Truly Great Leadership Is More About Listening Than Being Heard with Dr. Kathleen Ross

This episode of Central Line features a conversation between Host Leah Wuitschik of TallTrees Leadership and Dr. Kathleen Ross, President of the Canadian Medical Association. It delves into the multifaceted world of healthcare and leadership. In particular, what makes a truly great leader who can affect real change.

True leadership is portrayed as a balance between listening, reflection, inclusiveness, collaboration, and openness to doing things differently. 

Dr. Ross discusses three pivotal tenets of leadership: self-awareness, the benefits of mentorship and sponsorship (which are different), and the power of identifying your passion. She goes on to clarify that mentorship and leadership lessons can be found both within and outside one's career, and underscores the importance of not getting trapped in the pitfalls of our passions. 

The conversation ultimately stresses the need for collaboration, breaking through silos (or “cylinders of excellence”), and new approaches to address the colossal challenges faced by the healthcare system and to meet the diverse needs of Canadians.