Lead Change

Episode 19: Dr. Michele Marcolongo - Purpose, Persistence, and Performance in STEM Leadership

In this episode of Lead Change, Dr. Michele Marcolongo joins host Mary K. Mulcahey for a powerful conversation about leadership, innovation, mentorship, and purpose-driven work in academia and engineering. Dr. Marcolongo shares her personal journey from aerospace engineering to biomaterials research following the loss of her mother to cancer, a transformative experience that inspired her to dedicate her career to developing medical technologies that improve patient care. The discussion explores her leadership philosophy as Dean of Engineering at Villanova University, including servant leadership, strategic vision-setting, mentorship, and creating a culture of respect and collaboration. Dr. Marcolongo also highlights groundbreaking initiatives at Villanova, including sustainable engineering integration, new biomedical engineering programs, and the innovative Sports and Performance Engineering master’s program. Throughout the episode, she reflects on lessons learned from influential leaders, the importance of humility, balanced with confidence, and how thoughtful leadership can drive meaningful institutional and societal change. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Leadership is most effective when grounded in service, humility, and support for others. * Transformative personal experiences can shape career purpose and long-term impact. * Great leaders create environments where faculty, students, and teams can thrive. * Strategic thinking and long-term vision are essential for meaningful organizational growth. * Mentorship and sponsorship play critical roles in career development. * Recognition and gratitude, even through small gestures like handwritten notes, can have lasting impact. * Successful change management requires listening, collaboration, and stakeholder buy-in. * Engineering and medicine are increasingly interconnected through innovation and technology. * Sustainable engineering principles should be embedded into all areas of education and design. * Leadership development programs like ELATES and ELAM help prepare future academic leaders for complex challenges. * High-performing teams depend on trust, delegation, and shared vision. * Innovation often requires balancing day-to-day responsibilities with focused strategic priorities. * The most memorable research moments come from persistence and years of incremental work. * “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” — a reminder to take action and move forward now.

Episode 18: Dr. Laura Ngwenya Leading at the Intersection of Science and Surgery

In this episode of Lead Change, Dr. Laura Ngwenya, a neurosurgeon-scientist and leader in neurotrauma, shares insights from her multifaceted career spanning clinical care, research, and national leadership. She discusses her work treating traumatic brain injury (TBI), leading clinical trials, and investigating the underlying mechanisms of poor neurological outcomes through translational research.   Dr. Ngwenya also highlights her leadership roles, including serving as Vice Chair for Research and directing a neurotrauma learning health system focused on improving patient outcomes across the continuum of care. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration across disciplines, integrating patient and community perspectives, and building sustainable systems that align clinical impact with institutional priorities.   Throughout the conversation, she reflects on mentorship, the importance of defining a personal “why,” and lessons learned from working with diverse teams. The episode underscores how purposeful leadership, grounded in both science and service, can drive meaningful change in patient care and academic medicine.   🔑 Key Takeaways 1. The Power of the Neurosurgeon-Scientist Model * Integrating clinical care with research enables direct translation from bedside to bench—and back. * Studying real patient problems (e.g., cortical spreading depolarizations) drives meaningful scientific inquiry. 2. Leadership is About Building Systems, Not Just Roles * Effective leaders create infrastructure (clinical trials, research support, interdisciplinary teams). * Sustainability requires aligning clinical innovation with financial and institutional priorities. 3. Collaboration Drives Innovation * Progress in complex fields like neurotrauma requires bridging silos between clinicians, researchers, and communities. * Diverse perspectives lead to better ideas and better patient outcomes. 4. Start with Your “Why” * A clear personal mission helps guide career decisions and leadership opportunities. * Alignment with purpose prevents burnout and ensures meaningful impact. 5. Listening is a Leadership Superpower * Effective leadership isn’t directive—it’s collaborative. * Understanding different perspectives helps unify teams toward shared goals. 6. Mentorship is Critical for Change * Representation matters, but support and encouragement matter even more. * Mentorship plays a key role in improving diversity in fields like neurosurgery. 7. Confidence and Presence Matter * How leaders carry themselves (confidence, clarity) impacts how they are perceived and how effectively they lead. 8. Patient-Centered Thinking Must Extend Beyond the Hospital * True outcomes include long-term recovery, rehabilitation, and return to life—not just surgical success. * Learning health systems can integrate patient, caregiver, and community voices to improve care.

Live Podcast: Innovation, Inclusion, and The Future of Medical Education

In this live episode of the Lead Change podcast, Dr. Mary Mulcahey sits down with Dr. Leon McCrea, Vice Dean for Educational Affairs at Drexel University College of Medicine and a nationally recognized leader in medical education and health equity. Dr. McCrea shares his journey as a family physician, educator, and leader, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building, mentorship, and purpose-driven work. He discusses his leadership roles, including his work developing inclusive pathways into medicine and leading a regional consortium focused on health equity. The conversation explores how effective leaders align teams around a shared mission, innovate even in resource-constrained environments, and prioritize developing the next generation of physicians. Dr. McCrea also reflects on the importance of allyship, adaptability, and timing in leadership decisions. At its core, this episode highlights how meaningful leadership is rooted in purpose—creating opportunities for others, fostering inclusive systems, and continuously evolving to meet the needs of both learners and patients. Key Takeaways 1. Purpose Drives Leadership * Effective leadership starts with a clear “why.” * Dr. McCrea’s mission centers on creating access and opportunity for underrepresented individuals in medicine. 2. Relationships Are Everything * Strong leadership is built on authentic relationships, both within and beyond your organization. * Long-term connections often become critical opportunities later in your career. 3. Innovation Must Continue—Even Without Resources * Resource limitations shouldn’t stop progress. * Leaders must push teams to innovate, even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable. 4. Align Around a Shared Mission * Successful teams rally around a common goal that people believe in deeply. * Leaders must clearly communicate and reinforce that mission. 5.  Allyship Improves Systems for Everyone * Allyship isn’t limited to one group—it’s about creating better, more equitable systems overall. * Inclusive environments benefit all individuals, not just underrepresented groups. 6. Timing Matters in Leadership * It’s not just what you propose—it’s when. * Understanding organizational readiness can determine success or failure. 7. Adaptability Is Essential * Change is constant, and rigidity is the enemy of leadership. * Great leaders stay flexible and help others navigate evolving environments. 8. Teaching Multiplies Impact * The greatest legacy of a leader is developing others. * Educating future physicians amplifies impact far beyond individual patient care. 9. Leadership Requires Resilience * Leadership often involves being under-recognized and absorbing challenges (“taking arrows”). * Staying grounded in purpose helps sustain long-term effectiveness. 10. Find Freedom in Your Work * Fulfillment comes from meaning and purpose within your work, not escaping it. * Leaders should cultivate that same sense of purpose for their teams.

Episode 17: Dr. Cindra Kamphoff. Beyond Grit: Training your mind for high performance

In this episode of the Lead Change Podcast, Dr. Mary K. Mulcahey sits down with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, a leading mental performance coach who has worked with Olympic athletes, the Minnesota Vikings, and high-performing leaders. Dr. Kamphoff shares how her experiences as a competitive runner—and struggles with self-doubt during college—led her to pursue a career in performance psychology and helping others develop mental strength. They discuss the role of mindset in leadership and performance, emphasizing that success is not just about talent or grit, but about developing the mental tools needed to manage pressure, confidence, and self-talk. Dr. Kamphoff explains the concept of the “inner coach versus the inner critic,” highlighting how the thoughts leaders choose to listen to can dramatically impact their effectiveness and growth. The conversation also explores how difficult life experiences—what she calls “crucible moments”—can shape purpose and drive meaningful impact. Dr. Kamphoff reflects on being present at the Boston Marathon bombing and how that moment pushed her to stop playing small and pursue bigger goals, including writing books, coaching elite performers, and building the Mentally Strong Institute. Throughout the discussion, she shares practical strategies leaders can use to build confidence, reframe challenges, and cultivate a high-performance mindset in both professional and personal settings. ⭐ Key Takeaways 1. Leaders Must Train Their Minds Like Athletes High performers—whether in sports, medicine, or business—need mental tools to handle pressure, stay focused, and perform at their best. 2. Everyone Has an Inner Critic and an Inner Coach We all experience self-doubt. The key is learning to recognize negative self-talk and intentionally choose thoughts that support growth and performance. 3. Coaching Accelerates Growth Just as elite athletes rely on coaches, leaders benefit from coaches who help them gain clarity, overcome obstacles, and reach goals faster. 4. Your Energy as a Leader Is Contagious A leader’s mindset, stress level, and passion influence their entire team. Leading by example is one of the most powerful leadership tools. 5. Reframe Adversity as Opportunity Difficult experiences—“crucible moments”—can provide clarity about purpose and direction when leaders choose to learn from them. 6. Identity Shapes Performance What you believe about yourself determines how you act. Leaders can intentionally shape their identity by changing the story they tell themselves. 7. Dream Bigger and Stop Playing Small Dr. Kamphoff encourages leaders to pursue courageous goals and step beyond self-imposed limits to create greater impact.

Episode 16: Dr. Ron Navarro. Creating Opportunity and Cultivating Leadership in Orthopaedic Surgery

In this episode of the Lead Change Podcast, Dr. Mary Mulcahey speaks with orthopaedic surgeon and leader Dr. Ron Navarro, Director for Clinical Affairs at the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine and President of the American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons (AALOS). Dr. Navarro shares insights from nearly three decades of clinical practice and leadership across major orthopedic organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the California Orthopaedic Association (COA). He discusses lessons learned from participating in organizational strategic planning, navigating leadership transitions, and leading during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving as COA president. The conversation explores how early life experiences, mentorship, and a willingness to take risks shaped Dr. Navarro’s leadership philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for others, cultivating a culture of leadership, and empowering future generations of surgeons. Dr. Navarro also highlights the mission and growth of AALOS, particularly its efforts to support Latino medical students and residents through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and professional development. Throughout the discussion, he underscores that leadership in medicine requires humility, resilience, and adaptability in the face of constant change. By sharing personal stories, practical leadership lessons, and reflections on mentorship, Dr. Navarro offers a compelling perspective on how physicians can lead meaningful change within their organizations and communities. Key Take-Home Points 1. Leadership skills are rarely taught in medical training * Strategic planning, organizational governance, and advocacy are rarely part of medical education. * Exposure to leadership roles and committees can provide critical learning opportunities. 2. Strategic planning shapes organizational direction * Strategic plans act as a roadmap for organizations. * They clarify priorities and guide decision-making over multiple years. 3. Effective leaders create opportunities for others * A key leadership responsibility is developing future leaders. * Cultivating a culture where others can grow and take on leadership roles strengthens organizations. 4. Leadership requires adaptability and comfort with change * Change is inevitable in medicine and healthcare systems. * Successful leaders learn to navigate and embrace change rather than resist it. 5. Advocacy is essential in protecting the practice of medicine * State orthopedic societies play a critical role in legislative advocacy that affects physician practice and patient care. 6. Early leadership exposure matters * Opportunities for medical students and residents to serve on boards, committees, and initiatives can accelerate leadership development. 7. Confidence comes from action, not waiting until you feel ready * Many leaders experience imposter syndrome. * Growth often occurs when individuals step into roles before they feel fully prepared. 8. The most effective leaders listen more than they speak * Leaders should encourage diverse perspectives and avoid dominating discussions. * Collaboration often leads to stronger solutions. 9. Leadership includes knowing when to step aside * Term limits and leadership transitions allow organizations to bring in new ideas and perspectives. 10. Hard work and resilience are foundational leadership traits * Success often comes from perseverance, grit, and the willingness to continue learning and evolving.