Dr. Phyllis Quinlan - is certified as a professional coach by the Internal Coaching Federation. And Author, since 2012, she has served as the career coach for the American Organization of Perioperative Nurses which has over 44,000 members, and the American Nurses Association NY State Chapter and was named to the outstanding list of coaches serving the American Hospital Association.

In an insightful episode of The You World Order Showcase podcast, host Jill Hart interviews Dr. Phyllis Quinlan, an accomplished career coach, nurse, and healthcare consultant, about her journey and the profound changes in healthcare leadership and resilience. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Quinlan offers a unique perspective on how healthcare professionals have transformed, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and the leadership imperative for the future.

From Nursing to Entrepreneurship

Dr. Quinlan began her career in healthcare as a registered nurse, following a brief stint in psychiatric social work. Her career evolved across multiple roles in administration, education, and clinical practice. She has held positions such as director of education and critical care, but her journey took an entrepreneurial turn in the mid-1990s. Seeing a gap in the healthcare system, she founded her own company focused on cross-training healthcare professionals.

Despite not having formal business training, Dr. Quinlan successfully built her business, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. She emphasizes that her journey has been intuitive and self-taught, with her passion for supporting the professional development of healthcare workers driving her success.

The Changing Face of Healthcare Leadership

Dr. Quinlan’s business has evolved beyond cross-training to include leadership development, healthcare consulting, and executive coaching. She is particularly passionate about coaching both professional and family caregivers, ensuring that every person involved in caregiving, regardless of certification or role, is respected for their contributions.

Reflecting on how healthcare has changed post-pandemic, Dr. Quinlan identifies COVID-19 as a defining moment, similar to other historical events like the Great Depression or Vietnam War. During the pandemic, the healthcare sector experienced an unprecedented level of interprofessional collaboration, where status and rank no longer mattered. Healthcare workers at all levels united with a common purpose, creating a unique sense of solidarity and teamwork that Dr. Quinlan believes was long overdue.

Post-COVID Transformation: Growth, Not Burnout

Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Quinlan emphasizes that not all healthcare workers have experienced burnout in the aftermath of COVID-19. Instead, many have emerged from the pandemic with a newfound sense of strength and growth. She explains that healthcare workers have realized they are stronger than they ever thought possible, a mindset that reflects growth rather than post-traumatic stress.

This resilience, however, comes with challenges. As healthcare workers have grown and evolved, many are seeking work environments that support their personal and professional development. They are not leaving the profession but are instead searching for organizations that align with their values and offer healthy, supportive environments.

The Leadership Challenge for Healthcare Organizations

The biggest challenge for healthcare leaders, according to Dr. Quinlan, is recognizing and supporting the transformation their staff has undergone. Leaders must “level up” their approach, embracing emotional intelligence and authentic leadership to retain talent. If they fail to do so, they risk losing valuable clinical and leadership talent to more progressive organizations.

Dr. Quinlan explains that healthcare leadership must now focus on character, authenticity, and humanity rather than traditional metrics of success. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, value authentic, relatable leaders and are less concerned with titles or credentials. Healthcare organizations that adapt to this new leadership paradigm will thrive, while those that cling to outdated models may struggle to retain talent.

Emotional Intelligence and Authentic Leadership

For Dr. Quinlan, the key to effective leadership lies in emotional intelligence. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth, particularly for leaders. Healthcare professionals must navigate what she calls “boot camp moments”—those challenging experiences that test our resolve and offer opportunities for growth. Leaders who embrace these moments and lead with empathy and authenticity are better positioned to build trust and create meaningful relationships with their teams.

Authentic leadership, she argues, is not about power but about influence. It’s about showing up as a human being, understanding the struggles of others, and building connections that inspire trust. Leaders who master this will find that their teams follow them willingly, not out of obligation but because they believe in their leader's vision.

Conclusion: Strength, Resilience, and the Future of Healthcare

Dr. Phyllis Quinlan’s insights provide a powerful reminder that leadership in healthcare is about much more than just managing tasks and meeting metrics. It’s about recognizing the humanity in those we lead and supporting them through periods of transformation. As healthcare workers continue to evolve and grow in the post-COVID world, leaders must rise to the occasion, offering the emotional intelligence and authenticity needed to foster an environment where both staff and patients can thrive.

If you're a healthcare leader or organization looking to support your team in this new era, Dr. Quinlan’s approach offers a roadmap to creating a healthier, more supportive workplace.

For more information on working with Dr. Quinlan or to connect with her, visit her website at MFW Consultants or find her on LinkedIn.

Learn More:

https://mfwconsultants.com/

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