13: From The Ground Up: Choosing Courage Over Comfort in Healthcare Leadership & Innovation, with Ryan Quattlebaum

Today, your host Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College, sits down with Ryan Quattlebaum, President and CEO of AdventHealth - North Pinellas, to explore his remarkable journey from dishwasher to healthcare leader.  As Ryan recounts his evolution from early career challenges to his current role, he sheds light on the steadfast commitment of AdventHealth's team to upholding exceptional care standards. They delve into the difficulties faced during COVID-19 and the strategies AdventHealth has developed to prepare for future health crises. Ryan also shares some stories of giving back to the community with engagements and vital partnerships that make a lasting impact, especially for the children.  Join the conversation as they exchange insights on how technology acts as a catalyst for enhancing patient care as well as the difference between will and skill in leadership. Tune in and uncover how Ryan Quattlebaum’s leadership and vision continue to bridge gaps and drive positive change in healthcare. KEY POINTS:  [01:05] - From dishwasher to CEO: Ryan leadership journey  [03:33] - How does the AdventHealth team uphold the standard of care  [07:29] - Challenges faced as the leader such as the COVID-19 pandemic [10:00] - Another response to COVID-19 and preparedness for another pandemic [12:08] - Illustrative story and examples of community engagement and partnerships [19:56] - How AdventHealth embraces technology as a tool to enhance care [30:30] - On addressing the will vs the skill [34:35] - Ryan’s advice to leaders and potential leaders  [37:56] - Make that decision: Choose courage over comfort [39:22] - Ryan’s insights on how to stand in the gap  QUOTABLES:  “If you can connect with the person [or] with those people, you can really more understand what's important to them.” – Ryan Quattlebaum “Standing in the gap — The employees of AdventHealth helped those children find beds. They donated the beds, they cleaned the spots. It's more than just giving a check. It's giving your time.” – Dr. Tonjua Williams “I tell our new hire orientation [that] not everything you do comes in the way of an email from your boss — It comes in those opportunities that you see presented where you can truly make an impact and make a difference in people's lives.” – Ryan Quattlebaum GUEST RESOURCES: Ryan Quattlebaum  LinkedIn | @ryan-quattlebaum-1382b23/  RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/