Applying the Basics: Why Leadership Always Comes First

Don’t worry—I’m not in scrubs every day, and I’m definitely not touching patients! My role as Chief Operating Officer for a group of medical clinics keeps me firmly behind the scenes, but the transition from tech to healthcare has been an exciting one.

I recently stepped into a new role as a fractional Chief Operating Officer for a group of medical clinics. It’s my first time working in the medical industry, and while the learning curve has been steep, it’s been a lot of fun. What excites me most is the opportunity to apply skills from my 20 years in technology to a completely different field.

What surprised me? Business is business. Profit and loss, cost and revenue—it all translates. While the industries may differ, the core principles remain the same. Managing stakeholders, leading teams, and driving change are universal skills, and they’ve proven just as valuable here.

The most valuable skills I’ve engaged are the soft skills—developed through years of leading diverse groups. In the end, it always comes back to people and your reputation. Building trust, fostering communication, and motivating others are key in any industry.

What has been even more exciting is the chance to learn again. No matter what stage of your career you’re in, there’s something incredibly energizing about diving into a new industry and soaking up knowledge from those who are experts in their field. My admiration for our healthcare system has grown immensely, and I have a deep respect for the people working in this industry, especially those who engage with the public daily. Their dedication to providing care while managing the complexity of the healthcare system is nothing short of inspiring.

One thing that stands out is the depth of the subject matter expertise with the medical teams. They know their field inside and out, and my role is to support and empower them—providing the operational structure that lets them do what they do best.

The transition has taught me that leadership and business fundamentals apply no matter the industry. It’s about enabling people to thrive, whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or beyond.