I am honored to be the featured speaker at the Association of Radiation Oncology Program Directors (AROPA) Annual Meeting in February. This event brings together leaders dedicated to advancing patient care, and I am excited to guide them through a powerful workshop on leading with authenticity, courage, and executive presence.

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure healthcare environment, technical expertise alone isn’t enough. True leadership requires trust, communication, and presence—the ability to inspire teams, foster connection, and navigate challenges with confidence.

Leadership is not about titles or authority; it’s about influence, connection, and impact. During this workshop, we will explore three essential pillars:

1. Cultivating Executive Presence

Executive presence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about confidence, clarity, and composure. In healthcare leadership, this means:
✅ Communicating with confidence even in high-stakes situations.
✅ Using body language and tone to establish credibility.
✅ Balancing authority with approachability to create an open, trusting environment.

💡 Brené Brown reminds us that “clear is kind, unclear is unkind.” Leaders who communicate with clarity and purpose establish trust and influence.

2. Building Stronger Teams Through Communication

Great leaders don’t just give orders—they foster dialogue. Using the Process Communication Model (PCM), we will explore how to:
✅ Adapt communication to different personality types.
✅ Avoid miscommunication that leads to tension or disengagement.
✅ Create an environment where feedback is constructive, not destructive.

💡 “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” – Brené Brown

3. The Heart of Leadership: Trust and Authenticity

Leadership without trust is like a ship without a compass. One of the most powerful metaphors we will explore is Brené Brown’s Marble Jar Trust Story—a reminder that trust is built over time through small, consistent actions.

✅ Leading with vulnerability—admitting mistakes and learning from them.
✅ Balancing empathy with authority—leading with both heart and strategy.
✅ Creating psychological safety—where teams feel valued and heard.

💡 “Who we are is how we lead.” – Brené Brown

Why This Matters in Healthcare Leadership

The best healthcare leaders don’t just manage teams—they inspire them. Studies show that high team morale is directly linked to better patient outcomes. When leaders communicate effectively, foster trust, and model resilience, they create teams that:
✅ Handle challenges with confidence.
✅ Provide better patient care.
✅ Stay engaged and motivated.

Bringing It All Together: The Leadership Challenge

To close the session, participants will engage in a culminating leadership challenge, applying what they have learned to real-world scenarios. Whether through role-playing, reflection, or action planning, the goal is simple: leave with practical tools to lead more effectively.

As I prepare for this incredible event, I am reminded that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, staying engaged, and being willing to grow.