LEAP

In the midst of the HRX 2023 conference, a select group of allied professionals convened for the LEAP Fall Huddle. This gathering marked the second in-person meeting of the 2023-2024 Leadership and Education for Allied Professionals (LEAP) Program, an initiative dedicated to empowering professionals to take charge of their careers and become trailblazers in their respective fields.

For many healthcare professionals, the transition from clinical training to effective leadership can be challenging. The LEAP Fall Huddle was purpose-built to bridge this gap. It served as a beacon of inspiration, guiding participants toward unlocking their leadership potential.

Turning Personal Style into Workplace Performance           
The day began with an engaging session led by the accomplished Betty Parker. In the world of leadership, self-awareness is the compass that guides us towards effective connections and high performance. Betty asked a simple yet profound question: What's your style? Participants delved into the depths of self-discovery, peeling back layers to reveal their unique qualities and habits.

This introspective journey was not just about identifying strengths but also acknowledging areas for improvement. It was an exploration of how personal style can be harnessed to enhance workplace performance. The interactive session encouraged attendees to take ownership of their leadership journey. Armed with newfound insights, they left with a clear roadmap to becoming leaders their teams would rally behind and appreciate. The message was clear: self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

The Goals Session Pt II: Elevating Aspirations Together           
In the afternoon, the LEAP cohort reconvened for the much-anticipated Goals Session Pt II. Building on the foundation laid at the Leadership Retreat in July, participants embarked on a deeper exploration of goal-setting and achievement. But what made this session truly exceptional was the power of collaboration. Attendees had the unique opportunity to share their goals with peers, inviting valuable feedback and fresh perspectives.

It was a collective effort to refine plans, shape the road ahead, and elevate each other's aspirations. In this environment of mutual support and shared ambition, the magic of progress happened. Goals that once seemed distant came into focus. Plans that felt overwhelming now appeared manageable. The journey to achievement became a shared experience, where everyone propelled each other forward.

The LEAP Journey           
The LEAP Fall Huddle at HRX 2023 was a snapshot of a remarkable program that equips allied professionals with the skills and insights needed to excel in leadership roles. It's a journey of self-discovery, collaboration, and transformation. The rich curriculum, engaging sessions, and the spirit of camaraderie left participants inspired and equipped with practical leadership principles to tackle real-world challenges. And this is just the beginning.

The LEAP Program continues to empower allied professionals, offering them a path to leadership within HRS and beyond. It's a journey of growth, self-awareness, and making a lasting impact in the world of heart rhythm disorders. As the LEAP community grows, so does the opportunity for professionals to unlock their leadership potential. The LEAP Fall Huddle was just one chapter in this incredible journey, and many more await those who are ready to take the leap.         

Special Thanks to Our Valued Sponsor,

Your unwavering support has been instrumental in making this experience exceptional for our LEAP cohort. We deeply appreciate your commitment to advancing the field and empowering allied professionals.

Cultivating Leadership Excellence: Highlights from the 2023 LEAP Retreat

Paving the way for transformative change, the 2023 LEAP Leadership Retreat, allowed attendees to embark on a journey of comprehensive leadership training, and explore the art of idea development through TED-Ed workshops, the science of negotiation mastery, and insights into fostering effective collaboration with industry partners. This immersive 1.5-day retreat, designed to equip participants with invaluable skills and knowledge, offered unparalleled avenues for growth, networking, and personal development. Let's take a look back at the expertly curated agenda and invigorating sessions that defined the essence of this year's LEAP Leadership retreat.

Nestled within the prestigious Mayflower Hotel in the heart of Washington DC, this year’s retreat commenced with a welcoming lunch and LEAP Icebreakers, where the cohort shared a bit about themselves and what they hoped to get out of the retreat and this program year. This set the stage for engaging interactions and meaningful connections.

The retreat kicked off with TED-Ed's Idea Development Workshop. This captivating and interactive session empowered participants to harness the power of effective idea communication. Guided by the renowned strategies of TED, attendees embarked on a journey to transform their experiences, values, and lessons into resonating ideas. Throughout the 2.5-hour workshop, TED-Ed facilitators, Bobby Nweke and Jason Patience provided invaluable feedback to refine the clarity, specificity, and focus of participants' ideas.

Leadership coach, Ruth Reiner, captivated the cohort with an illuminating session titled "Leadership and Personality." Within this discourse, attendees delved into the dynamics between self-perception and the perceptions of others. At the heart of this exploration lay the Hogan personality assessment, which cast a revealing light on the behaviors and skills that emerge during moments of success and stress alike. Armed with these newfound insights, participants now possess a compass that guides them toward making well-informed choices in professional contexts.

Empowerment took center stage as LEAP chair, Julie B. Shea, MS, MSN, FHRS, CCDS and vice chair, Aileen M. Ferrick, PhD, ACNP, RN, FHRS, led a session on the art of goal setting. This introductory session on goal setting laid the foundation for this transformative journey. Participants explored the significance of setting clear objectives, understanding the psychology behind successful goal attainment, and learning practical strategies to overcome obstacles along the way. 

Following the goals session, negotiation expert Tanya Menon led participants through the intricate art of negotiation. Attendees delved into the dynamics of negotiation, from meticulous preparation to adeptly overcoming obstacles. Tanya's expertise empowered participants to navigate negotiations with newfound confidence, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration that leads to mutual success.

LEAP's Sponsor Medtronic hosted two sessions, the first a fireside chat that illuminated the evolution of implantable cardiac monitoring, shedding light on its transformative impact on patient care. This candid conversation connected the dots between innovation, leadership, and real-world impact, leaving participants both enlightened and inspired. The next session “Practicing to the Highest of Your Licensure" ignited conversations about the vital role allied healthcare professionals play in the realm of cardiac care. This compelling session underscored the significance of allied health professionals embracing the full spectrum of their licensure. The result? Enhanced patient experiences, a culture of collaboration, and boundless opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As the retreat closed out, attendees came together for a final session titled "Top Gun – How to Bring Your Best and Prevent Your Worst." Dr. Sam Sears' insights illuminated strategies for maintaining well-being while navigating the demands of cardiac care. This reflection on self-care and excellence provided a fitting conclusion to an enriching journey of growth.

The LEAP Leadership Retreat 2023 was more than an event; it was an invitation to embrace one's full potential. Participants departed with a wealth of knowledge, a network of invaluable connections, and a renewed vigor to lead with impact. Armed with insights, skills, and a shared commitment to excellence, these professionals are now poised to embark on a remarkable journey, ready to #LEAPforward and shape the future of leadership in their fields.

Special Thanks to Our Valued Sponsor,

Your unwavering support has been instrumental in making this experience exceptional for our LEAP cohort. We deeply appreciate your commitment to advancing the field and empowering allied professionals.