I used to believe that my personal and professional success was directly correlated to my ability to influence others. From landing my first job as a trial attorney by convincing the hiring manager to hire me despite not having the requisite experience, to persuading juries to buy into my clients’ cases, I thought success came from my ability to communicate and persuade. Oh, what a naive thought! Rather, I’ve realized that my success is directly correlated to my ability to listen (which isn’t always easy)! Understanding what motivates others and what problems they face teaches me how I can best serve others (which is ultimately my goal). Listening first, to influence later, has changed the way I lead and engage. I have a passion for improving contracting processes and strategies, leading highly reliable teams, and empowering/developing women in the workplace. I lead by following my 5 Cs (ask me about them if you’d like!). While I thought I was destined for a life in the courtroom, I’ve found fulfillment and joy in this crazy world of contracting. I look forward to continuing to listen to others first to bring meaningful change to healthcare contracting.