Unchartered Waters

Two weeks ago, I started a new role.

It may not seem like a big deal to some, but after spending nearly half of my career with the same organization, joining a different team made me feel like a fish out of water.

New people, new workflows, a new focus – even a new operating system. Not exactly my comfort zone.

That’s where experience comes into play – not necessarily my own experience, but nuggets gleaned from hundreds of conversations I’ve had with leaders about how they approached being the new person.

The answer that resonated most? "Listen."

Take the time to meet with new colleagues. Listen to what they've learned, what they struggle with, and why they chose to be part of the team. Seek to understand.

Of course, it’s not always possible to kick off a new job with a “listening tour,” as some have termed it, but fortunately, I’ve been able to do so at This Week Health , and it has been tremendously beneficial.

When you’re able to learn, on your own terms, how the business works and what has made it so successful, it becomes so much easier to envision how you might be able to contribute. And while the picture is still coming together for me, one thing is for sure: I want to help people share their stories. It’s what I love doing; what gives me a sense of purpose.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of stories. And one of the things I love about TWH is the fact that the people doing the interviews – Bill Russell , Sarah Richardson , Drex DeFord and the many TownHall contributors – have walked the walk. They understand firsthand what it’s like to deal with prioritization challenges and workflow blockages and cybersecurity events. As a result, they bring a unique perspective that shapes the way they ask questions.

For me, the question is: what do I bring to the table, having never sat in the C-suite chair

The answer, I’ve learned during my first 2 weeks, is fresh eyes. As my team has reminded me, I bring forth a different perspective – or, perhaps more accurately, a collection of perspectives – that has shaped my lens. I’m a journalist who has covered this industry since the early days of HITECH; a parent with a passion for improving patient education (stemming from early motherhood struggles); and a writer who learned the ropes in a hectic newspaper department.

My story, like that of the many CIOs and other leaders I’ve met over the years, is multilayered and constantly evolving. As I kick off this new chapter, my hope is that I’ll continue to grow as a writer and help amplify the most important voices in healthcare, while continuing to find my own voice.

And as I’m learning, the best way to do that is by listening and learning; balancing gratitude for past experiences and relationships with a strong focus on the future; and surrounding yourself with a community that knows you can swim, but is willing to let you wade in at your own pace.