eLABorate Topics

In this episode, co-host Tywauna Wilson discuss simple strategies that will increase your visibility and position you as the go to leader in the laboratory industry.

5 Simple Strategies to Increase Your Visibility:

1. Speak up at meetings
2. Strengthen your relationship with your boss
3. Participate in learning opportunities
4. Demonstrate your expertise
5. Grow your network

*Bonus*- Make it easy for people to find you.

Call to Action:
Pick one of the above strategies and commit to applying it consistently in the new year. Share your wins with an accountability partner. 

Be a Supporter!

Listen on Directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform. 

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode!

Please share with a friend!!

To connect with Tywauna for more strategies or join the monthly leadership roundtable, find her on LinkedIn at Tywauna Wilson or connect here.

In this episode Lona Small discussed the topic of leadership overwhelm, Tips and Tools to reduce burnout, and at the same time empowering your team.

Lona discussed using a four-part tool, STREN, that you can use to empower your team and allows you to focus on tasks that will create more impact, move the needle and at the same time reduce burn out.

The STREN tool:

S- SOP.

Lona discussed ways to simplify your SOP, involve your team in the writing, and make it less intimidating and more effective.

T- Training and Competency

Lona discussed training to ensure all the relevant team members are trained. Lona discussed ways to ensure that the training sticks using audits, spot checks and competency assessment.

R- Reward and Incentive

Lona discussed effective rewards system and examples of incentives

E- Education

Lona discussed the importance of Continuing education in empowering your team

N- Knowledge sharing

Lona discussed knowledge sharing as an effective way to empower your team and avoid burn out and frustrations.

Listen to the full episode to find out the way to utilize the STREN tool.

You can reach Lona directly at [email protected] if you have questions regarding this subject or you want to contact her regarding laboratory coaching and training. You can also catch her on LinkedIn under Lona Gordon Small and follow hashtag #YouAreAnEqualPartOfTheWhole.

Look out on LinkedIn for the upcoming workshop on “Unlocking your potentials and operating at your highest levels to make an impact in healthcare”.

Remember to send us an email at [email protected] to learn more about this topic and others or to be a guest on the show.

Please tune in next week to hear from another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics

In this episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead interviews Administrative Director of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Christina Hampton.  Tune in as they discuss essential tips for managing across generations in the laboratory.

If you are just looking for advice on how maximize your team’s differences and lead diverse groups with various backgrounds and work ethics – this episode is for you! 

Guest Bio:
Christina Hampton is the Administrative Director of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at White Plains Hospital (WPH).  Christina joined WPH February of 2018 has a wealth of knowledge in the management of clinical laboratory operations, most recently supporting the effective preparation and successful re-accreditation by three external agency surveys.  Prior to joining the team at WPH, Christina served in various management positions at BioReference Laboratories.  She has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Stony Brook University, has completed coursework with the University of Pennsylvania in the field of Bioethics, and is licensed as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist with the State of New York. Christina has worked in the laboratory field for over 17 years and her experience spans all disciplines, both Clinical and Anatomical Pathology. 

Be a Supporter:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode! Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media.

In this special behind the bench interview, Co-hosts Tywauna Wilson and Lona Small, interview Stephanie Whitehead about her journey to laboratory leadership and her impactful work in San Antonio, TX.

Key takeaways:

• Flexibility and Adaptability especially during times of crisis is critical
• Be Nimble
• Learn to pivot
• Go the extra mile to recognize your team
• Subscribe to lifelong learning
• Listening to various podcasts can help you grow and develop
• As a leader it is important to keep your calm

Be a Supporter! 

Listen on DirectImpactBroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media.

In this episode, co-host Tywauna Wilson sits down with Cedrick LaFleur, MT to discuss the various career opportunities for laboratorians, the importance of self advocacy, and leader development. 

If you are a laboratory professional looking to jump start your career, move into a new direction, getting recognition, then this is the episode for you! 

Key takeaways:

• Advocacy starts with you! In order to be heard in the laboratory you have be more expressive
• Networking and getting connected with other professionals is critical to visibility
• Add value to other people
• Be able to tell someone about who you are not always what you do
• Don't be afraid to seek non traditional career opportunities

Special Guest Bio:

Cedrick LaFleur is a motivational and empowering Senior Executive with more than 30 years of success across the healthcare sales, leadership, and sports industries. Cedrick has been married to Tammie for 33 years, they have 2 children, TreKessa (32 yrs old) and Patrick (27 yrs old). Cedrick is the Founder and Chief Executive at LaFleur Leadership Institute, where he has created a successful company which delivers workshops, seminars, keynote speeches, and coaching for organizations focused on leadership development. Cedrick is an Executive Director with John Maxwell Team, his responsibilities include Executive Leadership Training, Coaching, and Keynote Speaking internationally. Recently he was in Costa Rica helping lead a government leadership transformation for Costa Rican government. In addition, Cedrick is a Dave Ramsey certified Master Financial Coach, where he provides financial literacy training to individuals and organizations across the U.S. Cedrick is the Chairman of the Executive Leadership Circle, which is a private organization where thought leaders discuss and address global topics. Finally, he serves as Founding Partner and President of Lake Charles Education Collaboration, Inc. a 501c3 Education Based Think Tank. Their focus is to help low performing and failing schools improve academic outcomes. Cedrick recently retired as Regional Sales Manager, from Abbott Laboratories after serving for 22 years. Prior to his Abbott career, Cedrick sent 10 years in the clinical lab setting both in the U.S. Air Force and civilian sectors. He was a blood bank supervisor, Chemistry supervisor in the Air Force and QA/QC Lab Manager in the civilian sector.

Links to join Cedrick's upcoming Mastermind trainings:

• The 5 Essentials TAGR: https://tagr012021.eventbrite.com
• The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: https://21qualities012021.eventbrite.com

Be a Supporter! Listen on DirectImpactBroadCasting.Com, Spotify, Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode! Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!  If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected], or connect with us on Direct Impact Broadcasting through Social Media.

Connect with Tywauna:  To connect with Tywauna for more strategies or join the StandOut Leader Academy with monthly networking/leadership roundtables, find her on LinkedIn at Tywauna Wilson or visit SomeLeadersWearLabCoats.com.

Lona Small, MT (ASCP), MBA, PMP, CPBPM sat down to talk with Dr. Nadia Ayala-Lopez, PhD, MLS (ASCP)CM to discuss career development opportunities for Clinical laboratory professionals.

Nadia Ayala-Lopez, PhD, MLS (ASCP) CM is a clinical chemistry fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, earned a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Michigan State University and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in Laboratory Medicine at Yale University. Dr. Ayala-Lopez has been a leader of professional development initiatives and training programs over the last six years for graduate students, researchers, and professionals at Michigan State University and Yale University.

Dr. Ayala- Lopez discussed her journey from being a Medical Lab Scientist and the guidance she had along the way to where she is now as a Chemistry fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of medicine and her next move in becoming a CMS technical lab director.

Dr. Ayala- Lopez talked about the options available for career growth in the Clinical lab profession. She discussed outreach opportunities, the importance of mentorship, and an outline to a path that Clinical lab professionals can use when looking to develop themselves.

This episode is filled with a wealth of guidance for any Clinical lab professional who is seeking to grow in their career.

Please see information on Letters to a  Pre-scientist program https://www.prescientist.org/about-us/. There are two ways that one can contribute; sign up when the time comes to be pen pals to an elementary school child, and/or they can donate to keep the program running.

Remember to send us an email at [email protected] to learn more about this topic and others or to be a guest on the show.

Please tune in next week to hear from another amazing episode with eLABorate Topics!

You can reach Lona directly at [email protected] if you have questions regarding this subject or you want to contact her coaching Clinical lab professional reaching your highest potentials. You can also catch her on LinkedIn under Lona Gordon Small. 

I GOT THE JOB!!  Now it is time to review the offer. Salary negotiations may be one of the most nerve wrecking meetings you will ever attend but there are things you can do to make it less of a nail-biting experience.

In this episode, co-host Tywauna Wilson discuss strategies for reviewing your job offer and negotiating a package you are excited about. Reviewing the offer offer is the next big meeting after the interview. Simple steps + Some out of the box thinking = Success! Remember Good Leaders Ask GREAT Questions, this is an important part of the negotiating process!

5 Tip to consider when reviewing your offer and negotiating your package:

1. Do your research
2. Consider non-salary benefits
3. Know the employer's needs
4. Decide on best alternatives/deal breakers
5. ALWAYS get it in writing

*Bonus*- Don't make it personal. It is not about your worth as a person....

Once you have the job offer, it's time to negotiate! Leave us a comment on the directimpactbroadcasting.com website about your negotiation strategies and stories.  

Be a Supporter!

Listen on Directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform. 

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode!

Please share with a friend!!

To connect with Tywauna for more strategies or join the monthly leadership roundtable, find her on LinkedIn at Tywauna Wilson or visit SomeLeadersWearLabCoats.com. 

Tune into this episode as co-host, Stephanie Whitehead, and special guests, Tiffany Channer and Aaron Odegard, discuss the importance of joining a professional organization.  

If you are a laboratory professional looking to jump start your career or get more involved in your profession, this is the episode for you! 

Key takeaways:

• Learn about the personal and professional benefits you will gain from joining professional organizations. 
• Understand the benefits of being actively involved in a professional organization
• Learn about volunteer opportunities and committees that support the laboratory profession 

Special Guest Bios:

Aaron Odegard serves as the current Chair of the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals.  He enjoys educating the public, medical laboratory science students and professionals on the topics of antimicrobial resistance and stewardship through many platforms including: classrooms, local and regional meetings, and social media. Aaron can be reached on LinkedIn at “Aaron Odegard”.

Tiffany Channer is the assistant administrative director of Laboratories and quality manager at White Plains Hospital (WPH). Prior to joining WPH, Ms. Channer worked for 9 years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York, NY as lead medical technologist III/ safety officer, where she honed her skills in blood banking and transfusion medicine. In Ms. Channer’s spare time, she supports her passion for community service, laboratory science, and public health by conducting presentations at local high schools, educating students on the importance of an education and correlating epidemiological theory and statistics into the clinical laboratory setting. Ms. Channer also served as American Society Clinical Pathology (ASCP) / President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative consultant in Swaziland, Africa. Additionally, she has served as the ASCP Chair for the Council of Laboratory Professionals, Patient Champion Advisory Board Member, and Career Ambassador. Tiffany can be reached on LinkedIn at “Tiffany Channer”. 

Be a Supporter! Listen on Direct Impact Broad Casting, Spotify, Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode! Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!  If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or connect with us on Direct Impact Broadcasting through Social Media.

Co-Hosts Tywauna Wilson, Lona Small, and Stephanie Whitehead discuss various strategies for moving from just managing to leading.

Key Takeaways from the show:

Fundamental differences between managers and leaders

• Leaders create a vision, managers create goals.
• Leaders are change agents, managers maintain the status quo
• Leaders are unique, managers copy
•  Leaders take risks, managers control risk

 The perils of confusing management and leadership

• Confusing job satisfaction and employee engagement
• Evaluate employee retention and absenteeism
• Micromanagement can arise
• Adhere to compliance can be affected

 Actionable Items

• Continue to grow your leader competencies (Growth happens daily, not in a day) 
• Get to know your team so that you can drive on the motivators that they have
• Move from being transactional to being transformation
• Learn from your mistakes along the way
• Assess your current state by doing an assessment to know if you are operating more as a manager or leader
• Make a plan 
• Choose a new competency in leadership and keep building on that

Be a Supporter!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media.

Do you feel overwhelmed as a leader and find yourself so deep in the weeds of the daily operations that you don’t have time to lift your head up to see the trees in the forest? All the plans you had when you took this job on of making an impact, building your team, building a positive work culture or even advocating for your lab at a higher level now seem like a pipe dream?

In this episode, “The Positive Effects of Challenging Your Team” Lona Small, MBA, PMP, CPBPM, MT (ASCP) demonstrates how you could still accomplish that dream.

By first challenging your team, Lona discusses the progression that will lead you as a leader to accomplish your goals. She discusses the growth progression of challenging your team.

1. Challenging your team. Let your team know you believe in them and their potential to do great things.

2. Challenging your team allows your team to stretch themselves and attempt new projects thereby building Capability.

3. With the demonstration of increased capability, your team is able to do more, which builds Confidence. This confidence allows your team to do more thereby building more capability

4. With capability and confidence, your team can then Contribute both inside and outside the lab by helping to develop more expertise in the lab and shining the light of your lab. 

This is a compounding effect of multiplying more capabilities, capacity, expertise and support by your team. Thus, your team is able to support you in building the capabilities of other members on your team and free you up to focus on the impactful goals you always wanted to accomplish!

Listen to this episode for the details!

You can reach Lona directly at [email protected] if you have questions regarding this subject or you want to contact her regarding leadership coaching. You can also catch her on LinkedIn under Lona Gordon Small. 

Remember to send us an email at [email protected] to learn more about this topic and others or to be a guest on the show.

Please tune in next week to hear from another amazing episode with eLABorate Topics!