Veronica Villarreal, Chief Ambulatory Officer at DHR Health Clinics in the Rio Grande Valley and author of the new book C-Suite Bound: How Self-Discovery Leads to Ultimate Success, shares her journey and insights for medical practice leaders aspiring to reach the executive level. In this MGMA Member Spotlight Podcast episode, Villareal's experiences and lessons offer a roadmap for navigating the path to the highest levels of healthcare leadership.
Embrace a Global Perspective
Villarreal's defining moment came during her undergraduate study abroad program in Morocco, which broadened her perspective beyond her immediate surroundings. While spending a night in the Sahara Desert, she learned how the guides had picked up multiple languages from tourists over the years. This transformative experience inspired Villarreal to focus her career on making a broader impact. As she reflects, "So that was really what made me realize there's more in this world that I want to experience, there's more that I want to do to impact others.”
Villarreal's leadership has been instrumental in transforming DHR Health Clinics into a leading healthcare provider in the region. As Chief Ambulatory Officer, she oversees a network of 75 clinic locations with over 30 specialty and sub-specialty service lines. “We are now the highest employed specialty group in the Rio Grande Valley," she highlights.
Stay True to Yourself
Villarreal emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, even as one climbs the corporate ladder. "It’s so much harder when you're trying to be someone you're not, or when you're trying to mimic someone else's career goals. Stay true to yourself. You'll get there." By embracing her authentic self, Villarreal effectively navigated the challenges of pursuing leadership in healthcare.
Cultivate Patience and Focus
Throughout her experience, Villarreal developed two key qualities: patience and focus. As she explains, "Patience is key … We're trying to get somewhere as fast as we can, because we see others get there that fast. There's gonna be a road for you, and it's your road. It's not my road." By maintaining focus and allowing her own path to unfold, Villarreal eventually achieved her goals.
Lead with Empathy
Managing a diverse, multi-generational team requires a nuanced approach, and Villarreal emphasizes the power of empathy. She suggests that leaders avoid putting people in a box and consider everyone’s differences, even within the same generation.
“Let's all try to get to know each other a little bit better so we can understand what triggers us, what makes us tick, what are what are they passionate about?” By fostering understanding and connection, Villarreal aims to create an inclusive environment that allows her team to thrive.
5 Key Takeaways from "C-Suite Bound"
Villareal reached a personal goal of hers this year by publishing her first book, C-Suite Bound: How Self-Discovery Leads to Ultimate Success. In the book, she shares her personal experiences and lessons learned on the path to the C-suite level of leadership. "This book is to tell you the don'ts and do's and what I've experienced and what my colleagues have experienced, navigating to get to the C suite … It's that type of book to let people know that it's possible for anyone." Here are five key takeaways for readers:
- Embrace Lifelong Learning
- Stay curious and continuously develop skills to remain relevant in your field.
- Seek certifications, mentorships, and learn new trends to maintain adaptability.
- Failure as a Catalyst for Growth
- View mistakes as essential lessons rather than setbacks.
- Own, reflect on, and grow from failures to build resilience and self-awareness.
- Define and Stay True to Your Purpose
- Identify your core purpose and align decisions with it for true fulfillment.
- Avoid letting external pressures or titles detract from what brings you genuine happiness.
- Empower and Lead Authentically
- Build trust and motivate teams through empathy and tailored communication.
- Recognize and celebrate individual strengths while fostering a collaborative environment.
- Prioritize Mental Health and Boundaries
- Set personal and professional boundaries to maintain balance.
- Advocate for yourself, seek support when needed, and focus on well-being alongside career growth.
Resources:
- Visit the DHR Health website to learn more about their services and vision.
- Purchase Villarreal's new book C-Suite Bound: How Self-Discovery Leads to Ultimate Success
- Visit Veronica Villarreal on LinkedIn
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