Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1524413
30 WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Please share an instance when you felt impostor syndrome in your leadership role and how you overcame it. ere have been many times along my healthcare journey where I have looked around the room and wondered if my voice was truly being heard or valued by my peers who didn't look like me. is was especially evident at the start of the pandemic since we all faced an unknown enemy. However, I realized that my unique perspective was not only valuable but critical to the success of our organization's response because the diversity in thought led to innovative decision making. Once I confidently stepped into my role as a thought leader, I was able to provide guidance to my peers locally and nationally. What advice would you give to other women in healthcare facing impostor syndrome? My advice to other women in healthcare is to lean into your unique lived and learned experiences. Your unique perspective brings valuable insights to the table that leads to more inclusive, comprehensive solutions. In addition, it reinforces the need to continue to have greater representation of women in leadership positions in healthcare. Crista Durand. President of Newport (R.I.) Hospital Please share an instance when you felt impostor syndrome in your leadership role and how you overcame it. I was a young hospital CFO in a meeting with investment bankers who handled the hospital portfolio. I will never forget one of the men asked, "How did you get this job?" Despite being taken aback at the question, asked in front of a room full of colleagues, I quickly answered: "I believe with my hard work, skill set and a little grit." e question and circumstances in which it was asked made me realize the external forces at play. I was young and female in a room of predominantly older/more experienced men. at moment really pushed me to reassure myself of why/how I was in that role. I learned that my voice mattered and not to second-guess myself, which is not always easy to do. I challenged myself to learn more, ask questions, maintain a positive attitude and embrace curiosity. I believe that you can flourish as a leader with low ego and high expectations. is philosophy has taken me far professionally and positioned me to be a lifelong learner. What advice would you give to other women in healthcare facing impostor syndrome? I would, and do, tell other women to hold themselves at a high standard. Having high expectations for yourself is what fosters self- confidence and success. You learn, and grow by making mistakes, asking questions, and being accountable. I would also say: • Don't underestimate your impact; your voice matters. • Surround yourself with mentors who you can trust and learn from (who work • in/outside your industry). • Embrace intellectual curiosity. • Volunteer for projects and new roles; get outside of your comfort zone. • Exercise gratitude daily. • Leadership takes courage. • And finally, I would say do what's right not what's easy — integrity is paramount. n ADVERTISINGINDEX Note: Ad page number(s) given in parentheses Banyan Medical Systems. banyanmed.com / (866) 260-1841 (pgs. 6,12-13, 22) CareCredit. carecredit.com/beckers / (844) 356-3207 (pg. 32) CHG Healthcare. chghealthcare.com/dynamicpartnership (pg. 2) Fresenius Kabi. moreinamerica.com (pg. 31) Healthcare Plus Solutions Group. healthcareplussg.com (pg. 28) Impact Advisors. impact-advisors.com (pg. 19) NorthShore Health System. endeavorhealth.org (pg. 25) Pacira BioSciences, Inc. nopainpact.com (pg. 3) Quest Diagnostics. questdiagnostics.com (pg. 5) TIAA. tiaa.org (pgs. 8-9)