This month’s Member Spotlight features Nkem Okeke, MD, MPH, MBA, MSPM, Executive Vice President, Management Solutions, LLC!

How did you become an executive in the health care industry?
I became an executive in the healthcare industry by having consistency of purpose (and divine providence) … it was in many ways, an inevitable next step! My first introduction to healthcare was growing up with a mother who was a nurse, and in my early teens, I was clear on what my passion/mission was … “Connecting Silos to Sustain Systems that Save Lives”. I journeyed from clinical practice as a primary care physician to public health & health policy, then on to healthcare business administration/operations management and telehealth — gaining a well-rounded perspective of the healthcare ecosystem; with invaluable experience in various healthcare organizations, across continents.  As Executive Vice President at Management Solutions, LLC and an Executive Consultant at Johns Hopkins Healthcare, I consider myself truly fortunate to be leading and supporting healthcare transformation in different capacities. Click here to view Nkem’s LinkedIn Profile.

What does true leadership mean to you?
True leadership to me is simply – “Action led by Decisive Kaizen-Spirited Service”. Service that is continually improved; Service that is all inclusive; Service that influences people to trust your judgement to lead; Service with a mindful purpose of building and supporting other leaders.

And specifically, to healthcare – having a profound awareness of the “sense of urgency” to save and preserve lives – one decision (clinical, business, policy etc.) at a time!

Name one recent accomplishment you are proud of.
One recent accomplishment I am most proud of is leading my organization through a corporate-wide culture change – that better embraces evolving socio-economic trends, established new business & service offerings to our stakeholders, boosts employee morale & engagement, and attracts highly-qualified young and experienced leaders.

What is one major challenge you see facing the health care industry today?
Amid abundant enthusiasm, expertise, and resources to transform the U.S. health system, one of the biggest challenges I see facing the health care industry would be healthcare providers being overwhelmed by regulated changes and new reporting requirements. The additional burden to comply with a variety of revised standards contributes to the rising cost of providing services and care.

As an active WBL member, what tips would you give to help fellow members become more engaged?
Joining WBL has been one of my best experiences this year, and I would encourage every active WBL member to join me in my “Stay top-of-mind” challenge for 2019. For this challenge, reach out every month to at least one WBL member you have not been in contact with for a while, or never reached out to before and — introduce yourself, ask how they are doing, or share one positive business experience or idea with them. You can reach out via LinkedIn Message or any other media you choose. Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to follow WBL on LinkedIn and Twitter (@WBLFoundation) and stay engaged!

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