A REFRAME: COMPETITOR TO INNOVATOR

I’m a competitive person by nature, and over the course of my life, I’ve explored the question of whether I should see that as a positive or a negative character trait. My understanding and my thoughts on that didn’t fully crystallize until I attended the Lake Nona Impact Forum a few weeks ago.?

The summit fosters conversations and collaborations among leaders from different industries and fields to drive positive change in our communities. It serves as a melting pot of ideas, where visionaries come together to discuss pressing issues and explore innovative solutions. There was so much insight and visionary hope jam-packed into the forum that I’m still marveling at how energized and inspired it left me. Check out some of the quotes that resonated most powerfully with me here .?

I was captivated by a session featuring Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, and Senator Bill Nelson (14th NASA Administrator), who discussed the future of America's space program. Shotwell, a formidable figure in the aerospace industry, has played a pivotal role in propelling SpaceX to the forefront of space exploration. Her journey from a single mother and humble engineer to a trailblazing leader is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.

As I listened to Gwynne's insights and anecdotes, I couldn't help but be struck by her passion and resilience – her sheer grit. Despite facing obstacles along the way, she was relentless in pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Her rise to prominence is particularly remarkable considering the male-dominated nature of the aerospace industry. She defied stereotypes and shattered glass ceilings, and I found myself absolutely inspired by her story, especially as I reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of women this Women’s History Month. (Shout-out to midwestern women changing the world!)

Competition – the mother of innovation?

While the aerospace industry doesn’t have many overlaps with the behavioral health industry, I couldn’t help but notice that we face some similar challenges, especially with regard to tackling big, weighty problems that others have not been able to solve. And I loved how she reframed challenges and competition as an opportunity to push our own boundaries and innovate.?

Like Gwynne, I've faced my fair share of challenges and setbacks along the way. But it was through these obstacles that I've discovered the true power of resilience and innovation.

From the outset, my mission has been clear: to revolutionize the way we approach mental health care and provide support for those in need – it was and still is a daunting task. But in the face of it, how do we embrace the opportunity to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible?

Competition, often viewed as a hindrance, can actually be a powerful catalyst for innovation. It's through competition that we're forced to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and strive for excellence.?

I’ll admit: I’m naturally a very competitive person. And in the beginning of my journey as a leader, my drive stemmed from wanting to prove the naysayers wrong. And over time, I’ve grappled with trying to understand whether or not my competitive spirit was good or bad, right or wrong. But I’ve realized that competition in and of itself doesn’t need to carry a binary judgment. Competition isn't just about winning or beating others – it's about driving innovation, both in the outer reaches of space and in the depths of our own humanity.?

I realized that my competitive drive was actually working toward proving that there was a better solution than the current healthcare system, a way to alleviate people's suffering and provide help for their deepest troubles.?

What will you make of it?

What matters is what you do with that competitive drive. So if you want to take that spirit of competition to show the world that change is possible, and that we don’t have to settle for the not-good-enough status quo…then by all means: embrace competition.

Whether it's exploring the cosmos or revolutionizing mental health care or challenges we face in our personal lives, the key to success lies in embracing challenges head-on and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

So, the next time I find myself facing a big, seemingly impossible-to-tackle issue, I’ll remember the words of Gwynne Shotwell and countless other trailblazers who have dared to defy the odds. Embrace the opportunity to innovate, to push boundaries, and to prove the doubters wrong. Never underestimate the power of perseverance and innovation to drive positive change in the world.

With that in mind, let's carry the spirit of innovative competition with us. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what's possible and strive for a brighter future for all.?