemadeapivotal shiftinhercareerandsetouttocreateanewmodelofcare, onethatemphasizesprevention,education,andcuttingedgemedicaltechnology.Thismodelwouldaimtoprovide amoreholisticapproachtohealthcarethatgoesbeyond treatingsymptomsandaddressestherootcausesofillness. “Manypeopleweremoreinterestedina$5co-paythan investingintheirlongevity,”Judyexplained,recallingthe initialchallengesshefacedineducatingthepublicabout thevalueofpreventivecare.However,asthepublicgrew moreattunedtotheimportanceofhealth,thedemandfor preventiveandpersonalizedcareincreased.Post-pandemic, ExecutiveMedicineofTexasexperiencedexponential growthyearafteryear,provingthattheirvisionwasfinally beginningtoresonate.
Attheheartofherphilosophyliesadeepbeliefin providingpatientswiththetoolsandknowledgetheyneed tomakeinformeddecisionsabouttheirhealth.ThispatientcentricapproachhashelpedExecutiveMedicineofTexas notonlyattractaloyalclientbasebutalsorevolutionizethe wayhealthcareisexperienced.“Ourpatientsknowthey haveahealthcareteam,withtheirExecutiveMedicine physicianastheirquarterback.”
Many people were more interested in a $5 co-pay than investing in their longevity. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘
PioneeringaPersonalizedApproachtoHealthcare
ExecutiveMedicineofTexas’approachtohealthcareis anythingbuttraditional.Theyofferalevelofcarethat combinesthelatestadvancementsinmedicinewithan exceptional,personalizedexperience.Oneofthekey featuresoftheirofferingsisthehalf-daycomprehensive physicalexam,whichincludescutting-edgediagnostics, cognitivehealthassessments,over100differentlabvalues, andsomuchmore.Theseservicesallowthemedicalteam tonotonlymonitorapatient’scurrenthealthstatusbutto alsopredictpotentialhealthrisks,makingitpossibleto addressissuesbeforetheybecomeproblems.
“Acrosstheboard,themostcommonresponseIhearfrom ourpatientsis,‘Thedoctorwalkedintotheroomandhad alreadyreviewedmythirty-pagehealthintakeforms,’”she shared.Thislevelofpreparationandattentiontodetailis exactlywhatsetsExecutiveMedicineofTexasapartfrom otherhealthcareproviders,offeringatailoredapproachthat makespatientsfeeltrulyseenandheard.Inadditiontotheir signaturephysicalexams,thereareadd-onoptions includinggenetictesting,telomeretesting,measuring micronutrientlevelswithinthecell,brainmapping,and others.
Moreover,herphilosophyofinvestinginone’shealth resonatesdeeplywiththecompany’sclients.“Onething peoplehavebeguntounderstandisthattheycaninvestin theirhealth,”Judyexplained,referencingarecent conversationwithapatient.Forthosewhovaluepreventive care,it’saninvestmentthatpaysdividendsinlongevityand qualityoflife.Byfocusingonearlydetectionand maintainingoptimalhealth,patientscanavoidthepitfallsof reactivehealthcare,whichcanbecostlyandleadtoless thandesirableoutcomes.
LeadingwithEmpathyandVision
AsaCEO,Judyisdeeplycommittedtonotonlyleadingher companybutalsoensuringthateverymemberofherteam embodiesthesamelevelofcare,dedication,andempathy thatshebelievesiscrucialtoprovidingexceptionalservice. Shebelievesthatleadershipbeginswithcommunication, andsheworkstirelesslytoalignherteamwiththe company’scorevaluesandvision.It’salsowithinher personallifemissionstatement,whichhangsonheroffice wall,tocreateleaders.Thisissomethingshehasclearly donewithinherteam.
Across the board, the most common response I hear from our patients is, ‘The doctor walked into the room and had already reviewed my thirtypage health intake forms.
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“Wehavemandatoryall-staffmeetingsinadedicated classroom-likespace,”sheexplained.“Everyoneneedsto understandwhoourpatientsare,whattheirneedsare,and whatstandardswemustuphold.”Thiscomprehensive approachensuresthateveryteammember,fromthefront desktothedoctorsthemselves,isfullyimmersedinthe company’smissiontoprovideexceptionalpatientcareand uncommonhospitality.Indoingso,Judyalsoencourages herstafftogothroughthepatientexperiencethemselvesto cultivateempathy
Thiscommitmenttopersonalizedcareextendstothe languageandstructureofthecompany.AtExecutive MedicineofTexas,thereareno“Receptionists”—instead, thereare“DirectorsofFirstImpressions”and“Patient ExperienceSpecialists”whoarededicatedsolelyto ensuringthateverypatienthasthebestpossibleexperience, fromthemomenttheywalkthroughthedooruntiltheir follow-upcareiscomplete.“Thismodelworksbecause everystaffmemberisempoweredtocontributetothe vision,”sheexplained,underscoringtheimportanceofa cohesiveandalignedteam.
EducatingandEmpoweringPatients
Inadditiontoofferinginnovativehealthservices,Judy placesasignificantemphasisoneducatingpatients.She believesthataninformedpatientisanempoweredpatient. Thateducationplaysakeyroleinensuringlong-term healthandwellness.ExecutiveMedicineofTexasoffersa personalizedexperiencethatincludesnotonlytestsand diagnosticsbutalsocomprehensiveactionplans.These planshelppatientsnavigatehowtoimplementlifestyle changes,suchasimprovingdiet,exercise,andsleep patterns.
Aftertheirphysicalexam,“Patientsleavewitha comprehensivetwo-inchbinderfilledwiththeirresults, explanations,andapersonalizedactionplan,”sheshared. “Unliketraditionalcheck-upswhereadoctormightoffer broadadvicelike,‘Eathealthierandloseweight,’we providespecificguidanceonhowtoachievethosegoals.” ThispersonalizedcareispreciselywhatsetsExecutive MedicineofTexasapartfromthecrowdedlandscapeof traditionalhealthcare.
Ashealthcarebecomesmorecomplex,thetailoredservice atExecutiveMedicineofTexasallowspatientstonavigate theirhealthjourneyswithconfidence,backedbydatadriveninsightsandexpertrecommendations.Thebestpart beingthattheydon’thavetodoitalone.Concierge programsgivethepatientthesupporttheyneedthroughout theyear.
TheTransformativePowerofPreventiveCare
Judyhaswitnessedfirsthandthelife-changingeffectsof earlyinterventionandpreventivecare.Oneofthemost rewardingaspectsofherworkishearingstoriesfrom patientswhoseliveshavebeensavedordramatically improvedthankstotheproactiveapproachtakenby ExecutiveMedicineofTexas.
Forexample,sherecalledapatientwhocameinwith numeroushealthcomplaints,includingdizziness,weight gain,andalonglistofmedications.Afterconducting extensivetesting,Judy’steamdiscoveredthatthepatient’s medicationswereinteractingnegatively,exacerbatingher symptoms.Byreducingunnecessarymedicationsand addressingtherootcausesofherissues,thepatientwas abletoregaincontrolofherlife.“Sixmonthslater,shewas acompletelydifferentperson,”shesaid.“Thetraditional medicinemodelhadturnedherintoachemistryproject.If shehadcontinueddownthesamepath,shelikelywouldn’t havelivedmuchlonger.”
Anotherpowerfulstoryinvolvesanentrepreneurwho soughtanexecutivephysicalasapreventativemeasurebut wasdiagnosedwithtailbonecancerafteraCTscan.Within days,thecancerwasremoved,andjusttwoweekslater,he wasbacktoplayingbaseballwithhiskids.“Early detectionssavelives,”Judynoted,emphasizingthe importanceofpreventivescreeningsandcutting-edge diagnostics.“Hewassymptomfreeyetbrewingsomething thatcouldhavespreadquickly.”
ChallengesandTriumphs
AsaCEO,JudyrecognizesthechallengesExecutive Medicinehasfacedalongtheway,“Whenwestartedin 2005,manypeoplewerestillmoreconcernedwiththe affordabilityofhealthcarethanwithinvestingintheirlongtermwell-being.”Thepandemicaffectedmanyindustries butperhapsnonemorethanthemedicalfield.“Youhateto saythepandemicwasgoodforbusiness,butitwas.People startedtotakenoticeoftheirhealthinawholenewway.”
Asthehealthcarelandscapecontinuestoevolve,Judy’s companyispreparingforthefuturebymaintainingitsfocus onadvancingtechnology.“It’sanexcitingtimeforboth patientsandproviders.Asalways,wewillcontinuetobring cutting-edgemedicineanddosowithanuncommonlevel ofservice.”
AFinalWordofWisdom
Asasuccessfulleader,Judyhaslearnedtheimportanceof balancingwork,health,andpersonallife.“Weliveina worldofconstantconnectivity—emails,notifications,and stressorsfloodourlives24/7,”shesaid.“Beingamotherof teninablendedfamily,sixgrandchildren,andathriving careerhasitschallenges.Iunderstandthehealthpitfallsof busyexecutivesonareallevel.”Herdedicationtohelping individualsfindharmonyintheirbusylivesisyetanother testamenttoherleadershipandvisionaryapproach.
Forwomeninhealthcarelookingtofollowinherfootsteps, Judyoffersthefollowingadvice:“Findagoodmentor, masterworkingwith all people,andneverdoitforthe money.”Itisherbeliefthatwhenpassiondrivesyou, successwillfollow,andtheimpactyoucanhaveonthe worldofhealthcarewillbeimmeasurable.
Women in Healthcare
N A V I G A T I N G Workand Life
Inthebusyworldoftoday,womeninhealthcare
professionalsareleadingthewaytotransformthe businessofhealthcareandenhancethequalityofcare. Asphysiciansandnursesoradministratorsandsupport staff,womenareleadingthewayinthehealthcareindustry, givingtheirlivestocareforothers.Despitethefactthat theircareerisveryrewarding,abalancebetweencareer challengesandhomeliferemainsanunresolvedissue.To strikeabalancebetweenthedemandsofacareer,family needs,one'sownwell-being,andsocialresponsibilitiesis anissuethatstillconfrontsmosthealthcarewomenona dailybasis.
TheGrowingNumberofWomeninHealthcare
Womenhavebeenholdingthehealthcareprofessionsin largernumbersoverthedecades.Womendominatethe ranksofthehealthprofessionals,atleastaccordingtothe U.S.BureauofLaborStatistics,sincetheyrepresentover 75%ofallnurses.Womenarealsobecomingmorecommon amongthosestudyingformedicine,dentistry,andhealth administrationdegrees,furtherdrawingthemintothe profession.Andyet,foralltheirexposure,mostofthese womendoctorsarestillfindingitdifficulttomakeittough tohaveameaningfullifeawayfromtheirhecticprofession.
TheChallengeofFindingWork-LifeBalance
Themedicalfieldisalsorenownedforlonghours,stress, andemotionalstrain.Forwomen,itisabalancingact. Patientcare,managingamedicalpractice,orextended hospitalshifts,womenphysiciansworklongerhoursand sacrificepersonaltimetoofferqualitycare.Theenergy expenditureofbeing"on-call"24/7andtheemotional expenditureofpatientcareprovidelittlereserveenergyfor achievingawork-lifebalance.
Familyobligationsarealsoastumblingblock.Tomany women,especiallythosewithchildrenorelderly dependentstocarefor,itischallengingtohavetimeto balanceworkandhomelife.Visitingschoolevents,helping outwithhouseholdchores,orservingasanemotional stabilizertofamilymembersalltendtoconflictwiththe gruelingdemandsofhealthcarework.Thus,female healthcareprofessionalstendtoburnoutorgetstressedand thatisreflectedintheirpersonalaswellasprofessional lives.
OvercomingtheChallenges
Eventhoughbalancingworkandlifeinthehealth professionisreallychallenging,womenhavenumerous waysthroughwhichtheycanincreasebalancingofduties. Oneofthestrongestwaysisbysettingforthclear-cut divisionsbetweenprivateandprofessionallife.Agood illustrationofthisincludessettingforthdefiniteworkand recreationaltime,andadheringtosuchboundaries,toallow womentorecoveroff-workfreetime.
Yetanotherskillthatonefindsusefulisself-care.The healthworkersarecaringandselflessintheirtreatmentof others,yetoneshouldcareforoneselfalso.Oneimproves physicalandmentalwell-beingthroughexercise,one's hobby,orevensimplerelaxation.Thewomenalsohaveto talkwithfriends,kin,orself-helpgroupssuchthattheyare abletosharetheirexperienceswitheachotherandlearn fromoneanotherwhoenduresthesameconcerns.
Flexibleschedulingandteleworkpracticeshavealso expandedinthemajorityofhealthcareorganizations. Telemedicine,forexample,allowshealthcareworkersto treatpatientsremotely,andschedulingislessrigid. Hospitalsandclinicsthatsupportshiftflexibilityorjob sharingareinabetterpositiontomakeiteasyforwomento handlefamilyissuesandworkresponsibilities.
SupportiveWorkEnvironments
Thesecondwork-lifebalancesecretforthehealthcare industryisaqualityworkplace.Thiscanbeachievedby havinggoodleadership,opencommunication,andthe emphasisonteamwork.Aslongastherearehealthcare institutionsthatpromotework-lifebalancethroughthe appropriatepolicies,womenwillbemoremotivatedand empoweredintheworkplace.
Flexibleleavessuchasfamilysickleaveorpaidparent leavecaneasetheburdenonwomenwhohavetotakeleave forpersonalreasons.Creatingacultureofempathywhere employeesarepermittedtobalancetheworklifeand personallifecancurtailstressandpreventburnout.
Furthermore,professionalcontactsandmentorshipare particularlyusefultowomendoctors.Exposuretoother womendoctorswhohavetraveledthroughsimilarobstacles helpsinprovidingsupport,advice,andmotivation. Mentorshipmakeswomenbelievethattheydonothave issuesaloneandhelpsthemacquiretoolstomanagestress inlifeandwork.
TheFutureofWomeninHealthcare
Asincreasingnumbersofwomenbecomehealthworkers andstepintomanagement,thefutureofwomenin healthcareisrosy.Employersareincreasinglyrecognizing thebenefitsofservingadiverseandinclusivegroupand offeringperksthatattractwomen.Fromflexiblework arrangementstomentalhealthresources,health organizationsaregraduallyrespondingtoconcernsof womenintryingtobalancelifeandcareer.
Butmuchmoremuststillbedone.Leadershippositions withgapsmustbefilled.Paydifferencesbetweenmenand womenmustbereduced.Tomaintainthemomentumin demandingequalopportunity,betterwork-homebalance, andhealthyworkenvironments,healthcarewomencan makeapathwayforgenerationsofsuccessatworkandat home.
Conclusion
Womenemployeesinthehealthcaresectorarethepillarsof thehealthcaresector,takingcareofandnursingmillions everyday.
Buttheircareerandlifeareadailybalancingact.Byselfcare,settingboundaries,andworkinginconducive environments,womencannavigatetheunstablework-life balance.Withflexibleworkarrangementsbeingenhanced andmentalhealthontheagenda,womeninhealthcare professionalscontinuetoanticipateanevenbrighterfuture astheystrivetoachievesatisfactionbothintheworkplace andinthehome.
-Natalie May
GLOBAL SUBSCRIPTION
KitKline
Pioneering a New Era in Mental Health with Nature Based Therapy
Fearless,visionary,andunstoppable—KitKlineprovesthatwomeninleadership aren’tjustheretoparticipate;we’reheretotransform.
Kit’sstoryisoneofcourageandconviction.AstheFounderofNatureBasedTherapy,she hasredefinedwhathealthcarecanbe.Aftertwodecadesofsocialworkexperienceandmental healthandaddictionexperienceKitunderstoodthatgenuinehealingsurpassesconventional therapeuticapproaches.Thepathtohealingliesinforgingconnectionsthatextendtonature alongwithourcommunitiesandourindividualselves.
Kitenteredhealthcarewithanintenttotransformitswholestructure.Sheidentified substantialgapsspecificallywithinmentalhealthservicesandaddictioncaresosheinitiated strategicactionstoaddresstheseunmetneeds.Herinnovativeapproachcombinesnature therapywithpowerfultoolsthathealandempowerpeoplewhilebringingsomethingnewto moderntherapeuticpractices.
Herleadershipisaperfectmixofpassion,resilience,andabeliefthatthingscanbe better.Kit’sworkshowsusthatwhenweleadwithpurposeandheart,wehavethe powertocreatelastingchange.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
I’ve redefined success. It’s not just about professional achievements but about how present I can be in my personal life, how much joy I experience, and how aligned I feel with my purpose.
Canyoutellusaboutyourbackgroundandwhat inspiredyoutopursueacareerinhealthcare leadership?
Ihaveabackgroundinsocialwork,mentalhealth,and addictions,withover20yearsofexperienceasacounsellor, clinicalsupervisor,andeducator.Myjourneyinto healthcareleadershipwasnotatraditionalone—Ididn’t startwithagoaltobecomealeader.Instead,Ifollowedmy passionforcreatingmeaningfulchange,particularlyin integratingnature-basedinterventionsintohealthcare.
Isawfirsthandhowpeoplestrugglingwithmentalhealth andaddictionfeltdisconnected—notjustfromsocietybut fromthemselves.Iknewthatthetraditionalsystemwas missingsomethingfundamental:aconnectiontonature,a recognitionofthewholeperson,andaproactiveapproach ratherthanareactiveone.FoundingNatureBasedTherapy wasaleapoffaith,butIbelievedinit.Leadership,tome, hasalwaysbeenaboutpushingboundaries,rethinkingwhat ispossible,andhavingthecouragetochallengeoutdated systems.
Canyoudescribeapivotalmomentinyourcareerthat shapedyourleadershipstyle?
OnedefiningmomentwasmyworkinAboriginalhealth, whereIwitnessedthepowerofculturallyresponsive, community-ledhealing.Ilearnedthatrealleadershipisn’t abouthavingalltheanswers—it’saboutlisteningdeeply,
empoweringothers,andcreatingspacefordifferent perspectives.
Anotherpivotalmomentwasdecidingtoleavethesecurity ofmainstreamemploymenttobuildmyownorganization. Itwasterrifying,butIknewthatifIwantedtotruly innovate,Ihadtotakerisks.Thatexperiencetaughtmethat leadershiprequirescourage,adaptability,andawillingness tofailforward.Myleadershipstyleisnowdeeplyrootedin theseprinciples—trustingintuition,embracinguncertainty, andbelievingthateverychallengeisanopportunityto reimaginewhat’spossible.
Howdoyoubalancethedemandsofyourprofessional rolewithyourpersonallife?
Balanceisn’taboutperfecttimemanagement;it’sabout beingintentionalwithyourenergy.Forme,natureisnonnegotiable.Whetherit'scamping,swimming,orsimply walkingoutside,naturerechargesmeandgivesmeclarity
Ialsothinkoutsidetheboxwhenitcomestostructuringmy work.Insteadoffollowingarigidnine-to-fivemodel,I integrateworkinawaythatalignswithmynatural rhythms.SometimesthebestideascomewhenI’mnotat mydeskbutoutintheworld,experiencinglife.Ialsotrust myteam—leadershipisn’taboutdoingeverythingyourself butempoweringotherstostepupandcontribute.
Mostimportantly,I’veredefinedsuccess.It’snotjustabout professionalachievementsbutabouthowpresentIcanbe inmypersonallife,howmuchjoyIexperience,andhow alignedIfeelwithmypurpose.
Whatdoyouconsidertobethemostpressingchallenge facinghealthcaretoday,andhowareyouaddressingit inyourorganization?
Oneofthebiggestchallengesisthathealthcareremains reactiveratherthanpreventative.Wewaituntilpeopleare incrisisratherthanequippingthemwiththetoolsto maintainwell-being.Thesystemisoverburdened, understaffed,andoutdated.
AtNatureBasedTherapy,I’maddressingthisbyrethinking howhealthcareisdelivered.Iadvocatefornature-based socialprescribing—integratingoutdoorinterventions, mindfulness,andcommunitysupportintomainstream healthcare.Ialsofocusontrainingprofessionalsdifferently, ensuringtheyhavetoolsbeyondtraditionalclinicalmodels.
Innovationmeanschallengingnorms—wedon’thaveto keepdoingthingsthewaythey’vealwaysbeendone.It’s timeforbold,creativesolutionsthatprioritizeconnection, prevention,andwhole-personhealing.
Howhaveyouleveragedtechnologyandinnovationto improvepatientcareorhealthcaredeliveryinyour role?
Whilemyworkiscentredaroundnature,Ialsorecognize thepoweroftechnologyinexpandingaccessibility.I’ve developedonlinetraining,webinars,andresourcestobring nature-basedtherapytomoreprofessionalsand communities.
I’malsolaunchingaYouTubechanneltosharereal, authenticstoriesfrompractitionersworkingwithnatureasa healingmodality.Toooften,healthcareisdrivenbyreports andstatistics—buthumanstoriesconnectusinwaysdata nevercan.
Trueinnovationisn’tjustaboutadoptingnewtools—it’s aboutrethinkinghowwecommunicate,learn,andconnect. I’malwayslookingathowtechnologycanenhance—not replace—thehumanandnaturalelementsofhealing.
Asawomaninaleadershipposition,whatstrategies haveyouemployedtoovercomegender-related obstaclesinyourcareer?
I’vefacedmomentswheremyvoicewasoverlooked,ormy ideasdismissed.Insteadofconforming,Ileanedintomy authenticity—Irefusedtofitintoaleadershipmoldthat didn’tresonatewithme.
Ialsostoppedwaitingforpermissionandstartedcreating myownopportunities.Ifaspacedidn’texistformywork,I builtit.IfIfacedresistance,IsawitasconfirmationthatI waspushingnecessaryboundaries.
Forotherwomen,myadviceis:takerisks,ownyourspace, andbelieveinyourselfevenwhenothersdon’t.True leadershipisn’taboutprovingyourselftoothers—it’sabout knowingyourworthandactingaccordingly
Howdoyoufosterdiversity,equity,andinclusionwithin yourorganizationandthebroaderhealthcareindustry?
Diversityisn’tjustacheckbox—it’safundamentalshiftin howweapproachcare,leadership,anddecision-making.
IensurethatIndigenousknowledgesystemsaredeeply integratedintomywork,recognizingtheirvaluealongside Westernmedicalmodels.Ialsoprioritizetraining professionalsinculturallyresponsivecare,ensuringthat peoplefromallbackgroundsfeelseenandsupported.
Beyondmyorganization,Iadvocateforsystemicchange, pushingforpoliciesthatelevatemarginalizedvoicesand rethinkpowerstructuresinhealthcare.Realinclusion requirescourage—itmeanscallingoutinequities,having uncomfortableconversations,andbeingwillingtochange thewaythingsaredone.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetoyoungwomenaspiringto leadershiprolesinhealthcare?
Thinkbiggerthanthesystemyouseeinfrontofyou.If somethingisn’tworking,don’tjustadapttoit—challenge it.
Trustyourintuition.Thebestleadersaren’ttheoneswho followtherulebook;they’retheoneswhoseeabetterway andhavethecouragetopursueit.
Takerisks.There’snoperfectmomenttostepup,no guaranteedroadmaptosuccess.Thebiggestleapsinmy careercamewhenIsaidyesbeforeIfeltready
Andfinally,surroundyourselfwithpeoplewhobelievein you.Leadershipisn’tasolojourney.Findmentors,builda strongnetwork,andneverletanyoneconvinceyouthat you’redreamingtoobig.Thefutureofhealthcareneeds bold,innovativewomenwhoaren’tafraidtoshakethings up.
Diversityand Inclusion inHealthcare Leadership
Inthepasttwoyears,diversityandinclusionhavemade
asignificantstrideinallsectors,includingthehealth sector Ashealthcarenetworkstransitionworldwide, diversityandinclusionofleadershipcannotbeevaded. Diversityinhealthcareandinclusiveleadershipcanboost innovation,patientcare,andorganizationalperformance more.
WhatHealthcareDiversityandInclusionLeadership Mean
Healthcareleadershipdiversitywouldtranslatetothe presenceofmembersofdifferentgroups,whichinclude ethnicorigin,race,gender,socioeconomicstatus,disability, andsexualorientations.Itisareflectionofsocietyatlarge towhichhealthcareorganizationsrendertheirservices. Conversely,inclusionisthewayonecreatesasettingin whicheveryone,irrespectiveofwheretheycomefrom, feelsrespected,valued,andthattheycancontribute positively.Diversityandinclusioninhealthcareleadership arethefoundationsforpositivechangeandimproved decision-makingwithinhealthcareorganizations.
TheBenefitsofDiversityandInclusioninHealthcare Leadership
1.ImprovedPatientCareandOutcomes
Themostsolidjustificationforfosteringdiversityand inclusionatthehealthcareleadershiplevelsisthatit improvespatientcare.Arepresentative,diverseleadership candidatepoolwillmakedecisionsinthebestinterestofall patienttypes.Culturalcompetence,orknowledgeofhowto understand,appreciate,andfunctionwithotherthanone's ownculture,isparamounttohealthcare.Diverseleaders possessdiverseexperienceandviewpointsthatcanbe utilizedindevelopingpolicies,strategies,andpracticesthat aresensitivetomeetingtheneedsofdiversepatient populations.
Why It Matters
Inaddition,researchhasalsoconfirmedthathealthteams thataremorediversecanaddresshealthdisparitiesbetter. Thoseleaderswhounderstandthedistinctchallengesfacing marginalizedcommunitiesarebestsuitedtooffercareona fairbasis,and,assuch,improvehealthforallpatients.
2.InnovationandCreativity
Diversityleadershipinthehealthsectoralsofosters creativityandinnovation.Collaborationwithindividualsof diversebackgroundsengagesdissimilarthinking,problemsolvingskills,andexposure.Thethoughtdiversitythat arisesallowsfornovelapproachesaswellassolutionsto multifacetedissuesinthehealthindustry.Buildingaculture anddevelopingsuchleadershipthatfosterscreative thinkingultimatelyresultsincreativesolutionsemerging.
Forexample,multiculturalleadershipteamsareexpectedto bringforthnewconceptsinpatientcare,healthtechnology, andorganizationalmanagement.Thesecanbeequatedto quality,efficiency,andaccessimprovements,andultimately thehealthcaresystemandpatientsareenhanced.
3.ImprovedDecision-Making
Decision-makinginthehealthcareindustryisintricateand necessitatesleaderstotakeintoaccountmanyissues,for example,patienttreatment,legallimitations,money,and employees.Leadersofmulticulturalgroupscanmake decisionstakingintoaccountmultipleperspectives,hence makingwell-informedandbalanceddecisions.Opinions' diversityhelpsbringinpotentialblindspots,avoiding groupthinksyndromes,andinvolvingallmembers.
Secondly,inclusiveleadershipalsocreatesroomfor opennessincommunicationwheretheleaderswillbe willingtolistentocommentsfromanyoftheirworkers. Withthis,theworkerswillbeabletohelpprovidemore qualityhealthcareservicesalignedwithorganizationaland communityvalues.
4.EnhancedEmployeeSatisfactionandRetention
Aninclusiveanddiverseleadershipteamwillalsotrickle downandhaveapositiveimpactonemployeeretentionand satisfaction.Healthcareworkers,particularlythoseof historicallyunderrepresentedgroups,willbetreatedwith morerespectandappreciationwhentheyareabletowitness aleadershipthatislikethemorwhocomprehendwhatthey havebeenthrough.Feelingpartoftheorganization enhancesjobsatisfaction,preventsburnout,andcreatesa cultureofrespectandcollaboration.
Inclusiveleadershipstylessuchasopportunityforcareer growthforall,provisionofmentorshipprograms,and combatingimplicitbiascanhavemoreinclusiveandworkfriendlyplaces.Therefore,thehealthfacilitieswillbe retainingtheirbeststaff,andcarecontinuityisimprovedin
additiontotheorganizationbeingcapableofrendering goodqualityservices.
5.FightingSystemicInequality
Healthcareorganizationshavehistoricallybeenchallenged toaddresssystemicinequitiesthataffectprovidersand patients.Diversityandinclusionleadershiparenecessaryto exposeanderadicatesuchinequities.Diversity-sensitive leaderswillbemorelikelytonoticetheobstacles underrepresentedgroupsfaceinobtaininghealthcare,as wellastheobstaclesthesegroupsfaceintheworkplace.
Withafocusondiversityandinclusion,healthcareleaders cancallpoliciesthatcompriseequityintheformof equitablerecruitment,equitabletreatmentinoffering educationanddevelopmentopportunities,andincreased minorityleadership.Byequityofattention,everygapin accesstocareandqualitycaredisparitieswillbe minimized,andtherewillbenogapthroughwhichquality orcareavailabilityslips.
TheChallengesofAchievingDiversityandInclusionin HealthcareLeadership
Inspiteoftheprimafaciemeritsofdiversityandinclusion, itsrealizationinhealthleadershipmightstillnotbesecured. Structuraldeterrentssuchasdiscrimination,stereotyping, andunequalaccesstoleadershippositionsmayhindersome sectionsofthepopulacefrombeingbetterrepresented withintheleadershipgroups.Beyondthis,implicitbias coupledwithinadequatelevelsofculturalcompetencein decision-makingcanunderminemotivationforinclusive environments.
Inordertoovercomethesechallenges,healthcare organizationsoughttoinvestindiversityandinclusion activitiesthathavetodowithrecruitment,retention,and developmentofdiverseemployees.Theseshouldbe complementedwithregulartraining,mentoring,and organizationalculturedevelopmentthatisdiversityand inclusionsensitive.
Conclusion
Healthcarediversityandinclusionarenotmerelyethical necessities;theyareroutestoimprovedpatientcare, innovation,anduprootingdeep-seateddiscrimination.As thehealthsectorkeepschanging,itismorecriticalthat diversityandinclusionbecomeapriorityagendain healthcareorganizationsatallmanagementlevels.Bydoing so,healthsystemsaremaderesponsivetovariouspatient groups,andafriendlyandmorehospitablework environmentiscreatedforhealthcareworkers.Thehealth carefuturereliesonleadershipthatisasdiverseand representativeasthepopulationstobeserved.
-Natalie May
Dr. Kristen Poe
Elevating Healthcare to New Heights with a Vision for Wellness
Dr.KristenPoe Founderand LeadPractitioner PoeHolisticHealth
Dr.KristenPoe’sjourneytobecomingaleaderin
healthcareistrulyunique.Atthebeginningofher collegeyearssheconsideredamedicalschoolpath likeherfatherbutanunexpectedinternshipwithahuge pharmaceuticalcompanychangedhercareerfocus.After earninganMBAinMarketing,shespentyearsworkingin thepharmaceuticalindustryandco-owningabeauty business.However,herpassiontobecomeahealthcare practitionerneverleftherheart.
Facedwithpersonalhurdlesfeaturingbadhealthdecisions andapainfulrelationshipsheembarkedonapathoflifealteringtransformation.Dr.Poededicatedherselfto improvingherphysicalstatealongwithheremotionalstate byembracingnutritiouseatinghabitsthatledherto personaltrainingthenfitnesscompetitionlevels.Through thistransformativeprocessherbodyevolvedbuthermind andsoulflourishedwhichrestoredherenthusiasmfor healthcarepractice.
Determinedtomakehermarkinhealthandwellness,Dr PoepursuedstudiesinFunctionalMedicine,nutrition, NaprapathicMedicine,andSexology Afternearlyadecade ofrigoroustraining,sheopenedherpractice,PoeHolistic Health,in2019.Today,Dr.Poe,FounderandLead PractitionerofPoeHolisticHealth,leadswithempathy, resilience,andadeepcommitmenttohelpingothers optimizetheirhealth.Herleadershipfocusesongenuine commitmentandpassionateservicewhileworkingto provideholisticwellnesssolutionsforeveryone.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
Canyoudescribeapivotalmomentinyourcareerthat shapedyourleadershipstyle?
ApivotalmomentinmycareerwaswhenIdecidedtoleave mysalesandmarketingcareerandgobacktoschoolto pursuehealthcare.Balancingcoursework,clinicalhours, andraisingthreeyoungchildrenwasincredibly challenging,andthereweredaysIquestionedifitwas worthit.Startingoverandopeningmyownpracticewas terrifying,butmypassionkeptmegoing.Stayingtrueto myself,evenonthetoughestdays,becamemymantra.The resilienceIdevelopedwhilebuildingmypracticetaughtme thatthegreatestleadershipqualityistheabilitytopush throughadversity.Asaleader,thebestinfluenceIcanoffer bothtomyteamandmychildrenisshowingup,evenwhen itfeelsimpossible.Stayingconnectedtomypassionshas beenkeyinmaintainingmotivationandovercoming challenges.
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It’sthosepassionsthatdriveme,especiallywhentheroad getstough.
Howdoyoubalancethedemandsofyourprofessional rolewithyourpersonallife?
Thisisatoughoneandalwaysaworkinprogress.The hardestthingisbalance!Life,motherhood,andworknever seemtoperfectlyalign!EverythingIdoisformyfamily, buthealthandwellnessremainmytoppriorityformyself andthoseIlove.I’mfortunatetohaveasupportivehusband whoalsoprioritizeshealth,andtogether,weensurethat goodnutrition,exercise,andsleepcomefirst.Ibelieveif you’renothealthy,everythingelseinlifesuffers.Bytaking careofmyself,Isetanexampleformyfamilyandshowup asthebestversionofmyself.
Work-lifebalancehasbecomemoredifficultasmypractice hasgrownbusier.Ioftenfindmyselfworkinglatenights, weekends,andevenonvacations.There’salways somethingtodo,andIcan’talwayskeepupwith everything.However,sincemypracticehasalargevirtual component,Icantakemyworkwithmeaslongasthere’s wifi.Still,I’vemadeitapointtostepawayfromworkand bepresentformykids.Emailsandtaskswillalwaysbe there,butthemomentswithmyfamilyarefleeting.I’malso workingonmakingmypracticemorescalableby outsourcingadministrativetaskstoimprovemywork/life balance.
Whatdoyouconsidertobethemostpressingchallenge facinghealthcaretoday,andhowareyouaddressingit inyourorganization?
Oneofthemostpressingchallengesinhealthcaretodayis theoverwhelmingworkloadandburnoutfacedbymany practitioners,especiallysincetheCOVID-19pandemic.We arefortunatetohavededicatedphysicians,nurses,and specialists,butthedemandforcareoftenleadsto exhaustionandashortageofhealthcareprofessionals.
Therapidgrowthofthehealthcaresectorwillalways requiremorepractitionerstokeepup.Onthepositiveside, thepandemicacceleratedtechnologicaladvancementsin healthcare,suchastelehealthservices,whichprovidemore accessiblepatientcare.
Astechnologycontinuestoevolve,Ibelieveitwillfurther optimizepatientservicesandtreatments.Additionally,Isee agrowinggapinfunctionalmedicine,whichisgradually beingfilled.Inmypractice,IcollaboratewithWestern
My goal is to foster a space of kindness, respect, and non-judgment.”
“
medicinepractitionerstooffercomplementarycare, ensuringpatientsreceivemorecomprehensiveattentionand aholisticapproachtotheirhealthandwellness.
Howhaveyouleveragedtechnologyandinnovationto improvepatientcareorhealthcaredeliveryinyour role?
Weliveinaworldthatisconstantlydevelopingnew technologyandinnovation.Itrytostayupdatedonnew technologyandservicestoenhancepatientcare,offering virtualappointmentstoincreaseaccessibility.Oneofmy specialtiesisFunctionalHealthHairLabtechnology,which allowsmetosupporthealthoptimizationthroughadvanced labpanels.Thesepanelshelpidentifyareaslikefood sensitivities,nutrientimbalances,digestivehealth, metabolism,andheavymetals.
Asoneofthefewprovidersspecializinginthistechnology, Iprovideacomprehensive,individualizedblueprintfor clientstoimprovetheirwellness.Duetohighdemand,I createda toofferthisvaluable webinarandprogram resourcetoclientsnationwide.
Asawomaninaleadershipposition,whatstrategies haveyouemployedtoovercomegender-related obstaclesinyourcareer?
Asamomof3girls,thisissuchanimportantquestion. Womenhavemadeincrediblestridesinleadership,but therearestillbarrierstoovercome.Althoughmorewomen areleadingorganizations—23womenheadcompanieson theGlobal500list—thereremainsagapbetweenmenand womeninleadershiproles.Ratherthanfocusonwhat’s lacking,Ibelievesuccessfulleadershipisdefinedby qualitieslikekindness,honesty,andpassion.
Ialsoprioritizework-lifebalance,empathy,freethinking, multi-tasking,andflexibilitywhileremaininghumbleand keepingegoincheck.Thesetraitsareessentialforany leaderandareonesIstrivetoembody.Ihopetosetan
exampleformydaughtersandotherwomen,showingthem thattheycanleadwithstrengthandgrace.AsMarilyn Monroewiselysaid,“Idon’tmindlivinginaman’sworld, aslongasIcanbeawomaninit.”
Howdoyoufosterdiversity,equity,andinclusionwithin yourorganizationandthebroaderhealthcareindustry?
Inmypractice,Ihaveonerule:“Comeasyouare.”I welcomeeveryone,meetingthemwheretheyareintheir journey.Itaketimetounderstandeachpatient’sunique needsandtailormyapproachtofittheirindividualhealth historyandconcerns.Iftheirneedsfalloutsidemyscope,I guidethemtotherightprofessionalsandresources.Iview eachconsultationasateameffort,wheretheclientdrives thejourneyandIofferguidance.Nooneknowstheirbody andexperiencesbetterthantheydo.Mygoalistofostera spaceofkindness,respect,andnon-judgment.Inspiredby myfather,aprimarycaredoctorfor40+years,Ibelievein hismantra:“Everybodycounts,ornobodycounts.” Everyone’sconcernsarevalid,andtheircomfortandwellbeingaremytoppriority
Whatadvicewouldyougivetoyoungwomenaspiringto leadershiprolesinhealthcare?
Firstandforemost,followyourdreamsandpassions,and startabusinessinsomethingyoufeelexcitedand passionateabouteveryday.Successcomesfromhonesty, kindness,andrespect,nomattertheindustry.Stayopenmindedandadaptable,astechnologyandprocessesevolve quickly.Lastly,seekoutpositivementorsandentrepreneurs whocanprovidevaluableadviceandsupportasyou navigatethechallengesofstartingandgrowingyour business.
