My LinkedIn feed was filled with CHIME Fall Forum recaps and pictures this past week. I refrained from posting a recap as I focused primarily on the one-on-one people connections. At the closing session we
were asked to give one word that best described the week. Mine was “connections” – it turned out to be the top one in the resulting word cloud from all the attendees, along with several synonyms for connections. This is especially true after years of virtual meetings and knowing people only on zoom – the value of in-person time is immeasurable.
As the days went by at the fall forum, I realized that my primary role in professional circles these days is as a connector. I had many conversations involving career advice and made a lot of introductions for people. I heard how much this was appreciated by people I talked to along with their recognition that I do this for so many others in our industry.
I’m grateful to all those who mentored and helped me during my four decades in health IT management. So, my commitment to developing next generation leaders is something I take seriously.
At this point in my career, providing coaching services, volunteering as a mentor in multiple programs, informal mentoring, giving career advice, sharing information and intel about current job openings, making introductions, and a lot of listening is what I enjoy doing and am willing to give time to. I probably get 1-2 requests a week and always make time to schedule a short call.
I also had a few conversations with CHIME staff, board members, foundation firms, and colleagues about how LCHIME (lifetime CHIME) members can continue to contribute once they no longer work full-time for a provider organization. After all, achieving LCHIME status is a combination of your years as a member and your service to the organization through board work or having achieved FCHIME (fellow) status based on your contributions and committee work. These are very experienced health IT leaders, many who want to stay engaged, give back and continue to learn. With the recent changes to the CHIME membership model, there are even more CHIME members who can benefit from the experience of these longtime health IT leaders, and the CHIME foundation firms can benefit from their many years of working with a range of vendors.
Ali Truwit was the keynote speaker on day one – hers was a story of resilience. She described a truly frightening shark attack in 2023 shortly after graduating from college. She lost her leg in the attack. Determined to swim competitively again, she went on to place silver twice in the 2024 Paris Paralympics just a year later, setting two new USA records.
Based on her own experience, Ali is committed to changing lives. She launched a non-profit, Stronger Than You Think, that exists to support women and girls in need of financial assistance for prosthetics, to provide funding for life-saving water-safety skills, and to support the Paralympic movement. She wants to take her program to children’s hospitals and asked us for introductions. I spoke to her and her mother afterwards and offered to make an introduction to one of the leading children’s hospitals that I know well.
Two days after I returned from the fall forum, I attended a memorial service / celebration of life for an 85-year-old member of our church congregation who had passed away a few weeks earlier. He and his family have been church members for over 40 years. He taught science and computer science at a junior high school for 30 years where I’m sure he influenced many young people. His family, including four adult grandchildren, and a few very close friends shared their stories and memories during the service. It was an important reminder that we will be remembered for who we are as a person and how we show up for our family and friends – not for our job or the awards we may have received.
It’s really all about connections and being there for others – who are you helping and lifting up today?
Related Posts:
Why I Keep Showing Up: Coaching, Mentoring, and Developing Future Leaders
The art of mentoring: insights for leaders
Developing tomorrow’s leaders through mentorship and coaching
7 ways to develop the next generation of leaders
Lydon Neumann on said:
Sue, wonderful seeing you at CHIME this fall. I share you believe in Connections. On occasion when someone ask me what I do for a living, I say “I connect dots.” Keep up the good work.
Sue Schade on said:
Lydon, ditto! Connections are key!