Rebels with a Cause:  Exploring the Element of Authenticity Part 1.   

In our final episode of Season 4, Mobeen and Matthew welcome a cross- generational leadership panel to explore the concept of authenticity in leadership.  The panel includes an emerging leader, a mid-career leader and an “expert” leader who share their experiences about what makes an authentic leader and good rebel.   

Sahand Ensafi is the emerging leader guest.  Sahand is an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant with 10 years of experience working at the University Health Network (UHN) and a recent graduate from the MHSc Health Administration program at the University of Toronto.   

Jacklyn Pearce is the mid-career leader on the panel.  Jacklyn is Executive Director of the Office of Health System Transformation at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario.  Jacklyn is a registered Occupational Therapist. She completed a Masters in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety through IHPME at the University of Toronto.  

Wendy Nelson is the “expert” health leader guest.  Wendy is an experienced health executive, currently serving as Senior Fellow within IHPME and is founder of Vernissage Health. Wendy has served as a senior executive in a broad range of settings in the private and public sectors.  She possesses a Masters in Health Administration from University of Toronto and a Masters in International Health Leadership from McGill University.   

In Part 1 of the conversation, each panel member shares what they believe are the qualities of a “good rebel”.  Turning to the element of authenticity, each shares their definition of authentic leadership and approaches to how they remain “authentic” as leaders in health care.   

Authenticity often is expressed through storytelling by leaders. Stories of “failure” often resonate and have more impact that traditional “hero” or “success” stories.  Wendy speaks to the powerful storytelling focus of Vernissage Health Leaders Dialogue Series where leaders are invited to share stories of struggle and setbacks to develop the next generation of health leaders in Canada.   

Sahand and Jacklyn concur that these stories “humanize” more experienced leaders, build mentoring relationship and demonstrate that perfection is not the goal.  All health leaders can learn and grow from missteps. 

The episode ends with a question about why more research and focus has not been given to “authentic leadership”.  Jacklyn speculates that we are in a transition from old to new ways of leadership – a transition from old power to new power.  On this journey, we both need to learn how to be authentic leaders and unlearn some aspects of traditional hierarchical leadership.     

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For more information about the BTL Podcast and Vernissage Health: 

www.vernissagehealth.com   

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