In this episode of the Lead Change podcast, Dr. Mary Mulcahey welcomes her friend and colleague, Dr. Berte Boe, a consultant orthopedic surgeon at Oslo University Hospital and the first woman to serve in the presidential line of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery, and Arthroscopy (ESSKA). Dr. Boe shares insights from her multifaceted career as a clinician, researcher, and leader.

She discusses her dual focus on shoulder and knee surgery, an uncommon combination in Europe, and her evolution from clinician to section head and international leader. She opens up about her path to earning a PhD in orthopedics, how early challenges as a young woman in a male-dominated field motivated her to excel academically, and how she now mentors the next generation of surgeons and researchers.

Dr. Boe reflects on her leadership philosophy—grounded in team-building, openness, humility, and inclusivity—and outlines her goals for ESSKA, including advancing the Women in ESSKA initiative and fostering international collaboration. The episode closes with a discussion of her favorite leadership lessons, including managing diverse personalities and keeping ego in check, and her favorite quote:

“Believe that you can, and you’re halfway there.”

Key Takeaways

1. Leadership Is About People, Not Position: Dr. Boe emphasizes that a strong team culture—where everyone is encouraged to reach their potential—is essential to sustainable success.
2. Authenticity Over Imitation: She learned from great mentors but discovered she had to lead her own way rather than trying to replicate others.
3. Mentorship Multiplies Impact: By supervising medical students and PhD candidates, she passes on both technical and research skills while promoting academic engagement in orthopedics.
4. Diversity Strengthens Organizations: As the first woman in the ESSKA presidential line, Dr. Boe is passionate about inclusion and mentorship for women in orthopedics through initiatives like Women in ESSKA.
5. Continuous Learning Is Leadership: From earning a PhD to attending leadership courses, Dr. Boe models lifelong learning.
6. Leadership Style: Direct, open, decisive, and team-oriented—balancing firmness with approachability.
7. Managing Different Personalities: Inspired by the book Surrounded by Idiots, she recognizes that effective leadership requires understanding varied personality types.
8. Ego Is the Enemy: Staying grounded, approachable, and engaged with her team is essential to her philosophy.
9. Favorite Quote: “Believe that you can, and you’re halfway there.” — a reminder of confidence and perseverance, especially for women in leadership.