What was the best piece of advice you received when first starting your career?

When I was in college, a supervisor once told me that I should dress for the role I wanted; I needed to envision myself in the role. This advice included speaking and conducting myself like I already had the title. If I couldn't see myself in the position, then no one else could either.

I was just starting to work in a professional environment, and this advice helped provide the momentum and confidence to earn my first role in health care. To this day, I maintain this practice. Every meeting with superiors or others further along in their career is an opportunity to learn, expand my skills, and observe the nuisances required to succeed in the next career phase.

What called you to your line of work?

Whether you are a provider, a nurse, a technician, or administrative – those who work in health care are called. Like many who find themselves in health care, I have always enjoyed interacting with and helping others.

In college, I was laid off from my office job and was soon starting a new role with an assisted living center. I loved interacting with the residents and being able to have a meaningful, positive impact on their lives. The role filled my soul and helped provide me with a sense of purpose. I quickly realized that my future was in health care.

I switched from a double major in economics and marketing to a bachelor’s degree in health administration. This shift also required a change in universities and a move home. I never looked back. I started working as an administrative assistant at the University of Colorado Hospital in 2011 after completing my bachelor’s degree. I soon began assisting with larger, patient-focused projects. I was honored to become the project manager for the Baby Friendly initiative and the opportunity to create valuable change for mothers and newborns across my community.

I took three and a half years off from my career to start a family in 2016. When the 2020 COVID pandemic hit, I again felt the call to service. In late 2020, I came back to work in the hospital, this time leading a cardiovascular and thoracic surgery clinic. I have been with CommonSpirit, formerly Centura, ever since.

I worked my way up in health care from an administrative assistant to a project manager, to a program manager, to a practice manager, and have now become an OR Business Manager. I have also served in a director capacity on two occasions. My journey has been incredible.

I cannot imagine myself working anywhere but in a hospital. I have been able to support strangers in an elevator on the worst day of their lives, cheer on patients who have beat cancer, exchange jokes with visitors, cry with patients, and bring hope to those who feel they have no hope left. I love the vibrancy of the hospital, the community of the staff, the chaos and constant change, and being a part of an organization that saves and improves lives every single day.

I thank god every day for calling me to health care and allowing me to be successful in doing what makes me happy and fulfilled.

What are your thoughts on the current state of women in leadership roles within the healthcare industry?

It is such an exciting time to be in health care in Colorado right now. Traditionally, health care leadership has been male-dominated with women filling the caregiver and front-line leadership roles while men controlled the c-suite. In the last few years, that dynamic has shifted. The CommonSpirit hospitals in Colorado Springs are led by women. These women are intelligent, well-spoken, knowledgeable, agile, and tough. 

There are many stereotypes assigned to powerful, female leaders but it is wonderful to watch those stereotypes and the glass ceiling shatter. These women are paving the way for the next generation of female leaders, myself included. My ultimate career goal would be to become a hospital CEO and follow the example set by these women.

If a student approached you today and asked about the best ways to enter the healthcare field and how to be successful, what would you say?

Healthcare is competitive. My advice would be to be diverse. You will need diverse skills and knowledge to be successful in what is a very competitive field. I found a bachelor’s degree in health care administration to be a good foundation of knowledge and skills. However, a new professional should also be careful to not pigeonhole themselves – additional skills, such as project management, show your capacity to lead teams, balance deadlines, and the ability to prioritize and make critical decisions.

For those wanting to climb into the higher ranks of leadership within health care, a master’s degree is necessary. If your bachelor’s degree is focused on health care, pick a broader degree such as an MBA or a master’s in public health.

Additionally, learn how to balance work and home life early on; establish your boundaries and hold to them. With that said, cultivate a reputation as a team player, be helpful, and don’t hold yourself above certain tasks. Sometimes, it’s the tasks that we think are below us that grow us the most – this is especially true in a field as diverse as health care. It always amazes me how some of the smallest things I have helped with have had the greatest impact on my future.

Do not be afraid to apply to positions you think you are unqualified for – the most important thing you can do is to get your name into the conversation. It’s ok to fail at something or ask for help. A good leader will help you learn from those mistakes. Take risks, try new things, learn new tasks. If you are comfortable, you are not growing.

Finally, I would tell anyone looking to start a new role or career path, do not be afraid to leave a role that is not a good fit, but never burn a bridge. Healthcare is a small world.

What rituals could you not live without in your workday?

I get up at 5:45 am every morning so that I can have a cup of coffee with my husband before the chaos of the day begins. In today’s world, I strongly believe in the importance of making time for each other and finding ways to balance work and family. You cannot be successful in your career if you don’t allow yourself to recharge and unwind. Little moments throughout the day that recenter you are a gift. A healthy home life and a healthy work-life go hand in hand.

I adore coffee and look forward to it every day; honestly, I probably drink too much coffee but I am ok with that. As soon as I get to work, I head straight to the hospital coffee bar for a latte before diving into meetings and email. About 2 pm every day I need a snack and a cup of tea. The true highlight of my day though, and my favorite ritual, is getting to interact with my coworkers and the patients around the hospital. No day is like another.

What’s your favorite thing to come home to after a long day at work?

I am blessed to come home to my husband, son, and our pack of three dogs every day. As soon as I pull into the driveway, my son comes running from down the street, where he is playing with friends, yelling “Mommy” and gives me the biggest hug. I get to change out of my work clothes while my husband puts my stuff away. I start cooking dinner while chatting with my husband and while my son works on his homework. About 7 pm every night my son climbs in for a snuggle and to watch cartoons with me. There’s a country song that says, “The view I love the most is my front porch looking in.” Those lyrics ring true to me. My family is my whole world, and heaven is coming home to my husband Jason and my seven-year-old son Alex.

Leigh Perry is the OR Business Manager at CommonSpirit Health where she supports three hospitals.