Future Shapers: Leading with Purpose: From Educator to Healthcare Executive

BRG Director Garrett Mann sits down with Shannon Cermak, Vice President, Ambulatory at Loyola Medicine, to discuss her unique career journey from teacher to healthcare executive and how her early experiences in education have shaped her leadership style.

Drawing on her teaching background, Shannon emphasizes the importance of people-centered leadership, a philosophy she’s carried into her role in healthcare administration. Whether guiding students or caring for patients, her approach has kept the mission front and center.

Together, Garrett and Shannon explore what it means to engage teams meaningfully: recognizing individual needs, building trust, and cultivating a culture that balances innovation with accountability.

They also reflect on the core traits of effective leadership respect, empathy, and kindness—and share a parting message for aspiring leaders to embrace discomfort, seek growth, and explore the unexpected opportunities that can shape your path.

Selected Transcript Summary

[2:58]
Shannon recounts her transition from teaching to healthcare administration, describing how her educational background influences her leadership approach. She draws parallels between teaching and healthcare, emphasizing the shared need for people-centered engagement and understanding systemic structures. 

[6:11]
Shannon and Garrett discuss employee engagement and treating employees as individuals with unique motivators. Shannon shares an anecdote about a high-performing manager who did not want a promotion, underlining the value of individualized leadership. 

[9:17]
Garrett stresses the importance of providing teams with performance data. Shannon introduces the idea of “democratizing knowledge” in effective change management. 

[10:47]
Discussion turns to leadership growth. Shannon emphasizes prioritization and moving away from “superhero” problem-solving mentalities. Garrett adds the importance of thoughtful risk-taking and building credibility through preparation. Shannon agrees and expands on balancing innovation with due diligence. She shares the leadership challenge of reorganizing teams and honoring legacy while pushing for modern improvement. 

[15:12]
Asked about the most important leadership trait, Shannon cites “respect for people,” encompassing empathy, knowledge sharing, and empowering staff to lead. Garrett echoes this sentiment, adding the importance of consistency and creating safe spaces to fail. 

[20:35]
They explore common misconceptions about leadership, such as the belief that executive ideas are always brilliant. They emphasize the importance of humility in leadership. Shannon reflects on experiences with senior leaders during a fellowship, where she came to understand that they are simply people doing their best to solve problems. 

[26:07]
Garrett and Shannon advise new leaders to take risks, embrace failure, and focus on relationships and self-awareness. Garrett adds that leaders should admit when they don’t know something, which helps build trust and credibility. Shannon notes that humility and honesty are more effective than projecting false certainty. 

[29:30]
Shannon explains her approach to developing and motivating team members through tailored development plans and by avoiding micromanagement. She notes that development should be ongoing and inclusive for all team members, regardless of tenure.