Insights from TLD Group on our growth and transformation over the past 15 years developing leaders across the health ecosystem.

This month marks The Leadership Development (TLD) Group’s 15th year in business. Since 2008, through our customized leadership development solutions, we have supported hundreds of leaders and teams within leading health systems, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, payers, policymakers, and health adjacent organizations. We have witnessed the industry respond to significant change, including insurance reform, advancements in digital technology and delivery, therapeutic breakthroughs, and a global pandemic, to name a few. Through it all, we stood proudly alongside our clients and supported their leadership development to execute transformative strategies. It’s been a wonderfully meaningful journey so far, and we look forward to what the future has in store for us!

To commemorate our 15-year journey, we will be releasing a special series of blogs, team spotlights, and case studies throughout the remainder of the year. We will share our collective insights while celebrating our team, our faculty, our clients, and our advisors.  

In this first blog, we share some of the most important leadership lessons we’ve learned over the past 15 years. We explore the absolute necessity of being adaptable (thanks for the trial by fire, COVID-19!) to the importance of connection between our internal team members and the team members in the organizations we support.

1. Create Impact by Aligning Passion to Purpose. 

In our 15 years of working with leaders across the healthcare industry, we have found that leaders are rarely, if ever, attracted to work in the health ecosystem for the money. Instead, the draw is typically a personal encounter within the industry, perhaps caring for others and recognizing the impact this has on health and well-being. As a strategic talent development firm, we design our solutions, such as executive coaching and team development, to draw upon leaders’ lived experiences to reconnect them to their passion to create impact.

2. Go Deep with Your Knowledge and Wide with your Capabilities.

We recognize the power of marrying depth with breadth. Our in-depth understanding of the health ecosystem, drawn from the direct experiences of our core team and faculty, sets the foundation. Depth alone, however, isn't enough. To truly serve our clients, we ensure our leadership development solutions and capabilities span wide, embracing new tools, techniques, and methods. Whether it's innovative learning platforms or fresh leadership strategies, our aim is to be current and comprehensive. We delve deep into subject matters while ensuring our approach is holistic and client/context centric.

In the day-to-day commotion of work and life, leaders can easily lose focus. To avoid this, it is important for leaders to tap into a clear sense of purpose and cause to guide their decision making. With a clear sense of purpose as a compass, leaders can enact a consistent set of actions that enhance their contributions to the success of the organization. And, we practice what we preach here at TLD Group. We are equally and deeply committed to our mission of creating a more interconnected and equitable health ecosystem for all. Our mission drives us in our decision making, both in a broad strategic sense and in our day-to-day actions with one another and with our clients.

4. Transformed Leaders Can (and Will) Transform the Health Ecosystem.

No matter what challenge the industry faces, the most effective strategy for success is well-trained, confident leaders. Leadership is the force that connects intention to execution. We have learned that in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, leaders have the platform, opportunity and influence to ignite meaningful change at scale to unlock a brighter future for the health ecosystem. This is why all our work starts with leadership at the center. 

5. Adaptability is Key. 

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, which means that we are, too. We have learned that as new challenges and demands arise, being adaptable and creative is crucial for growth. From creating on-demand crisis management solutions to support our clients through the pandemic, to supporting an organization through the co-design of a new model for dyad leadership, to finding new and innovative ways to elevate diverse talent — we’re happy to be a part of an industry that always keeps us on our toes!

6. Relationships Drive Success. 

In the business of leadership development, the strength and quality of relationships cannot be underestimated. Whether it’s the bond between a coach and coachee, the collaboration among teams, or the partnership between TLD Group and our clients, the depth and trust in these relationships directly impacts the results. We prioritize forging strong, lasting connections, which are the backbone of transformative leadership.

7. Begin with the End in Mind.

A crucial component of developing successful talent is having a clear vision of what success looks like. This is why we ground our talent development program in our industry-tailored, empirically-researched leadership models, which includes our Physician Leadership Success Model, Dyad Leadership Success Model, and Health Ecosystem Leadership Model.

8. Successful Design Combines Industry Best Practice and Organizational Context.

Our approach to leadership development goes beyond a one-size-fits-all mentality. While industry best practices provide a robust foundation, we understand that every organization has its own unique culture, challenges, and aspirations. By applying our deep knowledge of leadership development and the health ecosystem with an organization's distinct context, we design solutions that resonate deeply with leaders and yield sustainable results.

9. Remain Open to Continuous Learning.

The moment we stop learning is the moment we stop growing. Whether it's new technological advancements, the changing healthcare landscape, or evolving expectations of leadership, there is always something new to absorb. Our zeal for continuous learning permits us to stay at the forefront of leadership development, ensuring our clients get the most up-to-date and effective solutions.

10. Change is a People-centric Process.

While leaders often prioritize revising systems and strategies during transformation, the true catalyst are people. Therefore, we focus our work on empowering individual leaders and their teams, understanding that personal leadership metamorphosis precedes organizational transformation. Through strategies such as cohort-based leadership academies and executive coaching, we nurture skills and passion, setting the stage for impactful change initiatives.

11. The Value of Diversity.  

Diversity is more than a buzzword at TLD Group; it’s an essential component of a successful team. We know diverse teams bring insights driven by diverse perspectives and experiences. We are committed to incorporating diverse voices, including those on our own team and faculty,  which leads to richer discussions, innovative solutions, and an inclusive environment, benefiting everyone involved. 

12. Treat your Team as Part of your Extended Family. 

As an organization, our commitment to enhancing health and wellness for all starts with the way that we treat our team. We view our team as an extended family by championing flexibility, prioritizing personal connections, celebrating achievements, and fostering a healthy work-life balance. This familial approach cultivates a sense of belonging, driving productivity, satisfaction, and enduring loyalty within our team, our faculty, and our clients.

13. No “One” Person Can Do it Alone.

No one accomplishes greatness in isolation. We know that behind every successful leader, there is a network of supporters, mentors, teammates, and advisors. Recognizing and valuing the contributions of those around us — and leaning on them when needed — drives personal growth and  fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

14. Keep Going Back To Your “Why.” 

In the whirlwind of evolving change, challenge, and opportunity, it is crucial to stay connected to the reason why we do the work we do. We take our mission, vision, and values seriously by connecting our individual goals and those of our firm to our “why.” Our "why" directs our actions and decisions, ensuring we remain aligned with our true north. By doing so, we stay energized, authentic, and dedicated to the craft of leadership development, to one another and to our faculty and clients.

15. Do All Things with Gratitude.

Gratitude isn’t merely an afterthought; it’s a principle that guides every interaction, decision, and milestone for us. Beyond just appreciation, we’ve made the practice of gratitude a conscious decision. We approach every challenge with a thankful heart, recognizing that every experience is an opportunity for growth. In our interactions with clients, partners, and each other, we prioritize expressing gratitude which fosters positivity and psychological safety, and deepens relationships. 

As we look back over the past 15 years, our heart is filled with immense gratitude for the journey, the lessons, and most importantly, the incredible individuals and organizations we’ve had the privilege of working alongside.

TLD Group is proud to mark 15 years of excellence. Follow along on our website, social media, and email list to stay up to date on how we’re celebrating 15 years of impactful solutions and innovative results. 

Want to read more about our work with specific clients in the last 15 years? Take a look at our “Making The Case” blog series.