Healthcare Leaders Giving Back

The Heathcare Businesswomen’s Association awards luncheon took place this afternoon. HBA supports women in the healthcare industry, and the luncheon was held to honor the group's 2012 winners. Two of the speakers shared sentiments that I found particularly striking.

Michael Kaufman, CEO of the Pharmaceutical Segment at Cardinal Health, received the Honorable Mentor Award.  After being groomed for leadership by a woman at the company, he has become a real champion for women in business. His speech dealt with how equality in the workplace is a two-way street—men need to support their female coworkers, and women need to more readily say yes to opportunities for advancement, even if they don't already have all the necessary skills in place.

Carolyn Buck Luce, Global Pharmaceutical Sector Leader at Ernst & Young, was HBA's Woman of the Year.  She is an authentic leader who discussed the idea of knowing your unique destiny and allowing it to guide you. In front of at least a thousand women and men, Carolyn spoke with passion about the need for collaborative power. She urged women to wield their power intentionally and fully embrace their lives.

Congratulations to both of these strong leaders on their awards, as well as all of the other honorees—including the 2012 HBA Rising Stars. Their teams, friends, and families are lucky to have them!