The Life-Changing Example of Trust and Teamwork I Will Never Forget

On December 19, a family member of mine was rushed to Vancouver General Hospital in hypertensive crisis and experiencing multi-organ failure. It was an incredibly difficult time for my family, but amidst the fear and uncertainty, I witnessed something extraordinary: a masterclass in collaboration, respect, and trust.

It took nearly eight hours in the emergency department to identify the root cause: a rare and life-threatening condition that demanded deep expertise, unwavering teamwork, and relentless focus. During that time, I witnessed a seamless collaboration among the many medical professionals involved, with as many as 10 team members at one time working together around the emergency bed. Each person fully understood their role, trusted one another to execute, and remained united by a singular goal: stabilize the patient and uncover the diagnosis.

We ended up spending over two weeks in VGH, where my family member received the most professional and supportive care I could have imagined (and thankfully, is on the road to a full recovery). As I watched our medical team in action, I found myself reflecting on how much businesses could learn from their approach.

The Power of a Shared Goal

Every member of the medical team was focused on the same outcome: saving a life. There was no competition, no confusion about priorities—just alignment and clarity. In business, this kind of unified purpose can be transformative. When teams are aligned around a shared goal, they can achieve remarkable results.

Trust as the Foundation for Success

Each professional in the emergency department and ICU knew exactly what they were responsible for, but they also trusted one another to fulfill their roles. When help was needed, they asked for it without hesitation. This mutual trust not only sped up decision-making but also gave us, as a family, confidence that our loved one was in the best hands.

In organizations, fostering this kind of trust starts with empowering people to own their responsibilities while ensuring clear communication and support structures.

Collaboration Without Ego

One of the most striking elements was how seamlessly different specialists worked together. There were no silos—just a collective willingness to share knowledge and lean on one another’s expertise. Imagine the impact on businesses if cross-functional teams operated with the same level of humility and collaboration.

?Communication That Instills Confidence

Throughout the ordeal, we were kept informed in ways that balanced transparency with reassurance. We understood what was happening and why, which made all the difference in a high-stakes situation. In business, strong communication not only keeps teams aligned but also builds trust with stakeholders, from employees to customers.

Lessons for Business Leaders

As a business strategist, I could not help but see the parallels between what I observed in the hospital and what we aim to build in our organizations. Strong businesses, like effective medical teams, thrive when:

1. Everyone is aligned around a clear, shared goal.
2. Trust is prioritized, enabling autonomy and collaboration.
3. Teams work seamlessly across functions, sharing knowledge freely.
4. Communication is clear, purposeful, and confidence-inspiring.

The experience reminded me that while businesses and healthcare systems operate in vastly different contexts, the principles that drive success are universal. When we foster trust, align around a shared vision, and communicate effectively, we build organizations that are not only high-performing but also deeply human.

I am incredibly grateful to the teams at Vancouver General Hospital for their expertise and care. Their work saved a life and stood as a truly inspiring example of the power of leadership, teamwork, and trust in action.

What about you? Have you experienced or observed a moment of teamwork so powerful it reshaped the way you lead? I would love to hear your thoughts.