In this episode of the Psych in Business podcast, Dr. Ernest Wayde hosts a conversation with Joy White, the Director of Clinical Operations at UCI Health Systems. Joy shares her journey from working in a furniture store as a child to becoming a leader in healthcare, driven by her personal experiences and passion for patient care.

Joy's story begins with her son’s congenital heart defect, which inspired her to pursue nursing. Her career rapidly advanced as she took on leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of nurturing both patients and colleagues. Now, at UCI Health Systems, Joy oversees clinical care operations, focusing on team building and patient movement across the health system.

The episode delves into the concept of human-centered leadership and the importance of psychological safety. Joy shares her experiences in environments lacking psychological safety and how they shaped her leadership style. She emphasizes the need for open communication, team empowerment, and continuous learning.

Key Takeaways:

• Psychological Safety: The importance of creating an environment where team members feel safe to voice their concerns and ideas.

• Empowering Teams: Giving team members the autonomy to suggest and implement changes fosters a more engaged and effective workforce.

• Human-Centered Leadership: Leaders must take care of themselves to effectively lead and support their teams, promoting a healthy work-life harmony.

• Communication: Clear and transparent communication, including explaining the "why" behind decisions, is crucial for team buy-in and success.

• Adapting Leadership Styles: Tailoring communication and leadership approaches to different audiences, whether it's frontline staff or executive leadership, is essential for effective leadership.

To learn more about Joy White and connect with her, visit her LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joynicolewhite/