Insights

Lead With What You Know—And Who You Know

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Why sharpening your skills (and your circle) matters more than ever.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the past year is this: coalition building is more than collaboration—it’s a survival strategy.

As a surgeon and senior health equity leader, I used to think strategic planning was mostly about aligning people around the “what” and “why” of a goal. But lately, I’ve developed a deeper respect for the “how” and “who”—especially when it comes to partnering with our government relations and legal teams.

When the environment gets noisy or uncertain (and lately, it has), their guidance becomes more than operational—it becomes a compass. A well-worded policy update, a legally sound strategy, a perfectly-timed piece of advocacy… these are not just support mechanisms. They are power levers. And when we learn to lean into that wisdom, we become stronger leaders.

And I’m walking the walk with you. Recently, I pushed myself to learn even more about those intersections. After months of rigorous—but truly enlightening—coursework in one of the most AMAZING formats I’ve ever experienced, I am pleased to announce that I have officially earned the Healthcare Law Certificate from Cornell University!🎉🚀🎉 (You heard it here first, folks!)

It was both humbling and empowering. And it reminded me that in times of complexity, we don’t shrink—we sharpen.

 

What I Learned—and Why It Matters

Erica Taylow - Healthcare Law Certificate - Cornell University

This experience sharpened my understanding of compliance, care obligations, contracting risks, and legal protections for marginalized patients. It was incredibly relevant to the decisions I face daily—from aligning strategy with federal requirements to protecting patient rights within evolving systems.

Professional development isn’t a luxury—it’s leadership infrastructure. The benefits are invaluable.

✅ Become a more effective partner to cross-discipline colleagues.

✅ Gain the language and clarity to engage in high-stakes strategy.

✅ Lead with confidence—and the wisdom to know who you need.

In a time when equity and inclusion efforts are being tested, the leaders who will sustain this work are the ones willing to evolve. If we want to future-proof our mission, we must invest in our fluency across systems—and commit to learning that sharpens both our message and our impact.

This is exactly why we designed the new Transformative Health Equity Leadership program with Cornell specifically for people ready to lead equity differently — our ODLC membership.

We pulled together experts from economics, population health, and – yes – the law to provide a holistic experience relevant to healthcare’s leadership challenges. There is no better time than the present to arm yourself with these critical skills and the essential teammates who make the impact stick.

👉 CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep leading. And let’s keep showing up—sharp, steady, and ready with a powerful coalition.

Stay Bold,
Dr. Erica Taylor

Written by Dr. Taylor
Founder, CEO of ODLC Practice: Duke University Subspecialty: Hand Surgery Dr. Taylor believes the unique combination of our lived experiences, passion for changing the landscape of orthopaedics, and strengths in strategic diversity leadership make the ODLC powerful and inimitable.
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