TLP281: Practical Wisdom from a Rags to Riches CEO

Michael J. Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health, is one of healthcare’s most influential voices and leads a clinical academic and research enterprise with a workforce of more than 75,000 with an annual revenue of $14 billion. Northwell has treated more than 150,000 COVID-19 patients and Michael’s leadership has been invaluable to Northwell’s consistent expansion and prominence during the pandemic. Michael details in his book, After the Roof Caved In: An Immigrant’s Journey from Ireland to America, his rags-to-riches story and on the show, he provides timeless insight and wisdom on how to cultivate loyalty within your employees, what really brings meaning and purpose into someone’s life, and much more.

Key Takeaways

[2:45] Michael is very grateful for the tough life he’s had early on. It has made him more appreciative of the good days he does have.

[6:15] There is a future tomorrow that you can help make better.

[8:15] We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses; it’s important to be honest with yourself about which is which.

[8:40] Michael shares why he wanted to write a book about his immigrant journey from Ireland to America.

[11:40] Northwell Health was selected in 2020 as one of Fortune’s top 100 best places to work in America. Michael shares his approach on how to create loyalty.

[14:40] When you are trying to solve a big problem, some of the biggest problems, the best way to start is by taking one small bite at a time.

[17:20] Not every role in an organization is glamorous. Michael shares insights on how to keep people motivated even when the job isn’t “sexy.”

[20:25] Michael hires for attitude. He is always looking for people who are curious.

[25:35] As a leader, Michael loves to paint a picture with his words. Detail the roadmap out clearly with words.

[29:10] When you left your home country all those years ago, you couldn’t go back. It was a real voyage.

[34:40] Everybody, every day, is at a crossroads of life. You must weigh the pros and the cons of choosing whether to go left or whether to go right.

[39:00] Even when things are bad around you, Michael encourages you to look at the positives. There are way more positives than there are negatives.

[46:15] Everyone is so independent that you actively have to find people that inspire you. You have to seek them out on your own. No one will come to you.

[48:25] Michael offers some final words of wisdom: Don’t be constrained by your problems, be led by your dreams. So, go ahead and dream!

The Leadership Podcast is sponsored by W.S. Darley & Company.

Founded in 1908, Darley remains a family owned and operated business, providing the highest quality equipment solutions to our country’s warfighters and firefighters.

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