Helping Women Climb Healthcare’s Leadership LadderCyndy Flores, PA-C, and Janet Young, MD

When it comes to healthcare, women usually call the shots.

94% of working moms make healthcare

decisions for their families.

Our industry leadership should reflect the patients we serve. And women do make up 73% of health

service managers.

But they represent only 4% of industry

CEOs.

Why do so few women climb the leadership ladder?The answers are probably different for everyone.

Some of these factors you can’t do anything about.

But many are within your full control.

So how do you start climbing? That’s where we come in.

Cyndy Flores PA-C Director of PA/NP Strategy and Innovation

Janet Young MD Operations Vice President

We want to share some tips from our own leadership journeys so you can climb

Higher and Faster

(And avoid our mistakes, too.)

1. Engage

It sounds obvious. But to climb the leadership ladder, at some point you

need to step onto the first rung.

For Janet, it was joining and later chairing CEP's New Partner Committee …

“You can't just hang around waiting for responsibility.

Find ways to contribute that highlight your strengths and

passions.”

Janet Young, MD

1. Engage

For Cyndy, it was saying yes when a friend invited her to a California Academy of Physician Assistants board meeting.

(At that moment, she was relaxing next to

the pool. “I never saw the pool again,” Cyndy says.)

“Sometimes you get lucky and someone taps you on

the shoulder. But if not, you just have to go for it.”

Cyndy Flores, PA-C

2. Seek Out Mentors

Mentors are powerful, so don't wait for them to come to you. Actively cultivate relationships with people you admire.

“There were two women in CEP who commanded a lot of respect. I wondered what they had that I

didn't. So I reached out to both of them and asked which actions

had been most helpful in developing their careers. That's

how it all started.”

Cyndy Flores, PA-C

2. Seek Out Mentors

If possible, have multiple mentors. Different mentoring styles balance one

another. Some days you need a cheerleader. And other days you need

someone to challenge you.

2. Seek Out Mentors

You can also have mentors in different areas:

3. Take Risks

When she had been with CEP for just a few years, Janet moved from California to Chicago to serve as Medical Director of

CEP’s first Midwest practice.

It was a risk for her and her family. But she also realized it might be a stepping-stone to bigger, better things. And it was.

“If you're hesitant to make the leap, remember that nothing is

forever. Some people try leadership and decide it's not for

them. But for others, it completely changes their life and practice for the better. So don’t

be afraid to take a chance."

Janet Young, MD

4. Solicit Feedback

Leadership development is all about multiplying your strengths and

strengthening your weaknesses. But first, you need to know what they are.

Get in the habit of asking mentors,

supervisors, and colleagues specific questions about your performance.

4. Solicit Feedback

What’s one thing I could have

improved about that presentation? What numbers

could I produce that would really wow

you?

“Getting emotional was one of my big challenges when I was starting out. I cry when I hear certain radio commercials or the Star-Spangled

Banner at hockey games. So I actually took a class about

controlling emotions, and it's really helped me to accept feedback and

grow from it."

Cyndy Flores, PA-C

5. Ask

What can you ask for that will help you climb the leadership ladder?

“I used to supervise nine Medical Directors: five women and four men.

Three of the four men asked for a raise at some point. But not a single woman asked about compensation

unless I brought it up first. No matter who you are, never be afraid to ask

for what you're worth.”

Janet Young, MD

6. Treat Failure Like a Bruise, Not a Scar

No one likes to fail. But if you're going to be a leader, occasional failures are

inevitable.

Confronting your failures is one of the fastest ways to grow.

“People are so concerned about doing something wrong when they move into leadership positions. I wish they could see some of the bonehead moves I've made over

the years. And gosh darn it, I'm still here. It's important to remember

that we all put our pants on one leg at a time.”

Cyndy Flores, PA-C

7. Find Something That Balances You

Invest in areas of your life that are outside of your job. When you're

balanced, you feel more resilient. It's easier to keep work setbacks and failures

in perspective.

“Sometimes leadership can be a form of balance in itself. What we

see day-to-day in clinical practice is incredibly humbling. We deal with

people when they’re at their worst, at their sickest. An administrative role

allows you to step back and contribute in a different way.”

Janet Young, MD

8. And Finally, Be You

Don’t feel you have to change in order to lead.

Don't feel you have to become perfect.

The best leadership comes from a place

of authenticity.

“I was practicing my leadership presentation for our women's forum

at home. My 9-year-old daughter could see I was getting kind of

nervous and stressed out over it. She said, 'Mom, nobody should be

afraid of just being themselves.' Which made me laugh, because it

was so spot on.”

Janet Young, MD

Climbing the leadership ladder isn’t always easy. But if you’re a woman who’s interested in making change,

our industry needs you.

So take that first step upward. We

believe in you!

Ready for the next step in your leadership journey?

Visit our website to learn more about

careers with CEP America.