This month we are delighted to feature Amii Barnard Bahn, Managing Principal, Barnard-Bahn Consulting & Coaching, in our Member Spotlight!

How did you become an executive in the health care industry? Did you always have an interest in health care?
In high school, I worked as a candy striper in my local hospital. I was assigned to the pharmacy and also brought the gift cart around. It was a wonderful first exposure to understanding the mission of healthcare and value of the professionals in the field. It wasn’t until several years later, when I became an executive at McKesson US Pharmaceutical, that I was reconnected to the many ways healthcare touches all of us, every day. As an employee, I’ve always been attracted to mission-based organizations where I can be involved with something bigger than myself.

What does true leadership mean to you?
True leadership is a thoughtful combination of humility, courage, and hard work. Its success is rooted in bringing the best people up with you and sharing your power and expertise to create exponential results.

In 2018 you testified in favor of California’s Senate Bill 826 “Women on Boards”, mandating women on all corporate board of directors in California. What drove you to advocate for this bill, and how do you think this legislation will change the health care industry?
I testified in favor of the bill because the current board nomination process is flawed – it’s not a meritocracy. Board recruitment and selection is a closed, private process that favors existing (and predominantly male) board members’ personal networks over finding the most qualified candidates. As investors, executives, customers, and members of our communities, it is in everyone’s best interest for organizations to appoint independent, diverse, and qualified board members. There are too many examples demonstrating the risks when boards fail to fulfill their oversight and governance responsibilities. Since SB826 was introduced, I have been invited to comment on now famous business fails like Papa John’s, Tesla, CBS and Theranos – all situations that could have used more diligent board oversight. We know from research by Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and others that corporations with women on boards are more profitable, productive and have fewer governance issues such as bribery, corruption, shareholder battles and fraud. For the health care industry especially, I hope to see enhanced governance and stewardship with more women serving on boards.

How do you advise your colleagues to use WBL when navigating their board seat search?
The first step is to ensure you are “board ready”. Invest time up front understanding the unique value you bring to a board: Identify 5 specific companies that would be a good fit and a realistic match for your skillset and experience, and put a specific board bio together. Once you have these basics in place, seek out WBL members connected with your target companies who can provide further background information and/or make introductions for you. Keep your “asks” simple and time-bound, and find a way to help the WBL sister you’re asking so the exchange is mutually rewarding.

We are looking forward to seeing you at our 2019 WBL Summit in Dallas, TX! What is one thing you are most looking forward to at that event?
I missed last year‘s summit, so I look forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. WBL is a powerful and generous network which makes it the number one go-to place for me to get energized and informed about all key healthcare issues and trends.

Personally or professionally, what might the WBL network be surprised to know about you?
I’m a huge opera fan. Earlier in my career, I co-founded a nonprofit audience development organization at San Francisco Opera to demystify the art form and enroll audiences under the age of 40. Over 20 years later, it is going strong with a sold-out subscription/lecture series, and over 600 members.