Leaders on Leadership
Industry executives weigh in on their own approaches
There is a lot of theory out there about leadership. In fact, leadership studies has become a wide-ranging field in the academic world, where scholars from disciplines ranging from anthropology and psychology to education and philosophy tackle the questions of how leaders lead—and why people follow. But sometimes the best answers come from those in positions of leadership. So HomeCare asked some of the leaders in the field to share their thoughts about holding the reins in this industry. Here's what they shared.
John Cassar
CEO & Owner
SuperCare Health
A great leader is humble and hungry and never forgets where they came from. I will always push myself and my team as though we’re still a struggling small business trying to survive. No matter how much our organization grows, we will always make decisions from a survival mindset. It’s also essential to operate in a mode of constant improvement, adaptation, and change. Success is really never achieved. It’s a continuous journey that we get to traverse throughout our lifetime. That’s why we must always be willing to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances. Most importantly, it’s clear that having a defined vision from the very beginning set SuperCare Health on the path to success. At our core, our company was built upon pursuing innovation, improving lives, and reducing the cost of care. Anything outside of this vision was left in the periphery. It’s a testament to the power of dreaming big, setting ambitious goals, and chasing them relentlessly to make a positive impact on the world. If you want to be a genuine innovator and help people along the way, it’s all about staying true to your purpose, your people, your principles, and your vision.
Tom Ryan
CEO & President
American Association for Homecare
I’ve always found great inspiration in Theodore Roosevelt’s 'Man in the Arena' speech from 1910, in particular, where he famously asserts 'The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly …. who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.'
We’ve got great leaders in home medical equipment. I’m fortunate to be supported by so many of them on our board and in other leadership roles at AAHomecare who embody Roosevelt’s mindset and sense of commitment, even if they aren’t familiar with that speech. I want to recruit even more leaders into the Association who are ready to be 'in the arena' to help defend and grow our industry.
Ryan Bullock
Chief Strategy Officer Aeroflow Health
Leadership is being slow to speak and quick to listen. To lead well means to be able to put on humility and vulnerability in such a way to care for others first, to be a voice of reason, encouragement and direction for others. As healthcare leaders, we are constantly faced with the challenge of making decisions that impact lives. Our commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to the well-being of our patients and team members drive us to uphold the highest standards of integrity and compassion. It is through this steadfast commitment that we not only inspire but also empower those around us to achieve their fullest potential, fostering an environment where innovation and quality care thrive.
David Baiada
CEO BAYADA Home Health Care
World-class leadership focuses on the ‘why’ we do what we do and uses innovation to elevate our organization’s purpose. To me, a great leader engages others with curiosity and gains insight before testing and iterating what can be done better. Empathy, observation, and evidence are core competencies of transformative leadership.