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#33 - The Quiet Strength of Leadership: Lessons from Dr. Jenny Slayton
In this inspiring episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric welcomes long-time colleague and transformational leader, Dr. Jenny Slayton, Senior Vice President of Quality, Safety, and Risk Prevention at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. From her early days in the emergency department to navigating executive leadership — and surviving a life-altering cancer diagnosis — Jenny’s story is one of grit, humility, and purpose. With humor, vulnerability, and uncommon wisdom, she reminds us all what real leadership looks like: leading ourselves first so we can lead others better.
Dr. Jenny Slayton has worn many hats — emergency nurse, charge nurse, executive leader, patient. In this unforgettable conversation, she shares the lessons that shaped her leadership journey: how to handle rejection, build resilience, and turn adversity into growth. Jenny opens up about the moment a manager told her she didn’t have leadership potential, and how she used that as fuel instead of a failure. She reflects on her time as a patient facing breast cancer, how that changed her view of leadership, and why stepping back is sometimes the most powerful move forward.
Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned executive, Jenny’s story offers perspective on leading with humility, the power of mentorship, and the critical importance of knowing — and remembering — your “why.”
Leadership Applications:
1. Lead Yourself First
Jenny’s early morning routine, spiritual practices, and commitment to recovery time remind us that sustainable leadership begins with self-care. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
2. Feedback Doesn’t Define You
When told she lacked leadership potential, Jenny didn’t internalize it. Her response — “That’s one perspective” — exemplifies emotional maturity and confidence in one’s journey.
3. Crisis Reframes Priorities
Her cancer journey brought clarity: busyness isn’t the same as effectiveness. Jenny models how leaders must set boundaries and communicate intentionally to prioritize what truly matters.
4. Build Teams That Can Thrive Without You
True leadership isn’t about being indispensable. Jenny’s ability to step away and see her team succeed speaks to trust, mentorship, and preparation.
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By TEMSEA
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In this inspiring episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric welcomes long-time colleague and transformational leader, Dr. Jenny Slayton, Senior Vice President of Quality, Safety, and Risk Prevention at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. From her early days in the emergency department to navigating executive leadership — and surviving a life-altering cancer diagnosis — Jenny’s story is one of grit, humility, and purpose. With humor, vulnerability, and uncommon wisdom, she reminds us all what real leadership looks like: leading ourselves first so we can lead others better.
Dr. Jenny Slayton has worn many hats — emergency nurse, charge nurse, executive leader, patient. In this unforgettable conversation, she shares the lessons that shaped her leadership journey: how to handle rejection, build resilience, and turn adversity into growth. Jenny opens up about the moment a manager told her she didn’t have leadership potential, and how she used that as fuel instead of a failure. She reflects on her time as a patient facing breast cancer, how that changed her view of leadership, and why stepping back is sometimes the most powerful move forward.
Whether you’re an emerging leader or seasoned executive, Jenny’s story offers perspective on leading with humility, the power of mentorship, and the critical importance of knowing — and remembering — your “why.”
Leadership Applications:
1. Lead Yourself First
Jenny’s early morning routine, spiritual practices, and commitment to recovery time remind us that sustainable leadership begins with self-care. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
2. Feedback Doesn’t Define You
When told she lacked leadership potential, Jenny didn’t internalize it. Her response — “That’s one perspective” — exemplifies emotional maturity and confidence in one’s journey.
3. Crisis Reframes Priorities
Her cancer journey brought clarity: busyness isn’t the same as effectiveness. Jenny models how leaders must set boundaries and communicate intentionally to prioritize what truly matters.
4. Build Teams That Can Thrive Without You
True leadership isn’t about being indispensable. Jenny’s ability to step away and see her team succeed speaks to trust, mentorship, and preparation.