From Direct Care to Executive Leadership: A Nurse’s Journey
At TLD Group, we are proud to highlight the expertise of our faculty members, whose deep experience and strategic insights empower leaders across the health ecosystem. This month, we feature Marsha Hughes-Rease, MSN, MSOD, PCC, an executive coach and tenured TLD Group Faculty Member dedicated to supporting senior leaders and executives in navigating complex transitions and enhancing their leadership impact.
From Direct Care to Executive Leadership: A Nurse’s Journey
Stepping into an executive role presents unique challenges, and research from Forbes indicates that 60% of new managers fail within the first 24 months in their new role. Marsha Hughes-Rease recently worked with a healthcare leader facing a rapid transition to the C-suite. Initially serving as the Chief Nurse Officer (CNO), the client was unexpectedly promoted and had to quickly integrate into the executive team while taking on expanded responsibilities.
Having built a career within the organization, the client transitioned from a direct care nurse to a nurse and, ultimately, to a nurse executive. She was widely respected as a nurses’ nurse—a testament to her deep commitment to the profession and her ability to lead with both clinical and strategic expertise. When she entered the coaching engagement, she was participating in a high-potential leadership development program and reported to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), who was also a nurse. However, leadership restructuring soon followed. When the COO was abruptly removed, the client found herself reporting directly to the CEO. The transition required a strategic approach to leadership development, as she navigated the challenges of executive presence, relationship management, and political acumen within the organization.
A Coaching Approach Rooted in Feedback, Challenge, and Support
Marsha’s coaching model is built on three key pillars: feedback, challenge, and support. She began by gathering stakeholder insights, including interviews with the client’s supervisors, first the COO and later the CEO. To provide real-time feedback, Marsha spent a full day onsite, observing the client in key interactions and offering immediate coaching. Additionally, she administered the Hogan Assessment, which helped the client identify key growth areas: political savvy, influencing skills, and communication effectiveness.
Beyond scheduled coaching sessions—structured, pre-planned meetings focused on long-term leadership development—Marsha incorporated laser coaching, which consisted of shorter, targeted 20–30-minute sessions designed to address immediate challenges as they arose. This approach allowed for real-time interventions, helping the client navigate pressing issues while reinforcing long-term leadership strategies. She encouraged the client to leverage her CEO sponsor and peer relationships to strengthen her influence and strategic positioning in the C-suite.
Measurable Impact and Long-Term Success
The results of this coaching engagement speak for themselves. Since her initial promotion, the client has advanced to Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive (CNE), a role equivalent in stature to other C-suite members. Under her leadership, the organization achieved its fifth Magnet designation, a recognition held by fewer than 10% of U.S. hospitals. This achievement reflects exceptional performance in patient outcomes, nurse engagement, retention, and professional development. Additionally, her contributions were acknowledged with a six-figure retention bonus, underscoring her impact on the organization’s success.
A Commitment to Continuous Growth
Reflecting on her work at TLD Group, Marsha emphasizes the importance of demonstrating ROI and measurable outcomes in coaching engagements. Looking ahead, she is particularly excited about the continued use of laser coaching as a tool for providing leaders with timely, targeted support. By offering executives a “just-in-time” thinking partner, she helps them navigate critical moments with confidence and clarity.
TLD Group is honored to have faculty members like Marsha Hughes-Rease, who bring a purposeful, strategic approach to leadership development. Her work exemplifies the power of executive coaching in fostering leadership excellence and driving organizational success.
Interested in learning more about TLD Group's leadership work? Reach out to work with TLD Group today!
