Forks in the Road - In Conversation with Ben Fielding
Ben Fielding, Chief Strategy Officer Murdoch Children's Research Institute started his career wanting to be a doctor. When he missed out on the score by one point, he sought guidance from a Hospital CEO to help him decide whether to return to study and try for Medicine again. He was not aware of his choices. This conversation, like many others he values throughout his career, opened him up to a world of possibilities. Since then has worked at many levels of hospital management including CEO of a large teaching hospital, a Partner in consulting firms, and Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Health & Human Services, Victoria.
Here is what stays with us from this conversation:
Seek Perspective:
Look to experienced individuals for broader insights into career options.
Mentors play a crucial role in providing guidance and jump-starting careers.
Utilise Humour:
Humor can alleviate challenges in demanding environments like hospitals, can lighten the moment, and help you look at the possibilities.
Practice Empathy:
Understand that situations are often more complex than they appear.
Diligently listen to others' perspectives to better comprehend their circumstances.
Recognise Hospital Complexity:
Hospitals encompass various aspects akin to a city (transport, security, logistics of how you feed people, catering, energy, etc), offering diverse challenges and opportunities.
Leading in such environments provides valuable leadership training.
Trust Your Instincts:
Develop the ability to heed your inner voice, even when it's subtle.
Act on gut feelings in decision-making and back yourself with confidence.
Be Proactive and Responsive Like a Skipper:
Adopt a leadership style akin to a sailing skipper, staying vigilant and adaptable and keeping the crew informed in real time of what you are sensing.
Make decisive choices when necessary to avoid adverse outcomes.
Consider Career Moves Carefully:
Evaluate staying in a role versus seeking new opportunities based on personal growth and interest.
Prioritize development and alignment with role significance over tenure.
Mindful Entry and Exit:
Conduct thorough research before starting a new role.
Early actions shape perceptions of leadership style.
Plan for succession when deciding to depart from a position.
Cultivate Relationships:
Invest in long-term relationships to foster strong networks.
Support others in their career journeys, as this reciprocity can be invaluable in the future.
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