When you’re Truly Ambitious, you don’t let anything stand in your way

What makes a great leader? To some, tenacity. To others, grit. To others, a vision. At Northwell Health, we believe that what makes a great leader isn’t necessarily one specific trait, it’s the culmination of all of these ideals with time, experience and determination. Which is why our recent panel highlighting some of our most ambitious female leaders, was so uniquely inspiring. It takes an exceptional level of leadership to redefine health care while creating tomorrow’s health system.

Despite adversity throughout their careers, these women have created real change in our health system, inspiring their peers and motivating their department teams to do the same.

Panelists discussed their career progressions, the challenges they’ve faced and the inspiring women who helped them along the way.

In particular, each participant drew from her own career to offer a piece of advice for overcoming adversity to those looking to be leaders themselves. Their answers, much like their careers, will inspire you:

“Seek to become a change agent. Do not fear adversity as it usually manifests itself in your life to challenge you, to build your resiliency, to help you evolve and achieve greater goals. Always seek to participate in something greater than yourself, something with a community or global impact. The effects will be powerful and meaningful. Don’t just wait for change to happen, lead the change and make it what you want it to be.”

— Emmelyn Kim, AVP, Research Compliance and Privacy Officer – Office of Research Compliance

“Stay grounded in who you are. Be confident and authentic. Those who approach the world with bias have a smaller world than those who approach the world through a lens of possibilities. Remember, the bias speaks about who they are, not who you are. You are the architect of your own destiny! Stay true to who you are and learn from the mistakes of those who are biased.”

— Mary Comerford-Hewitt, AVP, Talent Acquisition

“Women continue to make extraordinary contributions in healthcare leadership roles. To continue to do so, we need to believe that everything is possible – we are limited only by our imaginations. Seek out role models and mentors. I love the quote from the Greek philosopher, Epictetus, ‘We all carry the seeds of greatness within us, but we need an image as a point of focus in order that they may sprout.’’

–Penny Stern, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACOEM

“My advice will be the same advice my mother gave to me, which was why are you letting other people define you? If you know what you want to do, then do it”

–Tochi Iroku Malize, MD, MPH

We’re proud to call these Truly Ambitious women part of the Northwell Health Family. If you’re looking to make the most of your passion, vision and ambition, we have opportunities that offer the autonomy and support you need to reach your true potential. Watch the full diversity lunch and learn below and learn more here.