Leadership in healthcare has always been a unique challenge. The stakes are high, the pace is relentless, and the industry’s impact is profoundly human. Many in the field have chosen a career path in healthcare not for financial gain yet to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve. Chantell Preston is the founder and CEO of Preston Partners. She says it has become more challenging to provide exceptional care as reimbursement has decreased and providers are forced to reduce costs in order to survive. “Over my two decades in healthcare operations, I’ve learned that the secret to sustainable success lies not in strategy alone but in fostering trust, authenticity, and communication within our teams. In today’s healthcare environment, leadership isn’t just about managing resources—it’s about empowering people.”
Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity
One of the most powerful lessons Preston says she’s learned is that great leaders show vulnerability. “Early in my career, I felt compelled to adopt an authoritative style, convinced that being decisive and reserved was the only way to command respect. However, I discovered that leading authentically—acknowledging my weaknesses, listening to my team, and being candid—created a culture of trust.”
In healthcare, this trust is essential. Employees working in high-pressure environments need to feel valued and understood. Simple questions such as, What can I do to make you more effective? Or How can I better support your goals? Open doors to dialogue that enhances not only individual performance but organizational outcomes. It is also important to make sure the entire team understands the importance of all aspects of providing care from the physician to the nurse to the housekeeper.
Healthcare leaders must also recognize the power of empathy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Preston had to reevaluate her approach, understanding that compassion, transparency, and flexibility were no longer optional but crucial. Leading authentically in such challenging times meant acknowledging fears and creating a sense of safety within her organization—a lesson she carried forward.
The Pillar of Transparent Communication
Effective communication is at the core of impactful leadership. In the healthcare industry, where regulations and innovations evolve constantly, clear and consistent communication ensures that teams remain aligned and engaged. However, this is easier said than done.
Early in Preston’s own leadership journey, she shared that she struggled with transparency, often believing that leaders needed to maintain a facade of control. “Over time, I’ve come to understand that honest communication—even about challenges or uncertainties—earns respect and fosters collaboration.”
In healthcare settings, Preston says this translates into operational benefits. “Imagine a scenario where clinical staff feels disconnected from leadership’s vision or unaware of critical changes. Transparent communication bridges these gaps, ensuring that everyone from administrators to frontline workers feels invested in a shared goal,” she explains.
Building Belonging: A Healthcare Imperative
Preston believes the concept of belonging is often overlooked in healthcare leadership. Yet, it’s one of the most critical factors in reducing burnout and retaining talent in an industry where turnover is alarmingly high especially after experiencing COVID 19.
“Building a sense of belonging requires leaders to create environments where employees feel safe to express ideas, share concerns, and collaborate. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformational power of this principle. When employees trust their leaders and their colleagues, productivity and morale soar,” she says. “In healthcare, we see the same dynamics play out in patient care. When staff feel supported, their interactions with patients improve, resulting in better care outcomes. For example, celebrating team successes rather than individual achievements reinforces the idea that healthcare is a collaborative endeavor.”
Lessons from Entrepreneurial Healthcare Ventures
Preston’s experience as the founder and CEO of multiple healthcare organizations has also taught her that innovation thrives in environments of psychological safety. At Mentis Neuro Rehabilitation, a company she co-founded, they entered the niche of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation with little prior knowledge but immense passion.
“We succeeded because we prioritized culture. By assembling the best minds in the field and cultivating a shared vision, we achieved remarkable outcomes. This journey underscored a simple truth: Do the right thing, and the money will follow.”
Preston says today’s healthcare entrepreneurs and leaders alike must align their actions with their values, ensuring that patient outcomes remain the ultimate goal. A focus on mission-driven leadership attracts the right talent, inspires innovation, and creates lasting impact.
Empowering Women in Healthcare Leadership
As a woman in healthcare, Preston often reflected on the unique challenges she faced. From societal expectations to internalized self-doubt, she says women are frequently caught in a paradox: expected to be compassionate yet decisive, approachable yet authoritative.
Breaking through these stereotypes requires resilience and community. She is passionate about empowering women to embrace their authentic leadership styles, leveraging their innate strengths to create workplaces that thrive. For example, Preston says, reframing the belief that women are “too emotional” in business allows us to harness emotional intelligence as a competitive advantage.
The Healthcare Leadership We Need
For Preston, healthcare is more than an industry—it’s a mission. “Leaders must rise to the occasion by cultivating authenticity, practicing transparent communication, and fostering belonging. These principles aren’t just theoretical; they’re practical tools that enhance patient outcomes, drive organizational growth, and create workplaces where people want to stay,” she says.
“In a field where burnout and turnover are persistent challenges, the responsibility lies with us as leaders to create environments where every individual feels seen, valued, and empowered to contribute. Leadership in healthcare isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about inspiring people to do their best work, every day.”
If we do that, she says, our country can build a healthcare system that’s as compassionate as it is innovative.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
