Over 80 women attended and learned how three successful Health Care Executives made major career transitions. The event brought together Valerie Donnelly, President/CEO at Donnelly Associates, Christine Shuster, President and CEO, Emerson Hospital and Lynn Malloy Stofer, Senior VP/CEO Medical Center Operations at Lahey Clinic to share their career paths, their career expertise and their passion for their work.

Valerie spoke about what one must know in order to make a successful career leap. First, know thyself. Valerie stressed the importance of knowing one’s goals, understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses and remaining true to one’s values and vision. Second, successful “leapers” are willing to grow by constantly challenging their limits of knowledge and experiences. And third, successful people are willing to take the time to reflect and learn from their experiences. These are the keys she used to leap and start her own consulting business

Lynn spoke about how leaping should not be a solitary activity. She successfully changed career paths with help and support from someone in her existing WHCM network. Seeking advice from people knowledgeable about your field of interest helps to identify the best possible and interesting opportunities that you may not have initially considered.

Christine described how her career leaps were the result of always being open to new possibilities. She built her skills and interests in each position she held but also had the insight to explore promising new options as they presented themselves. She also spoke of the importance of seeking out and connecting with others who can offer advice, insight and support as well as finding ways to contribute to the success of others. Christine acknowledges that her success would not have been achieved without the support of her WCHM peers

The advice from these talented women can guide each of us as we step closer to our future career leap.

Women In Healthcare Management is excited to announce that we will have one of the nation’s leading authorities on gender issues in negotiation presenting at our fall forum.

This is a unique opportunity to hear Dr. Kolb, whose book The Shadow Negotiation, was named one of the best business books of 2000 by Harvard Business Review. Her new book “Her Place at the Table: A Women’s Guide to Negotiating the Five Challenges of Leadership Success” describes how successful women negotiate for what they need to be effective in leadership roles at all levels of an organization.

Women In Healthcare Management is excited to announce that we will have one of the nation’s leading authorities on gender issues in negotiation presenting at our fall forum.

This is a unique opportunity to hear Dr. Kolb, whose book The Shadow Negotiation, was named one of the best business books of 2000 by Harvard Business Review. Her new book “Her Place at the Table: A Women’s Guide to Negotiating the Five Challenges of Leadership Success” describes how successful women negotiate for what they need to be effective in leadership roles at all levels of an organization.

A unique evening workshop that combined two important components of the job search: head shots and resume writing.

Photographer Melissa Gallagher came and set up a professional photo shoot for women looking to have an updated head shot.

Lisa Toby, Director of Career Services, Simmons School of Management taught an outstanding workshop on “Job Search Strategies: Tools and Protocols” that pointed out the current ways that employers are looking at resumes.

Lisa came prepared with research she had done with many current health care providers, asking them about what they are seeking in applicants, and what kinds of resumes are getting more attention. She reminded everyone that resumes get a very quick look and it’s important to have your resume formatted in the best possible way.

The bottom line is that employers are seeking results-oriented descriptions and metrics on resumes, as opposed to highlighting soft skills.

This Forum provided the participants a clear understanding of the broader benefits of engaging in networking opportunities and provided tips and techniques for energizing networking efforts.