For almost two decades I have led a national healthcare consulting firm. Prior to that, I spent the same amount of time at a renowned healthcare system in the Midwest. Suffice to say I cut my teeth on healthcare. Funny when I tell anyone that I’m in healthcare, their first question is almost always, “are you a nurse?” I’ve actually spent all that time in healthcare and never once held a clinical job.
While I’ve been in the healthcare industry for almost 40 years, the healthcare industry hasn’t stayed the same for 40 days. The need to pivot amidst continuous change is what many of us thrive on. That’s why it is such an amazing industry. In a sea of change, the work revolves around helping people navigate at their most vulnerable or joyful time.
Working shoulder to shoulder with the most highly trained and skilled clinicians and scientists while teamed up with the best and brightest business minds has introduced me to the most amazing and challenging people.
The amazing people gave me hope – the challenging people gave me drive – combined I was always whole.
Confucius said: Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life. What I love most about the last-and-fast 40 years, is that I have always loved my job. I do not take that declaration lightly, because sadly, I know tons of people who hate their jobs. To me that would be hell on earth!
About five years ago I got an itch – that kept getting bigger and “itchier”! An internal alarm sounded loudly indicating it was time for a change. I had to intentionally pause and pray to figure out why and then what is next? I wish I had learned earlier in my life to be intentional. It is a game changer! Slowing down long enough to really be intentional in making decisions for ourselves may feel selfish. But in reality, it’s the opposite! Finding a way to pivot to reach the peak of my career required me to slow down, become more intentional in following my instincts.
I remember reading about the study of two types of organizations reported in the Harvard Business Review. The first group were known for their need-for-speed culture. Those organizations were about going fast at all costs – they had a need for speed versus intentionality. The second group of companies were much more intentional. Their culture was all about intentionality first – meaning they slowed down to plan, prepare, to be intentional about their launch. Then they went full throttle. Interestingly, the second group of organizations had better employee and customer satisfaction rates. Their profits were HIGHER! Being intentional was their secret sauce.
The lesson in thriving in a career, in a fast-paced dynamic business, industry or job, is not only compatible with intentionality, IT REQUIRES IT! As a result, I’ve chosen to invest time in making the pivots that will take me to my peak.
While working my day job, I’ve also spent a lot of time on stage speaking to leaders at healthcare conferences and events. I’ve spent time on the platform speaking at women’s conferences. I’m honored to be on the teaching team at my church. My book and website will exponentially increase the number of people I can influence. Each pivot expands my reach and the opportunity to continue pursuing my goal of leading millions to discover their purpose.
While I’m still leading the healthcare consulting firm, my goal is to eventually “pivot” and move aside, transitioning to the next powerhouse generation of leaders, allowing them to Pivot to Peak as well!
Check out my book: Untie Every kNOT – Discover What kNOTS are Causing You to Miss Out, Chicken Out or Be Counted Out. Learn so much more about how to set yourself up for a wildly successful pivot!
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