PRESSURE

As I reflect on tomorrow’s panel — “Expect the Unexpected: Strategies for Leading Under Pressure – Skills Healthcare Leaders Need Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges” — I’m thinking about the different pressures I’ve faced in my own life.

Personal pressure.
Societal pressure.
Career pressure.
And sometimes… the pressure from pressure itself.

Pressure is everywhere. It’s woven into everything we do. And you’ve heard the saying about diamonds — pressure can create something strong, rare, and valuable. But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough:

Pressure, when used correctly, is actually good for you.

Pressure can push you through the very challenge you’re facing.

It can accelerate your growth.
It can fuel your motivation.
It can force you to think differently, lead differently, and show up differently.

Challenges are not meant to be lived in forever.

They’re meant to be completed.

That’s why pressure exists — it’s built into every challenge we face, nudging us forward, pushing us through.

When you learn to ride the pressure instead of drowning under it, you begin to tap into a higher level of leadership.

If you work well under pressure → your leadership is strong here.

You know how to use tension as fuel.

If you don’t work well under pressure → that skill can absolutely be developed.

And it starts with changing how you view pressure itself.

Pressure isn’t the enemy.

Pressure is information.

It tells you the urgency, the priority, and the pathway to overcome the problem.

It’s a signal, not a punishment.

When you use pressure intentionally, you come out of challenges with a new perspective, a new level of confidence, and a new version of yourself.

You impress you.

🩺 And in healthcare? Pressure is guaranteed.

Healthcare is constantly changing — that’s why I love it and hate it at the same time.

There is no constant.

There is no “normal.”

There is only evolution.

The system evolves because people evolve.

And the truth is, healthcare is often slow to adopt innovation — which means a strong, prepared, forward-thinking healthcare leader can meet changes head-on instead of chasing after them.

Don’t avoid the pressure. Expect it. Prepare for it. Lead through it.

And then apply that same mindset to your team:

• Don’t let them get complacent.

• Reward the ones who think independently.

• Celebrate the creative problem solvers — especially when uncertainty hits.

• Run preparation exercises so the “unknown” doesn’t paralyze your people.

• Use your team. You’re not meant to solve every problem alone.

Receive the pressure.

Apply the pressure.

Ride the wave all the way through.

That’s how you lead under pressure.

That’s how you strengthen systems.

That’s how you build resilient teams.

And that’s how you evolve into the leader tomorrow’s healthcare needs.